Travel Guide of Chamonix in France by Influencers and Travelers

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, more commonly known as Chamonix, is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It was the site of the first Winter Olympics in 1924.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Chamonix

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Alps

   10 km away

The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, and stretch approximately 1,200 kilometres across eight Alpine countries: France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia.

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2 - Aiguille du Midi

The Aiguille du Midi is a 3,842-metre-tall mountain in the Mont Blanc massif within the French Alps. It is a popular tourist destination and can be directly accessed by cable car from Chamonix that takes visitors close to Mont Blanc.

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3 - Mountain bike in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Take a breath of fresh air riding through the best MTB trails in the Chamonix Valley! Experience Enduro/All mountain riding, covering the whole Chamonix valley from end to end! You'll follow your guide and ride some of the best single tracks in the v...

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4 - Mont Blanc

   10 km away

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and the highest in Europe west of the Caucasus peaks of Russia and Georgia. It rises 4,808 m above sea level and is ranked 11th in the world in topographic prominence.

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5 - Mer de Glace

The Mer de Glace is a valley glacier located on the northern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif, in the French Alps. It is 7.5 km long and 200 metres deep but, when all its tributary glaciers are taken into account, it can be regarded as the longest and largest glacier in France, and the second longest in the Alps after the Aletsch Glacier.

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6 - Rafting in Samoëns, Le Grand Massif

   16 km away

Come and measure yourself against the rapids of the Giffre on board a raft, an 8-seater boat that will offer you sensations and challenges as a group! Whether you are a beginner, an amateur or a rafting enthusiast, Nunayak offers you the opportunity ...

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7 - Lac Blanc

   6 km away

Lac Blanc is a lake in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie, France.

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8 - Mont Blanc du Tacul

   8 km away

Mont Blanc du Tacul is a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif of the French Alps situated midway between the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc.

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9 - Paragliding in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Chamonix - Mont Blanc is one the most beautiful resorts in the region of the Alps and getting a chance to fly over the highest peak in France is not to be missed! Come pilot your flight with the help of your state certified instructor, and feel free ...

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10 - Mont Blanc Tunnel

   6 km away

The Mont Blanc massif is a mountain range in the Alps, located mostly in France and Italy, but also straddling Switzerland at its northeastern end. It contains eleven major independent summits, each over 4,000 metres in height. It is named after Mont Blanc, the highest point in western Europe and the European Union.

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11 - Aiguille Verte

The Aiguille Verte, which is French for "Green Needle", is a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps. It was first climbed on 29 June 1865 by Edward Whymper, Christian Almer and Franz Biner, a fortnight before the fateful first ascent of the Matterhorn.

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12 - Backcountry Skiing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Are you a good skier and want to discover one of Chamonix's must-do off-piste itinerary? Take to the slopes of the Vallée Blanche on skis or snowboard and get your thrills! The Vallée Blanche is the best-known off-piste ski resort in th...

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13 - Aiguille du Dru

The Aiguille du Dru is a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps. It is situated to the east of the village of Les Praz in the Chamonix valley. "Aiguille" means "needle" in French. The mountain's highest summit is: Grande Aiguille du Dru 3,754 m Another, slightly lower sub-summit is: Petite Aiguille du Dru 3,733 m.

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14 - Refuge des Cosmiques

   6 km away

The Cosmiques Hut is a mountain hut in the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps at an altitude of 3,613 m. It is a large structure capable of accommodating 148 mountaineers.

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15 - Snowshoeing in Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Take a number of snowshoe hikes in Chamonix and enjoy superb panoramic views of the majestic Mont Blanc!The ski resort of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is the starting point for many hikes in the surrounding mountains, with Mont Blanc as a background. It'...

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16 - Glacier du Tour

   12 km away
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17 - Refuge Albert 1er

   12 km away
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18 - Flaine

   16 km away

Flaine is a ski area in the Haute Savoie region of the French Alps, and is a part of the linked Grand Massif domain. It is in the territory of the communes of Magland and Arâches-la-Frasse.

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19 - Les Contamines-Montjoie

   16 km away

Les Contamines-Montjoie is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

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20 - Cirque Du Fer A Cheval

   17 km away
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21 - Megève

   21 km away

Megève is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France with a population of more than 3,000 residents. The town is well known as a ski resort near Mont Blanc in the French Alps. Conceived in the 1920s as a French alternative to St. Moritz by the Rothschilds, it was the first purpose-built resort in the Alps. Originally it was a prime destination for the French aristocracy. It remains one of the most famous and fanciest ski resorts in the world.

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22 - Pointe Percée

   24 km away

The Pointe Percée is the highest mountain in the Aravis range of the French Prealps in Haute-Savoie. It rises to 2753 meters and has 1643 m of prominence, and is thus is classified as an ultra prominent peak. Its first documented climb was by M. L.

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23 - Les Gets

   30 km away

Les Gets is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The village's first single-person chair lift was opened in 1938 with the first chair lift on Mont Chéry in 1954.

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24 - Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe

   30 km away

Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe is a commune in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France.

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25 - Morzine

   31 km away

Morzine is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France. A traditional market town in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Morzine is dominated by chalets spread across a river gorge, bordered by partially wooded slopes allowing skiing in poor weather conditions.

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Pictures and Stories of Chamonix from Influencers

20 pictures of Chamonix from Martin Jernberg, Yann Lauener, Chris Biron and other travelers

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Why should you visit Chamonix ?

Travel to Chamonix if you like:

  ❄️ Glacial landform     ⛰️ Mountain range     ⛰️ Hill station     ⛰️ Mountain     ⛰️ Mountaineering     🌲 Forest  

How to visit Chamonix ?

To get to Chamonix, the most convenient option is to fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA) in Switzerland. From there, you can take a shuttle bus, train, or rent a car to make the 1.5-hour journey to Chamonix. Many shuttle companies offer door-to-door service between the airport and Chamonix, with prices ranging from €30 to €40 each way.

When planning your visit to Chamonix, it's essential to book guided mountaineering tours, ski lessons, or lift passes in advance, especially during the peak winter and summer seasons. You can find various tour operators online, and many hotels and chalets offer packages that include these activities.

The costs of a trip to Chamonix can vary depending on your preferences. Lift passes for skiing or snowboarding can range from €60 to €300, depending on the duration and areas you want to access. Dining and accommodations can also vary, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious resorts.

Chamonix offers a plethora of activities for visitors to enjoy. In the winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions, with numerous ski resorts catering to all skill levels. In the summer, hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding are popular activities. For a truly memorable experience, consider taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which offers stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps.

When it comes to dining, Chamonix has a variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets. For a taste of traditional Savoyard cuisine, visit La Caleche or La Maison Carrier. If you're looking for a more casual atmosphere, try Munchie, which offers a fusion of Asian and French flavors.

For accommodations in Chamonix, there are options to suit every budget and preference. For a luxurious stay, consider the Hôtel Mont-Blanc, which offers upscale rooms and amenities, including a spa, pool, and fine dining options. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at the Chalet Les Pelerins, which offers comfortable rooms and a charming atmosphere. Alternatively, the RockyPop Hotel provides a unique stay with a lively atmosphere, perfect for younger travelers or those looking for a social experience.

Off the beaten path:

For a unique and unforgettable experience, consider spending a night or two at the Refuge du Montenvers, a historic mountain refuge perched above the Mer de Glace glacier. Accessible by train or a challenging hike, the refuge offers rustic accommodations and incredible views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. While there, you can explore the ice caves within the glacier or take guided mountaineering tours to the nearby peaks. Staying at the Refuge du Montenvers allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and solitude of the high Alps, providing a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

Learn More about Chamonix

About the French city of Chamonix 

As the host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix will always have a place in history books. Chamonix's main attraction is the Mont Blanc, the highest point in Western Europe, and the ski areas that overlook the valley. The slopes around it are more for experienced skiers: they are steep and the weather is not always favorable. But there are a few runs for beginners. Also, note that Pierce Brosnan came here to film a James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough. At an altitude of over 1,000 meters, it allows its visitors to enjoy the pleasures of the mountains. They can try their hand at a number of fun activities to push their limits and get their adrenaline flowing. Between water sports, discoveries, traditions, and extreme sports, they can leave their comfort zone.

To do in summer in Chamonix

Canyoning is one of the most fun outdoor activities to do in Chamonix. It is one of the most popular sports for holidaymakers. It has the advantage of mixing caving, discovery, climbing and water sports. It is also a great way to experience the thrill of the jumps and abseils that the participants have to make. But it also allows travellers to discover the mountains in a completely different way. In the midst of steep landscapes and ancient waterways, they can better appreciate its incredible richness.
Rafting is also available as an activity. This white water sport allows participants to have fun while getting their adrenaline flowing. On family boats, they can take on the rapids and torrents of the river.
Canoeing and kayaking can also be good alternatives. To get some height, you can take a microlight trip over the Mont Blanc. It is also possible to climb Mont Blanc.

To do in winter in Chamonix

Of course, nothing beats outdoor activities in Chamonix in winter. When the mountain is covered in white, travelers can only appreciate its relief better. Also, they can try their hand at a variety of outdoor activities to explore its extraordinary massifs and glaciers.
Among the outdoor activities to do in Chamonix, skiing and snowboarding are obviously the most popular. This commune of the Alps is indeed one of the most beautiful winter sports resorts of the massif. It invites holidaymakers to enjoy the pleasures of skiing at the foot of majestic thousand-year-old peaks.
You can also take a dog sled ride, go paragliding to admire the view or take a helicopter flight over Mont Blanc.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Chamonix

Where to stay in Chamonix ?

Choosing the town center for accommodation in Chamonix will have the advantage of being close to the cable cars for climbing the ski area, or in summer, the hiking trails. 

North of Chamonix, towards Les Praz-de-Chamonix, will give you the advantage of being close to the town's golf course and the La Flégère cable car. It allows you to hike on the slopes of the Aiguille de la Floria.

Another alternative to staying in Chamonix is Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. The town center of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is not very big, but it offers the possibility to do everything on foot. It is also a very famous spa resort.

How long does it take to visit Chamonix ?

One week is the minimum to visit Chamonix Mont-Blanc. Between the must-sees, the moments of relaxation and the numerous sports activities, the ideal would be to stay 15 days.

How can I spend 2 days in Chamonix?

Two days in Chamonix go by very quickly!

Improvise yourselves as explorers 

Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to 3777 metres. At this height, enjoy the terraces offering a 360° view of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. You will find sensational attractions such as "stepping into the void" (a transparent box allowing you to walk above the mountains) or the "tube" which allows you to go around the central pillar of the Aiguille du Midi. Then, take the lift to the top terrace at 3842 metres, to discover a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc.
Climb aboard the Montenvers train, one of the 5 cogwheel trains in France. It will take you on a journey to the heart of the Mer de Glace. You will find a glaciorium where you can learn all about this majestic ice formation. A few hikes are possible from Montenvers to the Aiguille via the large north balcony or down to Chamonix via Les Planards or the village of Les Bois.

Explore the treasures of the region

The Crystal Museum offers guided tours by a crystal maker in the afternoons during school holidays. Treasure hunts and escape games are organised to discover the mysteries of these magnificent mountains. Dare to fly above these majestic landscapes on a paragliding trip. And finally, if you don't want to miss anything of the town of Chamonix, take the tourist train to discover its history, its monuments, its sports and its secrets.

Does Chamonix have a train station?

Yes, Chamonix has a train station. There are even two train stations in Chamonix: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Chamonix Aiguille du Midi.

Both are accessible with the Mont Blanc Express train (famous red and white train in the mountains). It connects Martigny (in Switzerland) to Saint-Gervais-les-bains-le Fayet (in France) via Chamonix and Vallorcine (French-Swiss border).

It takes about 40 minutes from Saint Gervais-le Fayet to Chamonix and about 2 hours from Martigny to Chamonix.

The Mont Blanc Express train is connected to the SNCF, TGV and Léman Express (new) network from St Gervais le Fayet station.

Is Chamonix worth visiting if you don't ski?

Yes, Chamonix is not just about skiing. There are many otherthings to do.

Enjoy the friendly places: having a pedestrian pass gives you access to restaurants high up in the mountains. Enjoy the bars and their mountain atmosphere.
The gastronomy and flavours of the mountains also await you at the Saturday morning markets. 

You can go up to the Aiguille du Midi and enjoy the attractions there: a panoramic view, a walk around the central pillar of the Aiguille du Midi.

Enjoy other sports: sensational ones such as paragliding or dog sledding. More leisurely but just as energetic (if not more!) is snowshoe walking. Snowshoe walking is very popular and you can be accompanied by a professional guide in a group or not. Discover the mountains at a different pace. No snow? Ask at the Tourist Office and discover all the hiking trails!

Visit museums and galleries: marvel at the Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum and discover the origins of the region and its attractions at the Maison de la mémoire et du patrimoine and the Musée Alpin.

Special occasion (or not): take advantage of the spas and other relaxation areas in Chamonix luxury hotels. It is possible to use the services of a hotel without being a guest for the night. A supplement will be charged.

Chamonix hotels organise parties and events during the holidays and especially on national holidays. Check the calendar before you book!

   Where to Stay in Chamonix

   More Travel spots to explore around Chamonix

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Chamonix

  ❄️ Glacial landform spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots     ⛰️ Summit spots     ⛰️ Highland spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     🏘️ Town spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ⛰️ Mountain spots     🏞️ River spots     ⛰️ Mountaineering spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     Backpacking spots     Skiing spots     🌲 Forest spots     ️🏜️ Badlands spots     🏞️ Watercourse spots     Ice cave spots  

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