Beautifully picturesque, Chamonix is a small town in the southeast of France located just beyond the Swiss and Italian borders. It sits at the bottom of Chamonix Valley surrounded by the Western Alps. The landscapes are unforgettably stunning. Be sure to add this one to your bucket list. Wondering what to do in Chamonix? Here are the best things:
Continue reading for our recommendations of the best things to do in Chamonix in a day!
1. Paraglide off Mount Brévent - Chamonix in One Day
What to do in Chamonix? Paraglide!
The first thing to make sure you check off your list while in Chamonix is a paragliding flight off of Mount Brévent. Easily accessible by the main cable car system, paragliding from the Planpraz stop off of Mount Brévent is one of the most popular tourist activities in Chamonix - and one of the most memorable as well. You'll get to glide through the skies 2050 meters (6725 feet) in the air and marvel at the beautiful Mont Blanc massif that surrounds you.
To learn more about where to go and what to expect when paragliding in Chamonix, visit our step-by-step guide by clicking here. These are the things to do in Chamonix today.
To book a tandem paragliding tour, you can choose from any of the following local Chamonix businesses: Absolute Chamonix, Chamonix Sport Adventure, Fly Chamonix, Les Ailes du Mont Blanc, Haut Vol, Fly Mont Blanc, and Summits (to name a few). Prices will vary by company, but typically hover around 140 euros (160 USD) for a 20-30 minute flight!
2. Explore the Mount Brévent Hiking Trails
Another fun thing: hiking!
There are endless scenic hiking trails around the valley, but before you head back into town, walk up the mountain a bit from the paragliding landing field to the trailhead of Bellachat. This is an 11 mile out and back trail that will take you up the mountain if you choose to climb the whole thing. There are several branching trails and lookouts along the way.
The trailhead is located under the cable car system about a quarter mile up the mountain. When you come across a small field with Percheron horses, turn into the woods and you should easily find the start of the path. Such a fun thing to do in Chamonix France!
Most of the trail will lead you through a forest of pine trees that covers Le Brévent. The deep green colors against the blue alpine background is stunning. There are no bad views!
It can be tiring climbing up a mountain, so don't forget to take breaks for photo-ops! Around every bend there is a new view of the Mont Blanc massif. It is truly one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.
If you'd prefer not to start from the bottom of the mountain, you can also ride the gondolas up the mountain and start hiking one of the many trails from there! You could fill up a whole week exploring all that is available, but if your time is limited we recommend doing some research in advance as to what you would like to see and sticking to one or two. You are sure to see all of the best views on your paragliding tour regardless!
3. Walk Along the Arve River Chamonix
A riverwalk is free in Chamonix!
When you're finished with the more strenuous hikes through the mountains, head back into town center and cool down with a walk along the Arve River. The river walk will take you right from the heart of the town, out of the hustle and bustle, and into the quieter parts of Chamonix, with plenty of street art and shops along the way.
Translation of the mural featured above: "Always look for difficulty, not danger. Go ahead, try, dare. In boldness there is enchantment." - Gaston Rébuffat, renowned mountain guide, author, and local to Chamonix.
4. Visit the Old Wooden Walking Bridge
This is one of the best free things to do.
Not only are the surrounding natural landscapes of Chamonix picturesque, but the town itself is beautifully detailed and charming. Along your riverwalk, be sure to stop at the old wooden walking bridge that runs over the Arve. The bridge is always adorned with a string of lights, and its rails are covered with bright flowers. And it's free!
Fun and free things to do in Chamonix!
5. Visit the Love Lock Bridge
Another free stop in Chamonix France is the bridge.
A bit farther up the river, you'll come across a second bridge: the Love Lock Bridge. Here you can initial a padlock and attach it to the metal rails to commemorate your visit! You can also take a look at all of the heartfelt locks that people who've fallen in love with Chamonix and with each other have left before you.
What to do in Chamonix France? Explore!
6. Visit the Église Saint-Michel (Church of Saint Michael)
The church is free for entry - a good to do list item.
Now noted as a historical monument, the Church of Saint Michael is set in Chamonix's center square and is open for visitors and parishioners alike. The stain glass inside the church's doors feature tributes to the outdoor winter sports that Chamonix is so well known for, with the idea that saints are looking out for those on the mountains. Though the church has undergone many restorations overtime, the original iconic bell tower is still in tact, first made over 900 years ago in the year 1119. So fun!
What to do in Chamonix France? Let us know!
7. Visit the Statue of de Saussure
Another thing to do in Chamonix for one day:
You will undoubtably pass by the Statue of de Saussure during your time in Chamonix. This bronze monument is named after Horace Bénédict de Saussure, who in 1760 offered a reward to the first person who could climb all the way to the summit of nearby Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the European Alps at 4809 meters (15,777 feet). It wasn't until 1786 that two locals of Chamonix were able to complete this great feat and claimed the reward - Jacques Balmat and Michel Gabriel Paccard. Another free stop!
The monument was erected in celebration of the centennial of this first successful climb, and when viewed from behind shows a climber pointing excitedly towards Mont Blanc.
8. Explore Chamonix!
Overall, Chamonix France is amazing with lots to do.
There really is no part of Chamonix that isn't worth a visit, so for the rest of your trip - explore the town! Sit down for a bite at a few of the many restaurants on the main drag, walk through the backstreets and find a quiet spot to people-watch, and buy yourself some souvenirs to remember your first escape to Chamonix!
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