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Where is Chamonix? All you need to know about this top location!

Mountaineering reaching the Mont Blanc summit
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Chamonix is located in France. This is an amazing country for travellers who want to discover great places and cities. Maybe you’ve been there before, or maybe it’s the first time, but either way, France has it all – it’s impossible not to find something perfect for you.

Chamonix is a town in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in south-eastern France. It is well known for its mountains and ski resorts, but it has many secrets beyond the well-known ones.

Whether you already know some information about Chamonix or you don’t know anything (but you want to find out), this is the perfect place. 

In this article, you will discover all you need to know about this top location!

1.  Where is Chamonix located?

Chamonix (also known as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc) is a town in south-eastern France, situated at 1035 metres, at the foot of Mont Blanc. It’s located in the northern side of the Alpes, very close to the border line with Switzerland and Italy. This french town also has a great history. It is one of the world’s earliest ski resorts and it actually hosted the first winter Olympic Games, in 1924. Chamonix is internationally appreciated for its location but also for its activities – it is well known as a perfect place for winter sports, but it has its beauty even in the summertime and, don’t worry, there are plenty of things to be done. If you are a nature or a mountain lover, this place is great for you.

How to get to Chamonix?

There are many ways to get to Chamonix. It depends on your preferences and your plans for the journey. You can get there:

  • By train

This option is good for those who don’t have a car, but it is quite restrictive if you want to wander around and visit other places in the same area. If you are a family, maybe it’s a complicated option, but if you are a couple or an adventurous solo traveller it may become a good choice. It depends if you are willing to stay in one place or if you want to see more places around.

  • By plane + transfer

The closest airport is Geneva (at 80 km), but also, based on your departure town and your itinerary, you may consider other airports, like Lyon, Grenoble, or Turin. From all these locations there are many transfer opportunities. These are popular because they usually take care of everything and they make sure you’ll get from point A to point B with no hassle. That’s why airport transfers could be much more relaxing than other travel options.

  • By car

There is always a possibility to travel by car, but it depends  where you come from and how long you are willing to drive for. If your departure point is not very far away, this may be a  good option. But otherwise, you have to think about advantages and disadvantages. Pay attention to details like: who’s driving, how many drivers there are, how many hours you will have to drive for, and how easy are the roads, what are the toll and petrol costs, etc. These are very important, in order to make the best decision for you.

The Aiguille du Midi peak - summer view from Le Brévent in Chamonix
The Aiguille du Midi peak – summer view from Le Brévent

2. Activities and attractions

Even if the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a recommended place for winter sports, that doesn’t mean that this is all you can do. The town itself it’s a great place to visit and it can offer great activities during both summer and winter. This location is perfect for many types of travellers – families, single travellers, couples, and groups.

The first steps towards the most famous ski route in Chamonix - La Vallée Blanche
The first steps towards the most famous ski route in Chamonix – La Vallée Blanche

During winter you can do a lot of things, such as:

  • Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, etc.)
  • Dog sledding
  • Paragliding
  • Winter activities for kids 
High altitude lake in the French Alps
High altitude lakes in the French Alps

In the summer, you also have a great deal of options:

  • Trekking and hiking
  • Mountaineering
  • Water sports
  • Trail running 
  • Cycling
  • Easy walks
  • Summer activities for kids

Also, Chamonix is a good starting point for day trips. Don’t worry, you will find something perfect for you, as long as you do a little bit of research, looking for tips, tricks and recommendations. 

The Aiguille du Midi and its laid-out terraces offer a 360° view of Chamonix and the Alps
The Aiguille du Midi and its laid-out terraces offer a 360° view of the Alps

In the end, you can create great memories in Chamonix, as long as you make it possible by going there. Keep an open mind and check it out in any season, because it may surprise you in a good way.

Remember what you are passionate about and bring that passion to Chamonix!

Photo source: pixabay.com