Written by Camille Laurent, Celine Fournier, Marcus Kayode, Sebastien Simon
30/08/2025
Alex Andrews, Pexels
Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, presents itself as an iconic alpine destination, drawing visitors with its unparalleled natural beauty and a vibrant array of outdoor activities throughout the year. It serves as a world-renowned hub for mountaineering, skiing, and diverse summer adventures, while also offering a charming town experience.
The town center buzzes with activity, providing numerous bars, restaurants, and shops for socializing. A vibrant après-ski scene transitions seamlessly into lively evenings with live music and dancing, particularly along Rue des Moulins and in the Chamonix Sud Square. Travelers often connect with fellow adventurers in this international setting, sharing experiences after a day in the mountains.
Top 5 Things to do in Chamonix
Chamonix offers a diverse range of mountain experiences, from panoramic views via cable car rides and glacier exploration to thrilling aerial adventures and family-friendly attractions.
1. Ascend Aiguille du Midi
Taking the cable car to Aiguille du Midi is an essential Chamonix experience, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, including Mont Blanc. Visitors can step into the 'Step into the Void' glass box for an exhilarating perspective at 3,842 meters. This journey provides an up-close encounter with Europe's highest peaks and glaciers.
Cost: A round-trip ticket from Chamonix typically costs €78-€81 for adults. Booking online well in advance may offer a reduced price, sometimes as low as €57. This activity is also covered by the Mont Blanc MultiPass.
Transport: The Aiguille du Midi cable car station is a short walk from Chamonix town center, approximately 10 minutes from the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc train station. The cable car ride itself takes about 20-25 minutes to reach the summit with a transfer at Plan de l'Aiguille. A taxi from Chamonix to the cable car station takes around 9-10 minutes and costs approximately €23-€28.
2. Explore Mer de Glace via Montenvers Railway
Experience a journey aboard the historic Montenvers cogwheel train, ascending to 1,913 meters to witness the vast Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier. Visitors can then take a gondola down to the glacier and explore the impressive Grotte de Glace (Ice Cave), carved into the ice, and learn about glaciers at the Glaciorium exhibit.
Cost: A return train ticket, including access to the cable car and Ice Cave, costs approximately €41.20 for adults, or €34.50 for children and seniors. A family pass is available for around €127.70. The Mont Blanc MultiPass typically includes this experience.
Transport: The Montenvers train departs from Chamonix Montenvers station, located in central Chamonix. The scenic train ride takes about 20-23 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi from Chamonix to the station costs approximately €10-€13 and takes around 7 minutes.
3. Hike to Lac Blanc
Embark on a rewarding hike to Lac Blanc, a stunning alpine lake nestled within the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. This moderate trail offers spectacular, continuous views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding peaks. It is considered one of the most beautiful day hikes in the region, providing an immersive experience in the high-alpine environment.
Cost: The primary cost is the cable car ride to the trailhead. A round-trip ticket for the La Flégère gondola, which accesses the most common starting point, is around €20. The hike itself is free. The Mont Blanc MultiPass covers the lift access.
Transport: To reach the trailhead, take a local bus (free with a guest card) or the Mont Blanc Express train from Chamonix center to Les Praz, a journey of approximately 10 minutes by bus. From Les Praz, it is a short 5-minute walk to the La Flégère gondola station, which transports hikers up to the starting point of the trail.
4. Tandem Paragliding over the Valley
Experience the thrill of soaring above the Chamonix Valley on a tandem paragliding flight. With an experienced instructor, you will glide gracefully, enjoying unparalleled aerial perspectives of Mont Blanc, glaciers, and the alpine landscape. This activity is suitable for almost all ages and offers a unique, unforgettable way to see the region.
Cost: Tandem paragliding flights typically start from €100-€150 for a 15-25 minute discovery flight. An additional fee of approximately €30 usually applies for photos and videos of your flight. Cable car tickets to the take-off point are often not included in the flight price.
Transport: Most tandem flights depart from sites like Planpraz, which is accessible via a gondola from Chamonix town. Travelers are typically responsible for their cable car ticket to the take-off location, which is usually a short walk from the top station.
5. Ride the Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster
Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster, a 1,300-meter-long track with twists, turns, jumps, and 540-degree spins through the mountain scenery. Located at the Parc de Loisirs, it's a fun activity for families and individuals seeking an adrenaline rush, open year-round with varying hours.
Cost: One ride costs approximately €9.00. Multi-ride packages are available, such as 6 rides for €45.00. The luge can be ridden solo or in pairs, offering a shared experience at the same price per luge.
Transport: The Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster is situated at the Les Planards ski area, which is easily accessible from Chamonix town center by a short 15-minute walk.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
