Chamonix in France is without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. Whether you are traveling solo, with a loved one, or with the whole family, there are plenty of things to do in Chamonix.
This was an unplanned last minute trip for me. It’s not a getaway that I anticipated to take this year, but it turned out to be one of my favourite trips ever.
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Getting to Chamonix, France.
I booked my trip from through Easy Jet website or you can alternatively use the EasyJet App. The prices will vary depending when you are booking your trip.
The easiest way to get to Chamonix is to fly to Geneva International Airport in Switzerland. From there, it’s just a 100 km (62 mi) drive to Chamonix. From Geneva to Chamonix (where you may be staying), make sure to book your train or bus ticket in advance.
We made the mistake of booking our bus from the airport last minute and it cost us a lot of money. Alternatively, if you are able to drive to Chamonix, make sure to do so. If you can drive, this will give you to freedom to see different views without restrictions of public transport.
The views were absolutely incredible on the way to our stay. I was taken by the picturesque mountains and blue lakes. It was such a surreal moment to be able to see Chamonix in its glory. An absolute dream.
Where to Stay in Chamonix
There are many beautiful places to stay in Chamonix, France. It is easy to get to most places, from the city centre to the mountain tops. So, the location that you choose does not matter entirely.
My top tip is that you book your accommodation at a place with a wonderful view of the mountains 🏔️
There was nothing more exhilarating than waking up to stunning mountainous views every morning.
Massive Disclaimer!
This was a 2 day last minute trip. So in this post I’m detailing all the things we managed to do within those days. When I go back next time I’ll make sure to see more places.
If you decide to visit some time in the summer in Chamonix between June and late October, you’ll have the opportunity to do a lot of amazing activities. My friends and I went in October, just in time to go hiking and see the beautiful mountains and sights.
Things to do in Chamonix
Now, let’s get to the fun and exciting part of your trip which are the activities and exploring.
1. Explore Chamonix Town Centre
It is a must that you visit Chamonix Mount Blanc town. Here you will find restaurants, train station and beautiful views of the mountain.
There are self guided tours available of this picturesque alpine town. The tour guides you from Geneva to Chamonix, to explore the famous village of Chamonix, and marvel at the alpine views.
If you are like me and absolutely love the holidays, then I’ve got some great news for you. Chamonix is one of the best places to go for holiday shopping.
2. Enjoy the views views from Aiguille du Midi.
Aiguille du Midi is a mountain peak in the Mont Blanc massif and one of the most famous attractions in Chamonix. It’s the highest peak accessible by cable car and the closest you can get to Mont Blanc without actually climbing it.
However, due to its popularity, the best thing for you to do is make sure you book tickets in advance. My friends and I went in October, and it wasn’t as busy so we go our tickets on the day.
At the top there are several things to enjoy. There are cafes, restaurants and a museum. There are also several terraces where you can enjoy spectacular views of Mont Blanc as well as the Italian and Swiss Alps.
3. Various Hike Trails
The views on different hikes often include an ice-blue sky, green pastures, rolling hills, and gorgeous white-capped mountain peaks everywhere you look:
4. Lac Blanc Hike
The Chamonix valley is home to some amazingly striking hiking trails and the one leading to Lac Blanc (the White Lake) may just be the best one of them.
There are several ways to reach the lake but the most common of them is to take a cable car up to La Flègère station and then follow a relatively steep uphill footpath until you get to Lac Blanc.
As you make your way up to lac Blanc you will be absolutely stunned by the views. I caught myself saying ‘is this even real’ so many times.
Aiguille du Midi Trails
There are plenty of hikes in the Aiguilles Rouges side of the Chamonix Valley. You can go up to the top station of Brevent by either walking up from the valley (3.5 hrs) or hiking across from the Flegere mid station (2hrs).
Aiguilletteis des Posettes
The hike along the Aiguilletteis des Posettes is a stunning hike in Chamonix. Aiguilletteis des Posettes is a small Chamonix summit with a big view and a lovely, varied terrain for you to hike across: cool larch forests, a beautiful long ridge, and a wide summit point with views straight across to Mont Blanc. You’ll descend across a wide mountainside with the whole Chamonix valley laid out in front of you.
Cheese Fondue and Raclette
Although Fondue is known for beginning in Switzerland. The French have also somewhat made it their own, well at least in Chamonix. Everywhere you go in Chamonix, France you’ll see ‘fondue’ and ‘la raclette’ listed at the top of menus posted outside each restaurant.
Top tip!
If they give you your very own heater and half a wheel of cheese like one we went too did, you’re in the right place.
5. Spa Retreats
There are numerous available spa retreats in Chamonix. You can get every treatment under the sun including hot rock massages, full body massages, facials, detoxes, acupuncture, and more. We did extensive research on the best Spa’s and the things offered like I mentioned. But unfortunately, last minute we didn’t manage to go. However, I still highly recommend trying it booking a spa treatment Chamonix.
O’L Final Thoughts
Chamonix Mount Blanc is a beautiful place to visit and I cannot recommend it enough for everyone to visit. There are so many things to do that I haven’t even mentioned like: the ice cave, step into the void, alpine coaster, white water rafting, and more. Just make sure that the things you want to do are in season!
Happy & Safe Travels✨
