Chris and Anouck have been coming to Chamonix for more than 30 years. This year, we put our heads together with our athletes to bring you the best recommendations for making the most of the valley during big trail race week - all with our sporty gastronomy spirit front and centre: great spots to work up an appetite, and even better ones to satisfy it.
- Take a stroll through the Ultra-Trail Village: The must-do spot during race week. Head to Place du Mont-Blanc to soak up the atmosphere, cross paths with trail runners from all over the world, and feel the energy building before the starts.
↗ Ultra-Trail Village - Come say hi at Snell Sport, Thursday 27 August: Swing by to soak up some good vibes and fuel up for your own adventures.
↗ Snell Sport website - Cheer on the runners: There's nothing quite like feeling the energy of the race. Find yourself a spot along one of the routes, grab a cowbell, and cheer as loud as you can.
↗ Race schedule - Run or walk a section of the Tour du Mont-Blanc: Sample the legendary route at your own pace - you don't need to cover 170 kilometres to feel the pull of the trail.
↗ Tour du Mont-Blanc - Hike up to Lac Blanc: A classic that'll sting your calves a little, but every metre of elevation gain is rewarded with a huge view over the massif.
↗ Lac Blanc route - Eat a pizza at Joia Pizzeria des Moulins: After the hike, nothing beats a proper pizza to refuel. And these are the best in town.
- Head up the Aiguille du Midi: Gain 3,842 metres of altitude in a matter of minutes and realise your GPS watch hadn't told you the full story.
↗ Book the Aiguille du Midi - Take a break at Buvette du Plan de l'Aiguille: After gaining some height, reward yourself with their blueberry tarts - famous throughout the valley and clearly worthy of the summit.
↗ Access to Plan de l'Aiguille - Take the Montenvers train up to Mer de Glace: A trip to lay eyes on this vast, fragile, and seriously impressive alpine playground.
↗ Info & booking - Settle in at Le Shack: After playing explorer for the day, grab a bite or a drink in a relaxed setting - perfect for replaying the day's highlights.
- Go paragliding: Swap kilometres for a few minutes of flight, with the valley below and Mont-Blanc right in front of you.
↗ Go paragliding - Stop by Mumma: A gorgeous spot to keep in your back pocket for big appetites and tables still debriefing their flight, hike, or finish time. Booking strongly recommended.
↗ Mumma website - Make a detour to Lac Vert: Active recovery, alpine-style: emerald water, forest, mountains, and zero need for a filter.
↗ Lac Vert info - Paint the mountains with Cat Kartal: Swap your walking poles for a paintbrush at a watercolour workshop in Les Houches - even the peaks have their artsy side.
↗ Cat Kartal website - Mediterranean food at Ela: Finish up with a huge wrap dripping with hummus, extra-indulgent style. Takeaway only, but well worth the detour - ideal for recharging before your next adventure.
