More of a simple hut than a refuge, this eight person accommodation provides a peaceful respite from every day life.
Charpoua hut (2841m), Massif du Mont-Blanc
An exclusive hut for serious climbers and mountaineers in a stunning setting
This quaint and cosy little hut is open all year round but only provides half board between mid-June and early September. Out of season, you are still able to use the refuge for a small fee, however, you should contact the guardian for details.
During the summer season, accommodation can be booked on a half-board, B&B or bed only basis. Bedding is provided but, for hygiene reasons, you are required to bring your own sleeping bag liner.
There is no electricity at the hut and the guardian cooks all meals over a gas stove using organic local ingredients. The majority of the dishes are vegetarian, other dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Bivouacking is allowed from sunset to sunrise. Out of the summer period, the winter room (eight places) is unstaffed but equipped with blankets, dishes and gas. Before leaving, you need to clean up after yourself, take any waste or litter with you and close the door as you leave. There is a small fee per night, which is to be left in an honesty box.
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
Directions
You can access the refuge from the bottom of Mer de Glace, following a signposted path that takes approximately four hours.
The route involves crossing the glacier and climbing up ladders, so some level of mountaineering experience is required. You can contact the refuge guardian before you set off for information about the route and weather conditions.
Trains run from the Montenvers station in central Chamonix to the Mer de Glace daily.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the Vallée Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Tandem paragliding
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with these qualified tandem paragliding specialists - All year round
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Fœhn Restaurant
Mountain café at the top of the Flégère gondola for eat-in or take away
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
Traditional Savoyard cusine in the Flégère ski area open for lunch in winter
A lovely restaurant located in the Chamonix valley, the Refuge de la Flégère is a true haven for culinary delights in the heart of the mountains.
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Le Mayen Restaurant
Traditional alpine cuisine served in a restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Central hotel with a stylish restaurant and bar popular with locals and holidaymakers alike
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Good value sourdough pizza in the Neapolitan tradition, take away or delivered
Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, these pizzas are made with a sourdough crust prepared from mother yeast, two flours, sea salt, water and extra virgin olive oil, then left to rise for at least 72 hours for light, easy digestion. They use San Marzano and Yellow Datterini tomatoes and the freshest fior di latte mozzarella. With sustainability in mind, only a couple of organic meat options are offered, keeping the menu thoughtful and delicious.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Everything you need to know about a visit to this iconic glacier and railway
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.
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Municipal library
Public library and exhibitions in central Chamonix with great kids section
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
CLOSED SUMMER 2025 Head up to get great views of the Argentière glacier
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.Â
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Alpine museum
Musée Alpin de Chamonix currently closed for renovations, planned reopening: June 2026
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
A modern museum dedicated to the history of Chamonix located on its oldest street
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.Â
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
See all Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix-
Planards beginner ski area and lifts
Family fun and beginner slopes in the heart of Chamonix town
Les Planards is very much a family and beginner area, with nursery slopes and other fun activities on offer. Situated just beside the Montenvers Train station it's easily accessible.
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Argentiere Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
Cross-country ski trails in & around Argentiere
The Argentiere ski de fond trails weave through the pine woods and the small hamlets of Les Choselets and Les Grassonets.
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Flégère Ski Area & Lifts
Skiing area on the south-facing slopes above the village of Les Praz
La Flégère is a large south-facing ski area accessed by a cable car from the village of Les Praz; you can reach this lift pass office at the bottom of the cable care in just 10 minutes by bus, train or car from Chamonix town.
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Montenvers Ski Pass Office
Main Town Ticket office / Departure point for the Mer de Glace
This ticket office not only sells tickets for the Montenvers train but also all other lift passes for the area that Compagnie du Mont Blanc cover.
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Chamonix Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
Cross country ski trails setting off from the centre of Chamonix
The Chamonix cross-country ski trails are easily accessed from the centre of town and are located near to the sports centre.
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Grands Montets Ski Area & Lifts, Argentière
Access to the wonderful ski area situated a couple of minutes' walk from Argentière town centre
Les Grands Montets cable car (otherwise known as GM) is located an easy walk from Argentière town centre and is also on the main bus line, as well as being very near to Argentière train station.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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Les Praz
A beautiful village with access to the ski lifts and a challenging golf course
Les Praz is a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Chamonix. The village is surrounded by forests and streams making it an idyllic mountain hideaway and a popular place to live. You will find many chalet-style properties in this area. It is also home to a number of good bars and restaurants.
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Argentière
A traditional village located at the foot of the famous Grands Montets ski area
Argentière is a picturesque village within the Chamonix Valley and is just a short 10-minute car journey from Chamonix town. This charming village has been less affected by wealthy tourists and ex-patriots from various countries who have chosen to make their living in the mountains. It therefore retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars.
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Chamonix Mont Blanc (Main Town)
The bustling, main resort town in the Chamonix Valley nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc
Chamonix is a lively market town known as both a world-class ski resort and mountaineering destination. Consequently, it is bustling with activity, in both the winter and summer seasons. Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4,810m) - the highest in Western Europe.
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Le Tour
A typical Savoyard village nestled at the far end of the Chamonix Valley
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix Valley in the Domaine de la Balme area. Take a stroll around the back streets to see some of the classically Alpine-style houses and the church dome. Look up to see the glaciers reaching down towards you, which are really impressive even in the height of summer.
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Les Bossons
A growing village situated under its own glacier with a train station and post office
Les Bossons is a sleepy little village just a five-minute drive from the centre Chamonix on the road to Les Houches. It is fairly spread out and consists mainly of chalet-style properties and is popular with families due to its school.
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Vallorcine
A pretty little village close to the Swiss border with gondola access to Le Balme area
Vallorcine is a small, relatively quiet French village at the eastern end of the Chamonix Valley, just a few kilometres from the Swiss border.































