About Chamonix

The Chamonix valley is surrounded by many of the highest mountains in Western Europe including Mont Blanc (4,809 m).

 

The Mont Blanc range with its’ glaciers, snow-covered peaks, shady forests, green pastures and blue mountain lakes provide many hiking opportunities for adults as well as the little ones. You will discover among the most stunning scenery in the world.

 

The bustling town of Chamonix is popular with inhabitants and visitors from all over the world. The many restaurants offer you a wide range of cuisines from traditional Savoyard to Indian, Chinese and Gastronomic. The museum in the town center explains the history of Mountaineering in the Alps.

 

We wish you a good stay in the Chamonix valley.

 

Activities

  • Several cable cars provide effortless access to the high mountains where you can enjoy amazing views. Some of them are l’Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) with “Step into the Void”, a glass box with a 1,000 m void underneath, Les Grands Montets (3,200 m), and Le Brévent (2,525 m) with offers magnificent views of the Mont Blanc. For more information, please visit the Mont Blanc natural resort's website.
  • Historic trains can take you to the beautiful Mere de Glace glacier and the Tramway du Mont Blanc where alpinists start their climb to the summit of Mont Blanc. Both trains are much appreciated by sightseers. For more information, please visit the tourist office’s website.
  • There are many easy walks, suitable for children, starting in the valley or from the cable cars. For more information, please visit the tourist office’s website.
  • Chamonix has a few leisure and adventure parks for children and teenagers including Park d’Attractions des Planards, Accro Park des Gaillands and a few indoor climbing walls. For more information please visit the websites of Park d’Attractions des Planards and Accro Park des Gaillands.
  • The big sports complex in central Chamonix has three swimming pools (indoor and outdoor), a waterslide, a fitness gym and more. For more information, please visit the tourist office’s website.
  • Chamonix has Golf, Tennis and Squash, an 18-hole golf course and several tennis courts. For more information, please visit the tourist office’s website.
  • In the campsite, Eugénie offers personalized messages using techniques such as acupressure, reflexology, and soft osteopathy. For more information, please visit Eugénie's website.

For more information, please visit the tourist office’s website.

 

Sports

Chamonix is famous for extreme mountain sports, and there are many opportunities for practicing a wide range of such sports in the valley, for beginners as well as high-level athletes.

 

  • Climbing and Mountaineering: Chamonix is perhaps most famous for its’ climbing and mountaineering. Some of the best alpinists in the world made Chamonix their home. There are guides who can lead you securely into the high mountains and you can rent or buy sports equipment in local shops.
  • Hiking, trail running and Via Ferrata: The Valley has 350 km of well-maintained hiking trails and Via Ferrata routes for all levels. Chamonix is a popular starting point for the famous 7-10 day trail “Tour du Mont Blanc” that goes through France, Switzerland, and Italy in a scenic circle.
  • Mountain Biking: This is another popular sport in the valley. You can rent mountain bikes in Chamonix and Les Houches.
  • Paragliding: The steep slopes of the Chamonix valley are ideal take off points for paragliding, and you can access many of them by lift. Professional instructors offer tandem paragliding flights for beginners.
  • Rafting and Canyoning: The Arve River, which runs through the valley, is suitable for beginners in rafting as well as for children. Rafting schools offer exciting trips and courses.

For more information, please visit the tourist office’s website.

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Events

Chamonix hosts a multitude of international events in sports, culture, and music. Here are some of them:

  • Cosmo Jazz Festival which combines jazz with beautiful outdoor locations. For more information, please visit their website.
  • The traditional “fête des Guides” which is an outdoor party that offers sound-and-light shows. For more information, please visit their website.
  • North Face Ultra Trail is a 168 km race where 6 000 men and women take part every year. For more information, please visit their website.

For more information about different events, please visit the tourist office’s website.