How to spend 48 hours in: Chamonix

STAY

If you are travelling to Chamonix, the birthplace of Alpine mountaineering, staying at Chalet Whymper is a must.

The hotel, situated in the centre of the resort, is named after British explorer Edward Whymper, who was known for the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, a feat that began a fascination with mountain climbing that survives to this day.

Chalet Whymper is 500 metres from the Chamonix to Planpraz ski lift and 650 metres from the Montenvers to Mer de Glace train station. Rooms from £92.

EAT

Chamonix is not short of amazing places to eat, and rising above the others is Le Hameau Albert 1er, a five-star hotel and restaurant in the city centre.

The venue boasts a two Michelin-starred restaurant and has been owned by the Carrier family for more than 100 years.

The chef says he is inspired by the mountains such as Mont Blanc which dominate the landscape behind the hotel.

And the haute cuisine here certainly lives up to those lofty ambitions.

DRINK

While hiking and climbing in the Alpines might seem a straight-laced affair, when it comes to drinking, the mountaineering community know how to party.

And Chamonix caters for them with a plethora of bars and clubs. From the South Bar, with its outdoor seating area and views over Mont Blanc to Elevation 1904, where live music makes it one of the coolest places to see and be seen.

SEE

No trip to Chamonix is complete without a hike into the mountains to get a close-up view of Mont Blanc and the renowned Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), France’s largest glacier.

If you are not so keen on the walk, there are ski lifts and gondolas that will ferry you up the mountain. A world-famous attraction is the Aiguille du Midi, a precipitous peak that rises 3,842m above the city.

Hop on the cable car to the top and take in the incredible views, or sip a coffee as you watch climbers inch their way to the top.