Chamonix’s highlights: top things to do in summer

Chamonix in France has been a magnet for mountaineers for centuries, but with cable cars and trains taking you up to the heights, you don’t need to be a pro climber to see peaks and glaciers up close. Add in walking trails that criss-cross the valley bottom and mountain tops, and you’re set for a week spent exploring the great outdoors.

You can see Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest summit, from pretty much anywhere in Chamonix – but for the real wow-factor view, head up to the nearby Aiguille du Midi peak. Way up at 3,842m, it’s the closest you can get to Mont Blanc without actually climbing it – and it’s just a 30-minute cable car trip from the town centre, with a change at Plan de l’Aiguille. At the top, you’ll step out into the crisp air to see snow-capped Alps stretch into the distance, and watch as mountaineers geared up with picks and crampons start their climbing routes.

For a thrill that doesn’t involve ropes and harnesses, try stepping into The Void – a five-sided glass box fixed to the rockface, where you’ll have heart-in-mouth views of the 1,000m drop beneath your feet.

• You’ll need to book a time slot either online or at the cable car ticket office down in Chamonix. 
• Journey times can vary during peak summer depending how busy it is, so we’d recommend allowing 3 hours for your visit. 
• Once you’re at the top, there may be a number system for the cable car back down, which will give you 2 hours to explore. 

A trip on the Montenvers railway has been a Chamonix must-do for over 100 years – and it’s an easy one to tick off too. You’ll find the Montenvers railway just behind Chamonix’s main train station, five minutes’ walk from the town centre. From here, the cherry-red train click-clacks through pine forests and up into a wide valley with head-turning views of 4,000m mountains along the way. 

After arriving at the top station, it’s time for the main event, the mighty Mer de Glace – measuring 7km long, it's the largest glacier in France. You can choose to take in the views from the large viewing platform, or for an up-close look at the frozen giant, venture down in the gondola to the Ice Cave – a man-made tunnel dug into the glacier itself, filled with coloured lights and sparkling sculptures. And if you’re eager to learn more about it all, pop into the Glaciorium visitors’ centre, where resident experts are on hand to answer your questions.

• There are about 500 steps before and after the gondola down to the Ice Cave, so make sure to wear sensible footwear. 

Chamonix is home to some of the greatest walks in the French Alps, whether you’re after a leisurely stroll or an all-day hike. Step out for a morning of meandering through meadows, following the banks of the Arve River in the valley bottom. Or try another one of our favourites, which starts from the top of the Flégère cable car. From here, it’s a scenic jaunt along summit trails to Lac Blanc, where you’ve got wow-worthy views of Mont Blanc reflected in the lake.

Wherever you head, definitely keep your camera handy to snap a pic of the local wildlife – from chamois and marmots darting between the rocks to eagles soaring overhead, there’s plenty to spot.

In the 1800s, Chamonix went from rustic, mountain village to one of France’s most popular holiday picks, and wealthy Europeans flocked here to spend their summer holidays in the mountains. Fast-forward to now and it’s still got that cosmopolitan vibe. Elegant Belle Epoque hotels sit side-by-side with traditional stone buildings. And in the pedestrianised centre, coffee spots spill onto the pavements, bringing a dash of café culture to the Alps.

Spend leisurely mornings strolling the flower-lined streets, nibbling pastries and sipping frothy cappuccinos while you watch rock climbers set off for a day in the mountains.

For foodies, a weekly market is a must. Pay the village of Les Houches a visit on a Wednesday afternoon, where the market at Le Pain de Chibon is all about local farm produce, including bread made on-site, mountain cheeses and charcuterie. 

In Chamonix, local producers pack out Place du Mont Blanc every Saturday morning, and you can munch your way from stall to stall trying specialities like charcuterie, fresh baguette and myrtle berry tarts. And there’s plenty to browse beyond the food too, from artisan crafts and clothing to jewellery. 

Top tip: If you’re heading up into the mountains for the day, the market is the perfect spot to grab supplies for a Savoyard-style picnic. 

Swap summit views for fairground-style fun at Les Planards – Chamonix’s family-friendly adventure park, just a 10 minutes’ walk from the town centre. Its star attraction is the alpine coaster, a 1,300m toboggan-on-rails that zips through the fir trees with twists, turns and spirals along the way. 

And that’s just the start. There are heaps of other rides and games to keep everyone entertained, from trampolines and slides to splash boats and mini-karts. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make a pit-stop at the on-site restaurant for a cold drink and bite to eat. Before you leave, make sure to swing by the Chamonix sign for a photo. 

Top tip: Les Planards is just a five minutes’ walk from the Montenvers railway station, so it’s a handy one to pair with the Mer de Glace.

Chamonix knows how to do downtime too, with plenty of spots to slow things down. And with lots of accommodation here offering spa and wellness facilities, you can ease into a sauna session, dip into a pool or sink into a hot tub without even leaving your hotel.

For a full-on pamper day, book yourself into QC Terme Spa in the centre of Chamonix, where you can float between outdoor infinity pools facing out onto Mont Blanc, as well as various themed saunas and relaxation rooms. Or take a trip over to Deep Nature Spa at Granges d’en Haut in Les Houches for a Scandi-style spa experience, with an outdoor wooden hot tub and sauna tucked among the trees. 

Ready to say ‘bonjour’ to Mont Blanc? Head to France and spend your summer hols among the summits.

Check out our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover more about our favourite holidays.

Author: Sophie Taylor

Last updated: 22/09/2026