Chamonix has been welcoming travellers and adventurers for over two and a half centuries and can be truly described as an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The mountain scenery surpasses one's wildest expectations and the Mont-Blanc, jewel in the crown, thrones silently over the Chamonix valley.
Activities or contemplation
The lifts and cog railways transport visitors into the very heart of the Mont-Blanc Massif. the realm of high mountains where one may contemplate and admire exceptional panoramas.
Chamonix offers an extraordinary choice of sports activities, be it for tentative beginners or keen enthusiasts, there's something for every visitor : 350 km of marked hiking trails, 40 km mountain bike tracks, rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting, canyoning, paragliding, an 18 hole golf course and lots more...
Children will also be delighted by all the valley has to offer: a superb adventure park with tree acrobatics, summer toboggan and adventure park, rock climbing, pony rides or hiking with donkeys - an exciting option for little legs. The sports centre with its swimming pools and water toboggan will delight all ages and on a wet day there's always the indoor climbing wall, fitness centre and spa, an olympic sized ice-rink and a cinema complex.
Culture and heritage
Chamonix is a vibrant alpine town with a wonderful architectural heritage that bears witness to a wealth of history. The Priory, alpine farms, baroque churches, art deco buildings and palaces from the "Golden Era". The cosmopolitan atmosphere in this small town is both captivating and enchanting.
There is an excellent alpine museum and exhibition centre in the centre of Chamonix and for those who wish to delve a little deeper into the history of the valley, a heritage guide will be delighted to share her knowledge with you during a weekly visit of the town.
By taking advantage of the free public transport, one may also discover the outlying villages and hamlets, each with their individual identity and charm.
On the town
For those in search of a little retail therapy, they will be delighted by Chamonix's pedestrian centre with its wide selection of attractive boutiques. If you enjoy watching the world go by, what better place than one of Chamonix's sunny street cafés !
The valley also offers a vast gastronomic choice, from rustic mountain restaurants serving Savoyard specialities, to the chic of the Michelin starred Albert Premier, from international dishes to nouvelle cuisine, each visitor will find something to suit their palette!
