Ultimate Travel Guide to Chamonix: Top Tips, Attractions, and Adventures in the Heart of the French Alps
A Travel Guide by Tom Fortune
Chamonix in the French Alps is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is a town surrounded by rugged terrain, stunning glaciers, and imposing mountains, with Mont Blanc taking pride of place dominating the skyline.
This mountain town is located on the French side of the French-Italian and French-Swiss border, making it popular for people who want to experience three European countries on one trip. It is definitely a hotspot for people looking for the ultimate in outdoor activities, stunning landscapes, and Alpine culture.
In this travel guide to Chamonix, we will give you everything you need to know about visiting this iconic Alpine destination.
How to Get to Chamonix
Chamonix is in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. Due to its proximity to the border, it is entirely possible to visit Italy and experience places like the chic Courmayeur or dramatic Aosta Valley, which are accessible through the Mont Blanc tunnel.
You can reach Chamonix in several ways, depending on where you are coming from, and it is one of the more accessible French mountain towns.
Fly to Geneva
Geneva Airport is a hub for most alpine destinations in France and Switzerland, so there's a good chance you will find a flight that suits you.
You have a few options for getting to Chamonix from Geneva. Firstly, you could hire a car from the airport and drive to Chamonix in about an hour and a half. Having a car during your trip to Chamonix gives you the flexibility to explore the area and get between the various villages that make up the town. Many transfer companies also provide shuttle buses and taxis between the airport and Chamonix. Taking a transfer is the most stress-free way of traveling in the Alps, especially during winter, as you don't have to worry about driving on snowy mountain roads.
Alternatively, you can travel from Geneva by train via the Léman Express. This train will take you to Saint Gervais-Les-Bains-Le Fayet in about 2 1/2 hours. However, you will need to finish your journey on the local Mont Blanc Express train, which will take you to Chamonix.
Getting to Chamonix from Paris
If you want to reach Chamonix from Paris, one of the best ways is by train. The train is an experience in itself as you can ride the excellent high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon station to St-Gervais-les-Bains. These super-fast trains run during the ski season, the busiest time of year. If you are traveling outside of the ski season, you will need to use a combination of TGV and regional trains to complete your journey. Either way, it takes five to six hours to get to Chamonix from Paris by train.
You can also drive from Paris to Chamonix in about seven hours, depending on traffic and snow on the roads. The A6 and A40 highways cut through France and pass near Annecy, providing a scenic drive before arriving in Chamonix. It is important to note that if you drive from Paris to Chamonix during winter, it is a legal requirement to have snow chains in the car or it is fitted with winter tires to drive in the Alps. However, not all Parisian rental companies offer this.
What to Do in Chamonix
Chamonix is an adrenaline junkie's playground, but there is also plenty of other things to do for the less adventurous. Let's take a look at all the things you can do during a visit to Chamonix.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Chamonix Valley comprises five ski areas (Les Grand Montets, Brevent, La Flegere, Le Tour, and Les Houches), all with their own personalities offering different experiences on the snow. I wouldn't say it's the perfect place for beginner skiers and snowboarders, but there are some good beginner slopes, especially in Les Houches. Here, you will find fewer challenging slopes higher up the mountain while the steep and faster runs take more experienced people back into the resort.
The area is fantastic for off-piste skiing and snowboarding, as most of the terrain lends itself to backcountry riding. But you must respect the mountains as Chamonix is not for the fainthearted. When in the backcountry, you must carry a transceiver, probe and shovel and know how to use them. I recommend booking a local guide to take you to the best of areas, which are around the Aiguille du Midi, where you'll find some of the most technical and exhilarating terrain in the world. One of the most famous off-piste roots is the Vallée Blanche route that takes you all the way down the spectacular Mer de Glace, it’s a real classic.
Get Up Close and Personal with Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe and tops out at 4809 m above sea level. You can see this mountain from many ski resorts around the Alps, but you can see it up close during your trip to Chamonix in a couple of ways:
One way is to jump on the Aiguille du Midi Cable car. This takes you up to the peak next to Mont Blanc at 3842 m. From here, you can get breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and access to high-altitude hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding routes. Be sure to book your place on the cable car in advance, as it can only carry so many people up the mountain per day.
Another way is to take the Mont Blanc Tramway, one of the highest railways in France. The Train trundles from the valley through the mountains up to the Nid d'Aigle. The old-school style of this historic train gives it a sense of authentic charm while offering spectacular views of the local mountain range and giving you access to numerous starting points for your next adventure.
Hiking and Climbing
Throughout the summer months, Chamonix is a hotspot for hiking as it is the start and end of many iconic routes. One of the must-do hikes from Chamonix is the Tour du Mont Blanc, a stunning multi-day hike that takes you around Mont Blanc on all sides of the French, Swiss, and Italian borders. You can stop in a variety of mountain refuges, some luxurious, some incredibly basic, but whichever way you do it, it will be a trip to remember.
Other popular hiking routes include Lac Blanc, Grand Balcon Nord, and the stunning route to Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, where you will find some incredible waterfalls. Whichever route you take, you will undoubtedly encounter mountain wildlife such as marmots, ibex, Chamois, and various birds of prey, including vultures.
As you would expect from such a mountainous area, climbing is extremely popular. There are too many roots to list, but there is something for every ability. If you're genuinely interested in climbing in Chamonix, it is best to research roots according to your ability or book a local climbing guide.
Paragliding
Wherever you are in the Chamonix Valley, just look up, and you will see colorful paragliders soaring above your head. A tandem paragliding flight offers incredible views over the valleys and peaks. Several paragliding schools offer this service, and your pilot will make your flight as tranquil or as exciting as you like.
Cultural Attractions
Chamonix is steeped in history. For example, it is the oldest skiing area in the French Alps and the first venue of the Winter Olympic Games in 1924. These are just two of the historical facts Chamonix is proud of. You can find out more about the area at the Chamonix Alpine Museum, which perfectly illustrates its mountaineering heritage and local culture.
Place Balmat is the central square in the heart of Chamonix, featuring the statue of Jacques Balmat and Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, who were key figures in the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786. The square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular gathering spot for both locals and tourists.
You can also trek up to the blue ice of the Bossons glacier. Here, you will find the remains of planes that crashed in 1950 and 1966, revealed later due to the ice melting. Each plane has an interesting story behind it, as they were both reportedly carrying treasure.
Shopping and Markets
Chamonix is a fantastic place to flex your credit card. You will find plenty of brands in the outdoor niches alongside many art and souvenir shops. You can expect to find the very best skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, and climbing gear.
It is worth knowing that Chamonix holds a beautiful market every Saturday. Expect fresh produce, cheeses, and meats perfect for a traditional French lunch or dinner. Several artisans also sell handmade goods that make ideal souvenirs.
Eating and Drinking in Chamonix
Chamonix has a wide variety of foods, especially compared to other French Alpine villages. Of course, a trip to the French Alps wouldn't be complete without sampling local cuisines such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette. If you want to try one of these, you won't have to look too hard to find a traditional Savoyard restaurant, as there is one on nearly every corner, but one of the best has to be L'Atmosphere. Here, you can choose dishes from traditional and contemporary menus for both lunch and dinner, overlooking the river.
One of the most popular places for locals to eat and drink in Chamonix is MBC. This microbrewery has excellent food and makes all its craft beers in-house from Chamonix water. However, if you want something fancier, head to the Michelin-starred Albert 1er for a really special dining experience.
Where to stay in Chamonix
Given the size of Chamonix, you can expect a wide range of accommodation options. There is something for every budget, including high-end luxury down to wallet-friendly lodgings. For example, Hotel Mont Blanc is luxurious and well-located in the center of the Town. It offers gorgeous rooms, a spa, and fine dining. But if you want to take it up a notch, book a room at the five-star Hôtel Hameau Albert 1er, where you'll find a stunning spa and wellness facility, this is also the home of a Michelin star restaurant offering the very best gastronomic delights.
If you want something less extravagant, you may want to consider Hôtel de l'Arve. This hotel is close to the town center, giving you easy access to everything Chamonix offers and comfortable rooms. Alternatively, the contemporary style Le Refuge des Aiglons has an outdoor pool, cozy rooms, and a wellness center. For a more budget option, check out La Chaumière Mountain Lodge, with excellent food, a relaxed bar, and a short walk away from Chamonix's bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
Practical Tips
Weather
With Chamonix being high up in the mountains, you need to be aware of weather conditions to ensure you get the experience you want. The winter season runs from mid-December to mid-April, which sees heavy snowfall and low temperatures, perfect for winter sports. The milder weather is in spring, from March to May. You can still ski at this time, but people also start hiking and mountain biking. The summer months between June and August provide warm and pleasant weather ideal for outdoor activities and sports. September to November is the quieter autumn season with cooler weather.
It's worth noting that autumn is also hunting season, so you must be vigilant when hiking and mountain biking in the forests around Chamonix.
Getting Around
You can get around Chamonix by bus, which connects all the ski resorts. This is very reliable and included with your Mont Blanc unlimited ski pass. You can also use the Mont Blanc Express train to travel around the local area.
Language and Currency
The locals of Chamonix speak French, but you will also encounter many English-speaking expats and seasonal workers. Most people speak English in Chamonix's local businesses, but you will get better service if you at least try to speak a little bit of French.
The official currency in France is the euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, but some shops may have a minimum spending limit.
Final thoughts on Chamonix
Chamonix is a fantastic place to visit, thanks to its rich history and breathtaking terrain. It's also an ideal base for exploring other parts of Europe, thanks to its location and excellent transport links. For example, in less than an hour's drive, you could be relaxing on an Italian Mediterranean beach. However, as our travel guide has shown, with so much to see and do in Chamonix, you'll find it hard to leave.
About the Author
Thomas Fortune resides in the French Alps, where he embraces the outdoors by snowboarding, hiking, staying fit, and mountain biking whenever he isn't working. As the owner of several websites, Thomas focuses his content primarily on outdoor sports and mobility. For a closer look at his adventures, you can follow him on Instagram at @thomasfortune1979.
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