Chamonix is a happening place. It offers everything you can expect from a small town, nice shops, lively bars, good restaurants, a weekly market (Saturday mornings), a library, cinema, sport center and loads more.
Map of Chamonix town
Shops are usually open from 09h00-12h30 and from 15h30-19h00 so plenty of time to do some après ski shopping. Obviously the majority of shops offer sports gear and - clothing but some of the local delicatessen shops ("Relais des Payots") are worth checking out as well. The best place to buy your technical gear is at the 'Technicien du sport', Cool outerwear is to be found at e.g. Patagonia, Peak performance, Quicksilver and Napapuijri . The Casino supermarket near the McDonalds and the one near the Patagonia shop is also open on Sundays. 

Ski rental is best done at the bottom of the ski lifts, saves carrying them around although rental in Les Houches tends to be cheaper. Most shops (especially those near the Aiguille du Midi) also rent out harnasses and avalanche beepers. 

Après Ski : If vin chaud is your thing then the best one you can get is at the Montenvers train station although we heard that M.B.C. (chamonix's own micro-brewery) does a good one as well. The most popular places otherwise are Chambre Neuf (mainly Scandinavians and live music), Goophy, La Terrasse  and Bar du Sport (local mountaineers).

Leisure facilities include a multi-screen cinema (VO i.e. version originale for those who do not speak French), the bowling course + snooker palace (near the bus station) and of course (to earn back your holiday) the Casino. The Sports Centre has a nice swimming pool (great slide), sauna and fitness. Around the same area you'll find the ice rink, indoor climbing wall and tennis courts. Les Houches has got its own brand new indoor climbing wall.

Excursions: Want to get out?  The lovely drive, via Vallorcine and Martigny brings you to Ovronnaz or Saillon (CH) where the Thermal Baths will do the trick. Closer to home, in St Gervais, there are some traditional Thermal Baths as well. Already relaxed? Down in Sallanches there is a large Carrefour supermarket for those amateurs of the real French 'grandes surfaces'.

Eating out : Chamonix has got an enormous amount of nice restaurants. Prices range from EUR 6 (McDonalds) to unlimited (Albert I, 2 Michelin stars) per person. In weekends it gets quite busy so we recommend you to reserve if you are picky. Some of our favourites are 'Munchie' (Swedish-Asian fusion), 'the Jeckyl' (Irish fusion), 'Goophy' (great burgers), 'la Bergerie' (traditional savoyarde), and the 'Maison Carrier' (the "cheaper" Auberge of the 2-Michelin star 'Albert I'). Furthermore 'Midnight Express' serves you great & greasy junk 'til very late/early. For the best pizzas (take away) go to the stall in front of the Marché U in les Houches (closes at 21h00). Also worth checking out is the new 'Le Delice' in Les Houches!

Partying: Again, enough possibilities here. We favour Choucas (great videos), Goophys (great DJs), La Terrasse and Chambre Neuf. This year some 'trendy' places have opened as well. Clubbers, go to the Garage or Dick's Tea bar if you dare.            

Tourist Information links: Les Houches, Chamonix.com (official), Chamonix.net (unofficial), Pays de Mont Blanc

Hotels : Cannot stay at Chalet Kushi? There are tuns of hotels in the valley. All can be booked via the Tourist Office but our favourite one, cosy and near the Chalet is 'Auberge le Montagny' in les Houches

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