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activities in Chamonix

Church centre of Chamonix under snow
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Things to do in Chamonix if you are going on a trip to France – TOP activities and places for travelers!

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Have you decided to go on a trip to France? This is the best decision you’ve made! France is one of the best countries in the world, and it surely welcomes you with a lot of great places to visit. It is well known for its big cities – which are full of beautiful architecture and buildings, museums and monuments –, but also for its nature, mountains, panoramic views and coasts – which give you a true feeling of freedom. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is one of these natural beauties that you truly should want to discover immediately. In this particular place, the mountains are full of splendor and they create the perfect spot for lovely activities and things to be done.

In this article, you will find which are the best things to do in Chamonix!

1. Best 5 activities to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

As in many other places, the things you choose to do are based on your preferences and plans. If you travel alone, you can pursue your passions and spend some time with yourself and do the activities you love the most. When travelling with your family, you will probably want to explore things that are perfect for all of you – Chamonix is a great place for kids and other family members of any age. As a couple, you will have the fun times doing mountain related activities and working on your special bond in a lovely holiday spot. 

So, there are many great activities that you can do in Chamonix and some recommendations you can rely on, but 10 of them are the most appreciated:

The Tramway of Mont-Blanc

This tramway route is recommended for those who are in love with panoramic views and surroundings. The railway is over a century old and it stops at popular mountain trails, so it’s good for those who are looking for hiking starting points. So it’s a great opportunity if you want to take a journey into the past, by traveling with an old tram, between the beautiful sights of the Mont-Blanc.

Museum of Crystals

This museum is recommended to those who are passionate about minerals, rocks and crystals. It is a small place, but it has a big collection and a great bonus – they have a kids section, dedicated to climbing and mountaineering!

Brevent Cable Car

Brevent cable car view from up the mountains
Brevent cable car

The Brevent Cable Car is a great way of seeing the mountains from a comfortable place. Also, it is a good departure point for those who want to go hiking, or just walking around. If you are planning to see some mountain lakes (Lac du Brevent, Lac Cornu etc.) this is a way of getting there easy.

Eglise Saint Michel

Eglise Saint Michel is a small church, full of magic and peace. Hidden between the mountains, it offers a wonderful scenic background, perfect for taking pictures. It is also very close to other attractions, such as Aiguille du Midi, Step Into the Void, Montenvers, or Domaine des Planards. Near these, you can find many restaurants where you can have a snack or a coffee. 

Day trips

Chamonix is a great starting location for day trips around. You can easily visit towns like Annecy or Lyon, thanks to some wonderful transfer options, available for anyone, anytime. This way, you can see multiple places in one vacation, making special memories while checking out all the surroundings.

2. TOP 10 things to do in Chamonix – 5 in the SUMMER + 5 in the WINTER

Summer is a loved season and it is ideal for organizing a trip or a vacation. Many people may prefer the seaside during hot days, and that’s why it is more pleasant to visit the mountains and feel the joy of uncrowded places while taking a breath of cool and fresh air. Here are 5 things you can do in Chamonix during SUMMER – perfect for non-skiers:

  • Trekking and hiking
  • Great mountain walks
  • Water sports
  • Trail running 
  • Awesome activities for kids

The mountains of Mont-Blanc are well-known for winter sports and for some great ski resorts, perfect for those who are passionate about this kind of activity. Here are 5 fun things you can do in Chamonix during the WINTER time:

  • Skiing
  • Paragliding
  • Dog sledding
  • Ice Climbing
  • Winter Mountaineering
Lac des Gaillands
Lake Gaillands in Chamonix

All in all, you must visit Chamonix as soon as possible – it doesn’t matter the season! If you are longing for great views, sceneries and backgrounds, make a decision and check out this beautiful place! Try all the activities available and you will be happy to collect good and precious memories!

Photo source: shutterstock.com

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Mountaineering reaching the Mont Blanc summit
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Where is Chamonix? All you need to know about this top location!

Reading Time: 4 minutes

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

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