http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34467 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34467 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34420 This is an energetic trek taking in the best of the French, Italian and Swiss alps, crossing three high mountain passes, sleeping in a variety of remote mountain huts such as Lac Blanc, Rifugio Elisabetta and Refugio Bonatti to boutique guest-houses in the busy towns of Chamonix and Courmayeur. Be flexible and organise your own trek using the cicerone guide written by Kevin Reynolds - he became a bit of a hero to us. Then to top it off, why not paraglide from the Aiguille du midi - I thoroughly recommend it.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34420 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34372 Grand Balcon Nord 6.5 km – allow three hours.
Chamonix in the French Alps is one of the best known centres for walking in the summer and rightly so.
One of the most spectacular yet easiest walks is the Grand Balcon Nord which has you strolling through a veritable rock garden at 2000 metres and even offers the possibility of meeting a marmot or two.
From Chamonix take the Aiguille cable car to the half way point at Plan de l’Aiguille which is the starting point for your route - although it is spectacular, and literally breathtaking, due to the altitude, to take the cable car right to the top station – and then start your walk on the return journey.
The well signposted rocky mountain trail undulates north east, meandering through miniature rhododendrons, gentian and azaleas, with stunning views down to Chamonix and over the narrow valley to Plan Praz and La Flegere standing at 1877m - this is the Grand Balcon Sud and another fine walk affording views over Mont Blanc and Les Aiguilles (the needles).
As you reach the junction of the path to Montenvers mountain railway you can take the route directly there or turn right and zig zag easily up the extra 150m to grab great views of the stunning pinnacles of the Aiguille Vert at 4122m, Les Drus and the Mer de Glace (sea of ice).
Catch the picturesque little train from Montenvers back down to Chamonix. Remember to check what time the last train and cable car operate as it’s a long walk down!
This walk can be done in reverse and an early start will give you the opportunity to watch the sun come up from behind Les Aiguilles.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34372 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33617 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33617 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28335
In winter, you can ski, snowboard or even learn to speed ride. In summer, you can try mountaineering and other activities.

Most packages include full-time coaching, the technical equipment you require, lift passes and full board accommodation.

The centres are basic, but clean and adequate as a base, while the food is outstanding and plentiful. Beer and wine is also far cheaper than in most bars or hotels.

As an introduction to an activity, the courses are ideal. Better yet, for off-piste guiding, nothing compares for value. A week will typically cost about £600 plus transport, but you needn't spend a penny more in resort.

The cheapest transport option for a group may be to drive from the UK, but bus operators also link up to London. Outside of school half-term weeks, flights to gateway cities like Geneva can also be obtained cheaply from the usual budget operators.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28335 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28332 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28332 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28091 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28091 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28087 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28087 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26023 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26023 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25513 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25513 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25512 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25512 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25183 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25183 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25102 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/25102 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24808 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24808 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24774 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/24774 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23668 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23582 prime-accommodation-chamonix.com.

The views were absolutely glorious and we were almost right in Chamonix city centre. It was also a pretty good deal, considering the busy summer season.

If you are travelling to Chamonix and are after a good value one bedroom apartment, we would strongly recommend them.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23582 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23460 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23460 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23372
The chalet sleeps 10 and is incredibly spacious, with a huge balcony to sit out on and enjoy the stunning Alpine views. There's even a fully appointed 'Mazot' (enchanting mini-chalet) in the garden, which is unbelievably romantic! The enormous garden was covered in wildflowers, nestled in the woods, with a hammock to laze in, a hot-tub with views of the surrounding mountains, and woodburning barrel sauna to pamper yourself in - and we spent happy nights having BBQ's arond the firepit, under the stars.

The chalet itself has a really traditional feel, with wood beams and granite, with a proper wetroom, spacious kitchen and lounge - and a wonderful atmosphere.

It's truly a magical destination for all seasons!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23372