Le Matafan - Hotel Mont Blanc

Welcome Cocktail Hour

Night-Before Celebration

Friday Night Cocktails

Eglise Réformée Arve Mont-Blanc

Ceremony

Reception

Send-Off Brunch

Note: All guests are invited to and encouraged to join us at all wedding events.

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Accommodations

Please do not book accommodations at this time.&nbsp;We’re excited to share that Hotel Mont Blanc has been reserved in its entirety with all lodging expenses covered from Thursday October 3 to Sunday October 6. Subject to the hotel’s capacity, we would love for our guests to join us for a complimentary stay from Thursday to Sunday. Space at the hotel is limited. Depending on how many guests are able to attend, there may not be enough rooms for everyone. In the event that all Hotel Mont Blanc rooms are filled with other wedding guests when we receive your RSVP, we will reach out to recommend other accommodations.&nbsp; So that we can figure out whether the whole group will fit in the hotel, please RSVP as soon as you know if you can make it. We'll be sending out invitations soon, but please feel free to RSVP in advance of receiving the invitation. Thank you!

Getting to Chamonix

Geneva Airport is the closest airport to Chamonix and is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away by car. From Geneva Airport, you can travel to Chamonix by private car, bus, or train. Train: If you're planning to travel by train, we recommend <a href="https://www.eurail.com/en/plan-your-trip/rail-planner-app" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">downloading the Rail Planner app</a>. You can use the app to route your trip and buy passes. We don't recommend taking the train in unless you're an experienced traveler as multiple transfers are required between Geneva and Chamonix. Bus: You can also take a private or shared bus into Chamonix. If you opt to take a non-door-to-door, shared bus, you will likely be dropped off in the town centre, which is a two minute walk from Hotel Mont-Blanc. <a href="https://tourdumontblanchike.com/geneva-to-chamonix-bus/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">This link</a> has some helpful information about bus options.

Car: There are many <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187261-Activities-c59-t182-Chamonix_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">private car services</a> that offer transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. We recommend booking one before your trip instead of relying on taxis at the airport. Hotel Mont-Blanc also offers airport transfers. Please let us know if you would like information about their rates.

Travel & Accommodations

Visa regulations for American travelers to Europe have recently changed. Starting in January 2024, U.S. citizens are required to obtain an European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization to enter Switzerland and France. ETIAS cannot be obtained upon arrival in Europe and must be applied for online prior to arrival. American&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;can apply for&nbsp;ETIAS&nbsp;online, and most applications will be processed and approved within minutes. However, we recommend applying as soon as the applications are open. We'll update this page once applications are open with more information. In the meantime, please visit ETIAS.com to learn more.

New Visa Regulations

Q + A

FOOD & DRINKS

Hotel Mont-Blanc is in the center of Chamonix, so there are lots of restaurants and bars within steps. A few of many nearby restaurants and bars:&nbsp; • <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187261-d12644615-Reviews-Moody_Coffee_Roasters-Chamonix_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Moody's</a>: coffee, tea, baked goods• <a href="https://en.chamonix.com/usual-information-services/food-and-drink/tea-rooms/aux-petits-gourmands-patisserie-salon-de-the" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aux Petit Gourmand</a>: pastries, desserts, coffee• <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187261-d6456801-Reviews-Cote_Macarons-Chamonix_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cote Macaron</a>: macarons, pastries, coffee• <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/elevation-1904-chamonix-mont-blanc-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Elevation 1904</a>: restaurant and bar with hearty breakfast options• <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187261-d7113130-Reviews-Cafe_Bluebird-Chamonix_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cafe Bluebird</a>: British cafe that serves English breakfast• <a href="https://www.moobarcuisine.com/menu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MOÖ bar</a>: burger bar with vegetarian and vegan options• <a href="https://coolcatsrestaurants.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cool Cats</a>: hot dog restaurant with vegan options&nbsp;• <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187261-d1580028-Reviews-Annapurna_Restaurant-Chamonix_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Annapurna</a>: Indian food with vegan options• <a href="https://www.restaurant-panierdes4saisons.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Panier des 4 saisons</a>:&nbsp;upscale traditional French&nbsp;• <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/auvergne-rhone-alpes/chamonix-mont-blanc/restaurant/atmosphere" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">L’Atmosphere</a>: upscale Savoyard with river views• <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187261-d2547202-Reviews-Bar_du_Moulin-Chamonix_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bar du Moulin</a>: tapas and cocktails• <a href="https://www.instagram.com/l_alibichamonix/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">L'Alibi</a>: cocktail bar• <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chamonixlaterrasse" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Terrasse</a>: 2 level bar with live music• <a href="https://www.seechamonix.com/bars/the-pub-chamonix-main-town-36476" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Pub</a>: British soccer pub• <a href="https://www.seechamonix.com/bars/bar-d-up-chamonix-main-town-36528" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bar'd Up</a>: dive bar with games (e.g., darts, pool)

ACTIVITIES

Chamonix is an incredible spot for mountain sports and hiking due to its location in the Alps and its proximity to Mont Blanc. The Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix is one of the top attractions in Europe for views of the Alps! Check out <a href="http://tinyurl.com/chamonixactivities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this guide</a> from our wedding planner with indoor and outdoor activity recommendations and booking information.

Things to Do in Chamonix

Looking to extend your trip before or after the wedding? Here are a few itineraries we recommend.

1. Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

If you're looking for adventure, views, and exertion, we couldn't recommend the Tour du Mont Blanc more! Experience the beauty of the Alps as you hike through France, Italy, and Switzerland on this 100-mile hike around Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. The Tour du Mont Blanc takes you through charming alpine villages, lush valleys, and gorgeous Swiss lakes. You can hire a guide or guide yourself. If you opt to do the full hike, expect for it to take 7-12 days. For a shorter option, we would recommend doing a 2-day hike to Les Houches after the wedding and heading to the Geneva airport to head home from there. If you're thinking about the full hike, I would consider hiking before the wedding since temperatures will get colder as October passes. My mom, sister and I (Victoria) did this hike in 2017 and booked an accommodations package with <a href="https://www.macsadventure.com/us/walking-tours/europe-walking-tours/france/tour-du-mont-blanc/?infinity=ict2~net~gaw~cmp~1064742451~ag~142561212473~ar~655528201588~kw~booking%20tour%20du%20mont%20blanc~mt~b~acr~4437564035&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA_tuuBhAUEiwAvxkgTiz8Q7vINNBAQiNXqL_UCv_Ru49pDJOE54-xIwqEHpvbYSUQR9MqsxoCoxwQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mac's Adventure</a>. We did not hike with a guide, but my mom returned to do it again a few years ago and did hire a guide the second time, who she loved! Let us know if you need a guide recommendation or if you have any questions about the hike. How to Get There: Chamonix is directly off the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking route. From Chamonix, you can hike or take a short bus ride to the trailhead.

2. London, Paris and Amsterdam

If you're hoping to scratch famous European sights like the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben off your bucket list, you'll be pretty close when you're in Chamonix! From Chamonix, you'll be a short plane ride away from the Mona Lisa, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Van Gogh museum, and more. How to Get There:&nbsp;I would recommend flying from Geneva Airport to London Heathrow or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The flight from Geneva to London or Paris takes about 2 hours. From either London or Paris, you can take a short flight (1 hour) or a high-speed train (2-3 hours) to Amsterdam.

3. Positano, Amalfi, Ravello

If you're looking to head somewhere warmer after the wedding, the Amalfi Coast could be a great option! I have not been, but my parents have and loved it. How to Get There: We recommend flying from Geneva to Naples International Airport, then traveling by car or bus to the Amalfi Coast. The flight from Geneva to Naples takes around 2 hours, followed by a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to reach the Amalfi Coast.

4. The Glacier Express

Trains in the Swiss alps are magical, especially the Glacier Express. Known as the "world's slowest express train," the Glacier Express is a slow-moving, eight-hour luxurious train ride between St. Moritz and Zermatt with huge, tilted windows that offer gorgeous panoramic views of the Swiss alps. You can also opt to be served a fancy meal with wine pairings from the regions you're passing through while you ride. The Glacier Express or another Swiss train like the Bernina Express could be a great option for anyone looking for beautiful Alps views with no hiking. How to Get There: From Chamonix, we recommend taking a car to Zermatt (2-2.5 hour ride), but you can also travel there by train (3-6 hour ride with multiple transfers). I'd recommend spending a day in Zermatt before boarding the Glacier Express to ride to St. Moritz. The Glacier Express runs both ways, so if it makes sense in your travel plans you could also ride it from St. Moritz to Zermatt.

5. Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, will be happening in Munich around the time of our wedding. The festival has huge beer halls serving traditional Bavarian beers, tons of interesting food, carnival rides, parades, live folk music and dancing, and lots more. Roy and I went in 2019 and had so much fun. Counterintuitively most of Oktoberfest is in September and the festival ends the day after our wedding on October 6, so this is a pre-wedding option only! How to Get There: Fly into Munich International Airport. We recommend flying from Munich to Geneva Airport for the wedding, then traveling by car or train to Chamonix.

Victoria & Roy