Chamonix

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

A legendary Alpine resort town at the heart of mountaineering, offering world-class hiking, skiing, and breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and glaciers. The Mer de Glace glacier and Aiguille du Midi cable car are iconic experiences.

Things to do

• Aiguille du Midi Cable Car — Ascend 3,842 metres in a rotating cable car for panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, and Italy on clear days.
• Mer de Glace Glacier Train & Walk — Take the cogwheel train to Europe's longest glacier, then descend into the ice cave or explore the Glaciers Museum.
• Mont-Blanc Massif Hiking — Trek the legendary routes including Tour du Mont-Blanc or day hikes to Lac Blanc and Lac Checrouit with Alpine meadow views.
• Vallee Blanche Ski Descent — Experience one of the world's most famous ski runs, a 20-kilometre off-piste descent from Aiguille du Midi through glaciated terrain.
• Brévent Chairlift & Hiking — Ride the cable car to 2,525 metres for Mont-Blanc views and access to scenic trails across alpine terrain.
• Parc de la Mer de Glace — Visit this adventure park nestled between the glacier and forest, offering via ferrata, ziplines, and climbing experiences.
• Lac Blanc Trek — Hike to this pristine turquoise lake surrounded by peaks for reflections of Mont-Blanc and classic Alpine photography.

Food to try

• Fondue Savoyarde — A molten blend of Reblochon, Beaufort, and Emmental cheeses served with cubed bread and potatoes, quintessential to the Savoyard Alps.
• Raclette — Melted mountain cheese scraped onto your plate and paired with cured meats, potatoes, and pickles—a warming local staple.
• Tartiflette — A gratin of potatoes, onions, bacon, and creamy Reblochon cheese baked until golden, born in the Savoie region.
• Salade Savoyarde — Fresh greens topped with Beaufort cheese, cured Savoyard ham, and walnuts, showcasing local Alpine ingredients.
• Génépi Liqueur — A traditional herbal digestif made from alpine wormwood flowers, sipped after meals or enjoyed as an apéritif in mountain cabins.

Local customs & good to know

• Mountain Etiquette & Trails — Respect trail markers, give way to descending hikers, and always carry proper gear; weather changes rapidly in the Alps and conditions are unforgiving.
• Alpine Refuge Culture — Mountain huts (refuges) operate on a self-service or communal basis where you're expected to respect shared spaces and book ahead during peak season.
• French Alpine Dialect — While French is spoken, locals use Savoyard expressions and place names; learning basic French phrases is appreciated but English is increasingly understood in tourist areas.
• Cable Car & Lift Booking — Arrive early or book online to avoid queues at Aiguille du Midi and Brévent, especially in July–August when crowds swell quickly.