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.
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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Le Mayen Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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Fœhn Restaurant
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Chamonix Holiday Planning & Travel Scout - Teresa Kaufman
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
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
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
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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Teresa Kaufman Outdoor Photography Classes
'The best photo class you will ever take', is Teresa's bold strapline for her unique photo walk classes, which take place in the incredible outdoors of the Chamonix Valley and offer an opportunity to photograph the major mountains and viewpoints.
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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.
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.
