Chamonix Nightlife – Bars & Nightclubs
Bars
Chamonix has one of the liveliest and most diverse après ski scenes in the Alps. Anyone would think that we needed more places to celebrate the fine skiing. Regardless of the stress and strains involved the Nomadic team has selflessly done some detailed research and put together a list of the best!
The Chambre Neuf is back on the map, after a few years in the wilderness. A renovation, some new staff and a good band each night means it is once again the place for Après Ski. Real live Swedish girls dancing on tables, and everything you think you need after a day on the mountain. It is also a good for a drink at other times and a favourite amongst the local ex-pats for lunch.
L'Elevation 1904 is situated across the road from the Chambre Neuf and is friendly little cafe/bar open all day. It is the type of French place you never thought would be able to abide by the smoking ban. However it has and is an excellent spot for the morning expresso, all day lunch or quiet evening beer.
Café La Terrace occupies the best location in town and is still trying to make it's name as the cool place to hang out. They have shut the restaurant part of the bar. Downstairs you can expect live music revelry whereas upstairs has a more ‘cocktail’ bar feel with funky dj’s and comfy sofas.
Bar'd Up is now the only Aussie theme pub in town. As an Aussie, I can tell you, it is a good pub but not very Aussie (which may be a good thing for some). An excellent place to have a not so quiet beer or watch the sport. Albeit, that they rate the football higher than the cricket (not very Aussie at all). Regular live bands, dj’s and themed nights.
The Privelege is very much a bar not a pub and although reassuringly expensive it is good for a cleansing ale. The quality of live entertainment varies and earplugs should sometimes be handed out at the door. Even so we like it.
Bar'd Up And Privelege are situated at at either end of what the French call Rue Anglaise. So named because of all the English speaking bars that used to be there. This has not been the case since a big fire gutted four drinking establishments two seasons ago. However there is a resurgence with the opening of the very trendy The Mix last year and the small but friendly Soulfood before that. The is also hope for the coming season that we will have another - We will keep you posted.
The new Dolce Vita wine bar is also more for the discerning client whilst not caught up with it's own image. With a good wine card and a more grown up feeling inside it is sure to be popular.
MBC. Many nights were spent trying the homebrew at the Micro Brasserie de Chamonix or MBC. A 5-minute walk from the centre of town means it attracts a discerning clientele. A good place to track down a mountain guide with a story or two! The chicken wings are legendary and the burgers are pretty good too. Watch out for the beer it sneaks up on you and look out for the local band, Gary Bigham and The Crevassholes - a Chamonix institution.
The Clubhouse enjoyed the best opening PR ever witnessed by a bar in the Alps. It is a very funky looking place. The cocktails are world class and it is very London, New York wannabe. Except it is in Chamonix.
The Pub is aptly named and has a good crowd each night, with bands playing every now and then. Not the funkiest bar but it is a good place to start after dinner. They play the sport on a TV down the back too.
The Derapage also falls into the same catagory with an almost "speak easy" hidden feel to the place. It's reputation is for a good place to start or finish the night.
The Jekyll Irish Pub now has live bands and dj’s. The old problems of slow service are long gone and faster beer is a good thing in any language. Its reputation for good pub grub is still in tact and the current bar staff are friendly and good fun. A good spot to catch any sports event!
The Vagabond is a long time Chamonix institution with many a local skibum spending their first night in Chamonix in the gite attached. Very much a locals bar with many a tradesman holding up the bar after work and skibums aplenty. Great summer BBQ's on a Friday night.
South Bar, the life and soul of Cham-Sud and wall to wall Swede. Always a lively bar, popular with the younger Chamonix contingent. The Monkey Bar has entered the fray in the Harlem of Chamonix and enjoys a good reputation too.
On the outskirts of town near Gaillands climbing wall is the Verte which has a solid crew of drinkers and a very funky image. Certainly a good addition to the area. It is the place to be if the waist of your jeans is closer to your knees than your navel and you like your underwear visible.
The nearby village of Argentiere has the legendary Office Bar that serves as pub, cafe, restaurant and nightclub. Its reign at the top is being challenged by Posh John’s Rusticana or Rusty Bar as the place to be seen.
The Stone Bar has also earned a great reputation as a bar with many describing their pizza as the best in the valley. "Wonderful fresh ingredients on a beautiful thin crust" was the basis of many reviews.
Last years newcomer Le Delice in Les Houches is still "cutting the mustard". This restaurant and tapas bar gets fantastic reviews from the locals. Which is great news for the Les Houches inhabitants. Well worth the 7 minute drive down the Valley.
Nightclubs
''The times are a changin' in the late night party scene in Chamonix. With some bars gutted by fire last season and new replacements popping up this year. We will have some new contenders to the throne. Probably the most taked about is as yet unamed new nightclub due to open in the Alpina centre for Winter 07 - We will update you as neew comes to hand but the tried and true favourites are:
The Garage is Chamonix's late night spot you end up in when you just know you should have gone home. It can be a lot of fun with a group or when you think you are dancing particularly well.
The newcomer to the Chamonix scene is No Escape. It finds itself listed as a nightclub becasue it has a late licence albeit that there are restaurant and cafe facilities too. It is plying it's trade as an exclusive and hip place to be.
For funky beats the late night location is the Cantina. Smokey, dark, loud and everything that it should be.
Le Tof is the local Gay bar located in Chamonix Sud. Definitely worth a look late at night, any night for great atmosphere and very few mainstream tourists.
The Nomadic team has been seen at La Choucas surveying the late night party scene in the past and would definitely recommend it. It has a good international mix of guests with the French and English speakers. Beware the shots.
Internet Cafes
The Bureau on the banks of L’Avre is a dedicated internet café with high speed connection and a great cup of coffee. A ‘living room’ area with sky television downstairs means it’s a popular seasonnaires hang out on a white-out day.
Mojo's sandwich shop in the main square also has internet with fresh sandwichs made to order.
There is also Internet access in McDonald's and the Post Office and free Wifi in the Tourist Office.
All our chalets have Wifi Broadband internet on offer. So bring your laptop and it is all for free.
