Jetsettersblog

The charming Alpine town of Chamonix boasts a whole range of exciting outdoor activities as well as numerous relaxing alternatives to keep everyone in the family happy. From mountain biking and Canyoning to arts and crafts workshops, music festivals and lake-side bathing, a holiday in the mountains makes for an exciting and affordable alternative to the traditional family beach break.

Activities:

When the weather is good, there is plenty to do with the kids outdoors: there are easy hikes through the amazing scenery at the foot of Mont Blanc, a child specific high ropes course (Kids Arbre Adventure) and horse riding. The cable cars and mountain railways operate year round to transport you up to the stunning glaciers and shimmering mountain lakes with minimal effort. You can also take mountain bikes up the lifts for a more adventurous descent! For those who prefer to be water based, there is Canyoning (suitable for 8yrs +) and Hydrospeeding. The Les Planards offers a safe children’s play ground with Trampolines, climbing frames, sandpits and more! Les Planards also has the longest summer luge in France suitable for children over 6yrs (younger children can be accompanied by an adult) which winds through the forest for 2km.

If the weather is against you, Chamonix has many options for inside entertainment. There is a 25m indoor swimming pool which has a separate children’s pool with bubble jets and a water slide; a world class climbing centre with a learning wall for children; and an eight lane bowling alley complete with games arcade. New this season there is also Le Petit VIP – which supplies arts and crafts workshops and child care for any ages.

If you are hoping to have some time away from the kids there are English speaking day care centres, or qualified Nannies who can come to your accommodation – full contact details can be easily found through the Tourist Information centre. The Chamonix Centre Sportif also hosts a kid’s Miniclub from 1st July to 30th August which gives access to the centre’s facilities (swimming, climbing, tennis, basket-ball, ice-skating, etc.) and to an organised hike & picnic on the Wednesday.

Most major events in Chamonix are also Child friendly – for example the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Marathon (25th June) has a Mini Cross section for children up to 15yrs old, with events such as the 800mt sprint and a 5km cross country. There is also the Fete de la Musique (June 21st) – a family occasion which starts in the afternoon and spills out across Chamonix with free music and outside stages.

You should definitely visit the Tourist Information centre on arrival for a complete weekly list of free organised entertainment for Children which run throughout the summer which include nature walks, craft classes and sports competitions.

Accommodation:

The range and quality of accommodation on offer in the mountains is often far superior and much better value than the apartments and villas available in the more traditional beach-based summer holiday destinations.

From just £99 per person (based on a family group of 10 sharing) rudechalets™ offer a beautiful and well-equipped, self-catered chalet accommodation in Chamonix. All bedrooms are ensuite each with XBOX 360s / LCD screens. There is a table football, media centre, fully equipped kitchen, cozy lounge with wide-screen satellite TV as well as a garden, huge terrace with outdoor furniture and Bar-B-Q.

To reduce the amount of luggage families need to bring out with them, rudechalets™ summer chalets come fully equipped with high chairs, travel cots, a baby bath and plastic plates and cups. We can also organise mountain buggy rental, places in the local crèche, an in chalet nanny service, activity guides and return airport transfers from Geneva if required.

Getting there: Geneva airport is just 90 minutes transfer by car (rudechalets™ can organise return airport transfers) and Chamonix is just a 9 hour drive from Calais.

For more information & bookings: please visit www.rudechalets.com ; or contact the rudechalets™ team: 08700687030 // info@rudechalets.com