Fall for Autumn in Chamonix

As summer slowly turns to winter, and the leaves on the trees start to change from green to russet red, you may think that Chamonix winds down to a halt, but you'd be wrong.

Whilst most neighbouring resorts are now in their inter-season period and pretty much closed until winter, Chamonix is still packed with plenty of attractions to see and things to do. Most of the restaurants, hotels and bars stay open and the choice of activities you can do and the attractions you can see are still just as good as in the height of summer.

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Chamonix in autumn.

Sights & Attractions

No visit to Chamonix would be complete without a trip up the Aiguille du Midi to catch a glimpse of Mont Blanc, and walking into the Step into the Void over a 1,000 metre drop. The cable car and summit elevators are open every day (weather permitting) and stay open right through September and October. Sadly the Mer de Glace and Montenvers train are now closed until December due to renovation works, but if you still want a dramatic train ride, head down towards the Swiss border and take a trip on the Chatelard Funicular or 'Verticalp' experience. This involves a three stage journey on two funiculars and a train to take you up to the top of the Emosson Dam. It's open until 23rd October 2016.

Family Activities

Chamonix has its own mini roller coaster or alpine luge at the Planards Parc de Loisirs, where you'll also find a water splash, trampolines, and all sorts of fund and games to keep the children entertained. It's open in September and October on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and then daily from 19th October to 2nd November.

The treetop adventure park in Gaillands is also open for some moenkeying around. They have routes of different difficulties from child-sized low down courses, to the more difficult black routes with a zip wire over the lake. From 12th September until 1st November 2016 they are open every Saturday and Sunday from 13:30 to 18:00. All equipment can be rented on site.

The Merlet animal park is a great place to visit the local Chamonix wildlife, including deer, Ibex, Chamois and marmottes. Drive up or take a walk up through the trees to get there. It's open every day except Monday in September from 10:00 to 18:00. A tour lasts 2 hours and is accessible with buggies or strollers.

Photography Walks

Local photographer Teresa Kaufman offers photographic walks around the Chamonix Valley, on selected dates in September, October and November. Discover hidden parts of the Chamonix valley and capture it all on camera as you go. Walks last around 3 hours.

Summer Lift Access

Lift access is still possible to the higher walking trails and mountain biking trails in Chamonix through most of September. Grands Montets and Le Tour lifts to mid station will both be open until 25th September, as will the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches. Brévent and Flégère lifts closed this weekend, but then Flégère re-opens for an extended period over the October half term holidays from 20th October to 27th November 2016.

Bungee Jumping

If you've got a head for heights and don't mind a short trip out of Chamonix to get there, Bungee Mont Blanc let you dive off a bridge, 90 metres above the ground from May to December. Reserve in advance to avoid disappoint and once you've booked you can take the train or local bus to get down there.

Find more inspiration for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, paragliding, mountaineering and trail running over the next few months, and if the weather does turn for the worst, take a look at the types of things you can do in Chamonix when it's raining.