Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc showing a city, street scenes and café scenes
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc showing mountains and snow
Photo provided by David Ravanel / Chamonix Tourist Office
Photo provided by Patrice Labarbe/Office de Tourisme Vallee de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Photo provided by Chamonix Tourist Office
Known for its wintersports and stunning scenery, this famous town in the French Alps also delights with stores, spas, restaurants and summertime activities.

Glaciers, jagged snowcapped peaks and miles of ski slopes have made Chamonix-Mont-Blanc one of Europe’s best-known ski areas. The alpine town is situated at the foot of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. Come for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountaineering and hill walking in the summer.

You can find ski areas for all experience levels spread across three mountainsides. Ski the beautiful Vallée Blanche glacier, Chamonix’s off-piste ski run. Hire a guide from one of the operators in town to take you.

Non-skiers can go ice climbing, ride on a ski-cab or walk along 10 miles (17 kilometers) of trails. Climb aboard the little red train for a scenic trip on the Montenvers Mountain Railway to the base of the Mer de Glace glacier. Walk through the ice grotto that has been cut into the glacier.

Ride a gondola to the summit of Aiguille du Midi. From the viewing platform, watch skiers descend Vallée Blanche. If you are brave enough, Step into the Void, a glass platform that hangs over the mountain and offers incredible views. Access to Step into the Void is included in the price of the cable car ticket to the summit of Aiguille du Midi.

There are plenty of attractions away from the ski runs. Go shopping, pamper yourself at a spa and learn about the area’s history at Musée Alpin. Visit Chamonix’s tearooms, live music bars, international restaurants and nightclubs, or try your luck at the casino. Try traditional Swiss cuisine such as raclette, a dish made with melted cheese and rösti, which is fried, grated potato.

Chamonix offers plenty to do in the summer. Hike along mountain and valley trails, and learn how to paraglide, play golf and scale mountain peaks.

Geneva International Airport is the main gateway to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and is 64 miles (103 kilometers) from the town. Get around by renting a car or electric bike, or by public transportation. Chamonix experiences snow from November until as late as June. In the summer, it is hot and sunny in the valleys but cooler higher up.

Where to stay in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc featuring mountains and snow

Chamonix City Centre

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Chamonix City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its picture-perfect mountain views, relaxing spas and popular ski slopes. You might want to check out attractions like Casino Le Royal Chamonix or Chamonix Alpine Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Chamonix City Centre

Les Bossons

Unique features of Les Bossons include the skiing and mountain views. Make a stop by Bossons Glacier or Glacier des Bossons Chairlift while you're exploring the area.

Les Bossons
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Le Tour

Travellers like the ski areas in Le Tour, and Domaine de Balme Ski Area is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Le Tour
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Montroc

Montroc is well liked for its ski areas. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Chamonix-Mont-Blanc area, you might plan a trip to Les Grands Montets Ski Area or Charamillon Gondola.

Montroc
 Lykke Hotel & Spa Chamonix - ex Mercure
Lykke Hotel & Spa Chamonix - ex Mercure
4 out of 5
39 Rue Des Allobroges, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The price is AU$189 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$189
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 hot tubs, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (301 reviews)
Very modern, lovely decor…excellent spa and staff
"Fabulous hotel, staff was outstanding. Jacuzzi’s could have been warmer but jets were strong for a good calf massage after a long day of skiing! Spa was lovely, sauna and hammam were very hot which was great. Rooms not large but adequate. We had a group of 8 rooms, mostly couples and all were pleased. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2025

Lykke Hotel & Spa Chamonix - ex Mercure
La Folie Douce Hôtel Chamonix
La Folie Douce Hôtel Chamonix
823, Allée Recteur Payot, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The price is AU$154 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$154
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (822 reviews)
"The staff were so helpful gave great advice and seemed genuinely happy to be there and made any reasonable accommodation to make their customers comfortable. The area around had good amenities shops and restaurants. Will definitely and happily return."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

La Folie Douce Hôtel Chamonix
Alpina Eclectic Hotel
Alpina Eclectic Hotel
4 out of 5
79 av. du Mont-Blanc, BP 136, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie
The price is AU$193 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
AU$193
includes taxes & fees
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (697 reviews)
"Beautiful location river and balcony view can’t be beat!"

Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2025

Alpina Eclectic Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Les Balcons du Savoy
Les Balcons du Savoy
4 out of 5
179 rue Mummery, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 4-star ski residence in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (574 reviews)
"Staff is pleasant and helpful"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2025

Les Balcons du Savoy
Appart'hôtel Bellamy Chamonix
Appart'hôtel Bellamy Chamonix
4 out of 5
6 Chemin du Rusticana, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Apartment was very clean and staff were friendly"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

Appart'hôtel Bellamy Chamonix
Résidence Pierre & Vacances Chamonix La Rivière
Résidence Pierre & Vacances Chamonix La Rivière
3 out of 5
Promenade Marie Paradis 187, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute-Savoie
Stay at this 3-star ski residence in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Enjoy free WiFi, a nightclub, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Aiguille du Midi Cable Car ...
7.8/10 Good! (293 reviews)
"Calm clean and well stocked place for a week. Had everything I would need to cook and eat in the space. Views were beautiful and comfortable."

Reviewed on 2 Sep. 2024

Résidence Pierre & Vacances Chamonix La Rivière
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

What a beautiful part of the world. Winner.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved the area, loved the 7 day hike with U treks, loved the free transportation - go!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Such a beautiful place spoilt by the Mercure Hotel

4/5 - Good

Libby

Chamonix is beautiful but not a convenient "ski area" like Verbier or Vail. It's really more a mountaineering destination. Buses to each of the 5 unconnected ski resorts run only every 30 mins and are very crowded. Pays to have a car.

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