Chamonix…
Think about Chamonix nestled in the French Alps and you picture pristine jagged mountains, world-class ski resorts, and gondolas seeming to sail into space. Chamonix is also a charming resort town surrounded by the highest mountains in Europe.
One of these, Le Mont Blanc, is the highest, and touches both France and Italy, though the summit is in France. It’s called the Roof of Europe. The whole area is a feast for your eyes.
Skiing and other winter sports are notable activities in this area. But what if you don’t ski, or what if you visit in summer? Here are some ideas for each season and each preference. For more info on the ideas listed below, drop in at the Chamonix Tourist Office at 85 Place du Triangle de l’Amitié.
Where is Chamonix?
This town and area in the French Alps borders Switzerland and Italy. The town sits between two mountain peaks, Aiguille Rouge and Aiguille du Midi (Aiguille means needle.) Along with being a town, Chamonix is also a famous ski resort and the site of the first winter Olympics in 1924.
Getting There
If you want to go directly to Chamonix, the best way is to fly to Geneva, Switzerland. After that, you can rent a car, take a train or bus, or pre-arrange airport transfer to Chamonix. You’ll arrive in just over an hour. (You can also include it on a train tour of cities in Eastern France. This blogpost will tell you how!) Chamonix is a bit out-of-the way, but worth it for stunning scenery and winter or summer outdoor activities.
Chamonix Anytime
The historic town of Chamonix on the Arve River is attractive, with boutiques, restaurants, and hotels, all against a jaw-dropping backdrop of mountains. Enjoy Alpine style in meals and rustic or luxury Alpine hotels.
Make sure to eat fondue, tartiflette, and crêpes.
Treat yourself to a spa! (Some are outside!)
Chamonix in Summer
Here are some activities you can enjoy in warmer months.
There are different ways to go up to the sky in Chamonix! Take a cable car over 12,000 feet to the Aiguille du Midi. It’s best to book the ticket at least a couple days in advance.
At the top, you’ll be treated to amazing scenery. You can have lunch and visit the Into the Void experience if you’re not afraid of heights!
Or you can take the funicular up the Aiguille de Chamonix for a height of nearly 2000 feet. It leaves from Chamonix and takes 20 minutes.
Lastly, take the Montenvers Train (the bright red one) up the mountain to visit the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in Europe. It has its own station next to the main Chamonix station. The glacier is 4 miles long (7 km) and over 600 feet deep (200 metres.) You can also hike up to the glacier from the town. Once you’re there, you can enjoy a meal and also visit an ice cave! There’s a glacier museum next to the cave called Le Glaciorium.
Many hiking trails of various levels cover the mountains. One good one is the Lac Blanc hike in the Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve. Another recommended hiking trail is the Grand Balcon Nord.
Music festivals: In April, celebrate electronic music at the Chamonix Unlimited Festival. Then there’s jazz to enjoy in July at the Cosmo Jazz Festival.
Chamonix is a popular area for paragliding. Even if you don’t do it yourself, you’ll enjoy watching the colorful sails in the sky.
Even in summer, take a sweater or light jacket for the heights and the evenings. And take sunscreen for all year round.
Chamonix in Winter
Of course, Chamonix is a world-famous ski resort. If you love to ski, this could very well be your ski bucket-list topper. Altogether, there are 11 ski areas, 5 of them major resorts. The largest resort is Les Grands Montets. Back country and off-piste skiers have many choices in this area.
Snowboarding on the world’s best slopes.
Other winter sports available in the area include ice skating, ice climbing, cross-country skiing and even dog-sledding.
If you love mountains, Chamonix is a peak experience!
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