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La Petite Forêt – Useful links 2021

Useful information for 2021

Especially at the moment, things change extremely rapidly. We strongly recommend a visit to both the Tourist Office and the Office de Haute Montagne in person when you arrive to find out the latest information on available activities.

 

Masks are needed indoors only in Chamonix town centre, no longer needed outdoors

The main Chamonix site at www.chamonix.com is full of information with webcams, maps, events and activity suggestions. For mountain conditions, consult the Office de Haute Montagne.

Weather

chamonix-meteo.com has the most accurate local weather forecast.

The main Chamonix site uses the same forecast but in a visual format which is quite useful

When checking the rain/snow limit, we are at 1050m at the chalet.

In winter, WePowder is good for checking overall patterns and also if you want a forecast for Courmayeur.

Laundry:

Need a load of washing done? Drop it off with Arnaud at Cham Laverie and he’ll wash, dry and fold for you – friendly and great service!

Shopping:

We have a lovely small local grocery in Les Praz which has excellent bread and croissants (10 minutes walk). Check their Facebook page for details. Some nice homewares sold here, too. I think the bread is as good as anywhere in the valley – see if she has the Pain Paillasse, a gorgeous white sourdough. Will make nice sandwiches while you wait.

Le Petite Social opposite does great coffee and breakfast too.

There are various supermarkets in Central Chamonix, of which Super U is probably the best. However parking is much more convenient at the Carrefour on the roundabout as you come into Chamonix The best local supermarket for food is Grand Frais in Domancy – very high quality produce, well worth a visit for a longer stay and could be combined with a visit to Plateau d’assy / Lac Vert / Plaine Joux.

Market day is Saturday, the market is very good and well worth a visit. Open until 14:00, in practise it’s best to be there before 13:00. As well as local producers there’s a very good pasta van that drives through from Italy.

For cakes, Richard in central Chamonix is my favourite. Just off the main square, easy to miss, next to the very Alpine La Caleche restaurant. Watch out if searching Google Maps as there as is another Richard branch that only does macaroons (though they are very good too)

Pain de Chibon is a local baker who grows old varieties of wheat on his farm in Les Houches which he mills himself and bakes as fantastic sourdough. This bread is worth seeking out for connoisseurs!  Eccentric availability so check his Facebook page for current market days.

For fondue, the local farm co-operative on the corner of the Place du Mont Blanc, (next to Picard freezer shop which is a handy standby, surprisingly high quality!)  does grated cheese ready for use, from local farms – very good. You can get nice raclette here too, though there are plenty of cheese shops in town to sample 🙂 .

Drinks

Conroy Johnny Conroy delivers excellent wine, beer and spirits from his shop in Sallanches. He lives in Chamonix so as long as you ring him before around 16:00, you can order online and he can drop it on his way home, very convenient!

Cha Cha Cha in Chamonix also delivers – drop them a line and they will send you their current list

Moody Mountain is a great local coffee roaster and serves the best coffee in town.

Restaurants and delivery / takeaway :

NB – things can still change very often at present! So check before making firm plans.
There is also a local Chamonix Takeaway Facebook group which may be worth a look for the latest info.
For delivery, be sure to send the map. A lot of people in Chamonix don’t know this road. Keep the phone handy as sometimes it’s easier to meet them outside the Eden hotel, by the church in Les Praz.
French:
Maison Carrier
Among the best local and traditional restaurants in the area.
Le Chaudron
Very nice traditional French restaurant in Chamonix
Cremerie De Glacier
Quintessentially Chamoniarde experience in an old ice hut – low key and always great, wonderful croutes. Outdoors in summer is nice.
Le Monchu
Long-standing local favourite serving the usual Savoyarde dishes but well executed and with a very nice covered and heated outdoor area
International:
Mumma
Asian fusion food from an enthusiastic Swedish / French team . Highly recommended, in central Chamonix. If you like this kind of food would probably be my top choice.
Has a casual outdoor area which is also excellent – Le Shack
Multi-awarded traditional pizza of the highest quality,  the Margarita Napoletana Extra is simple and superb.
Munchies
The original purveyors of Asian fusion food in the valley and one of Chamonix’s most popular restaurants. Booking essential – try to book downstairs and upstairs can be crowded and noisyBizes
International and innovative menu from local Swedes
Excellent and innovative pizza including vegan options, will deliver.

Artisan Sushi
Collection in Les Houches…really good Sushi from very passionate local Jerome, recommended.

Sushi Shop
A chain with a rather awkward ordering system, but there is nothing wrong with the sushi and they deliver, or you can collect in central Chamonix.
Noticeably better quality if you order rather than just picking up whatever is in the cabinet.

Su’s Cuisine
Great Indian and Thai food delivered from Argentiere.

More casual:

Cremerie Gite La Montagne
Lovely outdoor setting in individual pavilions, simple but good local food. Check in advance if weather is chancy as it’s outdoor only.
D’liCimes – very local, nice home-made food in Les Praz

Index Bus – Pizzas & Burgers 100% local from the red double decker bus beside the road into Chamonix. Burgers are not cheap but it’s very good and all locally made and supplied. Delivery now available!

Cool Cats
Gourmet hot dogs! It’s a thing, who knew? All locally made. Excellent veggie options too. In central  Chamonix,  immensely (and justifiably) popular.

Kitsch Inn – fun place in Les Houches offering simple but good food. Very good veggie / vegan options like pulled BBQ Jackfruit!  Will deliver.

Bighorn
Nice for a more international transatlantic casual feel – also sometimes deliver brunch!

Le Solerey
New microbrewery, nice casual food in a beautiful building

On The Mountain – Summer

The summer refuges and cafes are one of the very nicest things about Chamonix. Simple but always good. Call to check they are open if making a special trip.

La Floria

 

Chalet Floria

Incredible views in a riot of flowers at Chalet Floria

Le Chapeau

 

Cascade de Berard

Cascade du Dard 

Le Cerro 

Loriaz

Refuge Col De Balme
Hugely improved under new management!

Gite La Montagne and Cremerie Du Glacier above are very much in this style

 

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