Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For general information about Chamonix and lift rates, check
www.chamonix.com
,
www.leshouches.com
,
and
www.compagniedumontblanc.fr
,
or contact the
Chamonix TI.
Foralevel,forested-valleystroll,bikeride,orjog,followtheArveRivertowardLesPraz.
At Chamonix's Hôtel Alpina, follow the path upstream past Chamonix's middle school,
red-clay tennis courts, and find the green arrow to
Les Praz
. You'll cross a few bridges to
the left, turn right along the rushing Arve River, and then follow Promenade des Econtres.
Several trails loop through these woods; if you continue walking straight, you'll reach Les
Prazinaboutanhour—anappealingdestinationwithanumberofcafésandapleasingvil-
lage green.
If you keep right after the tennis courts (passing piles of river sediment dredged to
keep the river from flooding), you'll come to a grassy landing field, signed
Parapente,
whereparaglidershopetotouchdown.WalktothetopofthelittlegrassyhillforfineMont
Blanc views and a great picnic spot.
▲
Luge (Luge d'Eté)
Here'ssomethingforthrill-seekers:Rideachairliftupthemountainandthenscreamdown
a twisty, banked, concrete slalom course on a wheeled sled. Chamonix has two roughly
parallel luge courses: While each course is just longer than a half-mile and about the same
speed, one is marked for slower sledders, the other for speed demons. Young or old, hare
or tortoise, any fit person can manage a luge.
Freinez
signs tell you when to brake. Don't
take your hands off your stick; the course is fast and slippery. The luge courses are set in a
grassy park with kids' play areas.
Cost and Hours:
€5.50/one ride, €31/six rides, kids under 8 must ride with adult,
entry includes all activities in Parc de Loisirs des Planards—see “Kids' Activities” on
days 14:00-18:00, check website for hours; 15-minute walk from town center, over the
tracks from train station and past Montenvers train station; tel. 04 50 53 08 97,
