The town of Chamonix in Haute-Savoie is a major destination for global tourism. At the foot of Mont-Blanc, many activities are possible, such as visiting the sea of ice.
A magical destination at the foot of the summit of Europe
During a holiday in Haute-Savoie, there are two towns that must be visited: Annecy and Chamonix. At the foot of Mont-Blanc, Chamonix offers numerous festivals, renowned races, and a unique heritage throughout the year. The hotels and restaurants are recognized for the quality of the services offered.
Mont-Blanc, which rises to 4,810 m, is the 3rd most visited natural site in the world. The Mont-Blanc tunnel allows passage into Italy, arriving in the Aosta region. The town invites leisurely strolls with many fashion boutiques and tea rooms. A large part of the city center is pedestrian. The architecture of the hotels and palaces recalls the “Art Deco” and “Belle Époque” periods. In winter, the Chamonix resort is a paradise for snow sports enthusiasts.
The best activities
The Aiguille du Midi
This mountain peak rises to 3,842 m above sea level. Public access is via a cable car that takes you in 10 minutes to the first level: the Plan de L’Aiguille at 2,317 m. You then take a second cable car to reach the second station at 3,777 m. The panorama is then magnificent over Mont-Blanc and the Vallée Blanche. For the more daring, the “Step into the Void” offers you the chance to enter a transparent cage above the void and the Bossons glacier located 1,000 m below. A tube allows you to circle the needle over 32 m. Warm clothing is essential even in summer.
The Mont-Blanc Tramway
This cogwheel train departing from Saint-Gervais takes you through sublime alpine landscapes to the Nid d’Aigle at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier at 2,372 m above sea level. From there, you can go to the Nid d’Aigle refuge to enjoy a hot drink.
From this point, you can admire the courageous climbers setting out to conquer the roof of Europe.
The Sea of Ice
A must-see during your vacation, the largest glacier in Europe extends over 7 km and 200 m wide. You can either set off on a 2-hour hike from the Plan de l’Aiguille refuge or take the Montenvers cogwheel train for a 20-minute journey. On site, you can admire the great peaks of the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses. The ice cave is a unique journey into the sea of ice that you can reach with the cable car and a few hundred steps to climb. The Glaciorium is an educational space about glacier formation and the impact of climate change.
The waterfalls and lakes of Chamonix
Two waterfalls are particularly spectacular. The Dard waterfall at 1,233 m above sea level, which is located next to the Mont-Blanc tunnel parking lot. And the Bérard waterfall, which is accessible via a one-hour easy walk suitable for families.
We offer a selection of sumptuous lakes. First, the most famous and beautiful, The White Lake, accessible from the Flégère cable car and a 1.5-hour walk. The Blue Lake presents splendid shades of a milky blue. You need to walk 15 minutes from the Aiguille du Midi cable car to reach the lake.
The Merlet Animal Park
This animal park is located at 1,563 m and 20 minutes from Chamonix. Typical animals of the Alpine fauna: ibex, chamois, deer, marmots, mouflons roam freely in semi-liberty over an area of 21 hectares. Two trails: “quiet” and “in shape” allow you to get as close as possible to the animals. An ideal outing for families with Mont-Blanc in the background.
The best-rated hotels
Depending on your budget, we have selected five hotels in Chamonix that offer excellent value for money and receive very good customer reviews:
Heliopic Hotel & Spa
A very nice 4-star hotel that offers a 500 m² spa, an indoor pool, a large sauna, and a tepidarium. You can rent your ski equipment. The Akashon restaurant has been awarded a Bib gourmand in the Michelin guide. The train station is a 10-minute walk away.
From €104 per night.
La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix
This large establishment is located next to the Savoy ski lift and a 2-minute walk from the city center. You can use the heated outdoor pool as well as the wellness center with sauna, hammam, and yoga room.
From €83 per night.
Alpina Eclectic Hotel
An ideal location 5 minutes from the city center on foot and 950 m from the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Its restaurant is located on the 7th floor and offers a magical panoramic view of Mont-Blanc. The bus station in front of the hotel serves the Brévent cable car.
From €124 per night.
Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré
Well located 6 minutes on foot from the Aiguille du Midi ski lifts, this hotel has south-facing rooms with a view of the surrounding mountains. Ski equipment rental is available to equip you before heading out on the slopes.
From €92 per night.
Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons
A beautiful 4-star hotel that we appreciate for its location close to the city center, its heated outdoor pool at 28°C, and the quality wellness area. Its excellent restaurant “La Table du Refuge” serves contemporary and tasty cuisine.
From €108 per night.
Visit the city center of Chamonix
The partly pedestrian town is flat, allowing for beautiful walks. Here are some visit ideas:
- The Alpine Museum: traces the history of mountaineering and the settlement of the Chamonix valley.
- Saint-Michel Church: the building was constructed by Benedictine monks in 1119. The bell tower is the only remnant. The baroque church is remarkable and worth a visit. It is classified as a historical monument.
- The Crystal Museum: features an exhibition on mountaineering and especially a fabulous collection of crystals found in the mountains of Haute-Savoie.
- The House of Artists: it’s an opportunity to have a drink while listening to bands and singers. This unique place was founded by André Manoukian.
A fragile natural space
The Chamonix valley is located in an exceptional natural space. Several types of environments mix: forests, alpine pastures, high-altitude lakes, waterfalls, wetlands, alpine meadows, and eternal snows. The local authorities of the valley quickly realized the importance of preserving this unique environment. Nowadays, 90% of the territory is placed in a protection zone by the authorities. There are three nature reserves: that of the Aiguilles Rouges, that of the Vallon de Bérard, and that of Carlaveyron. Two sites are also classified in Chamonix: the Mont-Blanc massif over 26,000 hectares and the Mont-Blanc Balcony over 470 hectares. These measures aim to protect the wildlife and flora of the Alps.
The Tourist Office and the Guides Company
To advise you and organize excursions:
- Chamonix Tourist Office: 85 place du Triangle de l’Amitié, 74400 Chamonix. Tel: 04 50 53 00 24.
- Guides Company: Maison de la Montagne, 190 place de l’Église, 74400 Chamonix. Tel: 04 50 53 00 88.
To ski nearby
- Saint Gervais Mont Blanc ski resort
- Les Contamines Montjoie ski resort
- Combloux ski resort
- Megève ski resort
