Despite
being primarily known for its skiing, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, to give it
its full name, offers a wealth of opportunity for those wishing to lie
back and relax in the most picturesque of settings. The
massive peaks of the Aguilles Rouge surround the town, which has a
population of just 10,000. And located in the heart of the community is
the newly-refurbished four-star Le Morgane hotel. Each room at the five-floor property has a balcony view of either Mont Blanc or the Brevant mountains. There is an
in-house spa with a plunge pool, sauna and steam room, as well as a
range of pampering treatments on offer to stressed-out city slickers. Ideal if you want to wind down
after a hard day's slog on the slopes, or just to relax and forget about the working
week. The rooms in the hotel are spacious and comfortable, but let's face it, you don't come to Chamonix just to stay in your room.
Just a minute's
walk from the hotel is the main street, with its cafes, bars and tourist shops, where you can buy anything from an ornate
carved crystal to a talking St Bernard dog clock (if you really want
to). The woods that border the village provide the perfect setting for
a gentle stroll in the blinding afternoon sun, too. For
the more adventurous there are a myriad of activities to keep you occupied.
As well as the obvious skiing and snowboarding attractions - the resort
boasts 20 kilometres of runs through glaciers, crevaces, and some of
the most beautiful mountains in the Alps - you can also try your hand
at paragliding or heliskiing. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, but the most
amazing way to take in the natural beauty of the awe-inspiring
landscape.
For
those who fancy some exercise but like a nice glass of gluvin at the
same time, you'd be hard-pressed to beat the experience of drinking or
dining at Les Vieilles Luges, a traditional chalet-cum-restaurant that has been run by the same family for 250 years. Situated just to
the side of a run that's in contention to be the 2018 Olympic slalom course, the restaurant is run by husband-and-wife team Claude and Julie.
Accessible only by foot, or ski in the winter, Les Vieilles Luges is a
great stop-off place for a break from skiing. If you fancy more
than just the one, snow-shoe up for an evening meal. On arrival
visitors can basque in the beautiful surroundings and settle down for a
traditional fondue. Claude handpicks his bountiful choice of wines and
uses only fresh produce. The food and atmosphere are second to none.
The most
impressive dining experience in Chamonix, though, can be found in Le
Morgane itself. The hotel restaurant, the Michelin-starred Le Bistrot,
is run by in-house chef Mickey Bourdillat. All ingredients used are
locally-sourced and seasonal, and the food is exceptional. Highly
recommended is the Quail's egg and artichoke emulsion, the fillet of
duckling, and all of the angelic desserts. The Michelin star is well-deserved and it wouldn't be surprising if another was collected very
soon.
Chamonix is easy to get to and just an hour's
drive from Geneva airport, which is serviced by a host of airlines
flying from all UK airports. The flight time is a little over an hour.
Emily Hassall is a
freelance travel writer and news reporter. Email
emily@freelancejournalism.com for more information on her extensive
portfolio and to see recent articles published in The Sun, News of the
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