Fancy Chamonix

H i  G u y s,

I can understand you don’t know the existence of Chamonix yet.. So it’s time to discover this city which is probably best known as the skiing and alpine capital of the world!

Situated in the “Haute-Savoie” region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible "Aiguilles de Chamonix" mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc, the highest in Western Europe.

The local population of Chamonix numbers around 10 000 inhabitants but this number swells to nearly ten times that with the influx of tourists, climbers, alpinists, students.. What is easily understandable: the city has a fabulous wide array of sporting and leisure activities (both in summer and winter), a great nightlife, and superb scenery that can be enjoyed at whichever pace suits you. 

A sunny winter's day in Chamonix

The lively streets of Chamonix are a colorful mix of sport shops, guide offices, restaurants, bars and cafés. On bad weather days, no worries guys, there is a cinema, a bowling alley, an ice rink, a large sports center with a pool, gym and indoor climbing wall and numerous museums in which to while away the day…what else is needed?

 

To sum up, this is the perfect place to come for a weekend break, a week's holiday, a season, as you will never run out of things to do!

For this article we have a special Guest, Oriane Mezza, who knows Chamonix as her pocket! Let’s discover her favorite places to chill…

    "Oriane, I know that you are a French student from Marseille (if you don’t know Marseille, have a look here : "Dear Marseille") So what is your “link” with Chamonix..?

O : Hi Fanny! I have family in Chamonix this is why I’m going there at least one time a year to see them. I always enjoy this place but now more than before because the family grows up, and I have some funny little cousins to see.

Now I also start to send some of my jewels there but I will talk about it later.

    What is the best period for you to plan a trip in Chamonix? Are you part of the Winter or the Summer team?

O : I can’t choose between Summer or Winter… I love to skiing but it’s also really nice to enjoy the sun during the hiking.

You have to try both to know which one you prefer! Even if I have to tell that the winter is more propitious to eat the famous “fondue savoyarde” ;) 

During the winter months there is the usual 'après-ski' in several of the main bars in town… So Oriane, what is your favorite place for it?
 

O : I like to go to the “Brasserie l’M” to drink a good hot wine and enjoy the sunset on the mountains. The mood is great with music and some locals.

     And to enjoy a delightful evening?

O : During the evening in Chamonix a lots of things happen in Rue des Moulins. I advise you to go to the "Barberousse" to start with some good rhum. Then move to “Les Caves” it’s a very beautiful place where you can drink nice cocktails and dance.

 

    There is also a wide choice of restaurant, according to you, what is the place to go?

O : I would say that “La Cabane” is the place to be. It’s a fancy restaurant near to the Golf of Chamonix, really cosy place with good food. 

Every Saturday the town hosts an outdoor market brimming with local crafts and produce. Have you ever been there?
 

O : Of course! This market takes place at Place du Mont Blanc and you can buy a lots of locals product from Haute Savoie. If you have the chance to go there you should buy the cheese called “Tomme de Vallorcine”, it is one of my favorite.

     Finally, what is your favorite activity to do there? I mean, are you more a 'hard-skiing girl' or a ‘coffee-on-the-terrace’ lover? 

O : Of course I love to seat on terrace but Chamonix is more a city with a sport mood. This is where I learned to ski and I had the opportunity to try several activities like climbing, cannoning, ice skating…

But for me the two, really different, but most enjoyable activities that I’m doing when I’m in Chamonix are looking for mushrooms (you have to know the good spots but mine are family secret, sorry) and paragliding. 

    You have told us that you are selling your jewels in Chamonix… Could you tell us more about you and Noeud Papillon?

 

O : As I told you I have family in Chamonix and my cousin is manicurist and she have a very nice workshop. She allows me to sale my jewels there and thanks to her since December I have a very nice showcase in Chamonix. 

 

I started to sale my jewels one year ago with two friends but now I’m the only one making and managing Noeud Papillon. I like to make simple but colored jewels, and with the time I started to learn how to work with silver and semi-precious stone to give my jewels more value. 

 

If you are to going to Chamonix, I hope my tips will help you and don’t hesitate to stop by Corinne’s workshop if you want to have pretty hands or just to check on my jewels ;) 

You can also check it on facebook Noeud Papillon and send me a message for more information!"

That sounds great ! Thank you very much Oriane for your tips & tricks about Chamonix, and we wish you all the best for the development of your brand Noeud Papillon!

I hope you liked this article about Chamonix!

S t a y   t u n e d   g u y s  !