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If you have done the things to do in France, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Chamonix.
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps lies a winter wonderland where the snow-capped peaks rise high into the sky.
Chamonix, with its glistening slopes and awe-inspiring landscape, beckons adventure-seekers to indulge in an unforgettable experience.
From skiing down the slopes of Mont Blanc to exploring the charming town center, Chamonix is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape reality and immerse themselves in a world of pristine beauty and adventure.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Chamonix:
1. Aiguille du Midi
Aiguille du Midi is a mountain in the French Alps that offers stunning panoramic views and exhilarating experiences to visitors.
What to see or do: Take a cable car ride up to the peak of the mountain and marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the famous Mont Blanc.
Visit the glass cage, which is a transparent box extended over the valley suspended by cables, giving you a 1035m vertical drop view.
Visitors can visit the impressive snow-covered mountains through a tunnel carved into the rock.
Don’t miss: The Skywalk, a glass platform that extends out of the upper terrace, gives you an unforgettable view of the valley 1,000 meters below.
Another favorite activity is the Vallee Blanche ski run where you can glide over the stunning glaciers of the French Alps.
Insider travel tips: Visit on a clear morning for the best views and avoid the crowds. Dress warmly, even during summer months, as temperatures can drop dramatically at the peak.
The queues can be overwhelming. Buy tickets online, ahead of time, or early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Lastly, make time for a snack or meal at the on-site restaurant, which offers incredible views of the mountains.
2. Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in Western Europe, located in the French Alps near the town of Chamonix.
What to see or do: Enjoy breathtaking views from the Aiguille du Midi cable car or take a scenic train ride on the Montenvers Railway.
Ski or snowboard in the winter, hike or climb in the summer, or simply relax and enjoy the picturesque Alpine scenery.
Don’t miss: The stunning Mer de Glace glacier, accessible by the Montenvers Railway. Also, be sure to visit the charming town of Chamonix, with its cozy cafes and boutiques.
Insider travel tips: Book activities in advance during the peak season to avoid long lines. Consider taking a guided hike or climb with an experienced local guide for a safe and memorable experience.
Don’t forget to dress in layers as the temperature can change quickly at high altitude.
3. Mer de Glace
Mer de Glace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chamonix, France. It is a glacier located in the Mont Blanc massif and is the largest glacier in France.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a scenic train ride on the Montenvers railway to reach the glacier. The train ride offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Once at the glacier, one can take a cable car or hike to the ice cave.
The ice cave is an intricate tunnel carved into the glacier and offers a unique experience of walking through blue ice.
There is also a restaurant nearby with amazing views of the glacier.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the ice cave, which is only open from June to September. Also, don’t miss the panoramic view of the glacier from the restaurant’s terrace.
Insider travel tips: It is advisable to book train tickets and cable car tickets in advance as the queues can be long during peak season.
Wear warm clothes and sturdy shoes for the hike. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
4. Vallee Blanche
Vallee Blanche is a popular off-piste skiing route in Chamonix, France.
What to see or do: Ski down the glacier and take in stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
Don’t miss: The famous Arête du Rochefort, a narrow ridge that skiers must cross to reach the final descent.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to hire a local guide who knows the area well and can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The best time to ski Vallee Blanche is usually from January to April, depending on snow conditions.
Be prepared for changing weather and temperatures, and dress in layers to stay warm.
5. Le Brevent Cable Car
Le Brevent Cable Car provides stunning views of the French and Swiss Alps and is a popular attraction in Chamonix.
What to see or do: Enjoy a scenic ride up to the summit of Le Brevent at an altitude of 2,525 meters. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take stunning photos and capture memories of the beautiful mountain landscapes.
Insider travel tips: – For the best views, visit the cable car during clear weather conditions.
6. Les Grands Montets
Les Grands Montets is a ski area located in Chamonix, France, known for its challenging off-piste skiing and stunning alpine scenery.
What to see or do: Skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions at Les Grands Montets, with runs for all levels of experience. The area also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing.
Don’t miss: The top of Les Grands Montets provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the famous Mont Blanc. And if you’re up for a challenge, try the 24-kilometer descent to the valley floor!
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking for a quieter and more affordable place to stay, consider lodging in the nearby town of Argentière. And for the best skiing conditions, plan your visit from December to April.
Lastly, take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs between Chamonix and the ski area.
7. Glacier des Bossons
Glaciers des Bossons is one of the largest glaciers in Europe, located in the French Alps.
What to see or do: Witness the magnificent ice formations, walk along the glacier, go on a guided glacier hike or take the cable car to reach the Bossons glacier viewpoint.
Don’t miss: Stop by the Bossons Chairlift station for a panoramic view of the glacier before embarking on a glacial trek or hike.
Insider travel tips: Dress in layers, including warm winter gear, hat, and gloves, as temperatures can drop suddenly.
Make sure to wear sturdy hiking or walking boots and bring a camera to snap the breathtaking views of the glacier.
Always go on a guided hike or tour for safety and have a hands-free flashlight to navigate the ice caves and tunnels.
8. Montenvers Railway
Montenvers Railway is a historic railway that runs from Chamonix in the French Alps to the Montenvers Mer de Glace glacier.
What to see or do: The railway offers an unforgettable journey through the mountains, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
At the top, you can visit the famous Mer de Glace glacier, explore the ice cave, and learn about the history of the glacier and the railway at the exhibition center.
Don’t miss: The ice cave is a must-see, where you can walk through a network of tunnels and chambers carved out of the glacier.
The views from the top of Montenvers are also breathtaking, so make sure to take plenty of photos.
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line, especially during peak tourist season. Dress warmly, as it can be quite cold at the top of Montenvers even in the summer.
Finally, consider taking the train early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds.
9. Lac Blanc
Lac Blanc is a stunning mountain lake located in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif in Chamonix, France.
What to see or do: The crystal clear waters of the lake provide a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. You can enjoy hiking trails around the lake or just sit and absorb the beauty of nature.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the panoramic view of the Mont Blanc mountain range and the Aiguilles Rouges. You can also take the cable car to Flegere and hike up to the lake or take a guided tour.
Insider travel tips: The best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and the views are clear.
10. Flegere Cable Car
Flegere Cable Car is a popular sightseeing spot in Chamonix, France that takes tourists on a scenic ride up to the mountains.
What to see or do: During the 20-minute ride aboard the cable car, tourists can soak in panoramic views of the French Alps. At the top, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, from the observation deck.
Insider travel tips: – The cable car can get busy during peak season, so consider arriving early to avoid waiting in long lines.
11. Ski Pass Mont Blanc
Ski Pass Mont Blanc, also known as Chamonix Unlimited Ski Pass, is a ski pass that provides access to the slopes of the Chamonix Valley.
What to see or do: Ski Pass Mont Blanc allows skiers and snowboarders to explore a variety of ski areas, including Les Houches, Brévent-Flégère, Grand Montets, and Balme Tour Vallorcine.
With over 400km of slopes, there are options for skiers of all levels.
Don’t miss: The Aiguille du Midi cable car, which ascends to 3,842m and provides breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, try skiing in the early morning or late afternoon. Planning in advance can save money, as ski pass prices increase during the high season.
Additionally, if you’re an experienced skier, don’t miss the opportunity to hire a guide and explore the off-piste areas surrounding the ski resorts.
12. Chamonix Alpine Museum
The Chamonix Alpine Museum located in Chamonix, France, is a museum dedicated to the history and development of mountaineering in the French Alps.
What to see or do: The museum showcases various exhibits including photographs, mountaineering equipment, and other artifacts that represent the development of Chamonix as a world-renowned mountaineering destination.
Visitors can also watch various films, and there are interactive exhibits for children.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is the display of the oldest wooden skis in the world, dating back to 1550.
Another exhibit that is worth seeing is the display of vintage mountaineering equipment used in Chamonix, including ice axes, ropes, and crampons.
Insider travel tips: It is best to visit the museum during a weekday when there are fewer crowds.
Visitors should also consider taking a guided tour to get more insights into the exhibits and the rich history of mountaineering in Chamonix.
Additionally, the museum is closed for a few weeks during the off-season, so visitors should check the website before planning their visit.
13. Grotte de Glace
A mesmerizing ice cave located within the Mer de Glace glacier in the Chamonix valley.
What to see or do: Witness the intricate ice sculptures and formations created by skilled artists within the natural ice walls of the cave. Walk through the narrow passages and tunnels to explore the different chambers of the cave.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the cave is the stunning ice altar, carved into the shape of a grandiose chamber with intricate detailing and delicate motifs.
Also, make sure to capture the breathtaking views of the Mer de Glace Glacier from the cave entrance.
Insider travel tips: Dress warmly as the temperature inside the cave is below freezing. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction as the floor can be slippery.
Arrive early to beat the crowds and book tickets in advance as the cave is a popular attraction and tickets sell out quickly.
14. Le Tour
Le Tour is a popular ski resort located in the town of Chamonix in the French Alps.
What to see or do: Le Tour offers a wide range of activities for both skiers and non-skiers alike. Skiing and snowboarding are the most popular activities, but visitors can also try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice-skating.
For those not interested in winter sports, there are hiking trails, a panoramic gondola, and a range of restaurants and shops to enjoy.
Don’t miss: Le Tour is known for its stunning views of the Mont Blanc mountain range, so be sure to take advantage of the ski lifts and enjoy the incredible vistas.
Additionally, there are several après-ski spots and bars that are perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Le Tour during the mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds. The ski resort offers a variety of ski passes, so make sure to choose the right one for your needs.
Also, be sure to bring warm clothing and plenty of layers, as the weather in the French Alps can change rapidly.
15. Planpraz Tramway
A popular tramway in Chamonix that takes you from the city center to the Planpraz mountain peak.
What to see or do: The tramway offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Once you reach Planpraz, you can go for a hike, explore the nature reserve, or relax at one of the cafes or restaurants.
Don’t miss: The panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, and the Aiguille du Midi, a spectacular peak that is a popular destination for skiers and climbers.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds and long lines. Also, bring warm clothing as it can get chilly at high altitudes.
If you plan to hike, remember to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen.