
Canyoning
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
© Refuge de Leschaux
Small refuge perched above glacier de Leschaux, views of Grandes Jorasses
With 22 beds during guardian period this small refuge gives climbers and mountaineers great access to the Grandes Jorasses area and the spectacular peaks of that area.
Accommodation can be booked on a half-board, B&B or bed-only basis; a lunch and snack menu is available during the day, which can be enjoyed on the sunny terrace surrounded by peaks and glaciers. Food is simple but home made and is popular with passing hikers.
Sleeping arrangements are in dormitories of multiple bunk beds; mattresses and bedding are provided but for hygiene reasons you should bring your own sheet or sleeping bag liner.
Bivouacking is allowed here from sunset to sunrise and in winter a sleeping room is available for up to 12 people with beds and blankets - but there is no gas or heating… brrrr!
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
Discounts are available for CAF members.
Access to the refuge is via the Mer de Glace and the Leschaux Glacier and then by taking the ladders up to the refuge itself.
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
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.
Here’s an opportunity to let a professional photographer capture the true bond between a man and his dog... cat, or otherwise!
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.
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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.
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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.
Step into the Void is a visitor attraction on the Aiguille du Midi, a reinforced glass box suspended 1,000m above the void.
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest point that can be accessed by cable car in the Chamonix valley. The station stands at 3,842m and is situated directly across from Mont Blanc.
The Panoramic Mont Blanc gondola operates during the summer months, connecting the Aiguille du Midi with the Skyway Monte Bianco lift at Helbronner, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
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.
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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.
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.
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.
The Chamonix cross-country ski trails are easily accessed from the centre of town and are located near to the sports centre.
The Aiguille du Midi summits at a height of 3,842m and is the starting point for the famous Vallée Blanche off-piste route. There is a dedicated lift pass office here which can sell you tickets not only for the Midi but also any of the other lifts in the valley.
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.
The Brévent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
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.
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.
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.
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 Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley, spreading over 8km from Vaudagne and the Col de Voza at one end, towards the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier and the Merlet Animal park at the other.
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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