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Chamonix’s highlights: 5 things to do here this 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.
Down in town, there’s a thriving café culture – perfect for some coffee sipping and people-watching. And there’s also a line-up of events and festivals all summer long, so you might get to see some live music or sports action on your trip too.
Here’s our round-up of Chamonix highlights to do while you’re here.
Down in town, there’s a thriving café culture – perfect for some coffee sipping and people-watching. And there’s also a line-up of events and festivals all summer long, so you might get to see some live music or sports action on your trip too.
Here’s our round-up of Chamonix highlights to do while you’re here.
Take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi peak
You can see Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest summit, from pretty much anywhere in Chamonix – but the best view is from 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 20-minute cable car trip from the centre of town. 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 require ropes and harness, try stepping into The Void – a glass box fixed to the rockface, where you’ll have heart-in-mouth views of the 1,000m drop under your feet.
For a thrill that doesn’t require ropes and harness, try stepping into The Void – a glass box fixed to the rockface, where you’ll have heart-in-mouth views of the 1,000m drop under your feet.
All aboard the Montenvers cog railway
A trip on the Montenvers railway has been a Chamonix must-do for over 100 years. Opened in 1910, the cherry-red train click-clacks through pine forests and up into a wide valley with head-turning views of 4,000m mountains on all sides. Then after arriving at the top station, it’s time for the main event, the mighty Mer de Glace – measuring 3.5 miles long, it's the largest glacier in France.
You can get up an up-close look at the frozen giant by venturing into the Ice Cave – a 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.
You can get up an up-close look at the frozen giant by venturing into the Ice Cave – a 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.
Lace up for some world-class walking
Chamonix is home to some of the greatest walks in the 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.
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.
Café hopping and people-watching
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.
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.
Celebrate summer at fêtes, festivals and sports events
Sports competitions dot the summer calendar, and the Climbing World Cup is one of the biggest. It takes over the town for a few weeks every July, with a giant outdoor climbing wall where you can watch the athletes in action. Then hot on its heels in August, it’s the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc – one of the toughest running races in the world. Take in the buzz as people cheer runners across the finish line, and later on, there’s a street party and fireworks to keep the celebrations going into the night.
Prefer the sound of live music? Add the Cosmo Jazz Festival to your diary. Held over a week in July or August, there’s a packed schedule of open-air performances up among the peaks, plus loads of intimate gigs back down in the town.
And for foodies, a visit to the weekly market is a must all summer long. 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, mountain cheeses and myrtle berry tarts.
Prefer the sound of live music? Add the Cosmo Jazz Festival to your diary. Held over a week in July or August, there’s a packed schedule of open-air performances up among the peaks, plus loads of intimate gigs back down in the town.
And for foodies, a visit to the weekly market is a must all summer long. 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, mountain cheeses and myrtle berry tarts.
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: Mathew Robinson
Last updated: 04/08/2022