© SeeChamonix.com
Mont Blanc Marathon 2018 insider's guide
Best places to watch the races, eat, drink, and more
With the Marathon du Mont Blanc taking place on the weekend of June 28th to July 1st in Chamonix, town will be busy, so here's a quick rundown of some of the best places to eat, drink, and watch the race. For those in town for the event but not participating, or those looking to chill out after their race, here's just a few places to relax over this marathon weekend.
Whether you're spectating or participating, you'll need to eat (and drink). There's a wide range of restaurants in Chamonix to suit all tastes and budgets.
In town
Bighorn Bistro
Situated in Chamonix Sud, Bighorn Bistro & Bakery offer quality home-made style cuisine that is beautifully presented, whilst maintaining a casual, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. What's more, if you're taking part in the Duo Etoile night race on June 30th (or even if you're not) Bighorn will be keeping the kitchen open late, so you can come down and carb-up after the event. They also offer a fine selection of craft beer, including three US beers on tap, a Brooklyn lager, a Brooklyn IPA, and a Farmhouse Ale from Kansas City.
Monkey Bar & Restaurant
Also in the Sud, and a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike, Monkey has earned itself a reputation for good honest food, delicious specials, a friendly atmosphere and great prices. Open all day, you will never be disappointed if you turn up at the Monkey Restaurant door looking for a feed. From breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks and dinner, there is something for everyone. Behind the bar, they've got a selection of lagers, ales, and craft beer from around the world, and a whole host of cocktails to choose from.
Albert Premier
If you're looking to celebrate after your race, the Hameau de Albert Premier is home to the double Michelin starred Albert Premier restaurant. The menu centres on fresh local produce and makes the most of the abundance of herbs and vegetables grown in the hotel’s own vegetable garden. The wine cellar counts no less than 20,000 bottles, comprised of the 950 appellations presented on the wine list. Whilst you might expect the Albert Premier to be a traditional formal dining experience, it is actually very accessible and extremely welcoming. The staff are charming, the service impeccable, and the surroundings tranquil but not austere. The à la carte menu is not cheap but you are sure to experience one of the finest meals to be had in the Chamonix valley.
La Terrasse
For a more central spot, La Terrasse is one of the closest places you can get to the start line of most events. Sitting on the edge of the river, this art-nouveau building has a fantastic south-west facing terrace overlooking the central square with views towards Mont Blanc. They serve breakfast from 09:00 to 12:00, all-day lunch menu from 12:00 to 18:00, with tapas featuring from 16:00. Of course, it's also a bar, so you can get a wide selection of wines and beers, as well as some classic cocktails.
On the mountain
Brev'bar
If you're heading up the mountain to the finish line of the 42km marathon or 23km half marathon at Planpraz, you'll probably want some refreshment while you wait. Relax on the sunny terrace of the Brev'bar and try their refreshing drinks, crepes, ice creams, and homemade sandwiches, to eat in or take away. Located at the top of the Plan Praz lift in Brevent, this bar boasts stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, and is right by the finish line.
Where to watch
Some of the best places to watch are up on the mountain at the finish line at Planpraz or at Le Tour, where you'll see the runners coming through as well as getting some of the best views in the Chamonix valley. You'll need a lift pass to get up there unless you fancy hiking up.
The tourist office square is where you'll find the most people watching, lining the barricades, as runners start and finish their races. Further up the valley at Tre le Champ, there's a feed station where you can cheer along the runners as they come by. If you can't be here in person you can follow all the races in real time on the Marathon du Mont Blanc website Live. It's going to be a hot weekend, so we wish everyone taking part the very best of luck.
More inspiration...
For more things to do in Chamonix over the Marathon weekend, check out our events calendar.
