UKC

Surprised to not find loads of info on this, does anyone have any idea how much you can expect to spend daily on food and all that stuff in Chamonix? Heading out for a 3 week trip there, first time climbing in the valley so wanting to do it as cheaply as possible

Cheers

In reply to TomAlford:

It really depends on what you mean by "all that stuff". If you shop at the supermarket for basic food (and take any spices etc out with you) eating and drinking isn't very expensive. Money ratchets up when you eat out, drink out, take coffee out or eat at huts

In reply to GrahamD:

Yeah was thinking about cooking most nights, probably only eating out if we get particularly beasted on something and need a big meal! Just I've heard stuff about how the supermarket in the centre of town is more expensive than the one further down the road?

In reply to TomAlford:

If you have transport, buy your food outside Cham on the way there, e.g. in Sallanches. If you have to shop locally, then the Carrefour on the bypass is the biggest, cheapest place to shop. Gear shopping is far cheaper elsewhere, lots of dedicated places with tonnes of selection and top-end prices in Cham centre! Lifts and huts can be the biggest expense.

For lifts, you can get a rapidcard (apply in advance online) which is cheaper if you're using the lifts on the MB side, it doesn't always work out cheaper for the Aig Rouges side. For huts, a BMC reciprocal rights card will get you a discount.

In reply to SteveM:

Big supermarkets down-valley are indeed cheaper, but even making the trek down to Les Houches for the slightly-bigger SuperU can save you a fair bit of cash. Definitely avoid the little Casino minimarts scattered around, much more expensive than the SuperUs.

The Spar in Cham Sud, though expensive, sometimes has nibbles and snacks close to their sell-by-date and at greatly-reduced cost in a basket by the front door. If you are ever near the Monkey or the Midi, pop in and check.

In reply to TomAlford:
Probably repeating what others have said...

Big intermarche on junction 21 on the motorway is where we went for our 'big' shop. It's open on Sunday's until 12.30z
Lidl in sconzier nearish decathlon.
The wee superu in Argentiere was actually ok to, like a tardis and surprisingly well stocked.
Avoid the casino chain in Chamonix unless desperate.
For gear , unless really specialised then there is a huge Quechua store in domancy (branded mountain store) just off the motorway.

In reply to TomAlford:

Myself and my partner spend same money as in London for both eating in and out. But yeah, avoid supermarkets in centre of Cham.