Walking in Chamonix

Walking Trails:
350km of walking trails

Terrain:
Varied terrain from mountain climbs to flatter nature park walks

Chamonix at a glance

  • French
  • Euro (EUR)
  • London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), Manchester Int. (MAN), London Luton (LTN), Bristol (BRS), Birmingham Int. (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI)
  • London St Pancras (QQS)

Travel included to Chamonix

Depart on: Wednesday and Saturday

Arrive into: Geneva airport or Cluse train station. Self-Drive is also available

Transfer time: between 40 mins and 1 hour 15 mins

Included in your walking holiday to Chamonix

  • Inghams Guided Walks included from 09 Jun - 10 Oct 25 and 25 May - 16 Oct 26 (subject to availability)

  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Expert based in Chamonix

  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday

  • Free Chamonix Guest Card with discounted attractions, up to 50% discounts on Chamonix Mobility bus tickets and free travel on the Mont Blanc Express (exclusions apply)
  • Flights or train from the UK, transfers and accommodation

Walking in Chamonix

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
350km of walking trails
Terrain:
Varied terrain from mountain climbs to flatter nature park walks

Its hard to escape the eye of the Mont Blanc when walking in Chamonix (not that you'll want to), the views are breath-taking and there are walks for all abilities. With Chamonix being one of the towns to sit on the famous Tour du Mont Blanc it's no wonder walking holidays to Chamonix have been popular since the mid 1700s.

There’s a huge choice of walking trails here, from easy strolls to challenging hikes to suit all paces. Whether you want to take advantage of the summer lifts to get higher into the mountains (open during selected dates and payable locally) or stick to the valley, there's no shortage of beautiful scenery in this area.

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Chamonix, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area. The walks will run every Monday and Friday and you can add them onto your holiday at the time of booking.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Walks depend on weather, guide availability, and group size, and routes may change. Details are provided on arrival, and some may include a small local transport fee. Walks are not suitable for under 12s (under 18s must be with an adult). Please ensure the walk is right for you, our guides have the final say. See our booking conditions for full details.

Our guided walks in Chamonix

You’ll catch the train to Buet where your walk will begin in the beautiful Vallon de Berard nature reserve. Created in 1992 this reserve sits within the valley and offers plenty of walking routes that pass by rolling meadows, streams and larch woods. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife as you walk, there’s plenty roaming this reserve including ibex, chamois and mountain birds – just make sure you keep your distance. Depending on the groups walking ability (determined by the professional guide) there may be the option to walk to the Refuge Pierre a Berard, which is impressively built into the side of the mountain.

  • Grade: Moderate
  • Distance: Approx.10.5 kilometres
  • Duration: Approx. 5 - 6 hours
  • Ascent/descent: Approx. 628 metres ascent and 628 metres descent
  • Terrain: Mountain terrain with some steeper parts
  • Useful information: Please ensure you take your Chamonix Guest Card (Carte d’horte) with you as you will need to catch a train to Buet and back to Chamonix. This route may include a stop at a mountain refuge where there may be the opportunity to buy food and drink (cash only). However, we always recommend taking plenty of food and drink with you in case of unscheduled closures at the refuge.

Summer 2025 - This walk will run on alternate Mondays: 09 Jun, 23 Jun, 07 Jul, 21 Jul, 04 Aug, 18 Aug, 01 Sep, 15 Sep, and 29 Sep

Summer 2026 - This walk will run on alternate Mondays: 25 May, 08 Jun, 22 Jun, 06 Jul, 20 Jul, 03 Aug, 17 Aug, 31 Aug, 14 Sep, and 28 Sep

This walk spoils you with great scenery and fantastic views of the Chamonix Valley. First you’ll need to catch the bus to Le Tour where your walk will begin. You'll climb your way through forests, until you're above the tree line. The Aiguillette des Posettes is the last summit on the Tour du Mont Blanc so you're surrounded by mountains with the Mont Blanc in the distance and the Chamonix valley below.

  • Grade: Moderate to challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: approx. 9 kilometres
  • Duration: approx. 6-7 hours (walking time approx. 4 hours)
  • Ascent/descent: Approx. 850 metres ascent & descent
  • Terrain: Mountain terrain with technical rock track, the track gets a bit more challenging the further you climb
  • Useful information: You will need to take your own lunch and snacks. The start of this route is in Le Tour which you'll get to by bus (payable locally, the Chamonix Guest Card (Carte d’horte) can get you a discount). The bus journey can take approx. 30 - 40 minutes so make sure you plan ahead and you will need to do the reverse journey to get back to Chamonix after the walk. Please also note that there is nowhere on this route to buy lunch, drinks or access toilets.

Summer 2025 - This walk will run on alternate Fridays: 13 Jun, 27 Jun, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, 08 Aug, 22 Aug, 05, 19 Sep, and 03 Oct

Summer 2026 - This walk will run on alternate Fridays: 29 May, 12 Jun, 26 Jun, 10 Jul, 24 Jul, 07 Aug, 21 Aug, 04 Sep, 18 Sep, and  02 Oct

After heading on the train, you’ll begin your walk in Le Buet near Vallorcine, its not long before you see some beautiful sights as you pass by the Berard Waterfall where you’ll have the chance for a quick stop to take in this impressive sight. As you continue your walk to the Refuge Loriaz you’ll pass by rivers, forests and cross several quiet mountain hamlets until you reach 2000 metres. Here you’ll find the Refuge where you’ll see fantastic views of the Aiguille Verte and Les Drus to name a few.

  • Grade: Moderate (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Distance: approx. 12 kilometres
  • Duration: approx. 7 – 8 hours
  • Ascent/descent: Approx. 690 metres ascent & descent
  • Terrain: Mountain terrain with technical rock track
  • Useful Information: Please ensure you take your Chamonix Guest Card (Carte d’horte) with you as you will need to catch a train to Buet and back to Chamonix. You will need to take your own lunch and snacks for this walk; at the refuge there may be the opportunity to purchase food and drinks but we always recommend taking your own in case of unscheduled closures or lack of availability.

Summer 2025 - This walk will run on alternate Mondays: 16 Jun, 30 Jun, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 08 Sep, 22 Sep, and 06 Oct

Summer 2026 - This walk will run on alternate Mondays: 01 Jun, 15 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 07 Sep, 21 Sep, and 05 Oct

You’ll walk through the Aiguilette d’argentiere where you’ll see amazing views of the Chamonix Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for the mountain Ibex, known locally as bouquetins, they’re known to roam these areas but if you spot one, be sure you keep your distance. When you reach the Lake of the Cheserys you’ll see wonderful Mont Blanc views and if you’re lucky and the lake is still you’ll see the landscape reflected in the lake.

  • Grade: Moderate to challenging
  • Distance: approx. 10 kilometres
  • Duration: approx. 9am - 4pm
  • Ascent/descent: Approx. 800 metres of ascent and 950 metres descent (or 800metres if you go the same route on way down)
  • Terrain: Mountain terrain, steep climb at the start, ladders mid way, nice path from ladders to lake.
  • Useful information: You will need to take your own lunch and snacks for this walk. You'll head to the Montroc train station or car park tré le champ, from Chamonix you can catch the train to Montroc on the way (or bus to Col des Montets), then take the train or bus from Argentiere on the way back. Please note that there is nowhere on this route to buy lunch or access toilets.

Summer 2025 - This walk will run on alternate Fridays: 20 Jun, 04 Jul, 18 July, 01 Aug, 15 Aug, 29 Aug, 12 Sep, 26 Sep, and 10 Oct

Summer 2026 - This walk will run on alternate Fridays: 05 Jun, 19 Jun, 03 Jul, 17 Jul, 31 Jul, 14 Aug, 28 Aug, 11 Sep, 25 Sep, and 09 Oct

Our favourite self-guided walks in Chamonix

  • Moderate walk
  • Approx. 3 hours (one way)

Enjoy fantastic views over the Brévent area and make use of two of Chamonix's mountain lifts, including the iconic Aiguille du Midi where you journey to the halfway station (tickets to the cable cars and lifts are bookable and payable locally).

  • Moderate walk
  • Choice of starting point

This walk takes you to the beautiful Chalet La Floria which offers fantastic views back onto the Mer de Glace. The Chalet is covered in flowers and is a great place to stop and admire the scenery.

Our accommodations in Chamonix

Discover Chamonix

  • With Mont Blanc on its doorstep, the walking trails in Chamonix provide some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe 
  • The town is bursting with summer activities, from hiking and biking to exploring the lively town centre
  • Enjoy two guided walks per week with Inghams holidays to Chamonix, perfect for exploring the stunning surroundings

A true bucket-list spot for mountain lovers, Chamonix is a busy town that buzzes with energy year-round. Because of the mega mountains that surround it (Chamonix sits at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, to name just one) and the extreme athletes that come here to play, it’s known as the adventure capital of Europe. But for the rest of us, those towering mountain peaks and the lush valleys make the most breath-taking backdrop for hiking, biking or simply relaxing.

The Chamonix valley has one of the best summer lift systems in the Alps, with cable cars, gondolas and chairlifts giving you easy access to incredible viewpoints (summer lifts and cable cars are payable and open on selected dates). Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car that whisks you up the Mont Blanc massif to the top of Europe and panoramic views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps.

The Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France at 7 kilometres long and 200 metres deep - it was the Mer de Glace that put Chamonix on the map as a holiday destination back in the 1800s. Although fast receding, during some summer months you can visit the caves inside this living glacier, with its ice sculptures and crystals, as well as the Glacorium exhibition museum nearby that’s dedicated to glaciology.

Adventure parks, zip lines and outdoor activities, Chamonix family holidays have no shortage of things to do. Families looking for a holiday in nature will love Chamonix with stunning trails ranging from valley level walks to more challenging hikes for kids who are ready for an adventure. The adventure and leisure parks are perfect for a day of fun, and the iconic Montenvers train offers a unique family experience. With so much to explore, Chamonix is an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities together.

There’s probably no more active or adventurous place in the world with many different activities on offer as well as events throughout the summer. Explore the extensive walking trails, or, perhaps find a sunny deck to watch all the action from…

Summer lift network

Chamonix's extensive summer network of local lifts gives access to some incredible and diverse walking areas. One of the most famous is the Aiguille du Midi, it's also one of the steepest cable cars in the world. All lifts are payable and bookable locally. You may wish to purchase a Mont Blanc Multipass, that gives you access to certain lifts for a selected duration of time, the Mont Blanc Multipass is bookable and payable in resort.

Please note that lift opening dates are weather dependent and subject to change, opening times and days vary throughout the summer months.

  • Le Brévent lift (normally open from 15 June - 15 September)
  • Flégère lift (normally open 10 June - 17 September)
  • Grands Montets lift (normally open 01 July - 03 September)
  • Vallorcine cable car (normally open 24 June - 01 September)
  • Aiguille du Midi cable car(normally open from 01 May - 05 November)
  • Le Tour Gondola (normally open from 10 June - 08 September)
  • The Bossons Glacier chairlift (normally open from 17 June - 17 September)
  • Montenvers train (open year round) The ice cave and gondola are normally open from mid-July -  early September

You'll get a free Chamonix guest card (Carte d'Hote) when you stay at any of our hotels.

Mont Blanc Express Train - Free travel on the Mont Blanc Express SNCF network for internal journeys between the towns of Sevoz and Vallorcine. 

Chamonix Mobility Buses - Discounts of up to 50% on bus tickets purchased locally. Please note guest card discounts are not available for nights buses (after 9.00pm). 

Attractions - Discounts available on certain museums, exhibitions, and entry to the pool and ice rink at the Richard Bozon Sports Centre. 

If you're looking to use a number of the summer lifts in Chamonix (open on selected dates) then you may be interested in purchasing the Mont Blanc Multipass (bookable and payable locally). You can buy it for a certain number of days and includes multiple lifts in the Chamonix valley, including the Aiguille du Midi and Mer de Glace lifts. There's discounted rates for children aged 5-14, families and people over 65 years old.

Travel to Chamonix

Travel by air

Flights to Geneva depart on Saturday and Wednesday between 24 May - 11 Oct 2025 and 09 May - 17 Oct 2026.

Fly to Geneva from:

  • London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, and Edinburgh

Transfer time: 

  • Approx. 1 hour by bus

Private transfer options are available for a supplement.

Travel by train

We offer holidays by train to Chamonix, which depart from London St. Prancras on Saturday and Wednesday. The journey takes around 9 hours and 30 minutes. 

On arrival, you will transfer to Chamonix by taxi/coach, which will take around 40 minutes.

On arrival, you will transfer to Chamonix by taxi/coach, which will take around 40 minutes.

The provisional outbound timings are:

  1. London St. Pancras

  2. Paris Nord

  3. Paris Lyon

    Change

  4. Bellegarde

  5. Cluses

The provisional inbound timings are:

  1. Cluses

  2. Bellegarde

  3. Paris Lyon

  4. Paris Nord

    Change

  5. London St. Pancras

It is possible to make use of our self-drive option to Chamonix, which means driving your own car from the UK to France instead of using our train, plane or transfer service. This would include the cost of the ferry crossing in the price of your holiday (this may add an additional charge to your holiday depending on the ferry price at the time of booking).

Some of our accommodations in Chamonix offer car parking but charges and booking processes vary depending on which property you choose. Car parking spaces are subject to availability at the time of arrival and parking charges are payable locally. Please note that car parking charges in Chamonix can be very expensive, especially during large events.

Things to do in Chamonix

One of Chamonix's most famous attractions, the Aiguille du Midi cable car, whisks you up into the mountains to an altitude of 3,842 meters. At the top, you’re in the midst of the Mont Blanc Massif with jaw-dropping views towards surrounding peaks including views of the Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. For an added thrill, step into the glass skybox known as ‘Step into the Void’, which suspends you over a 1,000-meter drop. You’ll also find a small museum detailing the history of climbing in this area. You may want to purchase tickets to the Aiguille du Midi cable car in advance as it's very popular during the summer months.

Chamonix has a great range of events during summer. We've listed a few of our favourites below. Please be aware dates are subject to change and should be checked in advance, tickets might also be required and may need to be booked and paid for in advance:

  • Fête de la Musique, Chamonix (usually held around 21st June) - This isn't just an exclusive event to Chamonix but is celebrated in many French towns and villages to mark the summer solstice. Enjoy a variety of music from amateur bands to classical musicians.
  • Marathon du Mont-Blanc (usually held around the end of June) - Not for the faint hearted, this challenging race climbs to over 2,000 metres and is great viewing for running fans.
  • Climbing world cup (usually held in early July) - Chamonix centre becomes a stage for the climbing world cup where you can watch these impressive athletes take on daring climbing walls.
  • Cosmo Jazz Festival (usually held around the 22nd July) - Enjoy fantastic live music and a great atmosphere.
  • Fête des Guides (usually held around the 15th August) is a celebration of mountain guides, you'll find plenty of activities in the valley as well as concerts to celebrate the occasion.
  • Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (usually held at the end of August) - this ultra marathon follows the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc and is a chance to see some incredible athletes take on this mountain challenge.

No trip to Chamonix is complete without savouring its hearty alpine cuisine. Indulge in regional specialties such as tartiflette, raclette, and fondue. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for watching the world go by or admiring those mountain views.

Chamonix’s charming town centre is perfect for a leisurely day of shopping and exploration. Browse boutiques offering outdoor gear, local crafts, and gourmet products. Be sure to stop by one of the many cafés for a coffee or an ice cream while soaking up the lively atmosphere. 

For those wanting to learn more about Chamonix's rich history then there's the Alpine Museum. Housed in a historic palace, the museum showcases exhibits on the region’s mountaineering heritage, the development of tourism, and the area's unique natural environment.

Take the Montenvers cog railway up to the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier. This little red cog train offers fantastic views towards Chamonix as it climbs into the mountains. While the glacier itself has receded due to climate change, it's still a popular sight to see. You’ll also find a small glaciology museum and ice caves carved into the glacier, you can literally wander inside the glacier with impressive ice sculptures also on display (the museum and ice caves are only open during selected months).

Chamonix Leisure Park - This leisure park is close to Chamonix's town centre is great fun for kids of all ages. You'll find play areas, carousels, water games, mini karting and the alpine coaster, the luge. 

Accro Park of Les Gaillands - This adventure park is just outside of Chamonix in the Gaillands forest. There's playgrounds, high ropes courses, small ziplines as well as picnic areas.

Lac des Gaillands - For a more leisurely outing, head to Lac des Gaillands which is around a 30 minute walk from the centre of Chamonix. This tranquil lake is perfect for a picnic, a gentle stroll, or simply soaking in the stunning mountain views. 

From £78 per person

There are plenty of bike paths in the Chamonix valley and there's no better (or easier) way to explore them than on an e-bike. A guide will take you through the bike paths, showing off the landscapes around you. The e-bikes mean you can getting a little extra help on those mountain paths and enjoy the journey, use as much or as little power as you like to help boost you along.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

From £113 per person

Glide in the air surrounded by the gorgeous mountains and see the Chamonix Valley from above. Seeing Mont Blanc from the Brevent mountain range, these are views you won't forget. You'll be in a tandem flight so your professional paragliding pilot will guide you in the air.

Please note the minimum age is 10 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

From £30 per person

A 6 kilometre adventure down the rapids, on the top part of the Arve and its faster currents. The team will make you feel in safe hands as they guide you down the river and be sure to look up and take in those views. Brace yourself for some chilly water though, the water runs right off the glacier here so it's pretty cold but lovely and refreshing on those warm summer days.

Minimum age is 10 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

From £61 per person

Abseil, jump and swim your way through the water. Enjoy natural rock slides as you plunge into pools of clear water, and have a fun day out exploring the canyons.

Minimum age is 8 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

From £51 per person

Located between the lake and forest, the Gaillands climbing site is the ideal playground for rock climbing. Supervised by a mountain guide who will take you through the various routes of the climbing wall, everyone can take this activity at their own pace.

Minimum age is 6 years old.

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Popular Insider Guides

From Italy’s iconic lakes to the soaring peaks of the Alps and the hidden gems of Slovenia and Andorra, there are countless options for an unforgettable lakes and mountains holiday.

Lake Como and Lake Garda offer stunning waterside settings, perfect for relaxing boat trips, vineyard visits, and scenic mountain walks.

The Dolomites provide jaw-dropping alpine adventures, while Austria’s resorts like Seefeld, Kitzbühel, and Mayrhofen combine charming towns with mountain trails, bike paths, and breathtaking views.

Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, and Wengen offer everything from tranquil lakeside strolls to high-altitude hikes with views of iconic peaks.

In Slovenia, Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora deliver fairy-tale landscapes, peaceful walks, and rich cultural charm. Meanwhile, the French Alps – with Morzine, Chamonix, and Lake Annecy – are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Andorra’s Arinsal rounds off the list with treetop adventures, panoramic trails, and summer gondola rides. Whether you're seeking adventure, serenity, or a bit of both, these destinations bring together the best of nature’s beauty and alpine culture.

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