Situated in the Val Ferret valley in Italy at the mouth of the vallée de Malatra, the Rifugio Bonatti has stunning views on all sides and is relatively easy to access at all times of year.
Bonatti refuge (2025m), Val Ferret
Very plush refuge with stunning views back over the Mont Blanc massif
The refuge can be reached from Courmayeur.
Once in Entrèves take the Val Ferret, continuing to Lavachey. The refuge is located on the orographic left side of this valley, at 2,025m. Its location is a good vantage point of the Mont Blanc massif.
In addition to being an ideal starting point for tours of varying difficulty and length, it’s a rest stop of the TMB (Tour Mont Blanc), the T.G.B. (Tour the Great St. Bernard) and Alta Via # 1.
Accommodation can be booked bed only, or including breakfast and/or dinner. Beds are provided with blankets and pillows but for hygiene reasons you must provide your own sheet or sleeping bag liner (they can also be rented at the refuge depending on availability).
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
Directions
In the winter time you leave your car at Entréves (take a shuttle) or Planpincieux.
Walk along the trail and reach the location Lavachey.
Before the wooden bridge, the trail 28 that goes through the woods.
At the junction for Sécheron / Val Arminaz, you turn left on the path and climb until you reach the open area in sight of the refuge.
Things to do nearby
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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VerticAlp funiculars and train
Just over the border to Switzerland you can journey up to the Emosson Dam
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
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Climb Mont Blanc in three or five days
3 or 5 day course to climb Mont Blanc
If you are thinking about climbing Mont Blanc, and have little or no mountaineering experience but have a good level of fitness and motivation, then this is the course for you!
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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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Snowshoe guided walks
Half day and full day snowshoe walks in Vallorcine
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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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.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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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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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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Plan Joran Restaurant and Café
Next to the Plan Joran gondola at 1,923m, only accessible on skis or snowboard
You will find a takeaway bar and a self-service restaurant in this magnificent wooden chalet at the bottom of the Tabé chairlift. Find “Maison des Drus” products and takeaway pizzas in the snack bar, to be enjoyed on the terrace facing the ski slopes. At the self-service restaurant, enjoy a hot and filling meal without wasting your skiing time. The large room with exposed timbers offers a space to warm up and the terrace offers a place to relax.
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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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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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Les Ecuries de Charamillon Restaurant
Great food and good value on the slopes at Le Tour, beside the Chatelet piste
Located underneath the Autannes chairlift at Le Tour, this restaurant is one of the best mountain restaurants in the resort.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Step into the void
Not for the faint hearted, you literally step into the void 1,000m above the ground
Step into the Void is a visitor attraction on the Aiguille du Midi, a reinforced glass box suspended 1,000m above the void.
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Aiguille du Midi
Breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the start of various mountain routes
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest point that can be accessed by cable car in the Chamonix valley. The station stands at 3,842m and is situated directly across from Mont Blanc.
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
A gondola ride across the glaciers high above the Chamonix valley
The Panoramic Mont Blanc gondola operates during the summer months, connecting the Aiguille du Midi with the Skyway Monte Bianco lift at Helbronner, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Everything you need to know about a visit to this iconic glacier and railway
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.
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Municipal library
Public library and exhibitions in central Chamonix with great kids section
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Alpine museum
Musée Alpin de Chamonix currently closed for renovations, planned reopening: June 2026
The museum is currently closed for renovations
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
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Planards beginner ski area and lifts
Family fun and beginner slopes in the heart of Chamonix town
Les Planards is very much a family and beginner area, with nursery slopes and other fun activities on offer. Situated just beside the Montenvers Train station it's easily accessible.
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Montenvers Ski Pass Office
Main Town Ticket office / Departure point for the Mer de Glace
This ticket office not only sells tickets for the Montenvers train but also all other lift passes for the area that Compagnie du Mont Blanc cover.
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Aiguille du Midi Ski Pass Office
Highest cable car in Europe offering spectacular views
The Aiguille du Midi summits at a height of 3,842m and is the starting point for the famous Vallée Blanche off-piste route. There is a dedicated lift pass office here which can sell you tickets not only for the Midi but also any of the other lifts in the valley.
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Chamonix Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
Cross country ski trails setting off from the centre of Chamonix
The Chamonix cross-country ski trails are easily accessed from the centre of town and are located near to the sports centre.
Read more about Chamonix Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
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Flégère Ski Area & Lifts
Skiing area on the south-facing slopes above the village of Les Praz
La Flégère is a large south-facing ski area accessed by a cable car from the village of Les Praz; you can reach this lift pass office at the bottom of the cable care in just 10 minutes by bus, train or car from Chamonix town.
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Brévent Ski Area & Lifts
Only a five-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix town
The Brévent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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Chamonix Mont Blanc (Main Town) 
Chamonix Mont Blanc (Main Town)
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.
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Les Praz 
Les Praz
A beautiful village with access to the ski lifts and a challenging golf course
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.
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Les Bossons 
Les Bossons
A growing village situated under its own glacier with a train station and post office
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.
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Argentière 
Argentière
A traditional village located at the foot of the famous Grands Montets ski area
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.
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Le Tour 
Le Tour
A typical Savoyard village nestled at the far end of the Chamonix Valley
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.
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Les Houches 
Les Houches
A large town at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley about 6km from Chamonix
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.
