WELCOME TO CHAMONIX – RESIDENCE BARRATS
Residence Barrats A, Chemin de la Larze, 74400 Chamonix.
Hi and warm welcome from the team at XC Chamonix!
We hope you have an amazing stay with us. Here are few practical tips to help you to get the most out of Chamonix.
ANY TIME OF THE YEAR, WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU, TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR STAY
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, more commonly known simply as Chamonix is a commune in the Haute-Savoie département. The commune’s population of around 10 000, makes this Alp town a lively and active place to enjoy your holiday.
Situated near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and most notably the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the « gateway to the European Cascades. » The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, and therefore the summit itself are part of the village of Chamonix. To the south side, the situation is different depending on the country. Italy considers that the border passes through the top. France considers that the boundary runs along the rocky Tournette under the summit cap, placing it entirely in French territory. The south side was in France, assigned to the commune of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains sharing the summit with its neighbor Chamonix. The Chamonix commune is well known and loved by skiers and mountain enthusiasts of all types.
- The first recorded ascent of Mont Blanc was on 8 August 1786 by Jacques Balmat and the doctor Michel Paccard. This climb, initiated by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, who gave a reward for the successful ascent, traditionally marks the start of modern mountaineering. The first woman to reach the summit was Marie Paradis in 1808, and the first dog without human technical help was « Tschingel » from Grindelwald (making his climb before the first female honorary member of the Alpine Club).
- Chamonix was the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.
APARTMENT INFORMATION
GENERAL
Parking
- You can park for free in the car park behind the building – it does get very busy during peak times.
Skis and bikes
- There is a cave in the basement for skis and bikes. It is number two and second on the left as you turn left inside the basement area. There is a radiator and sink in the cave, along with coat hooks so wet gear can be left to dry in there. The cave also contains a washing machine.
Shoes & ski boots in the apartment
- No ski boots or heavy outdoor footwear to be worn inside the flat or on the stairs.
Rubbish bins
- Rubbish bins are located by the main road, as you walk towards the bus stop. Recycling bins for glass, carton, and metal. Please empty the bins before check out.
Doors
- Keep the apartment locked when you are not present.
- The balcony doors, leave the key in the lock. To lock the balcony door next to the kitchen, pull the handle up.
- Big wooden curtains you can open by rolling the handles.
Smoking
- Only on the balcony, use ashtray please, no cigarette butts on or over the balcony. Please empty the ashtray on your morning of departure.
Heating
- The communal building heating keeps it at a constant temperature. Temperature within the flat can be controlled by valves on the radiators themselves, the timing of the heating is set for the whole building.
- There are radiators in every room. You may adjust the temperature. This may sound obvious, but do not cover or put gloves etc. on or directly in front of the actual radiators.
Pet
- No pet.
Linen and towels
- There is 1 towel set/person (1 big each plus 1 small hand towel for the group). If you need extra linen or towels, contact XC Chamonix. Linen 20€/set and towels 5€/set.
Internet access
- There is a wifi. Network Barratsa Password barratsa24wep
Electricity supply
- The electricity mains switch is in the toilet. If you have all the appliances on at the same time there is a chance that the main electricity supply may trip out. To reset this, go to electricity box at the entrance hallway of the apartment. Flick the main switch and the electricity will come back on. You might need to switch off some appliances.
Noise
- No loud noise before 7am or after 11pm. If you are disturbed by noise from other tenants, on a regular basis, please let XC Chamonix know.
KITCHEN
- Water stop cocks – In cupboards under the sink.
Oven & stove
- Be gentle with ceramic stove. Don’t use use scouring agent on the ceramic surface. Surface remains hot immediately after use.
- There are no tricks needed with the oven, it’s electric.
Dishwasher
- Close it. Put it on I-Marche=On and O-Arret=Off. Select the program and press depart. No tabs needs to be switch on or off. Make sure that the dishwasher is tightly shut as it won’t switch on if not closed completely.
Fondue set
- There is a fondue set in the kitchen top of fridge. Please ensure you clean it after use and be very careful with the fire.
Cleaning Products
- All cleaning products are in the flat, in the cupboard under the sink and there’s a hoover in the master bedroom.
Water
- Tap water is clean and drinkable.
LIVINGROOM
TV and DVD
- French TV and Netflix. Please don’t log out of the current Netflix account. The quality of the UK TV is variable throughout the Chamonix valley, but it occasionally works. Its a Smart TV so android phones can be cast on to the screen and it comes with 2 remote controls
- There are DVDs in the drawer under the TV. Please make sure you return DVDs where you took them.
- Full use instructions should be in the draw under the TV.
Bluetooth speaker
- It typically is placed next to the television. Please leave the micro adapter in it after use. Make sure your phone is visible when you pair your device.
Sofa bed
- Grey sofa in the living room is sofa bed for 2.
Curtains
- Wooden curtains you can open and close by rolling the handle.
BALCONIES
BBQ
- Electric bbq on the balcony. Please ensure it remains on the window sill and sheltered. Make sure you clean it after use.
DOORS
- Do not remove the keys in the doors. The door handle on the balcony next to the kitchen has a counterintuitive handle and needs to be up when locked.
BATHROOM AND TOILET
Laundry machine
- There is a washing machine in the basement, cave number 2.
Female products
- Please do not put sanitary products down the toilet. Use the bin. If the toilet is blocked for this reason, we will have to deduct the cost to fix the toilet from your damage deposit.
CHAMONIX RESTAURANTS – always better to book
Le Bivouac
Great local restaurant in the center of town. Chris will welcome you every day and propose you simple and various food. On the menu you can choose from local dishes (cheese crust, fondue etc.), salads, tartar and omelettes. Great atmosphere guaranteed!
Jekyll
Close to the main bus stop in Chamonix Sud, On Rue des Pelerins, The Jekyll occupies what must be one of the oldest buildings in town. It manages to combine rustic pub with a funky cosmopolitan bar feel and is a really pleasurable place to be. Given that it also offers high quality food and often has bands or DJs from 10.30pm onwards it is one the few Chamonix nightspots that has your whole evening covered.
Pizzeria Rue Du Moulin
Happy to recommend this little cozy pizza place in the middle is the Pizzeria des Moulins, a tiny little restaurant with a casual vibe that appears to be doing a roaring trade every night of the week.
Naepolis
Best pizza and pasta. Real Italian stuff. Located in the same building with hotel Alpina, by the river.
MBC (Micro brasserie de Chamonix)
Opened in March 2002, the MBC is the first Micro Brewery & Restaurant in the Mont-Blanc Region. Four Canadians with a passion for good beer dreamed of opening a Micro Brewery where locals and visitors to the valley could rendez-vous to enjoy great beer, good food, and entertainment, all in a friendly pub atmosphere. If you’ve never been to a micro brewery before, it’s not exactly a bar or a restaurant, but a combination of the two with a bit of a homemade feel to it.
Munchie
Situated on Rue de Moulins in the very centre of the town, Munchie has been serving some of the best dining experiences in the Chamonix valley for over ten years. With a mix of traditional french and scandinavian cooking, spiced with asian influences we can guarantee a dinner that will exceed your expectations.
MÖÖ
Lively bar and good restaurant. They offer three course lunch menu and burgers, salads and snack for dinner. Located next to train station.
La Calèche
Traditional Savoyard dishes. A delight for the eyes and the palette! This authentic « Chamoniard » restaurant is decorated with a thousand artefacts from a bygone era. The menu offers a refined choice of traditional Savoyard dishes and French Cuisine, not to mention an extensive wine list. Located on the main street, next to main square, Rue du Doctor Paccard.
Cool Cats – hot dogs and street food
It’s a concept that we have created, inspired by street food from all over the world, with a focus on locally sourced produce and homemade products. The sausages are being made by local butchers and spiced with seasoning that can be found in local forests or gardens. The bread is being made by carefully selected local bakers, and delivered fresh each morning. Located on 116 Rue des Moulins, Chamonix.
Slopes / Refugees to try
Grands Montets Cremerie du Glacier
Le Tour Alpage de Balme foot of the Aiguillette des Posettes
Vallorcine Le Cafe Comptoir
Brevent Restaurant le Panoramic 2525m stop for a coffee. Pricy, but amazing view to Mont Blanc for free.
Flegere / Petit balcon sud Chalet de la Floria 1350m (summer only)
Le Lavancher Refugee Le Chapeau 1575m (summer only)
Le Tour Refuge Albert premiere 2702m (only summer)
- picnic is always a good option in Chamonix.
For lunch in town
Möö for their delicious lunch menu.
Pointe Isabelle lunch menu Monday-Saturday.
Small crepe place next to POC shop is nice for lunch too.
During the high seasons, it’s always necessary to book, for lunch and for dinners, especially if you are more than 2. If you need help with booking, do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help!
USEFUL INFORMATION – contact XC Chamonix team for more info!
Activities
- Summer or winter, we can hook you up with the best partners for any activity you wish for.
- Ski schools
- Off-piste skiing, Vallee Blanche
- Cross country skiing
- Skating
- Climbing
- Biking
- Hiking
- Paragliding
- Rafting
- Wine tasting
- Horseback riding
- Things to do
- Visit Mer des Glace and ice cave (cave only open during the winter season)
- Visit Aiguille du Midi
- Visit Alpine museum
- Sport center (pool, saunas, bouldering, gym)
- Visit Chatelard and Emosson Dam in Switzerland / Mont Blanc Express and VerticAlp Emosson.
Ski hire / Mountaneering gear
- Contact us for more details. Sport2000 you get -20% on rentals trough us. From Sanglard, -15%. We’ll pass you discount vouchers.
Bike hire
- Legend bike shop or Intersport. More info from XC Chamonix team.
Super markets
- In Chamonix town, Carrefour is the cheapest, close/behind the Aiguille du Midi lift, on the main road. Open Mon-Sat 8:00-19:30.
- On Rue du Doctor Paccard, Super U offer the best cheese selection. Open Mon-Sat 8:00-19:30, Sunday until 12:30.
- SPAR Cham Sud. Open daily 7:00-19:30
- Little Casino grocery stores in Chamonix town, open every day 8:00-20:00. More expensive than Carrefour or Super U.
- If you stay for longer period and if you have a car, it’s worth to do your shopping down in Sallanches.
Opening hours do vary during the low seasons.
Weather
Ski area information
- www.compagniedumontblac.com
- Courmayeur www.courmayeur-montblanc.com – Buses from the bowling centre. Book day before at bowling, take your skipass with you. Reduced price 15€ with MBU 2 days + (Mont Blanc Unlimited pass).
- Evasion www.ski-saintgervais.com – free bus from Chamonix with MBU 2 days + . Book online http://www.ski-chamonix.info/en/transport
- Ski season offer Mont Blanc tunnel with MBU 2 days + 14€/one way. Have your receipt and skipass with you.
ATM
- Example Cham Sud, Aiguille du Midi lift station. Rue du Doctor Paccard Chamonix town (keep cash with you, since not every place accepts card payments).
Bus / train
- Buses to every ski area from Chamonix Sud bus station. Chamonix bus web site chamonix.montblancbus.com.
- Train to Vallorcine or St. Gervais from Chamonix Gare SNCF, approx. once an hour. Price 3€, (only free with carte d’hote).
- Bus price in the summer 1,50€. Free with carte d’hote. Free in the winter with your ski pass.
- Chamonix nuit prox. 20:00-23:00 once an hour during high season, price 2€.
- Main bus station by bowling, Chamonix Sud. Buses to Courmayeur, Megeve, Geneva, Milano.
- In town free electric bus Le Mulet, it goes as far as the MBC and sports centre and finishes early evening.
- If you need a airport transfer, or transfer in the valley, we can arrange these for you. Geneva-Chamonix for 35€/person/high season (low season 40€).
Market day
- Every Saturday morning there is market at Place du Mont Blanc, next to hotel Alpina. Wide range of local products. Every Monday market in Les Houches, behind Carrefour supermarket near the tourist office.
Noise
- Please have respect for other residents in the building, especially if you are coming home late at night, speak quietly in the corridor. Loud music and parties are not permitted in the apartment. In particular if you are making noise after 22:00, the neighbours have the right to call the police. As per your booking terms and conditions we have the right to evict you for unruly behaviour.
Avalanche warning
- In case of avalanche warning, please ensure you read the notices in this folder, which highlights the procedure and also the meeting point for anyone in this area.
CHECK OUT DETAILS
Check out time
- Please remember check out time is 10:00 am (unless an alternative time has been agreed with us prior to your departure).
Return of keys
- On departure we’ll pick up the keys before your departure. Make sure you inform us of your check out time / meeting time.
Cleaning
- Please leave the accommodation tidy and clean when you leave. There are some cleaning products provided for you. We do not expect you to scrub floors and showers, but there are a few things we ask that you complete:
- The kitchen appliances must be left as you found them; oven, hob, microwave, dishwasher, BBQ and kitchen equipment as pots, pans, cutlery and grocery left clean.
- Feel free to leave any food items that may be useful to the next guests or to hungry cleaning staff.
- Please leave used towels, bath mats and t-towels on the bathroom floor. Leave linen on the bedroom floor.
- Take your rubbish to the bins.
Breakage or damage
- Let us know immediately. It’s not a big deal for any minor breakages such as the odd cup/plate/glass. It’s just allows us to replace items and fix any issues for both the owner and for the next guests.
Damage deposit
- Once the accommodation has been checked after your departure, we will return your damage deposit as per our booking terms and conditions.
Feedback
- It’s always nice to have your feedback on the accommodations, any suggestions, ways we can improve. We would also love to hear, how was your XC Chamonix ☺ Please feel free to contact us on your return by email info@xcchamonix.com or use the feedback form in this folder.
USEFULL NUMBERS
Doctor or dentist on call 112 (emergency)
Chamonix Hospital +33 (0) 450 538 400
Fire Brigade (pompier) Chamonix +33 (0) 450 560 222
Mountain rescue PGHM +33 (0) 45 50 53 16 89
Police – community police for stolen items etc. +33 (0) 450 537 502
Doctors
Dr Richards & Dr Cadot Chamonix Hospital +33 (0) 450 558 055 / Chamonix
Dr Fontaine 52 Rue de l’hotel de Ville +33 (0) 450 530 326 / Chamonix
Dr Destre & Laspalles 192 Rue Du dr Paccard +33 (0) 450 534 840
Dentists
- Cottet 13 Rue du Lyret +33 (0) 450 531 965
- et V. Costa 260 rue Joseph Vallot +33 (0) 450 536 452
- Sanglard 156 Av de Courmayeur +33 (0) 450 558 797
Taxis
XC Chamonix +33 (0) 609 83 0551 (if you wish to book airport transfer or valley transfer)
Taxi Chamonix +33 (0) 680 659 004
Taxi Rousseau +33 (0) 662 055 738
Taxi Servoz +33 (0) 684 668 6735
Car hire Europecar +33 (0) 450 536 340
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us ☺ Happy holidays!!
Best regards,
Sari and Nico
Getting in touch with us
+33 609 830 551 (FRA, ENG)
+33 676 501 198 (FIN, SWE, ENG)
If we do not answer straight away, please leave us a message, and we will get back to you asap.