VALLORCINE

For those unfamiliar to the area, Vallorcine, The Valley of the Bears, lies 10 miles east of Chamonix. This spectacular valley lies in the shadow of the magnificent Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe. Sitting close to the Italian and Swiss borders, Vallorcine is uniquely placed to offer access to a wide array of excursions and activities in France, Italy and Switzerland during both summer and winter.

Skiing and Snowboarding are top of the list of winter sports, with the off piste and ski touring possibilities widely considered to be the best in the world. There are, however, many other sports in which to participate including ski de fond, ski joering, dog sledding, snowshoeing and ice climbing to mention a few. Additional activities in the wider area vary from helicopter rides to ice-skating; ten pin bowling to swimming.

Summer in Vallorcine is very special. The village and surrounding areas provide a multitude of activities including hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, quad biking, horse riding and more. Alternatively, enjoy a tranquil break in this beautiful and unspoilt corner of the Alps.

Vallorcine has a diverse selection of bars and restaurants, each offering something unique. Relax over a Pastis with the locals in Bar Guy, next to the post office; chat with the Chamel family who have run the hotel Buet for 120 years; enjoy traditional and modern cuisine at Restaurant les Trois Ours; take in the special ambience of L'Arret Bougnete or sample the village's newest restaurant, L'Ours Bleu. Wherever you choose to relax in the village you will be made to feel welcome.

Vallorcine is well served for the essentials with a butchers, bakers, grocery store, delicatessen and equipment hire shops. The shop at the foot of the telecabine, run by Serge and Brigitte, hires ski equipment in the winter and mountain bikes in the summer months alongside hiking equipment and other holiday essentials.

Easy access by road or the Mont Blanc Express train allows you to enjoy the cosmopolitan ambience of Chamonix where you will find a wide range of shops and boutiques.