© Refuge du Grenairon
A fairly modern hut with exceptional 360 degree views of Mont Buet
A refuge mainly used for those wishing to ascent Mont Buet. The hut is open all year around, however, it is only staffed during the summer period from early June to late September.
During the summer months you will need to reserve your place in advance, either by using the website link or calling the refuge directly. The hut can accommodate up to 85 people during the summer period and 10 people during the unstaffed months from October to May.
Sleeping arrangements are in dormitories; duvets and pillows are provided but for hygiene reasons you are obliged to use a sheet or sleeping bag liner. If you do not have your own, the refuge has a limited number that you can rent for a small fee. Hot showers are also available for an extra few euros.
Accommodation can be booked on a half-board, B&B or bed-only basis. The refuge serves lunch and snacks throughout the day to lodgers and day visitors. Picnics can be provided on request. Food is simple local cuisine such as omelette, salad, fondue, croute, tartiflette, etc.
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
The shelter can be accessed from the car park at Nant Sec (3h30) or from Passy (2h30).
From the Nant Sec car park, take the trail on the left. After a steep incline, follow the path to the right which leads along the river. The trail will become less steep. Cross a stream which is by an intersection where there is a sign reading ‘1400m’. Continue along the right hand path toward the Grenairon refuge.
Take the track that follows the ski lifts to the intersection (sign 1334m). Turn right, the path will become a trail through the forest and will join the main route to the refuge at 1400m. From the 1400m sign, continue on the right hand path towards the refuge.
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.
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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.
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.
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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.
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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.
Their restaurant located in the Flégère ski area has been completely renovated for this winter.
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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.
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
Brévent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
Vallorcine offers 8km of marked cross-country ski trails, suitable for beginners and intermediates. The circuit loops round from Vallorcine to Le Buet, meaning that you can start from either village, both of which are easily accessible by train.
This ticket office is situated at the base of the Vallorcine cable car and is just a minutes walk from the train station.
The Argentiere ski de fond trails weave through the pine woods and the small hamlets of Les Choselets and Les Grassonets.
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.
The Le Tour ski area is at the end of the valley, towards the Swiss border, and is easily accessed by bus or car, with plenty of parking.
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.
Vallorcine is a small, relatively quiet French village at the eastern end of the Chamonix Valley, just a few kilometres from the Swiss border.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Find out all about what is happening in the Chamonix valley and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in the valley. Plus, during the winter season, our famous snow reports and dump alerts all in the same place.
See allLatest News & ReviewsChamonix hosts a wide range of sporting events throughout the year. The biggest ones include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June and the UTMB trail running race in August. In March, the Unlimited Festival brings ravers to the mountains while Musilac Mont Blanc takes place a month later. At the end of July, the Cosmo Jazz Festival hosts concerts all around the valley.
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