Chamonix - Red Magazine Weddings July 2006
Date of publication: 01 July 2006
Writer Amanda MorisonRed’s travel editor Amanda Morison and husband Caspar became early risers on a second honeymoon in a romantic French chalet.
‘Get up! Quick!’ My husband groaned. Fair enough, it was barely 6am, and we were supposedly on honeymoon. We’d arrived in Chamonix in the French Alps the afternoon before to a blanket of fog that obliterated the promised spectacular view of Mont Blanc. ‘It’s sunny, and it might be our only chance to see the mountain!’ He wasn’t disappointed; the sun rising over a snow-covered Mont Blanc was an impressive sight. It became slightly bizarre, having one of Europe’s most famous sights as a backdrop. We’d go to fetch the shopping and end up gazing, having forgotten what we were doing. And it’s not as if there weren’t plenty of distractions inside. Les Chalets de Philippe, a collection of seven chalets on a hillside just outside Chamonix, are impossibly cute. Chalet Les Trolles is a two-storey beauty with a tub large enough to swim in. While we hopped around with excitement, Philippe, the owner, disappeared and returned with a berry smoothie. He was a great host, never too busy to direct us to a walking route, restaurant (La Caleche for fondue served by damsels in traditional dress fighting for space among cuckoo clocks) or tell us the history of his chalets. Philippe also collected Alpine antique furniture, most of which seemed to be in our chalet. More contemporary details included a vast American-style fridge, WiFi access and a flat-screen TV. It was blissfully secluded, quiet and romantic. The temptation to stay in our chalet was strong. However, Chamonix in the summer is as busy as during the ski season, with loads to do. If you’re a hearty, ice-climbing type, you’ll feel right at home. And if you like shopping, bistros and walks, you’ll be very happy, too. It was a truly romantic week. The chalet was so cosy and full of atmosphere that we felt like characters from a fairy tale.