Things to Do in Chamonix, France
Chamonix is a compact alpine town in the French Alps, best known for skiing and access to the mountains. The town itself is easy to walk and completely surrounded by peaks, which is something you notice immediately and never stop noticing.
We stayed in town, walked everywhere, and focused on a handful of experiences rather than trying to do everything. That approach worked well for the way Chamonix is laid out and how the town functions.
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Getting to Chamonix
Chamonix is located in southeastern France near the borders of Switzerland and Italy. The closest major airport is Geneva, about an hour by car. Trains run regularly from Geneva and other French cities, with connections through Saint-Gervais. Once in town, Chamonix is compact and easy to get around on foot or by local buses.
Walking Through Town
Chamonix feels like the version of a mountain town you picture in your head. Pointed roofs, lots of wood, flower boxes and views everywhere you turn. It’s easy to get around on foot and just being in town feels like part of the experience.
There were many moments where we’d stop, look up and realize how completely surrounded we were by mountains. It doesn’t really let you forget where you are. Even simple walks through town felt scenic without trying.
Mer du Glace and the Ice Cave
We took the cog train up to Mer du Glace, which on its own is worth the trip. The views from the top are dramatic and you really get a sense of how high up you are once you step off.
To reach the ice cave, you take a gondola down or walk hundreds of steps down to the glacier. It’s a lot of stairs, and the walk back up feels long, but it’s manageable if you take your time.
What stood out most was seeing how much the glacier has retreated over the years. Along the walk, there are markers showing where the ice used to be and the difference is striking. The ice cave itself is small but beautiful and seeing it up close made the experience feel much more real than we expected.
Hiking to Cascade du Dard
We did one hike while we were in Chamonix and it ended up being a great choice. The start isn’t especially scenic since you’re close to the road, but it improves quickly once you get farther in.
After about 40 minutes of uphill walking, you reach a small restaurant and just beyond that is the waterfall. It’s an impressive spot and feels like a real payoff after the climb.
We sat on the terrace, had some cheese and wine and enjoyed the view before heading back down. It was a memorable hike for us all.
Where We Ate
We ate well in Chamonix without overplanning meals.
On our firtst trip we had dinner at La Tablee, where we ordered the goat cheese salad and the fondue with meats and potatoes. Both were so good, and the crème brûlée was a good way to end the meal. This was our first real alpine fondue experience and something we now crave.
We also had lunch at Josephine, right in the center of town. It’s a really cute, small place that caught our attention while walking by. It ended up being a favorite of our which we go to everytime we are in Chamonix. We always order onion soup, which is warm, salty and perfect any time of the year.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at L’Heliopic, in a two-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen and a private outdoor hot tub. The setup worked well for us, and the hotel was dog friendly.
The common areas were thoughtful and relaxed, with a small kids’ area, books, movies, and free bottled water available in the lobby. Breakfast was optional and one of the better hotel buffets we’ve seen, including a make-your-own pancake machine.
The hotel is right next to the Aiguille du Midi cable car, which made it easy to walk everywhere and simplified planning. Being close to where we were staying mattered more here than trying to be in the middle of everything.
We have also stayed in a fantastic apartment in the center of the village during a winter trip. It put us right in town and close to restaurants and shops. For winter visits, staying central felt more practical than being slightly outside town.
Know Before You Go
When to visit: Late spring to early fall. Summer is popular, but not overwhelming. Winter is quieter unless you’re pairing it with a ski trip.
How to get there: Trains run regularly from Geneva, Lyon, and Chambéry. The town is walkable, but parking is limited in high season.
Where to stay: There are plenty of hotels and rentals in the center and near the lake. Book early in summer.
What to pack: Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones, a swimsuit, and something warm if you’re headed out on the lake in the evening.
Planning More Travel in the Alps?
If you’re continuing through the Alps or nearby mountain towns, these guides pair well with Chamonix:
Annecy, France → canals, lakeside walks, and an easy alpine town stop
Zermatt, Switzerland → car-free village life, mountain scenery, and classic alpine architecture
Winterthur, Switzerland → museums, parks, and an easy stop near Zurich