Excelsior
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Excelsior store!
Trendy interior with a spa close to the Aiguille du Midi lift
Five minutes from the town centre, at the foot of the Midi summit, this hotel was completely renovated in 2017 to deliver a contemporary mountain style with warm modern colours, natural materials and large windows creating a light and airy atmosphere.
With 107 guest bedrooms, this hotel attracts hardcore mountain-lovers and families alike, all year round. All rooms are decorated in a trendy modern style with wood panels and quirky touches and include a TV, minibar, safe, WiFi and hairdryer.
The hotel prides itself on retaining the traditional cocooning atmosphere of a mountain lodge whilst bringing in touches of modernity and a trendy atmosphere. You are sure to be greeted by staff with the genuine friendliness that is so characteristic of Chamonix Valley locals.
The hotel has a relaxing and spacious common area, The Life Space, where you can grab a traditional local lunch or a delicious cocktail from the bar. You can chill out on the large terrace and enjoy magnificent views of Mont Blanc. Here, an old cable car cabin adds to the funky decor and also acts as a great DJ booth during special events at the hotel.
All guests have access to the hotel's Deep Nature Spa: a 300m² spa area which is the perfect spot for unwinding after a day on the mountain. The area features an outdoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna and offers face & body treatments, beauty treatments and signature massages.
Kids are well catered for with the dedicated games room and reading section bursting with comics and books for all ages. The Life Space offers a range of games and toys to keep the whole family entertained when the weather outside isn't brilliant. They even run a challenging Escape Game which will take you on an adventure throughout the hotel in the search of who stole Carrington's jewel!
The concierge service is on hand 24/7 to impart excellent knowledge of the area and assist you with such things as restaurant reservations, ski passes, car rental and activities.
Corporate clientele are also well catered for here thanks to their 3 spacious meeting rooms with all the necessary equipment to run a successful conference.
The hotel offers fabulous spa and wellbeing facilities which include a heated outdoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna as well as a body care centre and fitness area. Access to the spa is free for hotel guests but outside clientele can also use the facilities for a fee.
The hotel's lounge bar is a beautiful open space that has been stylishly decorated with deep, ultra-comfortable sofas, elegant fireplaces and vintage touches. It opens directly out onto the terrace with stunning views of Mont-Blanc and the outdoor swimming pool.
La Table du Refuge restaurant serves delightfully traditional local specialities alongside sharer plates such as tapas. The chef's signature style is to use fresh, in-season ingredients in a way that best highlights their flavours.
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the Skiset Excelsior store!
This ski and snowboard hire shop is only a 3-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix and perfectly located if you're staying in the Les Pècles / Les Moussoux.
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 first skiing day.
Want to rent skis or snowboards in Chamonix? Just visit the NetSki Salomon store!
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.
Jerome and his professional, friendly and dynamic team welcome you every day to the most competitively priced ski hire in town! This Skimium ski rental shop is situated just down from the Aiguille du Midi cable car in the Quechua shop just next to the Aiguille du Midi train station.
This ski school connects snow sports enthusiasts of all abilities with expert ski and snowboard instructors across Europe’s top resorts. With thousands of top-rated, verified instructors to choose from, their private lessons offer a flexible and personalised learning experience.
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
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.
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.
Operating across the valley, this world-class team of ski instructors is available at all meeting points in Chamonix.
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in group classes.
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.
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.
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.
The Chamonix-based photographer Teresa Kaufman proposes naturally-lit photoshoots to capture and illustrate quality memories in outstanding surroundings.
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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.
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.
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views. If you're looking for authentic Italian pizza then try out La Piazza. It's right next to the nursery slopes at the Savoy and is the ideal place to refuel after a day skiing. Enjoy homemade pizzas and Apérol Spritz whilst admiring the mountains on their incredible terrace.
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.
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.
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
La Folie Douce in Chamonix is the ultimate destination for après-ski with a twist. Perched in the heart of the resort, its vibrant terrace provides panoramic mountain views that make every sip and every step feel unforgettable. From early afternoon onward, the lively atmosphere builds with energetic performers, live music, and DJ sets, creating a celebratory environment where guests can unwind, dance, and fully embrace the spirited, high-altitude party culture throughout the entire afternoon there.
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!
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.
At Bighorn in Chamonix, the food blends gourmet flair with comforting alpine soul. The menu offers dishes like succulent steaks grilled to perfection, smoky ribs, and hearty burgers — ideal after a day of skiing. Fresh salads, seasonal sides and crispy fries round out meals for a balanced touch. Locally sourced produce and fine cheeses enhance flavor and authenticity. For dessert, expect rich chocolate creations or creamy cheesecake. Whether you’re hungry for a filling dinner or a casual bite, Bighorn delivers.
When altitude meets relaxation, Brev’Bar is the perfect place to pause, unwind, and soak up the beauty of the mountains. Ideally located on the Brévent slopes in the Chamonix valley, this welcoming bar offers skiers and sightseers alike a well-deserved break with front-row views of Mont Blanc.
Step into Le Janssen Cocktail Bar, where the glamour of the Roaring Twenties meets the charm of the Alps. With its Gatsby the Magnificent ambience, this elegant bar is the perfect spot to start a winter evening in style. Plush interiors, soft lighting, and tasteful décor create a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax, sip, and savour the moment.
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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.
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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.
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.
Les Bossons is a sleepy little village just a five-minute drive from the centre Chamonix on the road to Les Houches. It is fairly spread out and consists mainly of chalet-style properties and is popular with families due to its school.
Les Praz is a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Chamonix. The village is surrounded by forests and streams making it an idyllic mountain hideaway and a popular place to live. You will find many chalet-style properties in this area. It is also home to a number of good bars and restaurants.
Les Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley, spreading over 8km from Vaudagne and the Col de Voza at one end, towards the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier and the Merlet Animal park at the other.
Argentière is a picturesque village within the Chamonix Valley and is just a short 10-minute car journey from Chamonix town. This charming village has been less affected by wealthy tourists and ex-patriots from various countries who have chosen to make their living in the mountains. It therefore retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars.
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix Valley in the Domaine de la Balme area. Take a stroll around the back streets to see some of the classically Alpine-style houses and the church dome. Look up to see the glaciers reaching down towards you, which are really impressive even in the height of summer.
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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