Chamonix : Everything you need to know to plan your trip

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Things to do at Chamonix

Chamonix has an abundance of spectacular sites to discover, combining grandiose nature, Alpine panoramas and mountain heritage. Here are the must-sees on your visit:

Aiguille du Midi: Take the cable car up to 3,842 metres for a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc.
Mer de Glace: Access this mythical glacier via the Montenvers train, then explore its ice cave.
Downtown Chamonix: Stroll through its lively streets, between typical chalets, equipment stores and convivial terraces.
Brevent-Flégère: Ideal for hiking, with panoramic views over the valley and the Mont-Blanc massif.
Chamonix Leisure Park: Perfect for a family fun break, with summer tobogganing, tree climbing and children's games.
Alpine Museum: Immerse yourself in the history of mountaineering and the development of tourism in the region.

Lac Blanc: Accessible by hiking, this high-altitude lake offers one of the finest views of the surrounding mountains.

Aiguille du Midi

Brévent-Flégère

Mer de Glace

Activities

Whether you're dreaming of adrenaline rushes, cultural discoveries or moments of relaxation in front of the peaks, Chamonix offers a unique range of activities to help you experience the mountains in a different way.

When to go to Chamonix

Chamonix can be visited at any time of year, but the best time always depends on what you're looking for. For lovers of skiing or snow-covered landscapes, winter (December to March) is undeniably the high season - the valley takes on the allure of a white paradise, while prices soar due to the many tourists who visit. For those who love hiking, mountain biking or simply enjoying the view of the peaks under a big blue sky, summer is perfect, from June to September. Temperatures are pleasant, visibility is generally good and the atmosphere is more relaxed than in the middle of winter. Spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) offer gentler rates and desirable tranquility, but some facilities may be closed. Whether you love powder snow or flowery panoramas, you're sure to fall under Chamonix's spell, provided that the time of year suits your travel style and budget.

What's the temperature like?

How many hours of sunshine?

Global budget

Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, has the potential to offer a wide range of experiences, but it's a place where you need to plan your budget. Count on between 55 and 694 euros per day for a presonne. Accommodation for two people ranges from 70 to 400 euros per night, with lower prices outside peak season. Meal prices start at 8 euros in budget restaurants, but a popular meal for two can exceed 75 euros. A beer costs between 4.5 and 7 euros and a bottle of water between 1 and 2 euros. Public transport costs between 2 and 2.5 euros per ticket, but this is not the case for cabs, which charge 5 euros per kilometer. Activities and excursions can, and usually do, add considerably to your budget. Prices depend on what you choose to do (cable car, guides, mountain sports, etc.) and can range from 30 to 400 euros. Chamonix remains accessible on a controlled budget, but to take full advantage of the emblematic experiences, it's best to plan for a comfortable budget, especially in high season.

One night in a hotel for 2 people

70€400€1000€

Meal in a cheap restaurant

8€30€50€

Local beer (33cl)

4.5€7€10€

Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant

40€75€200€

Bottle of water

1€2€5€

Public transport single ticket

2€2.5€5€

Taxi ride (per km)

5€

Visits and activities

30€500€

Average overall budget for one person per day: from 55.00€ to 694.00€

Convert to $

Itinerary ideas

A day in Chamonix is guaranteed to take your breath away, with breathtaking scenery to discover and many sensations to experience. You'll want to start the day with a coffee overlooking Mont-Blanc, then hop on the Aiguille du Midi cable car. In just a few minutes, you'll be at an altitude of just over 3800 metres, with an exceptional view of the Alps. Le Pas dans le Vide will get your adrenalin pumping, as you'll find yourself in a glass box suspended above the void.

You can head back down to the town center for lunch, where several restaurants offer Savoyard specialities, or a light meal on the terrace. In the afternoon, you can take the Montenvers train to visit the Mer de Glace. Don't forget to take a look at the ice grotto carved out of the glacier.

After returning to Chamonix, enjoy the atmosphere of a beautiful alpine town with colorful alleyways lined with mountain clothing stores and art galleries, and finish off with a moment at the spa, or a gourmet local snack in a charming restaurant.

At the end of a wonderful day, you can decide on a fondue or tartiflette in a great restaurant with a friendly atmosphere, and reflect on the special day you've spent between sky and mountains. Chamonix is life-size adventure at your fingertips.

Practical information about Chamonix

Chamonix is located in the center of the Alps and is easily accessible by train, car or via the airports of Geneva (1h15), Lyon or Grenoble. If you arrive by car, make sure you have snow tires or chains in winter. The town and valley have excellent public transport options, and free shuttles serve the valley's main attractions. A Mobility Pass is available. The currency is the euro (€) and most stores accept credit cards. Prices can be a little high, especially in high season, but there are plenty of activities and stays in Chamonix to suit even the most modest budgets. Chamonix is a great place to ski all year round, and to hike and climb in summer. Remember to book your accommodation and activities in advance, especially during school vacations. Bring warm clothes in winter, good shoes and sun protection in summer. Some activities, such as the Aiguille du Midi or the Montenvers train, may be closed depending on the weather and the time of year, so check before you go.

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