Chamonix Mont Blanc
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.
Staying right in the centre of Chamonix means you'll be able to walk to and from the resort’s main facilities and attractions (even if you've had a few).
Who should stay in Chamonix?
If you want to be first on the lifts in the morning and last out of the bars in the evening, then booking accommodation in Chamonix town itself is a must.
Chamonix is where you will find the largest choice of accommodation, bars, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. By basing yourself here, you'll really get a feel for this legendary Alpine town, its history and, of course, that famous alpine après ski!
All types of holiday accommodation are on offer here, from luxury hotels to simple self-catering apartments, many within easy reach of the Aiguille du Midi cable car.
The north western edge of Chamonix leads you towards the Brévent-Flégère ski area and is known for receiving the most sunshine in the valley. It's also got great views of Mont Blanc.
Cheaper areas within walking distance of Chamonix town centre
Les Pélerins and Les Gaillands are a flat 5 to 10 minute walk from Chamonix town centre. Accommodation here is popular because it's still super convenient for town, but tends to be a little cheaper.
Location | Distance from Chamonix (km) | Best for |
Vallorcine | 15 | Traditional alpine charm |
Le Tour | 11.5 | Proximity to Le Tour ski area |
Argentière | 9 | Proximity to Grands Montets ski area |
Le Lavancher | 6 | Seclusion |
Les Tines | 4.5 | Quiet hamlet vibe |
Les Praz/Les Bois | 2.5 to 3 | Proximity to Brevent-Flegère ski area |
Chamonix | 0 | Being in the heart of things |
Cham Sud | 0.75 | Central location |
Les Bossons | 3.5 | Easy access to Cham via cycle path |
Les Houches | 8.3 | Proximity to Les Houches ski area |
Servoz | 16 | Easy access to Evasion resorts |
History and culture
Following the first ascents of Mont Blanc, Chamonix opened its doors to hundreds of tourists with the first specific tourist hotel opening in 1770. In 1760, Genevois Doctor Horace Benedict de Saussure offered a prize to the first person to reach the summit of Mont Blanc which he had observed from the top of the Brévent. It wasn't until 8 August 1786 that Dr. Paccard and Jacques Balmat, two locals, first made it. Saussure himself made it the following year, leading the first of many scientific expeditions conducted on the peak. Read a more detailed account of the history of Chamonix.
Sights and attractions
The town has a lot to offer in terms of sites and attractions. The main attraction that brings tourists to this picturesque town is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe at 4,810m. Visitors either come to scale the summit themselves, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from Chamonix up to 3,842m to view the peak from the station at the top, or simply take it in from the valley floor. As Chamonix’s history is tied in with various Mont Blanc expeditions, you’ll find several statues around the town commemorating famous mountaineers including Dr. Paccard.
Another famous site is the Mer de Glace glacier (sea of ice) which is accessible by the Montenvers tourist train. The view of this glacier and the surrounding mountains from the top station is impressive. From the top, you can descend to the ice caves via cable car and a series of walkways and steps, which vividly shows just how much the glacier has retreated in recent years.
Unlike most other mountain resorts, Chamonix is busy all year round. In the winter most people visit the town to ski. A particular draw is the famous off-piste ski run the Vallée Blanche from the top of the Aiguille du Midi, past the Mer de Glace and back into Chamonix via the Planard’s ski area. Skiers and snowboarders can also access the Brévent ski area directly from Chamonix centre and from there, Flégère. In the summer the cable cars that link to the two are open to mountain bikers and walkers and hikers. Lac Blanc is a popular place to trek to, as are various mountain huts such as the Chalet de La Floria which all can be accessed from numerous paths starting from the valley floor.
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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Parc de Merlet
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
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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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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.
Dining in Chamonix
Chamonix has a great selection of restaurants with over 40 eateries to choose from. Munchies is normally on everyone’s list, it is a Scandinavian restaurant providing popular fusion cuisine. For regional specialities, Le Boccalatte offers some of the best Fondue available in town at a reasonable price. For a burger with a difference, Möo is worth a visit, especially for their pulled pork burger. There are a number of late-night fast food places, and unlike many other French resorts, in Chamonix you can still get a curry from the Annapurna restaurant.
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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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views.
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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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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.
Events in Chamonix
Chamonix is considered to be one of the adventure capitals of the world, so unsurprisingly there are a wide range of sporting events that take place throughout the year. The big sporting events include the Mont Blanc Marathon in June, the World Climbing Festival in July and UTMB trail running race at the end of August.
It's not all about sport though, Chamonix also has a strong music tradition. It's worth visiting the town for the lively Fête de la Musique in June, where dancing in the streets until the small hours is standard – even in the rain. Also there's the Cosmo Jazz Festival where you can enjoy music at the end of sunny July in different mountain locations, and a ski and music event in April, Chamonix Unlimited Festival.
Events in Chamonix
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UTMB®
The UTMB® is a trail running event full of superlatives! An essential event for trail-runners from all over the world. Each year, the elite of the trail-running world find themselves in Chamonix, France, alongside thousands of runners keen to participate in one of the event's races.
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French Evening Courses
Evening French lessons in Chamonix or Les Houches, ideal for locals wanting to build confidence in small groups.
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Trail des Aiguilles Rouges (TAR)
This fantastic trail running race in the Chamonix valley covers a distance of 54km (4,000m altitude gain) and offers runners some of the most iconic and fantastic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding valley.
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Halloween in Chamonix
There will be a number of parties and events happening this Halloween at some of the best venues in town and neighbouring villages.
Things to do in Chamonix
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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Chamonix Valley Snowshoe Week Excursion
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley.
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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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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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Teresa Kaufman Outdoor Photography Classes
'The best photo class you will ever take', is Teresa's bold strapline for her unique photo walk classes, which take place in the incredible outdoors of the Chamonix Valley and offer an opportunity to photograph the major mountains and viewpoints.
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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.
Nightlife in Chamonix
During the winter months, there is the usual 'après-ski' party in several of the main bars in town and there is always a choice of restaurant regardless of how busy the town gets. Some places do close in the inter-season months but since Chamonix is an all-year-round resort it is more 'open' and busy than most other Alpine resorts.
Bars & Clubs in Chamonix
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Brev'bar, Chamonix - Le Brevent
What could be better than relaxing in the sun on a south-facing terrace facing Mont Blanc?
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L'Amnesia Nightclub
L'Amnesia (formally Le Garage) is ideally located near to the Aiguille du midi cable car in Cham'Sud and is a legendary Chamonix nightclub and melting pot for all the late night (and sometimes all-night) party-goers!
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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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La Folie Douce Bar
La Folie Douce Hotels first opened in 1981 and quickly became THE place to be for après-ski on the slopes, thanks to their unique combination of live music, DJs, dancers and performers.
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Bighorn Bistro Bar
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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Le Janssen Cocktail Club
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, The Janssen is the ideal place to marvel at the ever-changing light that dresses Mont Blanc.
Chalets in Chamonix
You can also enjoy the chalet experience in Chamonix which are available both catered and non-catered, ranging from the height of luxury with multiple spa facilities to warm and cosy traditional mountain retreats.
Chalets in Chamonix
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Entre Nous Chalet, Chamonix - Les Glieres
Charming three bedroom chalet in an idyllic location
Price: €3,300
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Chal'heureux Chalet, Chamonix - Les Pélerins
Traditional chalet hand built by a master craftsman. Chal’heureux is the perfect combination of a luxury winter hideaway and only a short walk from the centre of Chamonix with the Mont Blanc dominating the view from the main windows.
Price: €6,500
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Freya Chalet
Huge private chalet in Argentiere - part of their Extravagant Collection.
Price: €9,349
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Brigitte's Mazot Chalet
Brigitte's Mazot in Chamonix is a cosy, peaceful, little chalet, with a stunning view of Mont Blanc.
Price: €1,054
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Altura Chalet
This chalet is ideally located close to Chamonix in a quiet setting, with beautiful mountain views. Just a ten-minute drive from the nearest ski lift, it’s perfect for families or groups of friends.
Price: €4,368
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Aïkoa Chalet
A luxury ecolodge mountain chalet situated in the sought-after Les Frasserands hamlet in the Chamonix Valley. With a focus on design, comfort and sustainability, this chalet is the perfect base for all your mountain adventures.
Price: €17,500
Holidays Rentals in Chamonix
There is a wide range range of self-catering apartments which allow you to be completely independent during your holiday in Chamonix, most of which are self-catered although you will find somewhere you can order in meals or have your own private chef.
Holiday Rentals in Chamonix
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Chamois Blanc Residence - 1 Bedroom Apartment
500m from the resort centre, Residence Le Chamois Blanc is located in the Chamonix-Sud quarter, close to a large number of shops under arcades, and the pedestrian walkway.
Price: €479
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Hibou Chalet
The chalet in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has 5 bedrooms and has capacity for 12 people. The chalet is 300 m².
Price: €8,930
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Simon's Mazot
This little mazot is pretty chic and has all that you could possibly need for your stay, including a sauna. Newly refurbished to a high standard, with large windows opening onto the terrace, the place is full of light.
Price: €1,313
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Hautbois Chalet
Nestled beneath the glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif, this chalet offers stunning views, peaceful surroundings, and is just ten minutes from the famous mountain lift stations and the lively centre of Chamonix.
Price: €3,850
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Prestige Residence Isatis 2 Room 4/5 Pers. Apartment, Chamonix
Holiday rentals in Chamonix
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La Riviere Residence - 1 Bedroom Apartment
The Residence La Riviere with its wooden facades is located in the district of Chamonix Sud, 300 m from the Aiguille du Midi cable car and 5 minutes from the resort centre.
Price: €577
Hotels in Chamonix
Following the first ascents of Mont Blanc, Chamonix opened its doors to hundreds of tourists with the first specific tourist hotel opening in 1770. Today that tradition continues and the town has a wide range of accommodation available for visitors. There are hotels from the five-star Le Hameau Albert Premiere Hotel to Le Morgane Hotel with its modern rooms or the comfortable Alpina Hotel which is in a fantastic location right on the Place du Mont Blanc.
Hotels in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce Hotel
This hotel offers stunning alpine views, a vibrant atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities for families. Enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, spa treatments, and activities for all ages right at the foot of the ski slopes.
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La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
Price: €1,809
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Le Whymper Hotel
Chalet Whymper blends alpine charm with modern comfort. With space for up to twenty-two guests, shared living areas and thoughtful extras like a sauna, concierge and daily housekeeping, it’s the perfect choice.
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Lyret Hotel
Hotel Lyret blends Alpine charm with modern creativity, offering a unique stay where art and hospitality come together.
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La Riviere Apartment Residence
Peaceful apartment residence just a short walk from the train station and cable car.
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La Ginabelle Premium Residence
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
Price: €915
How to get to Chamonix
Transfers for Chamonix
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Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established and efficient - you can rely on them.
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
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Private airport transfers
The Loyal Transfers team has been organising airport transfers to ski resorts around France since 2012. Their aim has always been to make independent travel to ski resorts cheaper and easier for everyone.
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Private and shared airport transfers
This company offers shared and private transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, the surrounding area and other resorts across the Alps. With unbeatable prices for both shared and private journeys, everyone can save money!
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Mont Blanc Transfers
Mont Blanc Transfers offer private transfers with fully electric vehicles in and around the Chamonix valley. They operate from airports and train stations towards the ski resorts.
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Private airport transfers
Running for nearly 30 years, this company provides airport transfers from Geneva Airport to all major ski resorts in France, as well as Verbier.
Property For Sale in Chamonix
Property for Sale in Chamonix
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Chalet for Sale
Four bedroom chalet in les Bossons a quiet and residential area, 5 minutes by car from Chamonix or 15 minutes by bike via the new cycle path. Also 5 minutes by car to Les Houches.
Price: €880,000
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Apartment for Sale
This very well-maintained 23.52m2 studio is ideal as a base camp for your stays in Chamonix.
Price: €290,000
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Apartment for Sale
In the heart of Chamonix, this superb, modern duplex loft offers panoramic views of the valley.
Price: €2,800,000
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Apartment for Sale
Coral C is an impressively large, 3-bedroom apartment with the possibility to add a fourth, to the south-west of Chamonix centre, that will be renovated to a high standard. With admirable ceiling heights (3.5 metres) and sizeable windows, the apartment will be full of light and volume, augmented by a good-sized terrace to make the most of the wonderful views.
Price: €1,925,000
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Chalet for Sale
An exceptional chalet of over 300 m², nestling in the heart of the Bossons district of Chamonix. Completely redesigned using the finest materials, this former ironworks offers a unique living environment combining charm, elegance and absolute comfort.
Price: €3,990,000
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Chalet for Sale, Les Praz
A traditional yet modern chalet with a magnificent garden, panoramic views, in an excellent location.
Price: €3,900,000