Chamonix, France

Chamonix

An alpine valley below Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
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Things to do

2 days in Chamonix

Day 1

  1. MorningTake the Aiguille du Midi cable car early for the closest view of Mont Blanc.
  2. AfternoonWalk the Grand Balcon Nord trail to the Montenvers station and the Mer de Glace.
  3. EveningHave dinner in the town centre, below the glaciers.

Day 2

Take the Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace and its ice cave.

What to eat

Fondue savoyarde and a génépi liqueur.

Local tips

Make the most of Chamonix

Beat the crowds

Busiest in July, August and the ski season. June and September are calmer.

Best photo spot

Mont Blanc from the Aiguille du Midi, or reflected in Lac Blanc.

Getting there

Trains run from Saint-Gervais. Buses run from Geneva airport, about 1.5 hours.

Don't miss nearby

The Mer de Glace glacier, reached by the Montenvers train.

Good to know

Book the Aiguille du Midi cable car early; it's very busy in summer. Mountain weather changes fast.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Chamonix

Our most hidden places around Chamonix: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Chamonix to take with you.

52 km away
64 km away
65 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Chamonix

Getting there

  • Annecy Meythet airport (NCY)60 km away
  • Geneva Airport (GVA)70 km away
  • Turin115 km away
  • Bern120 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountryFrance

Questions

Chamonix: good to know

Is Chamonix worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. An alpine valley below Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.

How many days do you need in Chamonix?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Chamonix?

You can visit all year. Busiest in July, August and the ski season. June and September are calmer.

How do you get to Chamonix?

The nearest airport is Annecy Meythet airport (NCY), about 60 km away. Trains run from Saint-Gervais. Buses run from Geneva airport, about 1.5 hours.

What is there to see near Chamonix?

Nearby hidden places include Annecy (57 km), Zermatt (69 km) and Gruyères (75 km).

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