Promenade d’Arve towards Argentière
A simple walk all along the river Arve from Chamonix centre towards Argentière
Getting around the Chamonix Valley and up into its high mountain terrain is made easy thanks to the extensive transportation network available. The local buses that take you to all the main gondola and cable car stations are free with a carte d’hôte (guest card). You can get your card on arrival at your accommodation.
Cable cars and chairlifts are used widely by walkers and climbers alike, whisking you up to around 2,000m, or taking you back down! Using the lifts can cut a good two hours off a walk, thus enabling you more time to enjoy the views at a higher altitude without unnecessary slog. The lift system comes into its own in the event of deteriorating weather, injury or just plain tiredness, when it will swiftly transport you back to the valley floor (providing you are within the lift operating hours).
The river de L'Arve runs through the entire Chamonix Valley and there are essentially two directions one can head from Chamonix. Down the valley down towards Les Houches, or up the valley towards Argentiere and Le Tour. The following two routes are two of our favourite river walks :
Suffice to say, whichever direction you choose, both riverside paths will provide some colourful plantations and spectacular panoramic views of the massif.
Promenade d’Arve – towards Argentière
This route climbs gently along the banks of the river Arve on the south side of the valley.
Starting point: Chamonix
Duration: 2h40 (one way)
Near the sports centre, take the Promenade du Fiori past the tennis courts. Turn left, cross the two bridges and take the Promenade des Encontres which follows the left bank of the river Arve and brings you out at the bridge at Les Praz.
Crossing the bridge, turn right and take the Promenade des Mouilles des Praz which will take you past the 18-hole golf course. Cross the Pont de la Flegere (bridge) and the cable car park and follow the main road (RN506) as far as the Route du Golf which crosses the Arve. Follow the Promenade du Paradis des Praz on the right bank of the river (old dairy, café, play area for children and pony rides in summer) and on reaching Les Tines, ignore the Pont de la Corruaz and take the path on the right which passes under the railway line and climbs alongside the Eboulements tunnel.
You will then pass the Moulins footbridge below the road junction to Le Lavancher, and eventually come to the bridge at la Joux. Continue along the right bank of the river, passing Les Iles and at the end of the Chemin des Caquerets you will arrive at the bridge at Les Chosalets.
Cross the bridge and turning left, walk through the Grand Montets car park which will bring you out in Argentiere.
Return by the same route or by train or bus.
What to bring
IGN3630 map is recommended
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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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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Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
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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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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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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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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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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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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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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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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Guided Hiking Day Trip
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company that organises guided trips for hiking and trekking. Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group, hiking with a guide is the perfect way to experience the mountains.
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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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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
