Chamonix is less a resort and more a large, authentic town that has grown organically over the centuries. Sprawling along a long and picturesque valley at the foot of Mont Blanc, it has attracted skiers and adventurers from across the world since the 18th century, who come to scale its peaks and marvel at its epic natural beauty.
And Chamonix has beauty in abundance: impossibly steep mountains punctuate the horizon with glaciers winding their way between almost every peak, while thick forest carpets the valley floor.
The town centre is no less charming, with historic buildings at every turn, and some of the best shopping in the Alps. Chamonix’s size means it has plenty to offer non-skiers as well as an enviable selection of bars and restaurants.