Chamonix
Chamonix Chamonix is world famous. At the foot of Mt Blanc (4808m.
15,770ft), the highest mountain in western Europe, Chamonix's
alpine town atmosphere and spectacular scenery attract people
from all over the globe. It boasts of having one of the highest
cable cars in the world. The skiing, climbing and walking are
all superb and, with the Mt Blanc tunnel to Italy temporarily
closed, the valley air is as clear and pure as the high mountain
air. Take The Aiguille du Midi cable car from the valley floor
to the summit at 3842m (12,605ft). From the terraces at the
top station the views are stunning. Another way to get closer
to the mountains is to catch the Montenvers train. This funicular
railway climbs from the valley floor to the impressive Mer de
Glace glacier. The best views of Mt Blanc are from the top of
the Brevent cable car.
La
Clusaz
The village of La Clusaz in Haute Savoie is a place of tradition.
Firmly rooted in the heart of the Aravis Massif, it is in a
delightfully quiet location cradled by the surrounding steep-sided
mountains. The village looks just as it did in the old days,
its chalets covered with thick wooden tavaillon roofing tiles.
Life in this farming community follows the rhythm of the herd
movements, and the locally-made cheese is the symbol for the
whole region. La Clusaz opened its doors to tourism at the beginning
of the century, and since then the village has succeeded in
limiting modern development and keeping the hustle and bustle
of town life in check. It has retained its identity, and holiday-makers
that come here find the perfect balance in a village with top
tourist facilities and an unspoilt cultural heritage. In May,
the villagers of La Clusaz swap their skis for walking boots
and mountain bikes. With the fine summer days the mountains
change, shedding their winter coat and cloaking themselves with
the tranquillity of the summer pastures. During the green and
blooming summer lovers of the outdoors will find even more ways
of enjoying a great holiday, with every activity under the sun
available for accomplished sportsmen, active holidaymakers or
those who just want to soak up the sun. The right combination
of tradition and modernity, La Clusaz has found the perfect
balance. A top resort, its tourist facilities are unrivalled,
and you won't find a warmer welcome.
