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.
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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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Located 2.0 km away
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.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
Located 3.3 km away
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
Located 3.8 km away
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
Located 3.9 km away
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Located 4.1 km away
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
Located 4.1 km away
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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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
Located in Chamonix
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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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
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
Located in Chamonix
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
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
Located in Chamonix
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Located in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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Classic Haute Route Trek, from Chamonix
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley and further afield.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Located in Chamonix
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Mont Blanc training course and ascent - five day
Located in Chamonix
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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Cinema VOX
Located in Chamonix
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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Tandem Paragliding
Located in Chamonix
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.
Where to stay
Hotels in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce Hotel
Located in Chamonix
This hotel offers stunning alpine views, a vibrant atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities for families. Enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, spa treatments, and activities for all ages right at the foot of the ski slopes.
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La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
Located in Chamonix
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
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Faucigny Hotel
Located in Chamonix
Completely renovated in Scandinavian style, Le Faucigny is a charming small hotel in the town centre. Whether you're with family or friends or enjoying a romantic getaway, the hotel provides the ideal setting for a pleasant stay in the legendary Mont-Blanc valley.
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Chamois Blanc Apartment Residence
Located in Chamonix
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
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Lyret Hotel
Located in Chamonix
Hotel Lyret blends Alpine charm with modern creativity, offering a unique stay where art and hospitality come together.
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La Ginabelle Premium Residence
Located in Chamonix
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
Price: €4,125
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.