Best things to do in Chamonix

Lovely walks

There are over 350 km of maintained walking paths with over 170 different routes of varying difficulties. In the base of the valley, at altitude, following rivers and round lakes the Panorama is dramatic and unforgettable.

Not to be missed: The Lac Blanc 
Located at 2 352m in the Natural reserve of the Aiguilles Rouges, the Lac Blanc is a stunning natural mountain lake, often with patches of snow lingering, the contrast of turquoise water, tough granite and soft snow framed by the unique view of the Massif du Mont Blanc is one of the most striking places to visit. Less than 1.5 hour walk from the top of the Flegere Index lift.

Climbing – Human nature 

The solid granite rock makes Chamonix the centre of climbing from all over the world. From big boulders sitting at the bottom of the valley and hidden in forests, to accessible and picturesque learning walls and ultimately on to sheer and very technical faces, there is something for everyone here with kids’ classes starting at the age of 5 and plenty of easy routes to learn on this is a sport for all ages and levels.

Our favourite is the Gaillands wall with 20 plus routes ranging from the very easy to the challenging. Only 2km from the centre of Chamonix it is just a beautiful spot with 2 lakes and superb views os the Glacier de Bossons and Mont Blanc – We love this area because you can go as a group and everyone can be together but do their own thing as well.

New to Test ! The Via Ferrata de Flégère, in a unique spot, it's a high mountain climbing experience in complete safety. We recommend that you take a guide if this's the first time. You can either access it by hiking from les Praz for a good warm-up of about 2 hours of ascent, or otherwise from the gondola la Flégère about 20min ascent.

Family outings

Merlet - I am not a huge fan of animal parks, but this one is lovely Merlet hosts all the mountain species and more, in a natural setting with exceptional views. Chamois, bouquetins (the ones with the big curled horns), marmottes and more.

The Gorges de la Diosaz, A stunning walk and adventure on a sweltering day with beautiful waterfalls carved out of the mountain.

Chamonix adventure park Bringing together a number of very different rides and activities including the mountain Luge roller coaster and lots more for the kids

Gaillands – Adventure in the trees – The best Acrobranching park in the Valley with three levels beginner for the young ones, intermediate for everyone and expert for the really brave – finishing with a great zipwire across the lake!

Horse riding in the valley

Discover the valley in a completely unique way to discover the valley. The Centre Equestre du Mont Blanc offers different rides for all levels and timescales from 1 hour up to a several days. Lessons in an excellent location with stunning views also available.
You can also have some fun on a donky ride.

Bike riding

Chamonix is a paradise for bike riding from leisurely rides along the river to psycho downhill tracks. The principal areas are Le Balme with rolling hills and varied difficulty levels at the very end of the valley and the Les Houches Prarion lift with runs across open fields, through dense forests and prepared routes… this area is great fun! You can also rent eletric bike.

Paragliding 

This just has to be done – Instructors will take you on a leisurely ‘Rolls Royce’ flight or get in a Ferrari and go nuts! Again, amazing scenery and a different perspective from anything else when flying out from the Brevant or Aiguille du midi take off areas – Unforgettable!