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Chamonix Mont Blanc

The bustling, main resort town in the Chamonix Valley nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc

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Chamonix
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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. 

LocationDistance from Chamonix (km)Best for
Vallorcine15Traditional alpine charm
Le Tour11.5Proximity to Le Tour ski area
Argentière9Proximity to Grands Montets ski area
Le Lavancher6Seclusion
Les Tines4.5Quiet hamlet vibe
Les Praz/Les Bois2.5 to 3Proximity to Brevent-Flegère ski area
Chamonix0Being in the heart of things
Cham Sud0.75Central location
Les Bossons3.5Easy access to Cham via cycle path
Les Houches8.3Proximity to Les Houches ski area
Servoz16Easy access to Evasion resorts
Towns and villages in Chamonix

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

See our History Guide

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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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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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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Things to do in Chamonix

Things To Do in Chamonix

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See our Activity Guide

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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See our Nightlife Guide

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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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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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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How to get to Chamonix

Transfers for Chamonix

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See our Getting Here Guide

Property For Sale in Chamonix

Property for Sale in Chamonix

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Location

Map of the surrounding area

News

  • Cooling down in Chamonix this summer 2019
  • Marathon du Mont Blanc 2017
  • the French entrance to the mont blanc tunnel
  • Latest gear - best new clothing for spring 2019
  • Latest gear - Mountain running equipment for 2019
  • Latest gear - Camping equipment for summer 2019

Events

  • Les Houches Market
  • A woman sits at a table with a notebook with the letter u on it
  • UTMB, Chamonix
  • the main market square in sarlat la caneda
  • Trail des Aiguilles Rouges (TAR) 2020, Chamonix
  • What's on for Halloween 2018 in Chamonix