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Getting around the Chamonix Valley and up into its high mountain terrain is made easy thanks to the extensive transportation network available. The local buses that take you to all the main gondola and cable car stations are free with a Carte d’Hote (Guest Card). You can get your card on arrival at your accommodation. Cable cars and chairlifts are used widely by walkers and climbers alike, whisking you up to around 2000m, or taking you back down! Using the lifts can cut a good 2 hours off a walk thus enabling you more time to enjoy the views at a higher altitude without unnecessary slog. The lift system comes into its own in the event of deteriorating weather, injury or just plain tiredness, when it will swiftly transport you back to the valley floor (providing you are within the lift operating hours). For the latest opening and closing dates of the valley lift system, see here.
The river de L'Arve runs through the entire Chamonix valley and there are essentially two directions one can head from Chamonix. Down the valley down towards Les Houches, or up the valley towards Argentiere and Le Tour. The following two routes are two of our favourite river walks :
Suffice to say, whichever direction you choose, both riverside paths will provide some colourful plantations and spectacular panoramic views of the massif.
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Lac des Gaillands
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WALK 1 : Promenade d’Arve – towards Les Houches
This is a leisurely walk, following the right bank of the river Arve on the south side of the valley.
Starting Point : Chamonix
Duration: 2hrs (one way)
Starting from the crossroads Lionel Terray, follow the Route des Pecles to Les Gaillands. Three lakes, known as the mirrors of Mont Blanc, lie in the wooded area near the Rocher d’Escalade (natural climbing wall). Continue along the Promenade a l’Anglais through a small wood, crossing the Ravin des Vouillouds above Les Bossons. After passing Les Montquarts, cross the Lapaz ravine then once level with the Pont de Clair-Temps (a railway bridge), the path climbs slightly into the forest of les Roches; then joining the Chemin des Eaux Rousses. Follow the path which arrives at the bridges at Les Gures (EDF dam and railway station), at the crossroads of the Route de Coupeau. You can return by the same route (2hrs) or catch the train or bus from Les Houches.
WALK 2 : Promenade d’Arve – towards Argentiere
This route climbs gently along the banks of the river Arve on the south side of the valley.
Starting Point : Chamonix
Duration : 2hrs 40 (one way)
Near the Sports Centre, take the Promenade du Fiori past the tennis courts. Turn left, cross the two bridges and take the Promenade des Encontres which follows the left bank of the river Arve and brings you out at the bridge at Les Praz. Crossing the bridge, turn right and take the Promenade des Mouilles des Praz which will take you past the 18 hole golf course. Cross the Pont de la Flegere (bridge) and the cable car park and follow the main road (RN506) as far as the Route du Golf which crosses the Arve. Follow the Promenade du Paradis des Praz on the right bank of the river (old dairy, café, play area for children and pony rides) and on reaching Les Tines, ignore the Pont de la Corruaz and take the path on the right which passes under the railway line and climbs alongside the Eboulements tunnel. You will then pass the Moulins footbridge below the road junction to Le Lavancher, and eventually come to the bridge at la Joux. Continue along the right bank of the river, passing Les Iles and at the end of the Chemin des Caquerets you will arrive at the bridge at Les Chosalets. Cross the bridge and turning left, walk through the Grand Montets car park which will bring you out in Argentiere. Return by the same route (2 hrs 20) or by train or bus. |
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