ACTIVITIES IN CHAMONIX
got some free time in chamonix ? here are some nice activities
Sac léger bivouac
Activities to do
when you’re staying in Chamonix
or just for a short break!
Activities to do when you’re staying in Chamonix
or just for a short break!
Chamonix highlights
Must-do activities:
CHAMONIX HIGHLIGHTS
Must-do activities :
Aiguille du Midi :
The summit at 3842m!
The Aiguille du Midi, one of Chamonix’s highest peaks, is accessible by the highest cable car in France. Getting to the top is one of the most popular activities in Chamonix. It takes just 20 minutes to reach an altitude of over 3842m. A must-see that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.
There are several activities offered up there:
- A museum: the highest in the world, retracing the history of those who had the audacity, creativity, and courage to climb these mythical peaks.
- The famous step into the void: a glass box, with 5 glass sides, over a thousand meters of void under your feet. You will be able to see Mont Blanc, and the mountaineers, as this is the starting point for many mountain climbs, including the famous Vallee Blanche.
The Aiguille du Midi promises a unique and timeless experience.
Montenvers and Mer de Glace :
The world's most famous train!
The Montenvers site with its famous little red train, known the world over as a rack-and-pinion railway that takes you up to the Montenvers station at an altitude of over 1913 meters! From Chamonix, this train offers a unique 20-minute experience.
Once up there, discover the jewels this place has to offer:
The Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, with a total length of 7km. The train takes you to the terminal and near the glacier, where you can admire this jewel of nature. There are also several hiking trails around the Mer de Glace.
To get to the Grotte de Glace, take the gondola from the Montenvers station, and you will arrive at the heart of the glacier where, in summer, you will discover an original collection of ice sculptures and, in winter, you will visit the Musée de la Glace.
Visiting the cave is quite enlightening concerning the impact of global warming on glaciers. Be aware that the cave must be reshaped every summer, so even with the gondola, there are still 430 steps to climb to visit the cave, as the glacier level is much lower than it was a few years ago, so bring good shoes!
The Glaciorium was created in 2012, on the Montenvers Mer de Glace site. This site answers all the questions you might have when faced with a glacier like the Mer de Glace. What is a glacier? How does it form? Why and how does it keep moving forward?
You will find all your answers about climate and environment, as we all know that nowadays it plays an important role in the evolution of glaciers. The Glaciorium is open daily during summer (from early June to late September).
The Hotel du Montenvers, built in 1880 still welcomes guests today. This rustic hotel combines the authenticity of a mountain refuge with the services of a restaurant and a comfortable hotel. The restaurant serves authentic, high-quality food. At lunchtime, you can enjoy the terrace with views of the Drus and Grandes Jorasses.
Mont-Blanc tramway :
Start of the Mont-Blanc ascent!
The Tramway du Mont-Blanc, well known to mountaineers as the starting point for the ascent of Mont-Blanc, will take you from Le Fayet at 580 m to the Nid d’Aigle at 2372 m! The 12.4 km route takes you safely through a parade of high mountain scenery. Take to the heights aboard this famous tramway – a unique experience guaranteed!
Visit Chamonix Mont-Blanc:
A picturesque village!
Chamonix is a beautiful and charming village with a lively atmosphere both during the day and in the evening. Known for being surrounded by France’s highest mountains. Chamonix is a mountain town nestled at the bottom of Mont-Blanc and crossed by the Arve River, just a few kilometers from Swiss and Italian borders.It offers unmissable events all year round. Wander around its narrow streets and Art Nouveau buildings.
Chamonix offers restaurants, boutiques, and museums, such as the Crystal Museum, open all year round except Mondays and offering a trip through the world of mineralogy. Come and discover these jewels of exceptional quality, diversity, and beauty. You will also find the famous QC thermes. The QC therme is a Spa nestled in the middle of nature, with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc. In winter, enjoy the luxury of a bath surrounded by snow, and in summer, take advantage of a peaceful setting in the heart of mountain meadows. A moment suspended in time, where you can enjoy over 30 wellness activities and an infinity edge pool. Come and relax in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc!
Hiking
Itinerary ideas from Chamonix :
HIKING
Itinerary ideas from Chamonix :
Hiking to Lac Blanc :
A place with a breathtaking panorama!
One of the must-do hikes in Chamonix is to Lac Blanc. The hike starts at the top of the Flégère cable car. The well-marked path offers breathtaking panoramic views of the glaciers and the most beautiful peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. An accessible hike that can be enjoyed alone, as a couple, with friends or even with the whole family.
At the top, you will see two lakes: the lower lake and the upper lake. And if you want to see more, you can keep going to the Chéserys lakes and return to the intermediate station of the Flégère gondola, which also offers a magnificent view of the massif.
This hike is one of the most famous in the region. It can be achieved in half a day or a full day, depending on your own pace and wishes.
Hiking on the Grand Balcon Nord :
In the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif!
The Grand Balcon Nord hike in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif is a medium-altitude mountain hike from the Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille to the famous Mer de Glace, it offers exceptional panoramic views. Meet at the Aiguille du Midi cable car in Chamonix, as the hike starts from the first plateau.
This medium-difficulty hike is safe, as it is well marked, with signs to help you find your way around and make sure you are on the right path. Enjoy panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and its famous Aiguilles: l’M, les Charmoz, Blaitière, le Plan, l’Aiguille du Midi, etc.
Hiking to Chalet des Pyramides:
A view of the Bossons glacier!
This hike starts from the Bossons cable car parking area. The hike is more difficult due to the steep gradients, but promises splendid views of the Glacier des Bossons waterfall, seracs and ice pyramids.
You can eat in a small, picturesque chalet clinging to the side of the Montagne de la Côte, which serves as a creamery and restaurant, and has a panoramic terrace.
If you wish, you can reduce the altitude difference by taking the Bossons chairlift, starting the hike from the Chalet du Glacier des Bossons.
Aiguillette des Posettes hike from Montroc :
Overlooking the Chamonix valley and Vallorcine!
This hike, which is on the TMB itinerary, starts from the Montroc SNCF railway station parking lot. It offers breathtaking panoramas. On one side, the Arve valley and the Mont Blanc range, the Grands-Montets, the Drus, the Tour glacier and the Balme mountain pastures. On the other, the Vallorcine valley, with its panoramic views of the Aiguilles Rouges, Mont Buet, the Loriaz mountain pastures and the Emosson dam.
A hike that promises great views and a 360° panorama when you reach the summit of the Aiguillette des Posettes.
Hiking to Aiguillette des Houches from La Flatière :
A panoramic view of the Mont Blanc Massif!
This hike offers magnificent panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc range. The starting point is the Bettey car park, just before the hamlet of La Flatière, not far from Les Houches. You will pass the Chalets de Chailloux, where you will be able to grab a bite to eat (depending on opening hours). On the way up, you will see the Fiz, Mont Blanc and Aiguille Rouge ranges.
At the top, you have several options:
- You can keep going up to the Brévent summit, where the gondola takes you back to Chamonix.
- Alternatively, you can take another route back down, along the Chalettes ridge towards the Bellachat refuge, making a loop. You will have a panoramic view of Mont Blanc.
- Or take the same route back down.
Adventure activities
For more thrills:
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
For more thrills:
Mountain biking:
Chamonix is the ideal place to do it!
Chamonix is the ideal place for mountain biking, with several trails to enjoy. You can also enjoy a day mountain biking thanks to the lifts at Le Tour, Col de Balme, Vallorcine, Bellevue and Prarion in Les Houches, which are specially dedicated to mountain biking. The tracks are for all levels, an ideal opportunity to enjoy the scenery and challenge yourself at the same time. Several itineraries start in Chamonix, such as the Chamonix – Annecy route: Nuyama offers a great 2-day electric mountain bike itinerary connecting Chamonix to Annecy. This sporty 80 km itinerary promises incredible scenery over the Mont Blanc, Beaufortain, Aravis and Bornes massifs. Ride through alpine meadows and city sections, with some great descents and climbs.
Via Ferrata :
A family activity!
Via Ferrata is a great thrill that combines hiking and climbing. Chamonix offers a via ferrata for all levels.
The Evettes via Ferrata offers an exceptional panorama of the Mont Blanc range! It’s a 20-minute walk from the Flégère gondola and a 20-minute walk back to the gondola after the ascent. This via ferrata consists of a sign bridge, a Nepalese bridge and 2 escape routes. In all, it takes 1h30 to climb. Accessible to all, even children (over 1m20 tall). It is a good compromise between alpine hiking and rock climbing. It is rated as 2 out of 5 in terms of difficulty.
For the bravest ones, at the end of the Via Ferrata, there is a possibility of continuing a Via Corda. Note that for this part, you will need climbing equipment and that the level is higher, therefore it requires a sufficient level of practice and experience.
Discover glacier walking :
Introduction to mountaineering!
Chamonix offers many opportunities to discover glacier walking. Many peaks are ideal for beginners. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced mountaineer, you can enjoy unforgettable alpine experiences. For glacier trekking, you will be accompanied by a guide who will explain how to do it safely. They will also be on hand to answer your questions and explain the history of the area. With your crampons on and roped up, you will discover breathtaking high-mountain panoramas.
It’s the outdoor spaces and especially the desire to share them that led us to create the agency in 2019.
Our primary goal is to help you make the most of the extraordinary experience the mountains have to offer. Whether you’re looking to recharge your batteries or challenge yourself physically, we’ve got an activity just for you!
With passion, sharing and confidence 🏔️