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!
Sallanches to Chamonix, via the old road
Intermediate cycle from Sallaches at the entrance to the Chamonix valley
At just under 30km, it should take under two hours to cycle the route back up into the Chamonix Valley.
Gradients aren’t too challenging although the road through Vaudagne might get your heart pumping a bit faster. Traffic is light as most people will be on the main dual-carriageway.
The start point to the climb is across the motorway from Sallanches on the Route de Passy at the roundabout next to the Auberge de l’Orangerie. Leave the main road at the roundabout (take the Av. Rene Raffort Derrutet) – this is the D13 to Servoz and there is a helpful sign showing Chamonix and a picture of a cyclist.
Follow signs up the side of the valley all the way to Servoz, passing the entrance to the Gorges de la Diosaz and out of the village. Be careful not to follow the large green signs for Chamonix to the left but continue right, following the bike sign for Chamonix, also signed La Fontaine and Vaudagne. Continue under the railway bridge and take the road bridge over the dual-carriageway. From here the route is easy even if the climb isn’t – just keep climbing through Vaudagne and over into Les Houches. From Les Houches, the only thing to avoid is joining the dual carriageway as you head back up the valley into Chamonix.
| Distance | 28.9km |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Vertical gain | 480m |
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike hire, accessories and protective gear available in Chamonix
Located on the main road out of Chamonix and leading up the valley towards Argentiere, you can find this branch of Intersport just after the Albert 1er Hotel, and just before the MBC micro-brewery.
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Road bike hire
Road bike hire and servicing available at this shop in Chamonix
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, Legend'Chx is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs.
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Zero G
Snowboard and mountain bike specialists on the high-street in the town centre
This is a bike and snowboard shop located high in the French Alps, in the resort of Chamonix. They're service-orientated and strive to make you happy. They speak English, Swedish, Italian and French and their priority is to get you out on the trails with the best possible kit for you & your wallet, as fast as they can.
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Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike hire and servicing available at this shop in Chamonix
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, this is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling mountain bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs, plus they have a handy bike wash to hose down your ride after a day on the trails.
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Mountain bike hire
All-in-one bike hire, workshop and gear hub in Chamonix with expert local knowledge
This Chamonix-based shop offers a full range of quality bikes for hire, servicing year-round, and a passionate team ready to help you hit the trails.
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Maison de l'Alpage museum
A small museum dedicated to agriculture and landscapes in the village of Servoz
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
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Les Houches summer lifts
Gondola access to VTT and hiking trails and the Tour du Mont Blanc route
Les Houches sits at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley and is a popular place for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers in the summer months.
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Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
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Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
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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Mont-Blanc tram
Classic tramway from St Gervais Le Fayet up to the Nid d'Aigle
The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs from the bottom of the valley in Le Fayet all the way up to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m above Les Houches.
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Le Brévent, Chamonix - Town
South-facing mountain with amazing views of the Mont Blanc massif which sits across the valley
Brévent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Fœhn Restaurant
Mountain café at the top of the Flégère gondola for eat-in or take away
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
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La Fruitière Restaurant
Gourmet restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area that provides a welcoming atmosphere
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
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.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
American cuisine, craft beers, cocktails, and homemade baked goods
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, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Good value sourdough pizza in the Neapolitan tradition, take away or delivered
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.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Central hotel with a stylish restaurant and bar popular with locals and holidaymakers alike
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
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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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the 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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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Tandem paragliding
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with these qualified tandem paragliding specialists - All year round
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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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
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.
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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
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.




















































