A LEGENDARY VALLEY AT THE CROSSROADS OF 3 COUNTRIES
The Chamonix valley is located at the foot of the Mont Blanc mountain range. On the borders of Switzerland and Italy, it comprises (running from east to west) the resorts of Servoz, Les Houches, Chamonix Mont-Blanc, Argentière and Vallorcine.
The Epic of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc VALLEY
Following Windham and Pocock’s exploits at the Mer de Glace, throngs of travelers flocked to the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley to behold France’s longest glacier. At that time, ascending to the Mer de Glace was done on donkey-back!
In 1760, Horace Bénédict de Saussure offered a reward to anyone who reached Mont Blanc. And ten years later, he opened the first inn to welcome eager explorers striving to conquer the summits.
THE LEGEND CONQUEST OF MONT-BLANC’S CONQUEST
The historic conquest of Mont Blanc by Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard on August 8, 1786, solidified the reputation of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley as a mecca for mountaineering and significantly contributed to its allure.
Unveil the captivating history of Chamonix HISTORY
Since the discovery of “Chamouny” by William Windham and Richard Pocock in 1741, the Chamonix Valley has become a legend among explorers worldwide.
These two adventurers uncovered the fascination of grand glaciers, paving the way for a sought-after destination today, where numerous tourists flock to admire the majestic Mont Blanc, its needles, and the splendid Mer de Glace.
Explore Chamonix Through the SEASONS
Summer in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley
Summer in the Chamonix Valley is revitalising and rejuvenating thanks to the multitude of sporting and cultural activities it offers in a dream setting.
Explore and redouble your efforts with a hike or a trail, several itineraries are available to you. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, find the hike that suits you. Are you a thrill seeker? Discover breathtaking activities: mountaineering, paragliding, climbing, mountain biking, rafting… and many others!
Stimulate your spirits with the various concerts, exhibitions and cultural events that take place in the valley.
Come and live your experience in the heart of an unforgettable landscape! Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office
Winter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley
Enjoy a refreshing winter in the Chamonix valley! Skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, find your happiness in the diversity of sports activities.
Set off on an adventure and explore the multitude of possibilities the Chamonix Valley has to offer.
Discover the Grand-Montets area, particularly appreciated by freeride enthusiasts and those who love steep slopes for its snow conditions and north-facing orientation. The Brévent and Flégère areas, located at the foot of the Aiguilles Rouges, offer an ideal and sunny setting for more playful and family-oriented skiing. For speed enthusiasts, test your skills on the slalom slopes of the Balme-Vallorcine area, or simply enjoy its gentle slopes suitable for skiers of all levels, as well as snowshoe and ski hikers.
For a relaxing family vacation, explore Les Houches. Located just minutes from the center of Chamonix, this family-friendly resort is ideal for skiing initiation and hiking.
Top things to see
Compulsory health pass.
This famous needle, which is one of the highest in Chamonix, has been an unmissable destination for visitors for more than 60 years. In just 20 minutes, the Aiguille du Midi cable car will take you from the centre of Chamonix to the high mountains, reaching an altitude of 3,842 m.
Perched 3,777 m above sea level, the Aiguille du Midi and its viewing platforms offer a panoramic view across the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. A lift will then take you on to the highest deck at 3,842 m, where you can take in the uninterrupted views of the Mont Blanc.
Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office
The QC Terme wellness spa has arrived in Chamonix in the wonderful setting of the Mont Blanc Valley, one of the most famous alpine destinations in the world and home to mountaineering, hiking and a wealth of sporting activities.
This well-being spa of 4000 metres is set amid a unique landscape unlike any other in the world, overlooking a small lake, and with the greatest respect for the environment. It offers the perfect combination of peace and harmony for the senses, focusing on the quality of life through the beneficial effects of different practices, with the aim of restoring physical and spiritual balance.
After a day’s skiing, or even at the start of the day, try out the pleasure of bathing
outdoors, wonderful throughout the year but especially in the snow, along with exceptional views across the peaks of Mont Blanc.
Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office
Hop on the famous rack-and-pinion railway, which takes passengers from Chamonix to the tourist site of Montenvers at an altitude of 1,913 m. Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Drus and the Grands Jorasses.
Once at your destination, take a tour of the Ice Cave and get a glimpse into the very heart of the glacier. The cave is dug out anew every year and inside, it portrays mountain life in the early 19th century. Two ways to get there: follow the footpath for a 20-minute or so walk or take the cable car. Please note: there are around 580 steps from the cable car terminal to the cave entrance.
Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office
At the top of Aiguille du Midi, you can embark on the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car for à 50-minute dream trip above the glaciers!
The journey across the glaciers is a sight to behold. In complete safety you will take in the blue and white surroundings of high mountain terrain admiring the crevasses and seracs below and contemplating the groups of roped climbers scaling the glacial mass. A return trip to Italy and back or a one way journey, either way the memory of this magical landscape will stay with you forever.
Find all the information on the website of the Tourist Office
The French art of living in the mountains is what sets Chamonix apart. A French exception that can be found from the layout of the slopes to the gastronomic tables, via the architecture of this charming town. The valley offers 130 shops & restaurants/bars.
Whether you are looking for the best lunch at altitude with a view of Mont Blanc, a good table for a colourful dinner or a cosy place to have a drink over an aperitif, the valley’s restaurants offer a variety of cuisine to suit all budgets.
Find all the information on the Tourist Office website
