No Snow – no problem! Chamonix Charms through the Seasons

No Snow – no problem! Chamonix Charms through the Seasons

Published on 26/07/2021 by Finest Holidays - Luxury Travel

These four luxury chalets – picked by Finest Holidays – Luxury Travel – in Chamonix are beautiful examples of year-round excellence, their pools switching function from post-slope recovery to sunshine chill-out zones. Chamonix too changes its coat for the warmer months, but is just as enchanting and those slopes can still be a beautiful challenge.

Summer in Chamonix – the sharp Alpine peaks of Mont Blanc with snow and glaciers soar above the summer meadows (Photo © Finest Holidays)
Summer in Chamonix – the sharp Alpine peaks of Mont Blanc with snow and glaciers soar above the summer meadows (Photo © Finest Holidays)

The four astounding properties – Des Cristaux, Elevation, Infinity, and Dalmore – are all beautifully situated to make the most of the original home of Alpine tourism as the pistes turn to meadows. 

Luxury Chalet Des Cristaux

Self-Catered Chalet Des Cristaux in the popular Les Houches area of the Chamonix Valley is set in a landscaped garden with an Nordic outdoor hot tub. Chamonix is just 10 minutes by car
Self-Catered Chalet Des Cristaux in the popular Les Houches area of the Chamonix Valley is set in a landscaped garden with an Nordic outdoor hot tub. Chamonix is just 10 minutes by car

Mont Blanc, in the shadow of which sites Chalet Des Cristaux, is snow-topped year round, but the beautiful garden at Des Cristaux – complete with mountain-view Jacuzzi and faux chateau sauna – revels its true self in the summer while the rest of the chalet’s virtues are beautiful whatever the weather. 

This 350sqm, 3-floor luxury chalet is a summer hideaway for up to 10 guests in 4 bedrooms. Spacious and reflective of the best traditions of traditional Alpine design – thick stone walls are both warming and cooling.

The indoor swimming pool of Chalet Des Cristaux on the ground floor. The chalet also comes with a sauna set up in an independent small chalet in the garden
The indoor swimming pool of Chalet Des Cristaux on the ground floor. The chalet also comes with a sauna set up in an independent small chalet in the garden

The pool is a one-off, with a hydraulic floor that transforms the poolside bar and lounge into a pit stop by the dance floor. Elsewhere Des Cristaux has plenty of chill-out potential for grown-ups, but is also a wonderful family venue with a four-bunk bedroom and a play room with the latest tech for kids.

Chalet Des Cristaux’s bay windows – pictured the spacious living room – let in an abundance of light and allow guests the most stunning views of the Mont Blanc and Fiz mountain ranges
Chalet Des Cristaux’s bay windows – pictured the spacious living room – let in an abundance of light and allow guests the most stunning views of the Mont Blanc and Fiz mountain ranges

There’s room enough to get together for meals and social time in the main living area and the bedrooms are placed to give terrace access and superlative views of Mont Blanc.

Luxury Chalet Elevation

Self-Catered Chalet Elevation in Chamonix provides uninterrupted views of the Aiguille Verte and Drus
Self-Catered Chalet Elevation in Chamonix provides uninterrupted views of the Aiguille Verte and Drus

Les Bois/Les Tines puts you in just the right place to get into and out of the resort quickly. This is another big summer chalet, with room for 12 guests in six beautiful bedrooms and 300sqm footprint.

Summer holiday chalet Elevation offers an indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub
Summer holiday chalet Elevation offers an indoor swimming pool and outdoor hot tub

A nicely sized pool (4m by 3m) is at the bottom of chalet Elevation at the heart of a big, beautiful wellness area handily placed for the neighboring cinema and bar.

During summer chalet Elevation’s huge windows slide open to the terrace overlooking the garden – perfect for al fresco dining or barbecues
During summer chalet Elevation’s huge windows slide open to the terrace overlooking the garden – perfect for al fresco dining or barbecues

In the summer, the big terrace that looks over a huge garden will be becoming. Acres of glass bring the outside inside throughout the open-plan living and dining areas. Everything is wired for the latest tech entertainment, including a Bose system that pipes sound throughout the chalet.

Luxury Chalet Infinity

Self-Catered Chalet Infinity is located in the Chamonix hamlets near Argentière with exceptional views of the summits from the outdoor Jacuzzi
Self-Catered Chalet Infinity is located in the Chamonix hamlets near Argentière with exceptional views of the summits from the outdoor Jacuzzi

Infinity is named for its pool-with-a-view rather than its size: it is a very traditional luxury chalet building that slips beautifully into the slopes under Mont Blanc. This is a great base for hikers and adventure sports fans, with easy access to the mountainsides from the Les Frasserands hamlet, under Le Tour.

Chalet Infinity’s relaxation area features the large swimming pool with jet stream, massage room, bar, sauna, Hammam, gym and cinema room. The open plan living room faces the pool
Chalet Infinity’s relaxation area features the large swimming pool with jet stream, massage room, bar, sauna, Hammam, gym and cinema room. The open plan living room faces the pool

Beautifully designed throughout, Infinity’s biggest attraction might be its infinity pool at the heart of a hydro facility that includes a sauna and Hamman. It’s traditional in design, but up to date in its facilities, with SONOS sound systems. There’s a cinema to entertain you after a day out in the mountains.

All areas in chalet Infinity – pictured the living/dining room – enjoying breathtaking views of the Chamonix valley from large windows. Access to the furnished sun terrace via the luxuriously designed living room
All areas in chalet Infinity – pictured the living/dining room – enjoying breathtaking views of the Chamonix valley from large windows. Access to the furnished sun terrace via the luxuriously designed living room

Ten guests can enjoy this lovely chalet in five bedrooms with a special seasonal garden to enjoy this summer.

Luxury Chalet Dalmore

Self-Catered Chalet Dalmore in Chamonix is located just a stone’s throw from the Flégère cable car
Self-Catered Chalet Dalmore in Chamonix is located just a stone’s throw from the Flégère cable car

The long days of an Alpine summer might have been designed to suit Chalet Dalmore, the huge windows of which open into a massive, modern living space. Chalet Dalmore is topped off with a fabulous roof terrace, which must be one of the best perches in Chamonix.

Due to floor to ceiling picture windows chalet Dalmore invites all day sun
Due to floor to ceiling picture windows chalet Dalmore invites all day sun

If luxury chalet Infinity leans into tradition for its interiors, Dalmore takes a more adventurous line with the classic wood and stone of the form. Five bedrooms can sleep 10 people in this massive luxury chalet (535sqm).

After a day of activities in Chamonix chalet Dalmore‘s heated swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind
After a day of activities in Chamonix chalet Dalmore‘s heated swimming pool is the perfect place to unwind

With a golf course on the doorstep and a rare outdoors pool this is a summer special worthy of your attention with service, facilities and style to match its setting.

Summer in Chamonix: What to Do

Hiking/Walking: The few hours’ walk to Lac Blanc are well worth the effort for the magnificent view of the Mont Blanc chain. A hike around the wilder Lacs des Chéserys – located amidst the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, below Lac Blanc – reveals a series of smaller lakes to intrepid holidaymakers with the world famous mountain range as the perfect backdrop. At altitude, Lacs des Chéserys, is less famous and more peaceful than neighboring Lac Blanc and provides a dreamlike view of the Mont Blanc. Here you will find tranquility and a unique panorama.

Things to do whilst on a summer holiday in Chamonix in the French Alps – Mountainbiking in the Les Houches area, walking to Lac Blanc, Ice walking, hiking around the Lacs des Chéserys (Photos © OT Vallée Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (2), brey-photography.de, Christophe Raylat)
Things to do whilst on a summer holiday in Chamonix in the French Alps – Mountainbiking in the Les Houches area, walking to Lac Blanc, Ice walking, hiking around the Lacs des Chéserys (Photos © OT Vallée Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (2), brey-photography.de, Christophe Raylat)

Golf: The Chamonix Golf Course and Chamonix Golf Club is probably the cream of the crop of Alpine courses – though all of them boast views that would shame many a championship course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. the roots of this course go back to the 1930s, with Jones the architect for the 18-hole relaunch in 1982. You can also play a 9-hole at Golf de Courmayeur over the border in Italy, or take a trip to the Golf du Mont d’Arbois – the oldest mountain golf course – in Megève among other options.

More things to do during a summer holiday in the French Alpine resort of Chamonix – Paragliding from Planpraz, playing a round of golf with Mont Blanc towering above, climbing to the Aiguillette d’Argentière, on snow-covered trails all the way up to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (Photos © Kjell Rosenlind, Golf de Chamonix, OT Vallée Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, brey-photography.de)
More things to do during a summer holiday in the French Alpine resort of Chamonix – Paragliding from Planpraz, playing a round of golf with Mont Blanc towering above, climbing to the Aiguillette d’Argentière, on snow-covered trails all the way up to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (Photos © Kjell Rosenlind, Golf de Chamonix, OT Vallée Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, brey-photography.de)

There is much more to do in Chamonix. Mountain biking is world class of course, and adrenaline junkies can test their strength, skill and nerve with ice walking, paragliding, and climbing – perhaps before spending the night in a unique suspended bivouac!

Chamonix is at the crossroads of three countries and it has long been an important cultural and historical site. The resort is home to several museums that celebrate everything from the natural environment to Alpine sports history.

With the ski slopes largely out of bounds there is also a busy program of events to keep visitors busy during the summer. The „Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix“ celebrates their 200th anniversary in 2021, and arts events run throughout the summer, with the „Nuits des Ours“ (Night of the Bear) a beautiful and immersive end-piece.

And more to see and do when on summer holidays in Chamonix – The Alpine Museum (opened 1926), special stamp issued by the French Post Office to mark the 200th anniversary of the „Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix“, the Crystal Museum is one of the attractions at Montenvers, pastry shop „Chalet 4810“” is known for sweet treats (Photos © OT Vallée de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (3), Gaëtan Haugeard)
And more to see and do when on summer holidays in Chamonix – The Alpine Museum (opened 1926), special stamp issued by the French Post Office to mark the 200th anniversary of the „Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix“, the Crystal Museum is one of the attractions at Montenvers, pastry shop „Chalet 4810“” is known for sweet treats (Photos © OT Vallée de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (3), Gaëtan Haugeard)

Dining: The day may end with a meal, and Chamonix has plenty of excellent restaurants, including the highly rated „Le Matafan“, where chef Mickey Bourdillat, a figure of the local gastronomy who started at the Hameau Albert 1er where he climbed all the steps until he obtained one, then two Michelin stars, respects the mountain tradition. His inspiration is not limited to the products of the French Alpine valleys, he even travels beyond the Aosta Valley. Under the restaurants glass roof, facing the snowy peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif, the table d’hôtes is a warm welcome, with starters such as pumpkin soup with hazelnuts and a revisited Savoy cake to finish. Located in the heart of Chamonix.

Right in the heart of Chamonix – Chef Mickey Bourdillat‘s „Le Matafan“ restaurant (Photos © David Machet (3), Fabrice Rembert, h8-collection.com)
Right in the heart of Chamonix – Chef Mickey Bourdillat‘s „Le Matafan“ restaurant (Photos © David Machet (3), Fabrice Rembert, h8-collection.com)

Entering „La Maison Carrier“ restaurant – an authentic farmhouse – is like travelling back in time. The furnishings are of an antique Alpine style and evoke a homely and cosy atmosphere. The Mont Blanc-facing summer  terrace makes the wait for the delicacies more than pleasant. Ideal for a romantic dinner or a relaxing evening with friends. Let yourself be seduced by grandfather Marcel Carrier’s emblematic recipes from days long gone reinterpreted by Michelin „Bib Gourmand“ head chef Stéphane Gassot. To finish off on a sweet note, choose from the mouth-watering selection of „Grandmother‘s Tarts“, homemade chocolates and biscuits accompanied by a gourmet coffee.

A long-standing Chamonix institution when it comes to traditional Savoyard cuisine – „La Maison Carrier“ restaurant  (Photos © Hameau Albert 1 er *****)
A long-standing Chamonix institution when it comes to traditional Savoyard cuisine – „La Maison Carrier“ restaurant  (Photos © Hameau Albert 1 er *****)

Alpine holidays have long been exclusive and the top names of Paris, Milan, London and more are keen to supply their regular clients while on holiday.

Shopping: A special memory newly available this year at the „Parfumerie du Mont Blanc“ is „4811“, an exclusive perfume, designed as a walk in the mountains, that conjures glacier water and pine so you can recall your 2021 summer vacation long after you’ve returned home.

You can start creating those memories now by contacting Finest Holidays – Luxury Travel, a personally curated selection of luxury properties that includes the world’s best Alpine chalets, luxury villas, yachts, private islands and more. Contact +34 661 71 80 61 or relax@finest-holidays.com to start talking to us now. 

Previous

Two Luxury Chalets that Epitomise Italian Style

These two luxury ski chalets in Cortina d’Ampezzo are worthy of the royalty evoked by Cortina’s Queen of the Dolomites title. Both boasting acres of space, indoor pools, and superb situations in the town’s best neighbourhoods, Chalet Perla and Chalet Dolce Vita are the perfect bases from which to discover one of... More details

Next

Two Perfect Angels on Verbier

Luxury chalets in Verbier are going to be in super high-demand in 2022. That won’t remove the premium on quality though, and these two superlative properties available through Finest Holidays, are among the very best that Switzerland’s most fashionable Alpine ski resort has to offer. Chalet Norte and Chalet 1936... More details