Plan Now for a Honeymoon in the Alps

Chamonix is located in eastern France at the foot of Mt. Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. It is a town, a commune (similar in an American state), and a winter sports resort. Once a sleeping mountain village, Chamonix plays host to over 5 million visitors each year. It's also a lovely and romantic place to spend your honeymoon.

Attractions

Chamonix draws winter – and summer – sports lovers, and romantics, from all over the world. In addition to the outdoor attractions, Chamonix offers visitors a number of non-sporting attractions. Among them are:

• Aigulle du Midi Cable Car – Once the highest cable car in the world, this transport, built in 1955, takes visitors all the way to the top of Mt. Blanc. You can even change to another line and continue down the other side into Italy.

• Alpine Museum – This museum houses a collection of engravings, objects, and documents having to do with the history of the region, mountain-climbing, and the Winter Olympics of 1924.

• Crystal Museum – Not to be confused with the Baccarat Museum in Paris, this small museum focuses on naturally-formed crystals and geodes. Though the museum emphasizes local rocks and minerals, the collection also includes specimens from the Himalayas, the Rocky Mountains, and Namibia.

History

The earliest mention of the Chamonix Valley was in the 11^th century when it became home to a large Benedictine abbey. The history of the region as a winter sports resort began in 1741, when the area was "discovered" by two English adventurers, Richard Pocock and William Windham. Their published version of their travels became widely popular in England and led to many moneyed tourists making the nine-day trek from London to the Alps. Among the intrepid travelers were the poets Lord Byron and Percy Shelley.

The modern age of tourism for the valley began early in the 20^th century when Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. Visitors to the valley fell in love with its scenic charm and today, the area boasts over 60,000 hotel beds.

Winter Sports

The Chamonix Valley encompasses six separate ski areas. Among them are Le Brevart, La Flegere, Les Planards, Les Grands Montets, and Domaine de Balme. Visitors staying in area hotels get a guest card good for free transportation among the different areas. Although the valley offers skiing for all skill levels, it is particularly known for its extreme sports. Included are ice-climbing, mountain biking, and extreme skiing.

Summer Sports

The advent of summer brings the hikers and mountain-climbers to the valley. In addition, summer activities include mountain biking, canyoning, para-gliding, and white water rafting.

Visiting Chamonix

Chamonix is located in the heart of the French Alps, just over the border from Switzerland and Italy. Visitors can fly into the small airport at Chamonix or one of the nearby international airports at Geneva Switzerland (52 miles away), Turin Italy (132 miles), or Lyon France (102 miles). Regular bus and train service is also available from Geneva.

Accommodations in Chamonix vary from small bed and breakfast inns to luxury resorts. There are also a number of house rentals available in and around the village.

Once in town, hotel and other accommodations guests receive a guest card good for free access to the public transportation system that connects the six different ski areas.

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