Plan de l'Aiguille refuge (2207m), Massif du Mont-Blanc
Easy access from the cable car (or a steep hike up) and exceptional views
Just a 15 minute easy hike from the Plan de l'Aiguille cable car brings you to this beautiful mountain refuge with stunning views of the valley... and donkeys too.
As well as being easily accessible, this is one of the better equipped huts in the region; not only can you pay by card but they also have WiFi and hot showersโฆ happy days.
It's a very popular lunch spot for hikers and sightseers, their terrace has one of the most stunning views in the valley. The menu offers traditional French alpine cuisine - big salads, hearty omelettes, platters of local meats and cheeses, croutes, regional specialities and tasty homemade fruit tarts.
The refuge is open and staffed from May through to late October; outside of this period it is open and equipped with bedding but is unstaffed and you will have to clean up after yourselves.
The refuge sleeps up to 40 people in summer and 10 in winter; accommodation can be booked on a half-board or bed only basis.
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
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Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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3-Day Mont Blanc Traverse by Tacul & Maudit Summits
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is without a doubt the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world, and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.
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Tandem Paragliding
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
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley onย foot.
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Chamonix Holiday Planning & Travel Scout - Teresa Kaufman
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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Cinema VOX
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 Vallรฉe Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism.ย 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.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Le Mayen Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
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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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
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, itโs a favourite with both locals and visitors.
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog 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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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.ย
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
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.
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
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Aiguille du Midi Ski Pass Office
The Aiguille du Midi summits at a height of 3,842m and is the starting point for the famous Vallรฉe 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.
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Montenvers Ski Pass Office
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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Planards beginner ski area and lifts
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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Chamonix Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
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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Brรฉvent Ski Area & Lifts
The Brรฉvent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
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Flรฉgรจre Ski Area & Lifts
La Flรฉgรจre 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.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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Chamonix 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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Les Bossons
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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Les Praz
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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Les Houches
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.
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Argentiรจre
Argentiรจre 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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Le Tour
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.