Chamonix

A picturesque town located at the base of Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a major tourist destination and getaway spot in both the winter ski season months and during the summer.

As France's montaineering and alpine capital, you'll find plenty of rugged mountain types here mixed in with tourists coming to take the giant gondola to the Aiguille du Midi on Mont Blanc.

The location of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, the scenery here is mind-blowingly beautiful. Etched out of a narrow valley and surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in France (and in the world) Chamnoix is a must stop for anyone journeying to this region of France.