There are so many amazing things to see and do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Whether you are visiting with a loved one or on your own there is something for everyone.
With breathtaking scenery, world-class cuisine and hospitable people, Chamonix is a truly incredible place to visit. Luckily, it is also accessible on a budget and can be visited year round!
1. Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi is one of the most famous sights in Chamonix. This rocky peak stands at an impressive 3842 meters above sea level and is famed the world over for its magnificent panoramic views.
For most visitors, riding the cable car to the top of Aiguille du Midi is a must-do. Not only is the ride itself a fantastic experience, but you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc.
The Aiguille du Midi also offers a variety of climbing routes, both for beginners and experienced climbers. There’s an ice route that is suitable for all levels, and there’s also a mixed ice and rock climb that’s a great warm-up for Mont Blanc.
2. Mer de Glace
One of the most impressive natural sites in Chamonix is Mer de Glace, or Sea of Ice. This 4.3-mile long glacier, the largest in France, snakes and cracks, shimmering in bright blues and covered in mystical frost.
You can get up close to this amazing glacier with a trip on the Montenvers train, or take a helicopter flight over it and see the area from above!
The Mer de Glace is a huge tourist attraction and the site can be very busy, so give yourself plenty of time to make your way around. It's also worth allowing some time for queues to get on and off the trains, the gondola and the restaurants.
You can take a break from your sightseeing with a meal at the Panoramic Restaurant, which has a large round terrace overlooking the glacier. The menu has lots of regional specialties to sample and a good wine list.
3. Montenvers Train
A little red cog railway that claws its way up a steep incline, the Montenvers Train is one of Chamonix’s most popular attractions. Taking you from the town up to the Mer de Glace glacier, also known as the ‘Sea of Ice’, it’s an exhilarating 20 minute journey that offers jaw dropping views of the surrounding mountain scenery.
The Mer de Glace is one of France’s largest glaciers, spanning 7km in length and 200m deep. The train delivers you to a site at 1913 meters above sea level where the Glacier Mer de Glace museum and a restaurant await you.
4. Aiguille Rouge National Park
Located opposite the famous Mont Blanc massif, Aiguille Rouge National Park offers stunning views of the mountains and glaciers. It is a protected nature reserve that was established in 1974.
Hikers can delve into the rich ecology of this area and admire fields of orchids, Alpine pastures and Lac Blanc. The reserve also protects wildlife like ibex, marmots and chamois.
The hike begins with easy switchbacks and rocky meadows that provide excellent views across the Chamonix Valley to Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi and the Chamonix Aiguilles (Needles). At 0.3 miles the trail branches left on a short climb up a talus field to a junction.
5. Chamonix Museums
Located at the foot of Mont Blanc--the highest mountain in the French Alps--Chamonix is a popular winter and summer getaway for both well-heeled tourists and seasoned professionals. It offers world-class skiing, a decadent apres-ski scene, exceptional hiking and biking trails, and landmarks like the Aiguille du Midi viewpoint.
- If you’re interested in exploring the city’s cultural heritage, then the Chamonix Museums are a great place to start. Housed in the 20th-century Chamonix Palace, these museums celebrate the history of Chamonix and notable mountain climbing feats.
- This is an ideal way to learn more about the town’s history, as the museums include a collection of prints that illustrate changes to the Chamonix valley over time. Additionally, visitors can also see exhibits that feature vintage mountain climbing equipment and old photographs of notable climbers.
