Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
Mountain biking at Grands Montets near Argentière most suited to intermediate and expert riders
Les Grands Montets (1,235m to 3,300m) is another great area for mountain biking. An excellent route is from the top of the Lognan cable car down to the village of Lavancher.
This trail is most suited for intermediate to advanced riders and gives panoramic views across the valley. Just exit right from the cable car and follow the 4x4 track past Plan Joran Restaurant which eventually turns into a small walking track. This is a technical descent with many tight switchbacks and criss-crosses, again watch out for hikers.
Another option at Grands Montets is to turn immediately left out of the Lognan cable car and head back down to the gondola car park. This is the wide intermediate graded 'home run' piste during the winter yet in the summer the terrain changes completely becoming extremely rough and rocky - a real bone shaker. Although it's wide, it’s certainly a challenging route that has a 700m to 800m vertical drop, so it's really best completed by expert downhill riders with full suspension bikes.
For an alternative entry to the ‘home run’ head up the slight gradient towards the Logon refuge (perhaps stopping in for some food if the climb has tired you out) then heading back down on a very technical and rocky track to join the piste about half way down.
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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.
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.
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.
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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.
At Le Comptoir de Plan Praz in Chamonix, the food celebrates hearty alpine tradition with a refined touch. Expect comforting dishes like rich tartiflette, savory raclette, and melted cheese fondue, perfect after a day on the slopes. Fresh-baked breads, crisp seasonal salads, and homemade desserts add balance. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible, offering authentic mountain flavors. Warm soups, generous meat platters and light vegetarian options ensure there’s something for every appetite and mood.
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views. If you're looking for authentic Italian pizza then try out La Piazza. It's right next to the nursery slopes at the Savoy and is the ideal place to refuel after a day skiing. Enjoy homemade pizzas and Apérol Spritz whilst admiring the mountains on their incredible terrace.
Located at the Flégère ski area, their restaurant offers a pleasant and bright setting for your meals.
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.
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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.
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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.
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.
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.
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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