Village & Tourist Info
 Les Contamines from Les Houches
Tired of the hustle and bustle of characterless purpose-built ski
resorts? Looking for a ski holiday somewhere with traditional architecture,
mountain ways and the well-oiled infrastructure of a serious ski resort?
Then Les Contamines Montjoie may be just the destination for you and
Chalet Chovettaz the perfect ski accommodation in the French Alps.
At an altitude of 1164m and nestled under the Mont Blanc Massif,
Les Contamines-Montjoie lies at the top of the “secret valley” beyond the beautiful spa town of St Gervais-le-bain. Leave behind
the autoroute A40 (only 15 minutes away) and begin a gentle ascent
along a road lined by trees, wooden chalets and a smattering of
quaint local businesses.
 Local government intervention has ensured that the authentic architecture
and serene nature of Les Contamines Montjoie has been preserved.
Historical treasures such as the two outstanding baroque churches
are open for visitors to discover. In recognition of the wonder
of nature, 5,500 hectares of alpine terrain has been annexed
as Les Contamines Montjoie Nature Reserve – you can
explore it in the company of a mountain guide.
The village of Les Contamines Montjoie itself offers enough facilities
and services to satisfy almost all the needs of the discerning traveller.
There is a helpful tourist information bureau, a small but well-stocked
supermarket, souvenir and gift shops showcasing regional specialities,
a cinema, currency exchange services and ATM, a post office, lending
library, photo developing services and medical facilities. Each
week throughout the year there is a traditional village market.
Both in the village and around the mountains there are a
wide choice of restaurants, bars, creperies and pubs to
discover and enjoy.
Of course, to enhance the quality of this alpine retreat, there
are superior winter services – ski shops a-plenty where you
can hire, buy or service skis, ski poles, ski clothing, ski jackets,
ski pants, ski boots, ski hats and helmets, ski googles and the
full range of ski equipment. There are also internationally renowned ski-schools and mountain guides,
a natural ice-skating rink and adventure companies offering various
experiences such as husky dog-sledding and snow mobile trips.
 Les Contamines Montjoie is well-known for its community spirit
and the village events centre is always buzzing. Check out the shop
window display competition, the Christmas market, the annual jazz
and blues festival, food celebration weeks, big sporting events
such as the Snowboarding World Cup in March, the Young ‘Montagnards’
activities and so much more. Summer activities include a fête
in August to celebrate the very existence of Les Contamines-Montjoie,
art exhibitions, guided walking excursions and even a choral music
“camp”.
And if all that seems far too strenuous, consider a short trip
down the valley to the beautiful nearby town of St. Gervais where
you can pamper yourself at the mountain thermal spa. Treatments
on offer include hydro-massage, hot mud applications, jet showers
and a whole array of other body cares. Alternatively, take the tramway
from St. Gervais to Nid d’Aigle – the Eagles Nest -
just beneath the summit of Mont Blanc – no easier or more
spectacular way to reach the higher altitudes.
Here at Les Contamines Montjoie, you can have the best of both
worlds: peace and tranquillity in a secret hideaway with easy access
to the bright lights of nearby Chamonix, Megève and other
better-known resorts. Ski the Vallée Blanche, explore the
Aiguille du Midi by cablecar, discover gorges and waterfalls, visit
a mountain dog breeding centre and experience an “arbre adventure”.
Remember though, when you tire of the wider world, we’ll be
waiting to welcome you back to the warmth of Chalet Chovettaz.
For further information on experiencing Chalet Chovettaz,
please contact us by completing our enquiry form, or alternatively Click Here to book.
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