La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Belvedere du Chapeau from Lavancher
A forest trail leading towards the Mer de Glace with a stop at the Refuge du Chapeau
Situated 150m above the bottom of the Mer de Glace, the Refuge du Chapeau has been a classic stop for tourists for over a century.
Perched above the deep rocky ravine that now exists at the base of the Mer de Glace, the refuge du Chapeau has been used since the beginning of tourism in Chamonix.
Once a stop on the famous Vallée Blanche, the retreating glacier has meant that the ice now falls far short of this picturesque refuge. The views it offers are still outstanding, overlooking the whole Chamonix Valley. Grab a table and you can enjoy local cuisine and other refreshments.
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What to bring
IGN3630 map is recommended.
What to see
Look out for little signposts near the chalet that tell you what the local plants and herbs are called - you'll find some of them on the menu!
Sights in Chamonix
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog 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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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
Where to lunch
Being a short walk, a packed lunch is not essential. The Refuge du Chapeau is open during the summer months and serves snacks and refreshments.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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La Bergerie de Planpraz Restaurant
At an altitude of 2000m facing the Mont-Blanc massif, welcome to their restaurant, La Bergerie de Planpraz.
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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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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.
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La Fruitière Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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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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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.
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Teresa Kaufman Chamonix Photoshoots
The Chamonix-based photographer Teresa Kaufman proposes naturally-lit photoshoots to capture and illustrate quality memories in outstanding surroundings.
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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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Introductory Tandem Paraglide
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
Directions
Leaving the small village of Le Lavancher continue up the only road in the village until you reach a small car park.
From here the paved road ends and the trail begins. Continue up the wide trail for 2km following signs for the Refuge du Chapeau.
From the refuge it is also possible to continue up the Couloir du Chapeau and finish at Lognon at the Grand Montets ski area. This is a much longer and harder variation that can take the whole day.
