How To Get Around Chamonix
For when you dont want to run, Chamonix offers a free bus to visitors. This runs the length of the valley and is great if you are running one way, and get tired or plan to do a one-way run and not a loop. Details here: Chamonix Transport.
Otherwise, you can get around on bicycle or rented car although the car parks in town do tend to get crowded especially during summer and event times.
Where To Get Groceries In Chamonix
If youll be visiting Chamonix in the summer for any extended amount of time, you may want to pick up some food at the grocery store to save some cash. Ive made more than a few trips to the grocery stores in Chamonix myself.
There are two food shops in Chamonix that are the most centrally located:
- Super U at 117 rue Joseph Vallot, two floors and right next to both Hotel Croix Blanche and Hotel du Louvre actually
- Le Petit Casino at 50 Rue du Dr Paccard on the main pedestrian street, smaller shop but great beer selection
Pro tipWhen shopping at these stores, remember to bring your own shopping bag.
Chamonix For Mont Blanc
For many people the highlight of a visit to Chamonix is the view from the Aiguille du Midi cable car, as you head towards perpendicular cliffs. For some it’s the view from the top of Mont Blanc, a breathtaking vista of Alps. Another favourite is the chocolate box view of Mont Blanc as it towers above as you sip hot chocolate in a cosy Chamonix cafe. The highest mountain in the Alps she, and her attendant glaciers, both crown and dwarf Chamonix.
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What Not To Miss
- Mont Blanc has one of continental Europes largest glaciers called the Sea of Ice, its also got one of the worlds highest cable cars – the Aiguille du Midi car finishes at 3810metres! The Brevent cable car might have better views though. And the Bellevue cable car is pretty picturesque as well.
- Oh, and of course the skiing. And the legendary après-ski .
- There’s also plenty of rock climbing and mountain biking.
In summer and winter the hotels can be busy, but plenty of the best places to stay in Chamonix are open all year, along with many of the best restaurants and other facilities which make the town a fantastic place to be whatever the season.
Guide To Planning A Chamonix Trail Running Vacation
All opinions are our own and never influenced by brands. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Welcome to the first in our runcation running vacation series. This is our guide on planning a Chamonix trail running vacation and spend some days playing in this magnificent runners paradise in the French Alps and home of the famous UTMB and
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Eating Out In Chamonix
Chamonix has a huge range of restaurants from simple huts to some of the finest dining in the Alps.
At the top end of the scale, both the Hameau dAlbert 1er and Auberge du Bois Prin hotels have restaurants with Michelin stars. For more mid-range traditional Savoyarde fayre,you could try cosy Le Monchu or ever popular La Calèche.
Other recommendations include LImpossible, Atmosphère or, for burgers, the MOÖ bar.
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Nature Sites and Quaint Towns: Excursions in the French Alps within a two-hour drive from Chamonix include the magnificent glacier-cut mountain of Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, spa resort towns on Lake Geneva, and the enchanting lakeside town of Annecy. Nature lovers also appreciate the Jura region, a pastoral landscape of green, rolling hills dotted with beautiful historic villages. The Parc Jura Vaudois is a two-hour drive from Chamonix.
Cultured Cities Nearby: Art and culture enthusiasts could instead head to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva or elegant Lausanne in Switzerland. Less than a three-hour drive from Chamonix is France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon, renowned for its authentic French restaurants and marvelous art museums.
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Le Brvent: Spectacular Views And Secluded Hiking
Visitors can discover some of the most beautiful scenery of the French Alps by taking the gondola rides up to Le Brévent. First, hop on the gondola lift from the Chamonix village to the first stop in Plan Praz .
From Plan Praz, well-groomed hiking trails lead to the tranquil Lac Cornu and the Grand Balcon Sud. On this southern slope, there is a fantastic panoramic view of Mont Blanc.
At the Plan Praz level, the award-winning La Bergerie restaurant serves seasonal cuisine of the region in a cozy chalet or on an outdoor terrace that affords magnificent views of the Alps. The menu focuses on dishes prepared from fresh local ingredients.
Continuing from Plan Praz, another gondola ride takes travelers up to Le Brévent summit at 2,525 meters, where exceptional panoramic views await. The ascent takes visitors to more serene high-mountain nature sites.
For an invigorating intermediate-level hike, take the footpath from Le Brévent summit to Aiguillette des Houches. Along the way, hikers will find the Refuge de Bellachat, a simple “mountain hut” that provides dormitory-style accommodations and hearty Savoyard meals. The refuge’s sunny dining terrace features splendid views.
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the secluded trails that begin at Plaques du Brévent . These hiking paths all face Mont Blanc, offering inspiring views.
Places To Stay In Chamonix
Whether youre skiing or just sightseeing, itll take you a few days to see all that Chamonix has to offer. Luckily, the area is filled with cute hotels, hostels and guest houses. So whether youre after chalet-chic of contemporary mountain style, Chamonix has it a ll. Accommodation for the Chamonix area is either in the historic town of Chamonix or one of the many nearby villages. There is no ski-in ski-out accommodation and no single area is the perfect accommodation location for skiing. As most of the ski areas are not interconnected youll need to catch a bus to get most ski resorts anyhow. If you want to stay near the nightlife downtown, choose a hotel in Chamonix itself. If you prefer a peaceful and quiet place, the villages of Argentière or La Flégère are very nice.
Accommodation styles vary somewhat with a wide variety of hotels, guest houses, holiday centres or furnished apartments of all categories, modern and traditional. Chamonix chalets abound, many of which provide very plush accommodations. And at the other end of the spectrum there are various budget options including cheap hostels.
Hotel Le Morgane
Le Boutique Hotel Le Morgane combines the refinement of a 4-star hotel with the resolutely sporting atmosphere of Chamonix. The style and concept of the Morgane are distinct from the traditional alpine hotels.
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Tightening Of Health Control Measures At Borders With The United Kingdom
In response to the extremely swift spread of the Omicron variant in the UK, the Government has decided to reintroduce compelling reasons for inbound and outbound travel with the UK, as well as tighten the testing requirement on departure and arrival.
Accordingly, effective from 18th of december, the following rules apply for all travel between the UK and France:
- A compelling reason must be given for travel to or from the UK, for both unvaccinated and vaccinated persons. These reasons will not authorise travel for tourism or business reasons. However, these compelling reasons will not apply to French nationals and their spouses and children, who will still be able to travel to France and rejoin their UK residence.
- On departure, vaccinated persons must present a negative test result dated less than 24 hours, which amounts to aligning with the rules already in force for non-vaccinated persons.
- Prior to their trip, all travellers from the UK shall be required to register on a digital platform allowing them to enter the address where they will be staying in France. This platform will be used to generate prefectural decrees requiring all travellers, whether unvaccinated or vaccinated, to be isolated in the place of their choice. This isolation obligation can be waived after 48 hours, subject to presentation of a negative test result .
Therefore, each time the border is crossed, the traveller will need to comply with the three different regulations which all apply:
Where To Eat On The Mountain
La Bergerie De Plan-Praz Awarded the prestigious Maître Restaurateur,La Bergerie De Plan-Prazoffers fantastic food made from delicious local products from nearby farmers and cooperatives. It is very popular thanks to its south-facing terrace with views of the nearby Mont Blanc therefore, booking is highly recommended.
Le 3842 Le 3842 is one of the highest restaurants in Europe, as it is located on the very top of lAiguille du Midi. If you want to enjoy local flavours amidst spectacular views of the Mont Blanc and Chamonix valley, you need to eat here.
Le Panoramic Le Panoramic is a fantastic restaurant that sits at the top of Brévant. It is ideal for skiers and non-skiers to enjoy uninterrupted views of Mont Blanc from the impressive open-air terrace. You can expect local Savoyard food, pasta and specialist dishes. This is also a very popular restaurant, so booking in advance is a good idea.
La Bergerie De Plan-Prazoffers stunning views fantastic food made from delicious local products
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Explore And Find Your Best Apartments B& bs And Others
If you’re traveling with your family around Chamonix and need a suitable apartment, opt for L’International, just a 5-minute walk from Subway restaurant. Quartz-Montblanc is a B& B that is 25 minutes’ walk to Ski Lift Les Praz – La Flegere. If you’re traveling to Chamonix for a family vacation, stay at Chalet Hotel Hermitage The Originals Relais, which offers free self-parking, a sauna and snow skiing. Make sure to choose Le Prieure Chamonix near Grands Montets Ski Lift – a top-rated resort with views of the valley.
Where To Shop For Outdoor Gear In Chamonix
If youll be partaking in any of the many outdoor adventures Chamonix in the summer has to offer, chances are youll need to pick up a few supplies.
Since my friend and I flew over from the U.S. and did not check any bags, we needed to pick up trekking poles and sunscreen in Chamonix, among other things.
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Choosing Where To Stay In The Valley
The Chamonix area is made up of the town itself and a string of villages along the valley floor, most of which are clustered around a ski lift. All of these are often collectively referred to as Chamonix, as they are linked by a network of buses and trains, so its easy to get around. Places that describe themselves as being in Chamonix are not necessarily in the town itself so its well worth confirming the area before deciding on accommodation.
Les Chapieux And Les Contamines
Les Contamines is spread out over 2km along the valley bottom and has a handful of hotels. There are also hotels in le Lay, on the outskirts of the town. Les Contamines is a ski resort and there are many apartments, but these are not generally available to trekkers.
Les Chapieux is a tiny hamlet and presently has just one Auberge that gets booked up very quickly. They have three large dorms and 11 smaller rooms with 2-6 beds. There is talk of a new Auberge being built in Les Chapieux. 4km from Les Chapieux and also directly on the TMB is la Ville des Glaciers that has a refuge, but also a recently built block with twin rooms. This is good alternative if Les Chapieux is full.
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What To Wear In Chamonix In The Summer
When visiting Chamonix in the summer, youll need to pack a wide array of items to coordinate with the unpredictable weather. Summer in Chamonix is mostly warm and sunny, but theres always the chance of rain, wind, clouds, and even snow in June.
Youll need casual clothes for time in the town and appropriate outdoor gear for hiking and all the other adventures. Youll want to bring sturdy hiking boots and casual sneakers, as well as tops for hiking in the hot sun and a fleece for the Aiguille du Midi.
Ive written a full post on what to pack for Chamonix in the summer. Check it out here. It covers everything from what to wear in Chamonix top to bottom, what outdoor gear to pack, the best shoes to pack for Chamonix, and all the other things youll need to bring with you. It even includes a free printable packing list.
Luxury And Boutique Accommodation In Chamonix
For those with a taste for luxury, the 4-star Residence Pierre & Vacances Premium La Ginabelle has beautifully appointed rooms and Tanpopo restaurant nearby. For those wishing to explore some of Chamonix’s natural scenery, book a room at Mercure Chamonix Centre that is next to parks and mountains. You could also opt for Hameau Albert Premier, 5-star accommodation that offers all the benefits of a chain hotel and location 1200 feet from the center.
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What To See & Do In Chamonix
Do
Chamonix is known as Europe’s capital of extreme sports. The resort is open and busy all year round, which makes Chamonix a fairly unique destination in the French Alps. Apart from the big draw of alpine sports, including skiing, snowboarding, climbing, mountain biking, cycling, mountaineering and hiking, the area has a number of more leisurely pursuits. Forested trails, adventure playgrounds for kids, markets and a number of spa facilities all await you here.
See
The main attraction that brings tourists to this picturesque town is Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4810m. Visitors either come to reach the summit themselves, view it from the station at the top of the Aiguille du Midi cable car or take it in from the valley floor. Another popular place to visit is the huge Mer de Glace glacier, accessed by the vintage Montenvers train. From the top, you can descend to an ice cave excavated into the glacier via a gondola and a series of walkways and steps.
What To Do In Chamonix In The Summer
Dont let Chamonixs reputation as a ski capital fool youthere is so much to do in Chamonix in the summer! So much so that I wrote an entire post dedicated to the subject. If you havent already, check out my post on 21 awesome things to do in Chamonix in the summer.
As youll read in that post, Chamonix has a wide variety of activities for you to get up to. In Chamonix in the summer you can enjoy:
- Endless hiking and outdoor adventures like rafting, hydrospeed, paragliding, more hiking, biking, climbing, and even more hiking. Check out my post on the best hikes in Chamonix here!
- A handful of interesting museums
- Fun professional sports
- Alpine food and local beer
- And there are even some awesome day trips to take from Chamonix if you want a taste of someplace new while youre here.
During my visits to Chamonix Ive done just about everything mentioned in the article. For everything else, its on my list!
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Best Place To Stay In Chamonix
Nothing better in Chamonix after a long day in the mountains than to dip into the pool at Hameau Albert for a quick swim, with fantastic views of Mont Blanc. Maybe a drink by the pool. Then an excellent dinner in one of the two equally great, but totally differently priced, restaurants. Breakfast is also a true treat . Rooms are nice, and staff very attentive and helpful. The shuttle-service is great, as travelling between the various skiareas is something of a hassle in Chamonix.
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Where To Stay When Visiting Chamonix For Trail Running
If you have a car, you have more options, however if youre using shared transport to get to Chamonix, youll probably want to stay in Chamonix town, or Les Houches, further along the valley, as it will be easier to get around.
You have the choice of chalets, apartments or hotels. Chamonix is a large resort area by European standards, and you can stay anywhere along the valley from the villages of Les Houches to Vallorcine and be within 15-20 minutes of the center of Chamonix town, as well as having plenty of good access to trails regardless of where you are staying in the valley.
Chamonix hotel recommendations
Some highly-rated hotels in the area which we have stayed at are:
- Heliopic Hotel and Spa, Chamonix this fancy spa hotel is right in the center of Chamonix, its one of our favorites and highly recommended especially if you can get a good deal on it!
- Hotel Mont Blanc Chamonix another really central hotel although as its opposite the start/finish line of the UTMB its not somewhere to stay if you like it quiet during UTMB week
- Chalet Hotel Les Campanules this hotel is in the Les Houches area and is a great option if you prefer to stay outside of the town somewhere quieter. We stayed here during UTMB week one year. They have an on-site restaurant and the balcony from the room we had had incredible views of the valley. You do need a car to stay here so bear that in mind.
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