Chamonix is unique with some of its trails, in particular the 'Balcon' walks; two 'petit' and two 'grand'. They are all beautiful panoramic promenades with an almost constant level of altitude and can be done partially or in their entirety. The 'Petit Balcons' run around the lower valley floor (approx altitude 1,200m) and are named "Nord" (north) and "Sud" (south) after their directional compass bearing.
The Petit Balcons in Chamonix
Beautiful panoramic promenades with an almost constant level of altitude
The Petit Balcon Nord
The trail runs from Argentière to Les Bois, on the north side of the valley and hovers around 200m above the valley floor. You can pick the trail up from Les Chosalets, at the entrance to the Grand Montets car park in Argentière, and follow the route back down the valley to Les Bois before continuing on to Chamonix.
Starting point: Entrance to the Grand Montets car park
Duration: 2h30
Firstly, this walk takes you through pleasant woodland to the beautiful little hamlet of Le Lavancher, which enjoys some of the most spectacular views of Mont Blanc and les Aiguilles in the valley. Just before you arrive at the village you will pass through some alpine pastures where cows are happily grazing and an unusual assortment of ducks, geese and other fowl as well as rabbits and hares are all living together in a series on runs and enclosures.
Closer inspection will link all the inhabitants with the menu of the restaurant Le Rosebud, which has an excellent reputation in the valley. Although not for the squeamish or the vegetarian, at least you know where your dinner’s come from.
From Les Lavancher, follow the road up to the top of the village and continue for another 100m to the point where two footpaths branch off. Take the second one (not to Les Tines) which is a wide cross country ski track, descending gently at first through the forest to les Bois, via Côte du Piget. Return to Chamonix either on foot via the footpath along the river Arveyron, or by bus or train from Les Praz.
The Petit Balcon Sud
This is the longer of the balcon trails, running from Argentière all the way down to Servoz (recommended direction).
Starting point: Bridge by entrance to the Grand Montets car park
Duration: 3h
The Petit Balcon Sud holds a fairly steady altitude of around 1,250m and is mostly in the forest; however, it still offers some beautiful views of the Aiguilles de Chamonix and of the valley below. You can pick up the trail in Argentière near the railway bridge on the main road (RN 506) by turning right along the Chemin de la Corne à Bouc (in front of Res Crystal).
Once on the trail it begins as a very pleasant stroll through the forest, crossing the Lioutraz couloir (the scene of some huge avalanches in the winter) and continues easily along the side of the railway line. There are one or two areas where the path crosses a zone of fallen rocks where you should not stop or loiter, as rock and stone falls are always a possibility.
Once the route has dropped down fairly steeply to Les Tines, you then follow the Chemin du Paradis for 500m along the right bank of L’Arve until the path climbs up on your right opposite the Forge Bridge. It will then take you gently along, in and out of the forest, above the village of Les Praz to Chamonix.
The path joins the CD29 footpath from Planpraz (Les Nantes piste in winter) which you can either follow all the way down to the Brévent Gondola and Chamonix; or follow for 150m until you see the path for the Petit Balcon Sud climbing off to the right.
From here it is possible to carry on to Les Gaillands, Les Bossons, Les Houches and eventually Servoz, from where it is possible to return to Chamonix by bus or train from each village.
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Municipal library
Public library and exhibitions in central Chamonix with great kids section
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
A modern museum dedicated to the history of Chamonix located on its oldest street
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.Â
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Crystal museum
Musée des Cristaux has a collection of minerals and crystals collected in the valley
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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Alpine museum
Musée Alpin de Chamonix currently closed for renovations, planned reopening: June 2026
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
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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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Everything you need to know about a visit to this iconic glacier and 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.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Family-style restaurant ideally located next to the Savoy nursery ski area
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Central hotel with a stylish restaurant and bar popular with locals and holidaymakers alike
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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L'Adret de la Flégère Restaurant
Enjoy the views from this mountain restaurant at the top of the Flégère gondola at 1,913m
Located at the Flégère ski area, their restaurant offers a pleasant and bright setting for your meals.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
American cuisine, craft beers, cocktails, and homemade baked goods
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.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
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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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Good value sourdough pizza in the Neapolitan tradition, take away or delivered
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.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
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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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
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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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
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
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with these qualified tandem paragliding specialists - All year round
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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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the 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.
Safety advice
IGN3630 map is recommended.
