Les Contamines-Montjoie is a rural town at the end of the Montjoie Valley. The Montjoie Valley runs from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains south to Nant-Borrant and onwards all the way to the Col du Bonhomme. The valley is formed by the south-western edges of the Mont Blanc Massif on one side and Mont Joly on its western side. The Bonnant river runs the full lenght of the Montjoie Valley and meets the Arve river near Le Fayet.
Les Contamines is a very well equipped town with multiple hotels, restaurants, bakeries and super markets. In winter it is a popular ski resort. Despite its proximity to the Saint-Gervais and Megeve ski resorts, a connection to those resorts has never been established. In summer there are two lifts that operate roughly from the start of July to early September enabling easier access to the mountains on the south-western end of the valley.
The Eglise de la Sainte-Trinite is the main church in the center of Les Contamines and it is worth a visit. On the southern end of the valley is the very beautiful and very special Notre Dame de la Gorge right at the edge of the forest. This is a beautiful area which also has the Le Pontet Leisure Park very nearby. It is the largest leisure park of its kind in the region and its a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It has incredible range of activities for the entire family from pony rides, to pedal boats on the lake, mini golf and a range of sport activities. There is also a neary rock climbing wall.
The main road that provides access to Les Contamines is the D902 departmental road running from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains to Notre Dame de la Gorge at the end of the valley, past Les Contamines. There are multiple bus stops servicing Les Contamines with many stops in between for the hamlets between Les Contamines and Saint-Gervais. There is no train station running through the Montjoie Valley.
Les Contamines-Montjoie is where many people stay the night and the end of stage 1 of the Tour du Mont Blanc. This stage runs from Les Houches to Les Contamines. Usually this route takes you down via the hamlet of Bionnassay but we have a preferred route that takes you from the Bellevue lift above Les Houches to the Chalets de Miage via Col de Tricot. From there you pass by the Chalets du Truc before descending into Les Contamines.
Linked Trails & Points of Interest
These are the trails and points of interests linked to this Town
9
Our Rating
Exceptional
Trail:
Fantastic route with so much to offer and a great diversity of scenery and views. This trail can be done with children as long as they can handle the significant amount of downhill.
Length
10.99km
When to Go
Mid Jun - Mid Sep
Hiking Time
2.5 - 4.0 Hours
Elevation +
+651m / -1278m
Kids
7+ Years old
Running Time
2.0 - 3.0 Hours
Technical Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
Dogs
Dogs Allowed
Nearest Town
Chamonix
Location & Map
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Longitude:
6.7269
Latitude:
45.8226