Towns & Hamlets around Chamonix
The Chamonix Valley has a very rich history going back hundreds of years. You will be able to enjoy this rich history as you hike or trail run around the Chamonix valley. Many of the first settlements have grown to towns and hamlets which still remain till today. Many of these have been renamed over time. A large part of that history lives on in the many churches and chapels that are dotted throughout the valley and the catholic church and the politics of the nobility have had a large influence on how the history of Chamonix and its inhabitants developed.Chamonix is the crown jewel of the valley in our opinion and has the most to offer in terms of commercial establishments, entertainment venues and historical buildings. The main sights like the Aiguille Midi lift and the Montenvers train also depart from here. In terms of size and tourism support infrastructure, the towns of Argentiere, Vallorcine and Les Houches are quite sizeable. When it comes to picturesque hamlets that you might cross while on the trails our favorites include Vaudagne, Le Planet, Le Lavancher and Tre-le-Champ. These hamlets are not on the valley floor and have a more natural and authentic feel to them. These typically don't provide any or many food or accommodation options so the on-trail Refuges and Mountain Restaurants provide solutions in those cases.
