A gastro experience and photo walk in Chamonix
What a great day for a photo walk in Chamonix, but then most days in my opinion are great days for a photo walk in one of the many beautiful areas of the Haute Savoie region of France. So today I took a photo walk with long time resident of the Chamonix Valley – Teresa Kaufman
Today was special for me as I got a glimpse of the Michelin-starred chef Mickey Bourdillat in situ working in his kitchen at the Five Star hotel Mont Blanc in the centre of Chamonix. When I arrived the chefs were hard at work prepping for lunch using seasonal local produce and the kitchen was very calm, quiet and incredibly tidy. Let’s hope he doesn’t wander into my Taste of Savoie kitchen unannounced when I’m mid-preparation or to coin the correct culinary phase during ‘mis en place’
We met by the church and made straight for the hotel – it was the first time I had been in The newly refurbished Hotel Mont Blanc and it is stunning! The decor has been completely designed by the renowned French interior architect Sybille de Margerie. One can see the traditional style architecture of the Chamonix valley alongside the contemporary touches which gives a refined atmosphere.
There are glimpses of a ‘modern Savoyard’ look, lest we should forget we are in the french alps, but clearly this establishment is aiming at Chamonix’s ‘high-end’ clientelle.
The first thing that hits you is the impressive entrance and staircase with great lighting.
The restaurant, lounges and bar area have a contemporary feel with some great styling and accents on lighting and decor.
However all the action this morning was happening in Chef Mickey’s kitchen.
After having spent some time chatting and photographing the chefs at work, we embarked on Teresa’s ‘nooks and crannies tour’ of the town area of Chamonix. Teresa took us on some of the smaller streets and quiet neighbourhoods, through servitudes and ‘off the beaten tracks’ to glimpse a hidden and interesting Chamonix.
Teresa has lived in the Chamonix valley for 42 years and I can’t think of anyone better to show you around this area. Her knowledge of the place and its history is fascinating. Whilst walking around the town she gives hints and tips for photo opportunities and ideas to get the best shot of some great scenes.
Then it was straight back to restaurant Le Matafan in the Hotel Mont Blanc to enjoy the menu du jour, that we had watched being prepared.
The lunch was excellent and represented great value at €22. This included an amuse bouche, main dish and dessert followed by home made petit fours served with coffee. The service was very good, friendly and quite formal.
Teresa offers a variety of photo walks either in groups or one-to-one for more information visit her website – it would be great if you mention Taste of Savoie if you book a walk with her.
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What an awesome experience and beautiful hotel… but not as beautiful as the mountains. I LOVE snow and have never been to Chamonix or even close. LOVE your pics! #allaboutfrance
We love Chamonix and have eaten at that restaurant, which you captured it perfectly in your photos. The images of the graffiti are interesting as that is not what anyone would think of when they imagine the Alps, but it is reality. Great photos!
Thanks very much! Have you seen my post of a great summer hike in Chamonix up to the Argentiere Glacier – it was fabulous! https://tasteofsavoie.com/2015/10/10/what-a-hike-what-amazing-views/
if you have any restaurant recommendations that I should try in the area – do let me know
Thanks Caro
Lovely photos! I worked a ski season in La Tania but never made it to Chamonix can you believe it? The hotel décor looks fab – I love the photo of the staircase with the black and white tiling! Menu du jour looked yummy too. #AllAboutFrance
Thanks Becks, If you are back in this area Chamonix is definitely worth a visit…
I had a completely different taste of Chamonix, but my visit was in a completely different season and I was accompanied by small children… no Michelin starred restaurants for us 😉 Visiting from #AllAboutFrance…
Gorgeous photos! This looks like a perfect day – walking/photo tours and eating great food are two of my favorite activities when visiting a new place, so this would be right up my alley! How cool that you got a sneak peek behind the scenes in the kitchen. And I’m surprised by how reasonably priced lunch was – a great tip! #AllAboutFrance
Thanks Sara,
If you are coming this way to Haute Savoie let me know and we can plan a foodie walking tour! Caro
How wonderful to see a master chef at work, it must have been so inspiring. The decor of the hotel is incredible, the staircase in particular. I agree with Carolyne that you don’t expect to see graffiti in the mountains but loved all your photos. Thanks for linking up to #AllAboutFrance Caro!
It was a great experience Phoebe, the food was very good and the hotel decor has been done beautifully. Thank you for providing the #AllAboutFrance link up.
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