Chamonix valley MTB trails
Mountain biking trails for all levels in the Chamonix valley from leisurely rider to seasoned expert
Whatever your level of riding there are great trails along the valley floor that you can ride without needing a lift pass.
River path Petit Balcon Sud or Nord
Following the river path upstream you can enjoy the low level trails of the Petit Balcon Sud or Petit Balcon Nord. Both trails are well signposted and accessible without having to take any lifts or deal with bad weather higher in the hills.
These trails can still be fairly technical with rocks and rooty sections, but it’s never too sustained so you can hop off and walk those bits if you'd prefer.
A circuit of both Balcons is well worth it, at 16km in length it takes around three to four hours to complete the loop.
Check out the routes on the Chamonix Mountain Bike Trails maps in the link above.
Planards 4x4
If you're staying in the centre of Chamonix and fancy a lung and leg-busting climb, then you can head up the 4x4 track close to Les Planards and the summer luge.
You follow the trail into the woods and up and up in the direction of the Mer de Glace where you'll get a great view. The last 200m are not too easy on a bike, so push along until you get to the view and the buvette where you can buy some hard earned refreshments before turning round to enjoy the descent.
Alternatively take the earlier hair pin off the 4x4 trail up to your right and on to the Caillet chalet. From here it's technical downhill all the way, just don't forget to look out for hikers and runners who also like this route.
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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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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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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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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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
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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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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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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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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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, it’s 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.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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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.
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Classic Haute Route Trek
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley and further afield.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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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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Guided off-piste 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
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.
