Location: Chamonix
Top Things to do in Chamonix
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Top 10 Things to do in Chamonix, France
As host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix will always have a place in the history books. Its main attractions are Mont-Blanc (Western Europe's tallest mountain) and the many ski areas that face the Chamonix Valley. Steep slopes and extreme weather conditions suit advanced skiers best, but there are also runs for beginners. Just make sure everyone in your party knows a green circle from a black diamond. Oh, and another note for the history books—Pierce Brosnan was here (filming a James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough).
Restaurants in Chamonix
1. Mont Blanc
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
A towering mountain range on the Italian border, the highest peak of which measures nearly 16,000 feet, making it the second highest mountain in Europe.
Reviewed By tokross - Yardley, Pennsylvania
Truly remarkable. From the tunnel to the town to the mountain, everything is amazing. Well designed to ensure visitors are safe and can appreciate the views. Well worth the excursion even if you only have a few hours.
Two tips
1. The weather at the top is NOT as cold as you would expect. It did not feel like -22. Dress warm but don’t obsess.
2. Don’t assume the wether at the top based upon the weather at the base. The summit is above the cloud line so the views are amazing. Our visit had significant clouds at 2-3000m. It only added to the view from 3,800m.
2. Aiguille du Midi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
From Chamonix (1035m), fly over the forest to reach le Plan de l’Aiguille in 10 minutes (2317m). On your right, the Glacier des Bossons, in front of you the Mont-Blanc (4810m), on your left the Aiguille Verte, the Drus and the Aiguilles de Chamonix. Then take a second cable car which, in just 10 minutes takes you up to 3777m, over the seracs, the glacier des Pelerins and the hanging glaciers on the north face of the Aiguille du Midi. . From the top, a sightseeing Panorama unique in the world. Experience a very high altitude.
Reviewed By Victoria S
As I set off in the first cable car I remembered how terrified I am of heights and very quickly realised this was going to be a real adventure.
I got to the top and thought I was going to faint but slowly got going and pushed myself to walk round and see the amazing views.
I am so glad i did as it was something so beautiful and beyond anything I am ever likely to see again.
Worth it and I would even do it again
3. Lac Blanc
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 389 reviews
Reviewed By Dax892 - Bryan, Texas
We had been told this is an "easy, family hike." Not quite: more than an hour-and-a-half up-and-down scramble over boulders and around rocks. We're in decent enough shape, but especially with the altitude, it was still difficult, and we were worried we would slip on a rock and sprain an ankle, or worse. The lake, while pretty enough, just isn't worth it, in my opinion. A better idea? Go part of the way there and just enjoy the views. And take lots of water and suncreen! There is really no shade to be found. Or, just ride the chairlift up to the trailhead and call yourself done! For us, that was the best part anyway.
4. Brevent Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 724 reviews
ENJOY THE Mountains ! With its southern exposure, overlooking the Mont-Blanc Range, the Brévent is the ideal departure point for classic hikings and easy rambles to various mountain lakes (Lac du Brévent, Lac Cornu…)
Reviewed By Ian P - Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Because of the high level of snow fall before and during our stay, the Brevant was only open so you could take pictures of the views, we could not stay up there as nothing was open. Hope we have better luck next year.
5. Glacier des Bossons
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 309 reviews
Reviewed By o_hughmanatee - Geneva, Switzerland
There are good views of the glacier throughout the Chamonix Valley, but it is more impressive from one of the scenic viewpoints such as the Chalet des Pyramides. The chalet also has a short exhibition including historical photos of the glacier as well as a bobsled and Air India plane crash.
6. Vallee Blanche
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 476 reviews
A beautiful ski area in the Chamonix Valley.
Reviewed By Callbob1 - Brentwood, California
As we stepped off the rail at to this visit, all seemed normal. We entered the gates to the tram and then it all made sense. The tram windows then showed a view of the valley below. Suddenly you realize that the blue glacial ice caves are below.
When you step out of the tram, there are a series of walkways and staircases thatbzig and zag the remainder of the way
If you have bad knees and cannot climb stairs, consider the strenuous task of return.
Once at the bottom, you enter a large circle of blue ice. The passageway is not very long inside. It makes a short loop and then you are back.
Getting to walk inside blue glacial ice is pretty neat. Bring a light windbreaker or coat and decent footwear. It is cold while you are inside.
Then comes the long ascension up the stairs back to the tram. Go slow and catch your breath at various small Terrace areas
These are never very far from each other.
Once you get off the tram at the top your choices are:
1) leave on the trolley
2) enter the gift store for shopping
3) walk downhill to see the posters of the history
4) walk past the posters, through a walkway under the road and visit the restaurant for a bite to eat
I hope this review has been helpful to your travel planning.
Safe Travels!
Bobby W
7. Step Into the Void
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Breathtaking ! From the 3842 Terrace, the « Step into the Void » is a technological prowess which promises an unforgettable experience ! With more than a thousand meters of emptiness beneath your feet inside this glass box. Thrills are guaranteed..
Reviewed By Joakim L - Malmo, Sweden
This is an amazing venue for breathtaking views. Be prepared to hand over your mobile phone or camera to the folks that operate this place. You're not allowed to take any pictures on your own. Not that they are bad photographers, but after standing in line for 30+ minutes, I was a little sad that I couldn't take my own photos.
8. Les Grands Montets
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
ENJOY THE GLACIERS ! Two altitudes with two environments: the Lognan pastures at 1 970 m and the Argentière glacier’s seracs at the 3 275 m summit. A whole universe to discover…
Reviewed By Hils W - Tarporley, United Kingdom
On a stunning clear day we went up to the Grands Montets from Argentiere. It was cold on top as we climbed the steel staircase to the viewpoint right at the top and we could feel the thin air up there. The 360 deg views were spectacular and our photos were wonderful.
We came down to the mid station in the telepherique and walked all the way down to Argentiere which was a steep descent and much harder than we anticipated.
9. Parc de loisirs de Chamonix
Overall Ratings
4 based on 275 reviews
Chamonix Leisure park Enjoy yourselves at feet of Mont Blanc ! The Amusement park of Chamonix is an ideal place to spend a good moment, in family or in group, in the country of Mont Blanc. More than 15 activities and games wait for you ! The Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster is open in summer but also in winter ! Also : slides, toboggans, trampolines, motorbike, electric motorcycles, areas of games outsides, Swing giant, boat flying... Come to play in family in our Amusement park during your stay in the Mont-Blanc region.
Reviewed By richardjbacon - Brighouse, United Kingdom
A few activities are advertised in the park but in reality you come here for the luge. It's happy hour between 10-11am where you can have unlimited rides, although due to length of the course and the queue you're only guaranteed to get 4 goes (we managed 5).
For the thrill seekers, unfortunately you're at the mercy of the speed of the person in front of you. For the first couple of runs I think I could walked down quicker but managed to free the inner child for the next 3 goes. Further justification for the value of the happy hour offer!
Having been to similar attractions in Austria I thought this compared very well.
10. ESPACE TAIRRAZ - Crystal Museum & Espace Alpinisme
Overall Ratings
4 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By Mike H - Leyland, England, United Kingdom
Two great Exhibitions in one. Huge display of truly stunning natural crystals combined with brilliant exhibition on the history of mountaineering in the area. The later was cleverly brought to life with top class photography, video footage and a range of hands-on exhibits.
Most bizarre fact; the fastest time for scaling the 4800m high Mon-Blanc starting from and returning to Chamonix (1000m) is a mind blowing 5 hours !!!!!!!!
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