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Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, or simply Chamonix, is a town and municipality in eastern France, in the Upper Savoy department (historical region of Savoy).
It is located in the Alps, in a narrow valley of the river Arve (a tributary of the Rhone), at the foot of the Mont Blanc, where at Chamonix a tunnel connecting France with Italy is dug.
Chamonix is the center of the popular Chamonix-Mont Blanc ski region.
The Chamonix valley was first mentioned in 1091.
The appearance of the first tourists in the region refers to the beginning of the XIX century, when the French Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix was created. In 1921 the commune changed its name from Chamonix to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc[source not shown 2025 days].
In 1924, the city was widely known for hosting the first Winter Olympics.
By the mid-twentieth century, agriculture, once an important source of income for local residents, had lost its popularity and economic activity in the city finally shifted to tourism. By the end of the twentieth century, the town could accommodate up to 60,000 tourists at a time; in all, Chamonix hosted up to five million visitors a year.
The commune of Chamonix, which stretches over 16 km, has long been considered an important center of winter sports of the French Alps.
Now Chamonix is known as a popular and relatively accessible resort for fans of skiing and snowboarding.
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- Air quality: 13 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: Yes, safe to drink
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 10,000 people
- GDP: $36,826 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 28 Mbps
- Best wireless: Orange
- Pay without cash: Yes, cards OK almost everywhere
- Tipping: You can leave around 5-10 percent if you are very happy with your meal. This will be more than appreciated. Essentially tipping in France is more of a gesture, and less of an obligation. So, if you receive exemplary service then it is nice to leave a larger tip to demonstrate your appreciation.
- Apartment listings: AirBnb
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Online electronics shop: Amazon
- Best short-haul air carrier: EasyJet
- Best intl air carrier: Air France
- Monthly costs for expat: $3100
- Monthly costs for family: $6700
- Monthly costs for local: $1900
- Meal: $15
- Small Cola: $2.5
- Beer 1 Pint: $7.5
- Coffee: $5
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