Chamonix: Best Things to Do

Pixabay - Photo by Roman Semenov

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is mountainous city, located in the border of France, Switzerland and Italy.

In Cham', its nickname, along the streets of this high mountain city you will hear languages from every corner of the world.

People who come to this 'summit' share the same way of thinking, the same love for mountain climbing, legend and ethics.

Numerous great outdoor activities can be done in this mountainous city, namely skiing, climbing, hiking, and many more.

Chamonix has plenty to offer and you can put it on the bucket list for your next trip.

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SIGHTSEEING

Between heights of 1,000 m and 4,810 m, Chamonix offers a variety of varied sports, cultural, contemplative and extreme activities, to be combined with adventurous track on its valleys. Chamonix is an ideal destination for those who look for the outdoor activities like skiing in the Alps summit. You can also visit the Gare de Montenvers, a track for mountain trails where you can see the landscape of the mountains around.

Gare de Montenvers

Lovely little train going up the mountain.

Views of glacier and mountains are amazing.

The views and history of the station are fascinating.

The landscape is pretty and worth a look.

Address : 33 Place de la Mer de Glace, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

DOWNTOWN

If you visit Chamonix in one day trip, you can take a cable car to get to the top and enjoy activities like skiing, ice climbing or hiking. The Commune itself does not have many attractions, but you can easily spend days wandering and reconnecting with nature. You can also visit Chamonix Mayor in the downtown, a government's building with great architecture.

Chamonix Mayor

One of the high places of world tourism.

Having a history, a splendid landscape, modern comfort and a soul, without being disfigured.

Nice place, open and friendly people.

Highly recommended for foreigners.

Address : 38 Place de l'Église, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

SHOPPING

Chamonix is a good place to have great holiday with its outdoor activities. Yet, you need to buy something before leaving. You can visit Le Soyi à Borgate, they can give you the best items and gifts to bring home. There's also Laguiole Mont Blanc where you can get the best Chamonix typical items before leaving the city. They offer reasonable prices on the items and that'll be good for you.

Laguiole Mont Blanc

Beautiful knife shop.

Lots of touristy items to buy here.

The unique items are knives.

Staff very friendly knowing all the products.

Address : 88 Rue du Dr Paccard, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

FOOD & DRINK

Besides the better-known for fondue, tartiflette, raclette or hot stone, in Chamonix there is farçon, potatoes, cream, bacon, plus dried fruit such as plums or raisins and a little spice. On the mountain, in all ski areas, there is a restaurant with an amazing view of the Mont Blanc massif.

CULTURE

Since Chamonix is a area where three nations are met (France, Switzerland, and Italy), you may hear lots of languages spoken, yet Chamonix is part of France and French is a commonly spoken in this area.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for hiking and mountain climbing is generally mid-June to mid-September. Be careful when climbing in May when the snow melts, because the rocks and large stones are dislocated.

HOTEL

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is one of the most favorite places to visit with its mountainous surroundings. You'll be needing a warm and comfortable place to stay and you can stay at La Grande Savoyarde. Situated in the heart of the city with great surroundings will make your stay memorable. You can also stay at Residence Majestic, a hotel with complete facilities and comfortable atmosphere in the high altitude of Chamonix.

Residence Majestic

A stunning hotel to soend a night in Chamonix.

It provides excellent amanties in a cool environment.

The breakfast is outstanding with a friendly service.

The staff is welcoming and kind.

Address : 353 Allée du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

La Grande Savoyarde

Cute little place to stay in the area surrounded by amazing views.

It provides spacious room.comfy bed with a beautiful view from the window.

It also provides superb breakfast with a friendly service.

The staff is very friendly and excellent.

Address : 168 Route de la Roumnaz, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

RESTAURANT

In Chamonix, you can find many good restaurants to eat. You can visit Le MATAFAN, they serve one of the best mountain food in the town. Here you can also have drinks to warm your body after skiing or hiking. Another good place is Josephine Restaurant, here you can order French cuisines and also from other countries. The atmosphere is quite warm and comfortable for a fine dining.

Josephine Restaurant

Lovely traditional French café with delightful decor and tasty menu.

Amazing art deco style and friendly, helpful staff make for a very pleasant experience.

The food is delicious and it is large portions.

This place is well worth a visit if you're in Chamonix.

Address : 76 Avenue Michel Croz, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Le MATAFAN

One of the best gastronomy in Chamonix, excellent value for money.

The best table of chamonix, flavors and textures, impeccable service and a warm atmosphere.

The menus are of high quality and the wines follow.

The waiters are very kind and excellent.

Address : 62 Allée du Majestic, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

CAFE

Coffee is one of the best thing to have in Chamonix. Visit Galerie Café des Aiguilles and you'll get your best relaxing moment in with a warm or maybe a hot coffee. They also serve local bites and snacks alongside with your coffee. There's also Extreme Cafe, where you can have your breakfast and lunch done. They also serve coffee and other drinks to help your warming up your body.

Extreme Cafe

Favourite place to sit, drink coffee / beer and watch the world go by in Chamonix.

Nice food selection for a quick panini or cake.

The coffe is also at the top.

The managers are very nice and the waiter is kind and friendly.

Address : 27 Place Balmat, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Galerie Café des Aiguilles

One of the best breakfast place in Chamonix.

Everything done at the moment and all natural and ecological.

It offers a pecan pie, gluten-free/vegan cookie and chocolate are fresh and excellent.

Completely recommended to go to breakfast or even for snacks with their homemade cakes.

Friendly service and a wonderful mountain view.

Address : 129 Rue des Moulins, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

BAR AND NIGHTLIFE

Spending the night in Chamonix is a must, you can visit La Maison des Artisteswith its great atmosphere and drinks. This bar is situated in the heart of Chamonix with great drinks and setting. You can also visit Les Caves Chamonix, another great place to spend your night with good drinks and atmosphere. They serve numerous kind of drinks to lift your night up.

Les Caves Chamonix

Best place to party and have fun in Chamonix.

Attracted a nice mix of locals and tourists with a really friendly atmosphere.

Sushis and cocktails are excellent.

Quick and helpful service, romantic seating.

Address : 80 Rue des Moulins, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

La Maison des Artistes

Cool and cozy venue to enjoy fine tunes and drinks.

High quality live music and local "atmospheric".

Excellent drinks menu, and pricing is very reasonable.

The bartender and waiters are friendly and fast.

Address : 84 Chemin de la Tournette, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

INTERESTING PLACE

This MUSEE DES CRISTAUX - EspaceTairraz is one of crystals from Mont-Blanc, the Alps and the World will triple the number of mineralogical pieces on display, including, in addition to the crystals, gems and native metals.This iconic museum is ranked among the best national mineralogical museums. Saint-Michel Catholic Church's first construction in 1119 by Benedictine remained only a bell tower. This church is one of the oldest churches in France that you can visit in Chamonix.

Saint-Michel Catholic Church

This is the most impressive place in the whole Chamonix.

The organ is very pretty and has a beautiful sound.

Beautiful stained glass window above the front door and the outside is beautiful.

Very well maintained.

It has an amazing scenic background.

Address : Place de l'Église, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

MUSEE DES CRISTAUX - EspaceTairraz

Surprisingly instructive and pleasant museum about the rocks and crystals.

Smithsonian quality collection of gems and minerals found in the Alps and throughout the world.

Attached to this museum is a mountaineering museum.

It teaches all about rock climbing.

Local varieties are highlighted which makes the exhibits feel more relevant.

Address : 615 Allée Recteur Payot, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT

Located in the old Chamonix Palace, this beautiful Musée Alpin Chamonix traces the development of Chamonix from the first tourists who admired the glaciere de Savoye to the golden age of winter sports. This place is perfect for capturing moments with photos. If you're looking for a family-friendly place, you can visit Adventure Park: Addicted 'Park Gaillands. Here you can play numerous activities with kids and also great place to train your outdoor skills. And, of course, great place to take some pictures.

Adventure Park: Addicted 'Park Gaillands

A wonderful place for climbing and learning how to work with shackles and ropes.

It is clean, well kept and has many “trails” of different difficulty levels.

The place is not too crowded, but sometimes there is a wait for a certain trail.

Very challenging tree top adventure.

Great from easy green routes to a black route that will challenge the best of them.

Address : Route des Gaillands, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Musée Alpin Chamonix

Quite an interesting museum to learn the history of Chamonix and its alps.

That exhibits maps, paintings, and tools used in the Alps.

Very interactive and great for spending time with the kids.

Would definitely recommend when visiting Chamonix!

Address : 89 Avenue Michel Croz, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France