Chamonix Valley Photographic WalksJuly/August

Teresa Kaufman leads unusual and secret itineraries for the curious photographer and traveler. Be inspired by getting behind the scenes to discover, taste and photograph the unique neighborhoods and hamlets of the Chamonix valley.
Cost: 15€ to 30€ depending on the walk
Duration: 3 hours - Accompanied and pleasant walking on small roads and snowy paths.
Accompagnied and pleasant walking on small roads and country paths. Walking shoes and appropriate attire in case of poor weather.
Information: www.teresakaufman.com and at the Tourist Office
Reservations necessary the day before at the latest: +33 (0)6 08 95 89 42

CHAMONIX - THE QUAINT HAMLETS OF LES BOIS OR LES MOUILLES - 25 €
We start off with a visit to the chef Fabrice DUHAMEL - of the HAPIMAG - a specialist of dietetic gourmet cuisine for a light and energetic snack - created exclusively for us ! - before continuing on a legetching walk through Les Bois ou Les Mouilles. We’ll discover and photograph the enchanting setting of La Prairie in Les Bois while in Les Mouilles, we’ll meet with the painter and guide Lionel Wibault.
Rendez-vous: 16:00 in the entrance of the HAPIMAG in Les Praz
Car-pool after our snack to either Les Bois or Les Mouilles.
Sunday: July 8 & 22 and August 5 & 19 for Les Mouilles
July 15 & 29 and August 12 & 26 for Les Bois

VALLORCINE - DREAM AND REALITY IN A MOUNTAIN VILLAGE - 20€
Les Vallorcins greet us as we make our way along the grassy country paths that knit through the typical hamlets of this unique environment. We’ll have an opportunity to meet and photograph wood craftsmen, farmers and formidable gardeners as well as the hidden architectural treasures of their community.
Rendez-vous: 10:30 in front of the Vallorcine SNCF train station
Monday: July 2, 9, 16, 23 and August 6, 13, 20 & 27

SERVOZ - IS NOT A MUSEUM PIECE! BUT A GENUINE MOUNTAIN TOWN
The locals of this rural village are actively engaged in making their town a delightful place to live - and visit ! Drawing on traditions of its ancestors while boasting a rich architectural heritage and benefitting from both valley and mountain resources, Servoz has attracted artists, builders, gourmet chefs, animal breeders, mountaineers and anyone looking for a quality life-style with plenty of sunshine as a bonus. Two itineraries are possible:

SERVOZ - ARTISTS AND ARTISANS IN THE COLOURFUL OLD VILLAGE - 20€
Marc Serres, the young inventive chef of Restaurant des Gorges de la Diosaz( BIB Michelin) invites us into his kitchen to photograph while he prepares lunch.
Then by path and across fields, we will make our way to the artist studio of ANAKA where she will continue to amaze visitors with her uncanny talent. Great photos of farms, orchards, gardens, the baroque church.... always with the spectacular backdrop of the Mont Blanc. May I suggest : grab an outdoor table for lunch at Marc Serre’s place after the walk.
Rendez-vous: 10:00 in front of the l’Hôtel Restaurant des Gorges
Tuesday: July 3 & 24 and August 28

SERVOZ - THE SUNNY MOUNTAIN HAMLET OF LE MONT DE SERVOZ - 20€
Le Mont - named after MONACO on the Riviera - due to its exceptional sunshine.
By way of a steep and ancient path, we walk past traditional wooden chalets, inspiring vegetable gardens and even a feudal 15th century farm before arriving to a small plateau - just in time - to milk the cows with owner/breeder Xavier Croz.
The Mont Blanc continues to look over us as we climb. The soft seductive late-afternoon light will enhance your photographs. If you like fresh milk, bring along an empty bottle.
Rendez-vous: 16:30 in front of the Hôtel Restaurant des Gorges
Tuesday: July 10 & 31 and August 7th

COUPEAU - THE MONT BLANC AT ITS DRAMATIC BEST - 15€
Nowhere else is the view of the Mont Blanc as impressive as it is from the top of Coupeau. Take the road which leads to the Parc Merlet and keep going.
We meet at the parking of the Flatière where the road ends only to continue on foot into a world of alpine pastures, mysterious bogs and an occasional chalet to add to the perspective... Perhaps the most nature-oriented of the walks and a favorite with kids. The sun lingers far into the evening up here offering wonderful photographic opportunities. (Duration of this walk : 2h- 2h1/2)
Rendez-vous: 17:00 at the Flatière parking - above and past the Parc Merlet
Wednesday: July 18 and August 8 & 15

CHAMONIX - PERSPECTIVES, PASSAGE-WAYS AND FINE CUISINE - 20€
Already a classic for discovering and photographing the other Chamonix.
An enticing walk through the center of town yet off the beaten-track into little-known neighborhoods with hints and clues to some great local spots. The already famous chef Mickey Bourdillat of the Michelin-starred BISTROT welcomes us into his bustling kitchen for a photo session. A tempting destination after the walk for one of the best lunches to be had in Chamonix at an unbeatable price. Reservations advised.
Rendez-vous: 10:00 in front of the St. Michel church
Thursday: July 5 & 19 and August 2, 16 & 30

CHAMONIX - A GARDENER’S PARADISE FACING THE MONT BLANC - 20€
The sunniest side of town where gardening is taken very seriously. We’ll meet and chat with gardeners while photographing their flowering creations and meander through an untouched hill-side neighborhood where no cars can climb. Denis Carrier, owner of the charming Auberge du Bois Prin will take us through his famous vegetable garden and possibly into the kitchen to watch the new Michelin-starred chef Raphaël Vionnet at work. An ideal stop for lunch on the terrace after the walk.
Rendez-vous: 10:00 in front of the St. Michel church
Thursday: July 12 & 26 and August 9 & 23

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