Les Bossons glacier
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
Chamonix to the old La Para mid station
A scenic walk to an abandoned lift station complete with old cable car
The walking route up to the old La Para mid station of Les Glaciers cable car via La Cascade du Dard Refuge is a popular forest route with stunning valley views towards Les Houches through breaks in the tree line.
This first section of the pre Aiguille du Midi cable car route between Les Pelerins and La Para was opened in 1924 in time for the Winter Olympic Games.
The second section leading up to Les Glaciers was finished in 1927.
Both lift stations were abandoned in 1951 due to their diminished popularity following the opening of the Brévent Planpraz cable. Now hikers enjoy a good nose around this relic which still includes one of the original cable cars.
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What to bring
IGN3630 map is recommended
What to see
You'll see the abandoned mid station of Les Glaciers cable car, La Para which was completed in 1924 and closed in 1951. There are also fantastic views of the valley towards Les Houches and beyond.
Sights in Chamonix
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
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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Step Into the Void
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
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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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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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
Where to lunch
If you aren't taking a packed lunch, there is a cheap mountain refuge close to the bottom of the walk called La Cascade du Dard.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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L'Adret de la Flégère Restaurant
Their restaurant located in the Flégère ski area has been completely renovated for this winter.
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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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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views.
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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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Stories & Beer
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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Vallee Blanche Off-Piste Ski Guiding
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), Ski and Snowboard Instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.
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Photoshoot of You & Your Pet
Here’s an opportunity to let a professional photographer capture the true bond between a man and his dog... cat, or otherwise!
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3-Day Mont Blanc Traverse by Tacul & Maudit Summits
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is without a doubt the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world, and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.
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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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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.
Directions
The walk starts at the current base station of the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix Sud. Take the path to the left of the station (as you are facing it) and through the tunnel. Once you come out of the tunnel immediately to your right is a path that leads you past the car park and along the road.
Keep following signs for the Refuge La Cascades du Dard. The route leads through the forest, along the river which you eventually cross to reach the refuge. Here you can see the waterfalls which are at the side this little mountain eatery. It's definitely worth stopping here for a drink on your way back down. Prices are very reasonable compared to a lot of other mountain restaurants.
From the Cascades, follow the path through the car park and along the river into the forest. From here the path makes a fairly steep and windy ascent on a narrow path that is often damp and slippery. Therefore, although you often see toddlers on this path in the height of summer, we would advise caution and check the weather conditions.
From the refugee it should take approximately one hour to reach the La Para mid station.
