I have been to Chamonix 3 times and I still can’t get enough of it. As an avid trail runner and someone who loves breathtaking mountain views, this alpine town which is located on the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain rising at 4,807 metres above sea level, is a place where my dreams come true! Known as the world’s mountain and trail running capital, this alpine town attracts visitors from all over the world.
How to get to Chamonix?
There are many ways to get to Chamonix as this French alpine town straddles the borders of three different countries: France, Switzerland, and Italy.
The most common way to get to Chamonix is to depart from Geneva Airport in Switzerland. From here, you could take an airport transfer which is the fastest way to reach the alpine town (around 1 hour and 30 minutes), by train (about 3 hours), or by a long-distance bus (about 3 hours).
On my last visits to Chamonix, I was lucky to have friends who drove their cars and tagged me along in their trips. Aside from being the most flexible way to visit the town, this mode of transport is also visually rewarding as you get to see so many magnificent alpine mountains along the way.
What to see and to do in Chamonix?
There is a lot to see and do in Chamonix, regardless of the season of the year. This alpine town looks stunning, especially on a sunny day. Its charming little streets, cafes, and restaurants are a delight to see.
My simplest and favourite thing to do when I am in Chamonix is to find a cafe near the town centre and order a cafe allonge (black/long coffee) and watch people and relish the views of the town graced with a breathtaking backdrop of Mont Blanc mountain.
On my previous trips, I also enjoyed a cup of ice cream, or lunch in one of its restaurants, while enjoying the same views. I really loved it.
Here are some pictures I took when I went there during winter:
And here are some pictures I took when I went there during the summer:
What else to do in Chamonix?
If you are done sightseeing the town, here is a list of non-exhaustive activities you could do in Chamonix and surrounding areas:
- Take the cable car and see the world’s most stunning scenery on Mont Blanc’s Aiguille du Midi
- Climb up to the peak of Mont Blanc, or climb the mountain if you are a mountaineer
- Paraglide in tandem with an expert over the Alps
- Mountain biking in Chamonix
- Participate in a trail running event
- Take a scenic cable car ride and do panoramic hiking in the Alps to see the Lac Blanc, and more!
- Try the local gastronomy in Chamonix and the Savoie region
- Have a meal at a mountain refuge near Chamonix
- Take the Montenvers Railway for a scenic ride to the Mer de Glace glacier
- Take the spectacular cable car ride to Le Brevent
Here are some pics of my previous hike with some friends to see The Lac Blanc. If you are into hiking, I highly recommend that you do this:
Interested in visiting Chamonix? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Find a hotel near Chamonix
About Author
