Chamonix was by far my favourite destination I travelled to in Europe, located in the heart of the French Alps, is a beautiful mountain town that’s known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant atmosphere, and world-renowned ski resorts. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or just looking to experience the magic of the Alps, Chamonix has something to offer. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your trip:
How to Get to Chamonix:
Chamonix is located in the southeastern part of France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is nestled in the French Alps near the Swiss and Italian borders. It is possible to head over the border into Italy, to enjoy a day trip to Courmayeur. You can do this by bus, drive, helicopter transfer or my personal favourite cable car.
The nearest major international airport to Chamonix is Geneva Airport (Aéroport de Genève) in Switzerland. Which is about 88 kilometres away by road.
I travelled to Chamonix from Geneva airport via bus. I found that this was the cheapest option it was roughly 20 euros and I was able to book tickets to transfer here. Make sure to book your tickets in advance as many people weren’t able to get on our bus as they hadn’t prebooked and had to wait hours for the next transfer.
How To Get From Paris To Chamonix
Taking the train is one of the best options for getting to Chamonix from Paris. It is an easy and convenient way of travelling through France. You can take the fantastic high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon station to St-Gervais-les-Bains. From here, you must change from a main-line SNCF train onto a local train called the Mont-Blanc Express. This line runs up the Arve Valley to Chamonix. There are direct high-speed TGV trains from Paris to St-Gervais during the ski season.
On days when there is no direct TGV service, you’ll change from a TGV onto a regional train for the last part of your journey to St-Gervais. The change of train adds little to the overall journey time. But in general, it takes 5 to 6 hours to reach Chamonix from Paris by train.
Driving from Paris to Chamonix takes approximately 7 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions. You would take the A6 and A40 highways, passing near Annecy, before reaching Chamonix. However, you must remember that you are required by law to have snow chains in the car or winter tyres to drive in the Alps in winter. But not all car rental companies in Paris offer this.
Getting Around:
Chamonix has a bus system which runs up and down the Valley and serves the various ski resorts and hiking areas. All lines pass by the Chamonix Sud Bus Stop, make a circuit in Chamonix and then connect the town with the other 4 communes: Les Houches, Servoz, Argentiere, and Vallorcine. The town circuit is free and the other busses that take you further out are free if you have a lift pass or 2 euros for a single journey or 3 euros for a day pass if you don’t.
Things to do:
1. Aiguille Du Midi
Perched atop the French Alps, the Aiguille du Midi stands as a towering sentinel, offering intrepid adventurers a breathtaking vista of the Mont Blanc massif. Accessed via a thrilling cable car ride, this iconic peak provides unparalleled views of jagged peaks, vast glaciers, and the sweeping valleys below. A gateway to high-altitude mountaineering and an unforgettable experience for all who venture to its summit, the Aiguille du Midi is a must-see destination for those seeking adventure and awe-inspiring natural beauty.
There are two cable cars to reach the Aiguille Du Midi tower which sits at 3,842m and is only a stone’s throw away from Mont Blanc. the first station you reach on the trip is a great starting point for some hikes in the area. I decided to take the short hike to Lac Bleu from this station to save myself the steep hike up and it was stunning.
You can purchase your tickets for the Aiguille Du Midi from the station in the center of town or you can book advance online.
Be aware that if you are booking on the day that the tickets are timed you may need to get there early to secure an early timeslot.
2. Panaramic Mont Blanc Cable Car
This experience is only available during the summer months and only during very specific weather. Due to that fact, it cannot be booked in advance only on the day at the ticket booth at the bottom of the Aiguille Du Midi cable car. But if you are there during the right time then this is by far the best experience I booked on my 6-month trip to Europe and I highly recommend it!
This is a 5km stretch of cable car that takes you from the Aiguille Du Midi station across to the Punta Herbronner station which connects you to the Italian side of the Alps. From here depending on time or weather you can actually take the cable cars down to Italy but just make sure you have your passport.
The views from this cable car are stunning! You pass beside Mont Blanc and can see the tiny figures hiking along ridges or climbing crevasses. The cable cars in this section are grouped into sets of three and hold just 4 passengers. I was able to get a car completely to myself which is a treat for a solo traveller as a lot of the time you are made to share. The windows in the cable car also open so you get an unrestricted view.
3. Hiking
From leisurely strolls along lush forest trails to challenging ascents to high-altitude summits, Chamonix caters to hikers of all skill levels. Experience the thrill of crossing suspension bridges spanning deep ravines, or marvel at the sight of wildflowers blooming in the meadows during the summer months
Popular hikes and walks in Chamonix include…
- Mer de Glace balcony hike across to the mid-station at Plan d’Aiguille (2-3 hours) overlooking Chamonix.
- Hike up to Lac Blanc (2352m) from the Flegere / Index lift (just under 2 hours). A great place for a picnic with views of Mont Blanc.
- Explore other lakes in the Aiguille Rouges nature reserve: Lac Cornu (2276m), Lac Noir (2540m) .
- Bossons glacier – hike from Le Mont and enjoy food with a view at Chalet du Glacier des Bossons (1425 m)
- Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft) – Walk up above Le Tour to the top and a beautiful 360° view over France and Switzerland. (4 hours total).
- Berard Valley & Mont Le Buet (gentle hike with a waterfall)
- Visit one of these Buvettes en Montagne (snack bars and restaurants in the mountain)
- Aiguilette des Houches (2285m) – Heading towards Bel Lachat passing the Lapaz river and the Carlaveyron prairies (around 3h15 climb), this route gives you one of the best views of Mont Blanc.
4. Adventure Sports
Paragliding: Experience the sensation of flight as you glide above the snow-capped peaks of Chamonix. Tandem paragliding flights offer a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Alpine landscape, making for an unforgettable adventure. I was going to book a paragliding flight in Chamonix but thought I would wait until Switzerland for a better view and I was wrong. I wish I had booked the Chamonix one.
Reserve a Paragliding Experience
Guided Snowshoe Tours: Whether you’re a novice or an experienced hiker, guided snowshoe tours offer the perfect opportunity to explore Chamonix’s winter wonderland with the expertise of a knowledgeable local guide. Traverse peaceful forests, meander along scenic trails, and soak in the majestic views of the surrounding peaks.
Guided Mountain Bike Tours: Whether you’re new to mountain biking or seeking to explore Chamonix’s hidden gems, guided mountain bike tours offer the perfect opportunity to discover the best trails and vistas the region has to offer. With experienced guides leading the way, you can focus on the thrill of the ride while soaking in the stunning scenery.
5. Thermal Baths
Looking to relax after a big hike or just unwind amidst the stunning scenery of Chamonix? Dive into relaxation at the Les Thermes De Saint-Gervais or Les Thermes Parc! For a dose of mineral-rich rejuvenation, head southeast from Chamonix’s centre to find Les Thermes De Saint-Gervais, where soothing waters and indulgent spa treatments await. Or, venture south to Les Thermes Parc, where modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature’s beauty, offering outdoor thermal pools nestled amidst verdant landscapes. Prices range from €20 to €50 per person, depending on the season and services chosen, so why not treat yourself to a day of pampering amidst the breathtaking Alps? Don’t forget to book ahead and check for any special offers!
Where to eat:
Looking to satisfy your cravings in Chamonix? Check out these culinary gems:
La Calèche: Craving traditional mountain fare? La Calèche is your go-to spot! Indulge in hearty dishes like fondue, raclette, and tartiflette, all served with a side of warm hospitality.
Mumma: For a taste of something special, head to Mumma. With a menu bursting with flavor and creativity, this eatery promises a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget.
L’Atmosphere: Seeking a stylish dining experience? Look no further than L’Atmosphere. Specializing in contemporary French cuisine, this chic spot boasts fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Le Bivouac: Nestled in the heart of Chamonix, Le Bivouac offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu brimming with delicious delights. From comforting classics to inventive dishes, there’s something for everyone at this charming eatery.
Poco Loco Burger: Sometimes, nothing hits the spot quite like a juicy burger. Head to Poco Loco Burger for mouthwatering patties piled high with all your favorite toppings. It’s the perfect pick-me-up after a day of adventure in the mountains.
No matter where you choose to dine in Chamonix, you’re in for a treat! Bon appétit!
Where to Stay in Chamonix:
Budget Options
I stayed at the Vert Lodge which was roughly 15 minutes walk from the centre but there was also a bus stop right outside which is how I got around. if you are driving they also have plenty of parking. I was on a budget so I stayed in a dormitory room which was roughly 50 euros a night which included a simple breakfast and a welcome drink. The majority of the people staying here were completing the Tour De Mont Blanc trail so they were staying here before and after their trip. The property also has a bar with a pool table and a restaurant so it is a great place to meet people also.
Book a stay at Vert Lodge here.
Dormitory rooms are roughly 30 euros and double rooms are around 130 euros per night. This includes a simple breakfast also. This property does have communal kitchen facilities so if you are looking for somewhere to cook this might be your best option although Vert Lodge did have some great deals each day to keep costs down.
Book a stay at Chamonix Lodge here.
Another budget accommodation option is located around 1.7 km from the centre of Chamonix. This accommodation is around 35 euros per night for a dorm room.
Book a stay at Le Chamoniard Volant here.
Mid Range Options
Set in an alpine garden at the foot of the Bossons Glacier, the Big Sky Hotel offers a heated indoor pool and a hot tub. A public shuttle service can take you to the centre of Chamonix, which is 4.5 km away. Free parking is available. Rooms here will set you back around 130 euros or roughly 150 euros if you want a buffet breakfast included.
Book a stay at the Big Sky Hotel here.
Les Balcons du Savoy is a residential hotel offering suites with a balcony overlooking the Mont-Blanc mountain range. It offers an indoor swimming pool and free WiFi access. Each spacious suite has a kitchenette with coffee and tea-making facilities, a seating area and satellite TV. The property is around a 3-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix. a 1 bedroom suite starts at roughly 230 euros per night without breakfast or 250 euros with breakfast.
Book a stay at Les Balcons du Savoy
High-End Stays
Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Grand Hôtel des Alpes
Chamonix is a mountain town like no other, offering a unique combination of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned ski resorts. Whether you’re looking to experience the thrill of the slopes, relax in its thermal baths, or simply explore its charming old town, Chamonix has something to offer. So why wait? Book your trip to Chamonix today, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime! With its beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation, Chamonix is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the French Alps. Don’t hesitate, plan your trip now and discover the magic of Chamonix for yourself!
The Comments
Gay
Awesome guide Amy made me feel like I was there with you love it