Open all year this very basic, unguarded hut sleeps up to 12 people (although in busy periods there tend to be a few overspilling onto the benches and floor areas).
Vallot refuge and bivouac hut (4362m)
Small bivvy hut situated between Dome du Gouter and Mont Blanc
At an altitude of 4,362 metres, this is one of the last places you can stop on the way to tackle the summit of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
More of a small bivvy hut than an actual refuge, the facilities are basic and it's meant for emergency use rather than a planned overnight stop. It's mainly for climbers in trouble or taking on longer routes in the area.
Although in a fantastic remote spot, here are a few things to think about if you end up near this hut:
- it is officially not allowed to plan to bivvy there, the hut is reserved for climbers in a case of emergency (think about it!)
- the hut is totally remote, if the weather is changing, you're caught in a bad place
- located at an altitude of 4,362m - if you're not well acclimatised you'll have problems the next day
- the hut is sometimes unfortuantely left very dirty
You're asked to pay a small fee per night if you do use the hut to go toward upkeep and maintenance of this emergency site.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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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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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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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.
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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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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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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.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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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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L'Adret de la Flégère Restaurant
Enjoy the views from this mountain restaurant at the top of the Flégère gondola at 1,913m
Located at the Flégère ski area, their restaurant offers a pleasant and bright setting for your meals.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
American cuisine, craft beers, cocktails, and homemade baked goods
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.
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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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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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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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Mont-Blanc tram
Classic tramway from St Gervais Le Fayet up to the Nid d'Aigle
The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs from the bottom of the valley in Le Fayet all the way up to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m above Les Houches.
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Aiguille du Midi
Breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the start of various mountain routes
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.
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
A gondola ride across the glaciers high above the Chamonix valley
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.
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Step into the void
Not for the faint hearted, you literally step into the void 1,000m above the ground
Step into the Void is a visitor attraction on the Aiguille du Midi, a reinforced glass box suspended 1,000m above the void.
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Les Bossons glacier
A small chairlift open in summer giving you incredible views over Les Bossons glacier
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
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Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
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Les Houches Foyer de Ski de Fond (Cross-country Skiing)
Cross country ski trails in & around Les Houches
Les Houches has 2 cross-country ski areas, both of which are free to use.
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Bellevue Ski Pass Office
This lift pass office is situated in Les Houches town centre
Bellevue is a cable car lift located in the centre of Les Houches, easily accessible by bus or by car, it has a large car park.
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Prarion Ski Pass Office
Lift pass office at the Prarion gondola at the end of Les Houches town
The Prarion gondola gives access to the whole of the Les Houches ski area; the local bus stops right outside and there is a car park within just a few minutes walk.
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Aiguille du Midi Ski Pass Office
Highest cable car in Europe offering spectacular views
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.
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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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Brévent Ski Area & Lifts
Only a five-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix town
The Brévent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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Les Houches
A large town at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley about 6km from Chamonix
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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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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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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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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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.































