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Place de l'Église and Le Brévent peak
Chamonix
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, powerful — if receding — glaciers, and richly rewarding hiking trails, Chamonix is France's favorite alpine resort. Chamonix's purpose in life has always been to dazzle visitors with some of Europe's top alpine thrills. If the weather's right, take Europe's ultimate cable-car ride to the 12,602-foot Aiguille du Midi.
At a Glance
▲▲▲ Aiguille du Midi Cable Car The valley's most spectacular and popular lift, taking you to magnificent views at 12,602 feet. From here you can take a spectacular télécabine ride over the Alps to the Italian border and back, take Chamonix's greatest hike to the Mer de Glace (from the halfway-up stop at Plan de l'Aiguille), or just enjoy the views.
▲▲▲ Train to Montenvers Cogwheel train to the Mer de Glace, an eight-mile-long glacier where you can admire jagged mountain peaks, have lunch with a view at the Montenvers hotel, walk inside the glacier, or hike the scenic trail to the Aiguille du Midi lift (easier in reverse direction).
▲▲▲ Le Brévent Lift Second-most-spectacular lift from Chamonix, allowing access to the mountain range on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc — and the best view cafés in the valley (closed late April–mid-June and mid-Sept). Ride the gondola to the halfway point at Planpraz station for the Grand Balcon Sud hike to the La Flégère lift (although the hike is best in the other direction) or continue via cable car all the way to Le Brévent for sky-high views and a restaurant.
▲▲▲ La Flégère Gondola Starting point for hikes to Lac Blanc and to the Grand Balcon Sud trail back to Planpraz (where you can catch the Le Brévent lift). Refuge-Hôtel La Flégère, at the station, offers drinks, snacks, and accommodations, all with a view.
Arve Riverbank Stroll Several riverside trails allow a level walk or bike ride in the woods between Chamonix and Les Praz. See paragliders make dramatic landings and enjoy mountain views outside Chamonix to the sound of the Arve River.
Tour du Mont Blanc A 100-mile, 10-day trek connecting mountain refuges and spectacular scenery while passing through France, Switzerland, and Italy.
