Trying to make reservations for late May in Chamonix and finding that many hotels are closed. While I don't need large tourists crowds we also don't want it to be too sedate. Would like some nice restaurants and a little night life. Will this be the case? Would we be better off in Courmayer or will it be about the same. Could anyone with experience tell me the difference between the two and which might be out best option.

Choose Chamonix, the finest city of the French Alps.

I have never been in Courmayeur, however, I have been a few times in Chamonix. May is indeed low season in the Alps, so every winter station will be quite sedate. Chamonix is great. I think the best program is going up to Aiguille du Midi (by téléphérique), then crossing the Valée Blanche (by télécabine). You may even proceed to Courmayeur (by téléphérique), crossing the whole of Mont Blanc from France to Italy. In May, Chamonix may be a little hot, but up the mountain it will be very, very cold, so don't forget hot clothes and chocolate. Don't move in a hurry, in high mountain oxygen pressure is lower, you could even risk fainting. In the French Alps, don't miss Annecy, a charming town on the border of Lac Annecy.

Grimmy,<BR>May is really tough as the whole area takes &quot;down time&quot; after ski season. Over all, you're gonna' find more of what you seek in Chamonix.<BR><BR>If you want, and decide to take this trip, email me [email protected]. My wife's sister lives in the area (Megeve) and I'll email her for ideas and recommendations. I'd recommend their Inn but...they're closed til late June.<BR>

Heading from Stresa to Chamonix this past September, we stopped for lunch in Courmayer. It was almost closed down -- we were amazed how quiet it was. Finally found a place open for lunch -- and we were the only ones there. So we were very surprised how busy Chamonix was once we got there. I would suspect if it's like that in September, it might be similar in May. I'd head to Chamonix -- no doubt about it!!!

Chamonix in May is calmer than some other months (summer-hiking and winter-ski but you could see some skiers who take the cable car to l'Aiguille-du-Midi and ski down La Vall&eacute;e Blanche, though the ski course might close by mid/end May. Still compared to &quot;small&quot; Courmayeur, there will be more activities going on and yet not too crowdy. September is much busier time since it is the end part of summer hiking season starting in June.

We loved Courmayeur! Wonderful Italian/Swiss village tucked away in the Alps. It's Italy! what's not to like? Awesome local skiing. Many opportunities to ski other areas. Great night life (do a pup crawl or two). Be sure to visit castles in th Aosta Valley. Take a day trip to Turin, shop, check out the schroud. One of my favorite meals was in a restaurant near the art museum.<BR>