Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
Les Gaillands to Parc Merlet
A short but rewarding hike up to an animal park from the lake
This short hike starts at a lake and ends at an animal park, with plenty to see along the way.
Starting from the lake at Les Gaillands, walk towards the rock face and follow the footpath to turn left into the forest. You’ll pass a second lake on your left and a treetop adventure park on your right before passing some houses and coming out into a small clearing. On your right you’ll see a signpost and a narrow path leading uphill into the forest.
Hiking up to Merlet is a short but deceptively steep little jaunt; you climb around 500m in just under 4km. The path is very easy to follow, there are a few deviations but you just keep following the most obvious trail.
The route zig-zags back and forth amongst the trees, mostly in the shade but occasionally opening out to show just how high you’ve come as the valley becomes further and further away. As you get higher you become more level with the Les Bossons glacier, which is quite an impressive sight.
Depending on the weather and time of year, there is the occasional stream to pick your way across - you can usually find enough stepping stones to avoid getting your feet wet! The biggest torrent comes just a few hundred metres before the end of the trail and is equipped with a bridge.
The trail eventually spits you out onto a small road with some picnic benches on the other side. Turn right and follow this road for a few minutes and you’ll come to the gates of the Parc Merlet; a small wildlife park where local alpine breeds such as marmots and chamois can be seen up close.
You can either return by the same route, or make a circuit of it by walking further down the road and picking up the next trail on your left to Les Bossons. This will take you down to the Promenade des Arves, from where you can turn right and walk to Les Houches or turn left and return to Les Gaillands.
What to bring
You don't need a map for this hike, the route is simple and well-signposted. Just a small backpack with something to drink and the basic supplies will do. Don't forget your camera, both the views and the wildlife are worth a few a few snaps!
What to see
The animals in the park are all alpine breeds, typical to the local area. This means that you stand a fairly good chance of seeing them outside of the park as well! The area around Merlet is a common place to spot Bouquetin and Chamois playing hide-and-seek amongst the trees.
Sights in Chamonix
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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.
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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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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Le Brévent, Chamonix - Town
Brévent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
Where to lunch
There is a restaurant at Parc Merlet, serving typical Savoyard dishes on a beautiful panoramic terrace. During the summer months, there is also a lovely little buvette (snack kiosk) in front of the climbing wall at Les Gaillands.
Please note that you are not allowed to have picnics inside Parc Merlet, although there are picnic tables just outside if you prefer to bring your own food.
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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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views. If you're looking for authentic Italian pizza then try out La Piazza. It's right next to the nursery slopes at the Savoy and is the ideal place to refuel after a day skiing. Enjoy homemade pizzas and Apérol Spritz whilst admiring the mountains on their incredible terrace.
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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
Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, these pizzas are made with a sourdough crust prepared from mother yeast, two flours, sea salt, water and extra virgin olive oil, then left to rise for at least 72 hours for light, easy digestion. They use San Marzano and Yellow Datterini tomatoes and the freshest fior di latte mozzarella. With sustainability in mind, only a couple of organic meat options are offered, keeping the menu thoughtful and delicious.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
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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, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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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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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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Tandem Paragliding
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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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.
