Welcome to Chamonix
Mountains loom large almost everywhere you look in Chamonix. Skiers and sightseers are launched by cable car to heights of 3842m on the Mont Blanc massif, while the glacial void of La Vallée Blanche – one of Europe's most fêted off-piste adventures – beckons to the brave. Skiers and boarders have a choice of pistes along the valley, while in summer the same lifts access hiking and biking trails.
Top experiences in Chamonix
Amazing hotels and hostels
We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Recent articles
Travel guides
Starting at $36.39
Chamonix activities
Geneva to Chamonix and Mont Blanc Day Trip Including Lunch
Book your tour to include the services of an expert guide to enjoy your trip to the full, then hop aboard your air-conditioned coach in central Geneva and enjoy an unforgettable 90-minute drive through the picturesque Arve Valley to Chamonix. Situated at the foot of majestic Mont Blanc — the highest peak in both the Alps and Western Europe at 15,780 feet (4,800 meters) — Chamonix is widely considered France’s most iconic Alpine town. For your Chamonix and Mont Blanc day trip, choose from the tour options below.
Geneva to Chamonix and Mont Blanc Full-Day Independent Tour
After boarding an air-conditioned coach in Geneva in the morning, relax on an unforgettable 1.5-hour drive across the Switzerland-France border and through the picturesque Arve Valley to Chamonix. This stunning Alpine village is situated at the foot of majestic Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe at 15,780 feet (4,800 meters). Choose from three tour options below. Each include round-trip coach transport, with a local assistant on board to answer any questions you have. On arrival in Chamonix, you are free to explore as you wish until you need to meet your coach at the agreed departure time later in the day.Transport Only (6 hours)For those crunched for time (or scared of heights), this half-day option is ideal. When you arrive in Chamonix, you'll have the rest of the morning to explore independently. Enjoy picturesque mountain views around every corner as you discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands and Atelier Les Racines. Cozy up at a typical French bistro or chic Alpine chalet to indulge in the satisfying Savoyard specialty: fondue. Board the coach in the afternoon for the ride back to Geneva. Aerial Cable Car (6 hours)This option includes a ticket for the famous Aiguille du Midi cable car. Ride up to 12,605 feet (3,842 meters) to a landing of permanent snow and ice, where you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding French, Swiss and Italian Alps. On a clear day, you may even see the Matterhorn; an icon of Switzerland. Sip hot chocolate or enjoy a meal at one of the highest restaurants in the world, overlooking the snow-capped peaks.Re-board the coach at midday for the drive back to Geneva.Aerial Cable Car and Glacier Train (10 hours)Enjoy an action-packed day in the Alps with this independent full-day option — the complete experience! Explore the beautiful town of Chamonix then head for the Aiguille du Midi cable car and admire the incredible views from the ride. Before or after this, depending on your schedule, hop on the Montenvers railway and ride up to Mer de Glace. Descend by gondola onto the glacier, where you can walk through ice caves that are carved out into the heart of the ice.You also now have the possibility to add lunch to your tour!Starter: buffet of salads, bread and soup Main course: choose chicken or fish with vegetables or veggie dishDessert of the day: varies depending on the dayRe-board the coach in the evening for the drive back to Geneva.
Geneva to Chamonix French Alps Full-Day Trip by Open-Top Bus
Your day trip to Chamonix departs from the Hotel Warwick in central Geneva. After boarding the open-top bus — with a retractable glass roof in case of chilly weather conditions — sit back and enjoy unobstructed views of the gorgeous Swiss and French Alps as you travel through the Arve Valley. On your 90-minute drive, enjoy an informative overview of Geneva, Chamonix, and the surrounding Alps region from your audio headset, with commentary available in eight languages. Cross the Swiss border into France and arrive in Chamonix, surrounded by majestic mountains and glaciers. This picturesque Alpine town is nestled at the foot of imposing Mont Blanc, the largest peak in Europe. Thanks to your morning departure, arrive in Chamonix before the busy crowds arrive. Plus, if you have upgraded to enjoy the all-inclusive experience, your pre-ordered lift and train tickets allow you to avoid the long queues. After your guide drops you off in front of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, you're free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Wander by foot to discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands or Atelier Les Racines. With your all-inclusive upgrade, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to 12,605 feet (3,842 meters) to a landing of permanent snow and ice for stunning panoramas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding French, Swiss and Italian Alps. At the summit, experience 'Step into the Void,' an enclosed glass platform that lets you hover weightlessly above the snow-covered valley. Then, if you have opted for the lunch you will head back in to town and escorted to our fabulous restaurant where you will receive a two course lunch. After your lunch, take the Montenvers railway to the Mer de Glace, descend by gondola onto the glacier and explore the ice caves that are carved out into the heart of the ice. In the late afternoon board the open-top bus and enjoy more commentary on your scenic ride back to Geneva, this time via the north side of the valley.
Private Departure Transfer: Geneva or Chamonix Hotel to Geneva Airport
With this private transfer service, your professional and friendly driver will pick you up at your Geneva city hotel or your Chamonix hotel and take you on the approximate 20-minute drive from the city to the Geneva airport or the 90-minute drive across the French-Swiss border from Chamonix. When making a booking, you must provide your flight details and your hotel accommodation details.Price is per person, based on 8 adults per car/vehicle.
Chamonix Montblanc Day Trip from Geneva with optional Cable Car Ride and Lunch
Discover the dramatic mountain resort of Chamonix, with door to door pick up from your address in Geneva. Journey time is approximately 1 hour and 15 mins to Chamonix Mont Blanc. Free water and snacks are provided along with air conditioning and leather seats. Skip the queues and ride the spectacular Aiguille du Midi cable car upwards to 3842 meters for breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps. **Please note: unplanned maintenance work on the Aiguille du Midi Cable car, the cable car will now remain closed until the 7th of July 2018, for trips booked before this, the day trip will follow an amended itinerary. Instead you will be taken to see Mont-Blanc from the opposite side of the valley via the Brevant cable car, which takes you up to an impressive 2,225m with unbeatable views out across to Mont Blanc and the valley’s mountain range.** Have lunch at a top Chamonix restaurant (All Inclusive package) The next stop is at the Montenvers Railway where you will take the cog train up to the incredible Sea of Ice and have the opportunity to explore the underground ice caves. Please note that after 1st September the Montenvers Cog railway is closed. Clients will be able instead to ascend Brevent or visit the nearby villages of Argentiere. Free time will follow, to discover the charming town of Chamonix - cobbled streets lined with wonderful bars, ice cream parlors, bistros and boutique shops. Enjoy your time whilst admiring the stunning panorama and towering peaks of this valley. Journey back to Geneva, to be dropped off at your hotel.
Chamonix Sightseeing Tour from Geneva
In 1924 Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games. Skiing was introduced in Chamonix at the end of the 19th century by Dr Payot. Nowadays, Chamonix is the most famous mountain village and Mont Blanc the highest mount of Europe. In the morning, ride the Aiguille du Midi cable car, the highest in Europe, climb more than 2700m and enjoy the unique journey between the ground and the sky with year-round snow! On a clear day, you may even see the Mattherhorn, the famous Swiss peak and icon of Switzerland – it’s even found on packages of delicious Toblerone chocolate. For lunch, enjoy the fine french cuisine. Our restaurant is situated in the center of the village, on the way you will discover the mountain architecture of the Alps. In the afternoon, board the little red cogwheel train to Glacier Mer de Glace. It takes about twenty minutes to climb the 1,000 meters up to the Montenvers-Mer de Glace attraction. The track climbs the mountainside running through the forest, tunnels cut through the rock and over viaducts. You enter the realm of the high mountains, and round the last bend you'll feel the magic: you've arrived at your destination at the foot of the famous Mer de Glace glacier, at an altitude of 1,913m.