New seasonnaire camp site opens today!
Now that the season is beginning to get underway, we are sure to see a noticeable increase in the number of seasonnaires arriving in town in the coming days. As we have reported to you before, finding accommodation for all these additional workers is proving harder (and more expensive) each year, hence why many choose to spend the season living in a van.
Traditionally, the Grépon car park at the base of the Aiguille du Midi has been the main gathering area of the resorts “vannies”, but concerns about the conditions and health of those living their has prompted the Town of Chamonix to secure a permanent and more appropriate site. Back in October, the Mairie confirmed that 15 pitches in the Grand Champ camp ground in Les Bossons have been specifically reserved for seasonnaires. The pitches cost (on average) €150 each for the season with an extra €50 per additional person. In return they will have access to the camp sites hot running water, shower and toilet facilities and electrical supply. The campsite has opened it's doors today and in order to benefit from one of the places you need to have a valid contract of local employment and a vaccination certificate for your dog (but obviously only if you have one!)
Whilst this is a great step forward, there are currently around 20 vans already parked up in the Grépon parking and it doesn't take a mathematical genius to work out that there isn't room for everyone at Le Grand Champ. The Mairie has been quite definite that the Grépon will be strictly off limits to camper vans this winter and earlier in the week two camper van residents were busted when they were caught illegally tapping into the electrical supply point. They were held in police custody for the morning where they were “reminded of the law”, before being released.
For more information on seasonal accommodation in the area, visit the website below (in french only) or call into the Mairie at one of the following times: Tuesdays 8.30am – 2pm & 3pm – 7pm or Thursdays between 2pm – 5pm.
