Here are our top suggestions for things to do in Chamonix, France, if you're vacationing near Mont Blanc in summer!
Chamonix, France, is famous for its winter sports opportunities, but there’s a lot to do here in summer as well! Here are just a few of the many, many things to do in summer while visiting Chamonix.
1. Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc
This multi-day trail technically begins in nearby Les Houches, but many, many hikers begin and end their stay in Chamonix. Chamonix has many lodging options, lots of food spots and is an easy 20-minute bus ride from Les Houches.
I've written about how to camp the TMB, ways to shorten it, food and drink along the route, gear recommendations, and some of our biggest lessons learned!
Looking for other hiking options? The tougher, more technical Walker’s Haute Route is here too, as is the GR5.
There are also many, many day hiking options, including hikes that can start with a cable car ride to cut off the most difficult sections of the trail.
2. Take a Cable Car to Aiguille du Midi
Best on a day with clear skies, taking a cable car to the Aiguille du Midi lets you see the Mont Blanc range up close!
This is quite an experience and was one of our favorite things we did in Chamonix.
If you’re interested in mountaineering on Mont Blanc (and are already experienced with gear), you can access the snowy mountain ridge from Aiguille du Midi. (You can also remain safely on the viewing platform instead.)
3. Eat at a Local Restaurant
There are many restaurants in downtown Chamonix that we loved, such as Casa Nonna and Big Mountain Brewing Co.
You can also take a cable car for a scenic meal experience. Take the Brévent cable car to Le Panoramic, or ride the bus to Les Houches and take the Bellevue cable car to Col du Voza.
You’ll also find lots of small cafes where you can pick up a pastry and coffee.
4. Go for a Walk
This city is quaint and charming, and the gorgeous Mont Blanc looms over you the whole time.
5. Shop for Sporting Goods
Airline lost your luggage? Curious what gear you’ve only seen online looks like in person? Chamonix may be small, but it has an impressive collection of sporting goods stores.
Check out local stores like Snell Sports, budget gear chain Decathalon, as well as almost any sporting goods gear chain you can think of (Arc’teryx, Patagonia, Columbia, Mammut, Salomon, Helly Hanson, Hoka and many, many more.)
6. Check Out the Olympic Track
Chamonix was home to the first Winter Olympics, and the track is still there if you’re interested in checking it out.
You can also stop by the Olympic rings.
7. White Water Rafting
You can raft right through downtown Chamonix on the Arve River.
A number of companies offer guided adventures on Class II and III sections of the river.
8. Take the Alpine Coaster
The Alpine Coaster in Chamonix is a two-person sled ride on a rollercoaster track. It includes jumps and big curves and turns over the course of nearly a mile.
No reservation is needed to take the coaster. It's part of Les Planards, a recreation area that offers skiing in the winter, an amusement park in the warmer months, and a restaurant year-round.
9. Go Paragliding
Paragliding is admittedly not on my wish list of things to do, but the entire time we were in Chamonix, the skies were filled with paragliders. It was mesmerizing to watch.
Tandem flights with an experienced instructor are available if you're interested in trying this as a beginner.
10. Ride a Train to a Glacier
The Train du Montenvers, a cute little red cogwheel train, will take you on a 20-minute trip from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace station, located at France's largest glacier.
Buy a ticket for the "Mer de Glace Voyage," which includes a gondola trip to and from the glacier, with access to a manmade ice cave with a gallery of ice sculptures. They have to be recut each year due to the movement of the glacier, and the display has been maintained by one family for three generations.
Whatever the season, Chamonix is a charming place to visit. We loved our time there, and we hope you do too!
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