Where to find a real winter during summer ín France? And I am not kidding! You can! How?
Very simple…just visit the French Alps and you can get cooler in the hot summer time, even more, you can be freezing if you don’t prepare and won’t get proper clothes with you. Well, don’t get scared it’s not that terrible. It’s true you can experience a temperature of minus degrees but only if you go up the French Alps and if you stay down you will still be enjoying hot French summer. And again don’t be put off going up by the ticket and price, queues, low temperatures because it’s worth it all: the magnificent views, atmosphere, making your dream come true…
And in order to get such an experience, I would recommend the charming town of Chamonix with its famous highest spot in The Alps – the Aiguilles du Midi which became the essential world attraction. So why to bother with cold French experience? And why in Chamonix in particular?
Because you will see and feel the French Alps
Because it’s only 20 minutes ride in the Aiguille du Midi cable car yet very enjoyable
Because it’s so close to Lyon (2.5 hours!)
Because you will easily be reaching the height of 3,842 m
Because of the amazing view of Mont Blanc, the whole mountain scenery, majestic ice falls, and glaciers
Because Chamonix is a charming beautiful town
Because it’s a paradise for sports enthusiasts and it is a Mecca for all skiers
Because it is the perfect place for Nature lovers
Because of the great location. The town is just one hour of Geneva airport, from where the regular bus service is provided. Chamonix has also a train station and a superb road access
Because it is so close to neighboring Italy and Switzerland which are within 30 minutes drive of the resort
Because you are 90% sure you will get snow there. The skiing is located above 2000m, so it’s ideal destination for skiing anytime during season
Because you can use the Tramway du Mont Blanc to admire the scenery, have a one-hour pleasant journey, have a stop at Motivon village at the Col de Voza pass and that have stunning views over Contamines Valley, the Aiguille du Goûter peak, and Aiguille du Midi peaks, and the Aiguilles Rouges mountain range.
Bonus: the scenery of pastures and forests from tramway ascending to Bellevue at 1,800 meters.
Because of the architecture of Chamonix which is a mix of traditional and modern: the quaint alpine chalets, Baroque churches, and historic Protestant chapels. So anyone can find something for themselves
Because of the Mer de Glace which is one of the largest glaciers in Europe. You can reach it at Montenvers (1,913 meters) in 20mins by taking the Montenvers railway. Impressive !
Because you can do a tour the “Grotte de Glace” (Ice Cave), about a 15-minute walk away from the Mer de Glace which gives visitors an inside view of a glacier.
I need to stop myself now! I could keep on going with listing the reasons why you should visit Chamonix and on how you can experience winter anytime throughout the year in France. I’m sure you are convinced and know how to make the most out of Chamonix. 
So have you been or are you planning to go?
Get warm clothes when going up to Aiguille du Midi : closed shoes, trousers, winter coat, beanie and gloves. It is freezing even in mid-July. We went from 20°C in Chamonix to -4°C in Aiguille du Midi ! Check the weather with live webcams before paying 60€ and going up. The cube of glass, “Pas dans le Vide”, is amazing but expect some queue (>30min).