Mountain bike hire
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.
Sallanches to Chamonix, via the old road
Intermediate cycle from Sallaches at the entrance to the Chamonix valley
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!
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 |
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Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Zero G
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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Road bike hire
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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Mountain bike hire
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
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
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
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
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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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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Tramway du Mont-Blanc
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
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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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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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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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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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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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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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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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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Cross Country Tandem Paraglide
Enjoy a longer flight than the usual tandem paraglide and experience an amazing trip above the mountains to give you an incredible feeling of flying like an eagle.
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Guided off-piste 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.
