Holidays to 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

• 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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.