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Things to do in Chamonix

Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix can be found near to the junction where France meets Italy and Switzerland and is a very picturesque holiday destination.

Despite being best-known for its surrounding ski resorts, there are plenty of things to do in Chamonix for those who aren’t looking for a skiing or snowboarding holiday, as well as a whole variety of options for those who are.

It takes just over 8 hours to drive from Calais to Chamonix, and as the journey is very scenic you can make it part of the holiday with a few stops en route to discover some of the lovely French towns you will pass on the way.

To give you more freedom and peace of mind when you travel with your car why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets? Allowing you to take the scenic route home and not have to rush back, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time!

 
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Things to do in Chamonix

Skiing and snowboarding in Chamonix

The rocky terrain, steep sides, and weather-proofed routes make Chamonix a great place for off-piste fanatics to test their skiing skills, but there are also a number of nursery slopes and less intense routes which make this an ideal destination for just about anyone who loves winter sports.

You’ll often find that it seems very busy at the ski lifts, but once you get up onto the slopes it is much quieter due to the large area that there is to explore. The Chamonix Valley is home to four large skiing areas so you will be spoilt for choice, and can even choose to go cross-country through the forests or try out speed-riding, an activity where you ski and use a mini-sail to make jumps and land softly back on the snow.

Beginners or less confident skiers will find a number of ski schools to help them out, and there are plenty of routes that are perfect for snowboarding and snowshoeing too.

Visit Aiguille du Midi

One of the most popular things to do in Chamonix is to take a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, the highest point of Mont Blanc that you can reach without hiking, where you can take in the spectacular scenery.

When you reach Aiguille du Midi you will be 3842m above sea level, and there are a number of terraces you can head to in order to take in the view. Those seeking an adrenaline rush might like to test their nerve at ‘Step into the Void!’, a glass box suspended over the mountain’s edge, but if this seems too scary you could simply visit one of the highest museums in the world, Espace Vertical, to learn about climbing and mountaineering instead.

During the summer months you can grab a bite to eat in the ‘3842’ restaurant, and throughout the year there is a café where you can find a variety of snacks and drinks. Aiguille du Midi also has its own stamps and post box so you can send some very unique mail during your time there!

Chamonix activities

No matter what time of year you visit, you will find a whole range of things to do in Chamonix both on and off of the snow. There are some great paragliding opportunities for thrill seekers, helicopter rides for those looking for the best view, and sledding for anyone wanting to express their inner child!

You will find lots of scenic hiking routes to explore, including the Haute Route which will take you from Chamonix through to Zermatt in Switzerland. There are also a number of photo walks which are run by locals and will show you some of the best spots. They sometimes include igloo hosting, snowshoeing, and the opportunity to try local delicacies, such as stew and fondue, too.

Museums in Chamonix

If you would like to learn all about the Mont Blanc territory and the history of the Chamonix Valley, head to the Musée Alpin where you will find all of this information and more. The museum offers visitors the chance to find out about winter sports in the area and how it was developed for tourists too, so there is plenty to keep you occupied.

The Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum is another interesting place to visit in Chamonix as you will find lots of crystals and minerals from the valley itself, most commonly smoked quartz and pink fluorspar. You will also be able to see what it is like to climb a mountain as the museum has its own mountaineering simulator which offers an interactive experience.

To discover all of the things to do in Chamonix for yourself, book your Dover to Calais crossing today and start planning your perfect alpine trip.

The Chamonix Valley is home to four large skiing areas so you will be spoilt for choice, and can even choose to go cross-country through the forests or try out speed-riding.

Attractions in Chamonix

Ultra-light helicopter flight over Chamonix

Chamonix   .   Frankrijk

Hop on a two-seat Ultralight helicopter for an unforgettable flight around Mont Blanc Valley. See the Alps from the air and enjoy the experience with a qualified pilot.

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Winter Dreamland Private Snowshoe Hike

Chamonix   .   France

Put on your snowshoes and head out on a refreshing hike, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hike through the Vallon de Bérard nature reserve and discover amazing winter landscapes. Enjoy a private tour, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

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Featured Blog Post Walking The Haute Route: Europe's Most Spectacular Hike

Walk the epic pathway that connects the two alpine towns of Chamonix and Zermatt and see some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery on the planet.

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