Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc at 1164 m altitude, the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie has all the riches, charm and personality of an authentic mountain village resort.
SIGHTSEEING
Winter is a small corner of paradise that has managed to combine the sports of slips to the sweetness and charm of small mountain villages. The snow conditions and sunshine are remarkable, the gentle and friendly atmosphere, 120 kilometers from the area of Les Contamines-Hauteluce, and 2 play areas (with halfpipe, boarder cross, rails, big airs) will delight skiers and freestylers. For more fierce, they can ski the 445km of pistes of the Evasion Mont Blanc. In addition to skiing (23 km), biathlon, footpaths and snowshoeing, dog sledding, horse-drawn carriage, paragliding, speed riding, ice climbing, ice skating natural ... are proposed.
Summer is a host of activities for all fans of sport climbing (climbing school of Duchère), hiking at medium or high mountains and enjoy the famous Tour du Mont Blanc, which passes through the Contamines, mountain biking, tennis clinics, horseback riding, paragliding, skate park? Summer is also enjoying his vacation at his own pace, a leisure park comprising thirty activities, bodies of water (bathing and animations), adventure in the trees, archery, fishing , golf, mini golf, trampolines ...
Over the 2 seasons, Contamines offer many activities for children (from nursery to year, children's club, ski schools and sports), shopping and services (some year-round)
A Nature Reserve, created over 30 years, covering an area of 5 500 hectares (glaciers at the mid-mountain) provides a nice charm and protected from contaminants.
With a rich heritage built by men in the Baroque period, Les Contamines-Montjoie is also a place of culture and encounter with the past. Taste the stuffing, traditional dish of the region, exploring the history of the country or indulge at cocooning.
Heritage:
The Baroque church of the village (eighteenth century). The date of completion, 1759, reads on the four rods of iron at the corners of the facade. At that time, the interior was not completed, its decoration dates from 1847. He also missed the tower and spire which were added in 1845. Its construction was entrusted to a master mason Piedmontese, born in Val Sesia, Domenico Gualino. The square tower is a tower base of the ancient castle of Monschau who supervised access to the col du Bonhomme. The awning provides information on the dedication, the church is dedicated to the Blessed Trinity, which is a patronage rather rare in this part of Europe. Money for construction will come largely expatriate. The church safely cross the French Revolution, the annexation (Department of Mont Blanc), the wars of Napoleon. The secret of making scales original tin tin was lost, so that the roof has been redone with stainless steel shells which lack the luster of gold above. The church was immortalized in 1802 by renowned English painter Turner. Its last renovation, after that made by the Piedmontese in 1882, was conducted by Edward Borga, in 1976, under the leadership of Father babaz. Preview of "contaminated the beginning of the century" seen by an amateur photographer, Dr. Ancelet. The church of Notre-Dame de la Gorge, "Place of pilgrimage very old, curious baroque oratorical style, covered with Renaissance frescoes and gilding, in the purest tradition of the Savoy religious ..." Roger wrote Frisian Roche Mont Blanc in the seven valleys. The lovely church of Notre-Dame de la Gorge, white spruce, Chapel painted on the facade where all the girls wanted to marry, marks the end of the road and departure paths and mountain trails. It was rebuilt in 1699 by Jean de la Vougniaz, a master mason of the Valsesia who had just finished rebuilding the church of Saint-Gervais. Notre-Dame de la Gorge, since the 13th century, was the parish church of all the inhabitants of the valley and that until the early 19th century. But it is also a shrine to the strong spiritual, imbued with the cult of Mary: since time immemorial, each year the pilgrimage from 15 August to the Gorge attracts a crowd of faithful. Finally, Our Lady of the Gorge is a place of prayer, inseparable from the pass of Bonhomme. What traveler has not crossed the doors of this church is for a thanksgiving after a trip without a hitch or a prayer before starting the dreaded?
The oratorical Gorge: arriving at the Gorge, we discover a set of fourteen small shrines that dot the road leading to the church. Their construction was decided by the priest Gaillard in 1728, primarily to give even more luster to the Marian cult already present there. Five "Joyful Mysteries" five "Sorrowful Mysteries" and five "Glorious Mysteries" are the Rosary and mark the stages of the life of the Virgin Mary.
Sainte-Chapelle: two hundred meters upstream of the Church of the Gorge, a small chapel singular hangs on the side of the cliff. The original building was located directly below the one we find today. Traditionally the first hermit to be installed at the Gorge has chosen this site to establish his hermitage. From the Middle Ages, the Sainte-Chapelle was a place of pilgrimage very popular with locals. Today, August 15, Assumption Day, and September 8, the anniversary of the Nativity of the Virgin, a procession led the faithful of the Church of Notre-Dame de la Gorge at the Sainte-Chapelle in After the office.
See also Contamines Montjoie:
The Roman Road at the start of Notre-Dame de la Gorge
The Baptieu hamlet with its church and its traditional architecture
Throughout the 2 seasons many activities for everyone in the village streets. Library, cinema, outings accompanied complement this program.
Winter:
At Christmas, many activities for the family with the passing of Father Christmas in the housing ...
31 December: Boots party, the village square.
In January: World Cup freestyle (skicross and half pipe), many competitions.
In February performances on snow with the presentation of various services of the resort.
April: Week of Easter eggs (competitions, entertainment ...).
Day Fan Club Marie Marchand (Vice World Champion SuperG).
Summer:
21 June: Music Festival in the central square of the village.
Day July 14: The night outdoor disco with DJ and refreshments, and fireworks (opening ball at 21h, fireworks from 22.30).
In July, the feast of the village, from 11am to 1am. Come discover the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, its inhabitants and crafts. Your appointment with the Savoyard tradition. From 11am, music, demonstrations and activities around the trades of yesteryear. And tastings of local specialties in the atmosphere of folk dances. The afternoon free initiation to escalation, competition games of yesteryear, dances and demonstrations of crafts of yesteryear. Evening from 21h, outdoor disco with DJ.
In July, enjoy the rhythm of the Open GDF SUEZ Contamines-Montjoie: Women's tennis tournament with $ 25,000 bonus. This tournament served as a springboard for many great players today. Numerous events throughout the week, access to games is free (3rd week).
Day August 15, Pyromelodic free show in the majestic Notre Dame de la Gorge.
End of August (last weekend): the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. One of the most important races in the mountains in the world. More than 2 000 riders face the 166 km and over 9000 m of vertical gain of the race. In addition to other courses are offered.
In October, the meeting of the carriers (3rd Saturday). For more information on the mules and their strengths in the mountains.
ATTRACTIONS, LEISURES AND ACTIVITES AROUND
The path of the Baroque: For exploring heritage in the magnificent setting of the Mont-Blanc route marked trails 20 km, connecting Combloux, Saint-Nicolas de Véroce and Notre-Dame de la Gorge through the Contamines-Montjoie. Brochure available at the Tourist Office. If you want to stop at the 6 chapels or one of 4 churches Baroque on the trail, and discover chubby cherubs, altars exuberant. Come and "rando cherubs.
With a charming wooden décor, the restaurant 'Le Coeur' is open all seasons. Let yourself be tempted by the traditional and reffined cuisine from the new chef.
Located 9.3 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
From 25 € to 100 € per person
Chalet de l'Ancolie
Demi-Quartier
From breakfast to dinner, we ensure you enjoy excellent cuisine. You can enjoy a cuisine that combines tradition and modernity. Enjoy simple, user-friendly, made from fresh mountain...
Located 9.4 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
From 20 € to 35 € per person
Aiguille du Midi
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Facing the majestic Glacier des Bossons and the Mont-Blanc mountain range, the Aiguille du Midi restaurant proposes authentic French cuisine in a stunning setting. Come and our specialities...
David and Noelia are happy to welcome you to their cottage Bagatelle in the hamlet of Prairy, located about 1 km from the village center. Drive easy and enjoyable. You can enjoy breakfast...
Located 9.8 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
50 € the double room
La ferme du mont blanc
8.3
Combloux
At the foot of Mont Blanc Solange and her family welcome you in a renovated farmhouse in the village of Combloux. Both rooms are available: The room 'Vallot' with a bed and a bench...
Located 9.9 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
58 € the double room
Gîte la Chouette
9.4
Passy
Our Chambres & table d'Hôtes lies near Chamonix, at an altitude of 1000 metres, with a magnificent view at the Mont Blanc. There is place for 15 persons in 2- 3- or 4-bedded rooms....
1st floor apartment situated in a luxury residence at 300 meters from the Gondola montjoie. On site there are various shops: self-service restaurants, creperie, bakery, sports shops....
Located in Les Contamines-Montjoie
From 240 € to 723 € per week
L'ideal Mont Blanc - chalet 3*NN
9.3
SPECIAL OFFER
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Facing Mont Blanc views, modern comfort, home to 17 people 1 BB (bb cuddly comfort avoiding transporting the necessary equipment to bb) The promotional fares outside areas French school...
Located 6.2 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
From 655 € to 2695 € per week
Gite les cristaux
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Lodging in free management 37 places has 3 mn of the center of St Gervais, Maison beginning of siecleentierement renovated.
Camping at the foot of glaciers. Great view. Comfortable cottage rentals.
Located 12.4 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
15.40 € per day
Camping en Alpage Le Megevan à 1550 m
8.4
La Giettaz
Between LA and clusaz megeve exceptional location for lovers of the mountain with views of Mont Blanc. Absolute tranquility. Numerous hiking and paragliding place. Via Ferrata 5 km....
Located 18.2 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
10 € per day
Camping caravaneige le versoyen
Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Located in the leisure area of Bourg Saint Maurice, 200 m from shops, THE Versoyen welcomes you been winter camping cars, caravans, tents, rentals. We offer special prices for ski passes,...
With ski-to-door access, this residence is located a 5-minute walk from the Les Contamines ski lifts. It offers a spa and wellness centre, sauna and fitness centre. The spacious apartments...
Located in Les Contamines-Montjoie
Room from 35 €
Madame Vacances Residence Le Grand Panorama
7.6
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Le Grand Panorama is situated at the foot of Mont D’Arbois in the peaceful village of Saint Gervais and provides an exceptional view of the Mont Blanc. The Saint Gervais resort combines...
Located 6.6 km from Les Contamines-Montjoie
Room from 35 €
Chalet Gabriel
8
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
Chalet Gabriel is located in Bettex, in the St-Gervais-les-Bains ski resort and offers panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc Massif. It offers chalet-style accommodation with private balconies...