© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
© SeeChamonix.com
© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
© E. Butcher
© SeeChamonix.com
© Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
© Chamonix
© 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).
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.
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 |
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Mummery is located in the Mummery building, between the Folie Douce Hotel and the Alpina Hotel. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
Ski & Snowboard Rental in the centre of town that has been newly renovated for the 2015/2016 winter season. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your 1st skiing day.
One of several Cham'sport shops, Cham'sport Centre is located at Avenue Michel Croz, just opposite the Hotel Pointe Isabelle and down from the train station, not far from McDonald's and central Chamonix. Save time and money by booking all your ski and snowboard gear online, and collect easily before hitting the slopes.
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Skiloc in Chamonix!
This ski hire shop is situated in the centre of Chamonix right on the corner of the Place du Mont Blanc where all the ski shuttle buses run to.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
Chamonix Sport Aventure is one of Chamonix's leading ski and snowboard schools offering a personalised service to maximise progress and fun in the mountains.
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
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.
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.
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.
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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.
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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.
At an altitude of 2000m facing the Mont-Blanc massif, welcome to their restaurant, La Bergerie de Planpraz.
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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.
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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.
There will be a number of parties and events happening this Halloween at some of the best venues in town and neighbouring villages.
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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.
The Chamonix-based photographer Teresa Kaufman proposes naturally-lit photoshoots to capture and illustrate quality memories in outstanding surroundings.
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.
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.
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
Depending how keen you are there are many classic cols within a few hour’s drive. At the other side of Megeve, Flumet is a good start point for the Col de Aravis or the Col des Saises. Further on is Beaufort for Cormet de Roseland (but this would make for a long day).
This is a fairly short, easy run that can be done in about an hour. It’s about 25km there and back, the climb averaging just 3% or so.
This short but challenging ride can be done in half a day, including getting from Chamonix to the start point and back. It is a 15km climb with 855m of ascent that passes by farmhouses and old chalets, through a couple of quiet little villages and amongst dense pine forest to emerge on a sunny plateau with stunning views of the valley below.
If you have a big supermarket shop to do in Sallanches then this is a good way to slip in a nice training ride but it does need a co-operative partner to drive the car back... unless you cycle down there to start with!
This ride is 62km there and back with a demanding climb from Finhaut up to the top of the Emosson dam (averaging 8.5% with a couple of sections over 10%).
This ride is about 60km there and back with a less demanding climb than Emosson from Le Chatelard up to Col de Forclaz (average gradient 5.8% and never steeper than 8%).
Getting around the Chamonix Valley and up into its high mountain terrain is made easy thanks to the extensive transportation network available. The local buses that take you to all the main gondola and cable car stations are free with a Carte d’Hôte (guest card). You can get your card on arrival at your rental accommodation or hotel.
The Grand Balcons walks are the big brothers of the Petit Balcons previously described. These two higher altitude walks are amongst the most popular in the valley, offering some of the best and most easily accessed views of the surrounding mountain ranges. (Expect them to be pretty busy during July and August).
Getting around the Chamonix Valley and up into its high mountain terrain is made easy thanks to the extensive transportation network available. The local buses that take you to all the main gondola and cable car stations are free with a carte d’hôte (guest card). You can get your card on arrival at your accommodation.
When the weather is beautiful here in Chamonix it seems a shame to not go out and explore the surrounding mountains. This is a great half-day hike that sees you leave the town and head up towards Montenvers through the forest.
This beautiful walk takes you up to the Mer de Glace and the Montenvers station. For those that prefer downhill walks you can take the train up and trek back down, or you can do a complete loop lasting approximately five hours.
Chamonix is unique with some of its trails, in particular the 'Balcon' walks; two 'petit' and two 'grand'. They are all beautiful panoramic promenades with an almost constant level of altitude and can be done partially or in their entirety. The 'Petit Balcons' run around the lower valley floor (approx altitude 1,200m) and are named "Nord" (north) and "Sud" (south) after their directional compass bearing.
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.
Experience the most aquatic all out activities with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
Experience the perfect way to see areas of the valley that are otherwise inaccessible with Evolution 2. Are you looking for the ride of your life? Because these beautiful alpine rivers will turn into exhilarating playgrounds for fun!
Enjoy rafting, hrdrospeeding and more in the summer time with Yellow rafting.
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.
What could be better than relaxing in the sun on a south-facing terrace facing Mont Blanc?
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.
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!
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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.
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, The Janssen is the ideal place to marvel at the ever-changing light that dresses Mont Blanc.
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.
Chalet Black Squirrel is a luxury retreat blending contemporary elegance with the cosy charm of an exclusive alpine escape. Nestled in the tranquil Les Bois area, it’s thoughtfully designed to provide everything you need for an unforgettable getaway.
The chalet in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has 5 bedrooms and has capacity for 12 people. The chalet is 300 m².
Tucked away in a quiet part of the Chamonix Valley, this peaceful chalet is surrounded by open space, offering a real sense of tranquillity and connection to nature. There's plenty of room to relax outdoors, along with ample free parking and a covered garage for added convenience.
Valhalla is a fabulous luxury chalet in a central location, featuring a hot tub and sauna in the garden. Open and light, it boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc. All six bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, accommodating up to twelve guests. For a supplement, the chalet can offer eight bedrooms, sleeping up to fifteen guests. In winter, continental breakfast and daily housekeeping are included.
Charming three bedroom chalet in an idyllic location
You will feel like you’re holidaying in your second home when you book this chalet located right next door to the hotel.
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.
A huge sunny penthouse apartment with roof terrace looking up on the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc makes this ski apartment one of the most incredible places you can rent in Chamonix.
Chez Florence is ideally located to enjoy all that Chamonix has to offer, tucked away on a peaceful road yet just a short stroll from the centre. Refurbished in 2019, this comfortable apartment features warm timber furnishings and a classic Alpine feel, with stunning views of Mont Blanc. It’s the perfect accommodation for a family or a group of friends.
Welcome to Chalet Tannuaz, a renovated family chalet in Les Houches, offering exceptional views of the surrounding nature. Perfect for a mountain getaway, it enjoys a quiet and privileged location close to hiking trails.
Smart, modern apartment situated in a historic 1903 building which has been lovingly converted in the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
A fantastic four-bedroom modern ski chalet sleeping 10 people next to La Flegère ski lift. Maison des Praz is a great place to explore Chamonix valley in summer or winter.
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.
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.
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.
Completely renovated in Scandinavian style, Le Faucigny is a charming small hotel in the town centre. Whether you're with family or friends or enjoying a romantic getaway, the hotel provides the ideal setting for a pleasant stay in the legendary Mont-Blanc valley.
Peaceful apartment residence just a short walk from the train station and cable car.
Hotel Lyret blends Alpine charm with modern creativity, offering a unique stay where art and hospitality come together.
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.
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
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.
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
This company offers private and shared transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, nearby areas, and resorts across the Alps. With great value fares on all journeys, it’s an easy way to save money.
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.
From the airport to the slopes, they handle the rest. Geneva's most trusted private ski transfers.
Spacious family chalet with large garden and breathtaking views, and option to divide into two properties
A bright apartment with a view of the Aiguilles Rouges, in a quiet and well-connected area of Les Gaillands.
Available to move into from June 2025. This lovely chalet is a perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience, recently renovated and in impeccable condition.
In the heart of Chamonix, this superb, modern duplex loft offers panoramic views of the valley.
This very well-maintained 23.52m2 studio is ideal as a base camp for your stays in Chamonix.
Turnkey three bedroom apartment with C energy rating in small residence of only 3 lots - perfect as a main home or rental investment with strong returns.
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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