20 Epic Things to Do in Chamonix That Will Make You Want to Visit the French Alps
Looking for the best things to do in Chamonix? This legendary Alpine town sits at the foot of Mont Blanc and draws travelers year-round for its scenery, outdoor culture, and mountain-town energy.
Whether you’re visiting in winter or summer, Chamonix offers a mix of adventure, relaxed sightseeing, and classic European charm. Some experiences are adrenaline-heavy, while others are perfect for slow days soaking up the views.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top things to do in Chamonix for first-time visitors, nature lovers, and anyone planning a special trip to the French Alps.
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Experiencing the Best Things to Do in Chamonix: Basic Info for Visiting
Before diving into all of the fun things to do in Chamonix, let’s take a look at what makes this mountain town special, and whether or not it’s worth visiting for you.
⭐️ What Chamonix Is Known For
Chamonix is best known as one of the world’s most famous mountain towns, sitting at the base of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. It’s always been a hub for outdoor adventure, alpine sports, and dramatic scenery that feels almost unreal.
Beyond the mountains, Chamonix also has a lively town center, strong après-ski culture, and easy access to viewpoints and nature without needing technical skills or serious planning.
🤔 Is Chamonix France Worth Visiting?
Yes, Chamonix is absolutely worth visiting, even if you’re not a hardcore skier or mountaineer. The town works just as well for casual travelers who want jaw-dropping landscapes, scenic transport, and a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
It’s one of those places where the views do a lot of the work for you, making it a great stop for first-time Alps visitors, couples, and anyone building a France or Europe itinerary.
We went on a group trip for our friend’s birthday, and it really was the perfect 4-day getaway, and one of our favorite winter escapes.
✨ What Not to Miss in Chamonix
When it comes to things to do in Chamonix, the biggest highlights revolve around mountain views, easy-access nature, and iconic alpine experiences. There are a few sights and activities that consistently stand out and help define why Chamonix is so special.
Even with limited time, adding these core experiences to your itinerary will give you the best out of the town without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Chamonix can be enjoyed by nature-lovers, those looking to relax, or young travelers who want to party.
Best Things to Do in Chamonix
If you’re planning a trip to the French Alps, this list covers the absolute best things to do in Chamonix, whether you’re visiting in winter, summer, or shoulder season. Chamonix is packed with dramatic scenery, iconic mountain experiences, and a surprisingly lively town atmosphere, making it much more than just a ski destination.
🏘 Explore Chamonix Town
Chamonix town itself is worth slowing down for. Between the shops, cafés, bakeries, and mountain views in every direction, simply wandering around is one of the easiest things to do in Chamonix.
You’ll find outdoor gear stores, cozy wine bars, and plenty of spots to sit with a coffee and watch paragliders land nearby. It’s compact, walkable, and is incredibly charming.
🚲 Walk or Bike Along the Valley Paths
Not every outdoor experience here has to be intense. Chamonix has flat, well-marked paths that run through the valley and connect nearby villages.
This is one of the most relaxed things to do in Chamonix and a great option if you want scenery without committing to a long hike, particularly great in the warmer months.
🚠 Ride the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
One of the most iconic things to do in Chamonix is taking the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi. In just 20 minutes, you’re transported from town to over 3,800 meters above sea level, with jaw dropping views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps the entire way up.
At the top, you can explore multiple viewing platforms, walk through ice tunnels, and even step into the famous glass box known as Step Into the Void. It’s a must do experience in Chamonix, and a really fun photo opportunity!
🚡 Take the Brévent Cable Car for Mont Blanc Views
Riding the Brévent cable car is one of the best things to do in Chamonix if you want incredible views without going all the way up to Aiguille du Midi. From the summit, you get a direct, unobstructed view of Mont Blanc across the valley, which many people actually prefer for photos.
The Brévent area is also more relaxed and accessible, with viewpoints, walking paths, and hiking trails that work well in both summer and winter. Whether you’re visiting Chamonix for skiing, hiking, or sightseeing, this cable car is an excellent way to experience the mountains without the crowds or altitude of other lifts.
❄️ Visit the Mer de Glace Ice Cave and Glacier Museum
Another classic experience and one of the most educational things to do in Chamonix is visiting the Mer de Glace. You’ll take a historic cogwheel train up the mountainside before descending into a carved ice cave inside the glacier itself.
Next to the ice cave, the Glaciorium museum explains how glaciers form, how climate change is affecting the Alps, and why the Mer de Glace has been retreating so quickly. It adds important context to what you’re seeing and makes the visit much more meaningful.
⛷ Go Skiing or Snowboarding in the Chamonix Valley
Skiing is what originally put this destination on the map, and it’s still one of the top things to do in Chamonix today. The valley is made up of several ski areas, each with a different vibe, from beginner friendly slopes to challenging off piste terrain.
Even non-expert skiers can enjoy the experience thanks to the variety of lifts, panoramic runs, and unbeatable mountain scenery. If you don’t ski, simply being in town during ski season is an experience on its own.
🎿 Try Snowshoeing Through the Alpine Landscape
Snowshoeing is a fantastic alternative to skiing and one of the best things to do in Chamonix if you want a quieter winter experience, or if the other winter sports intimidate you. Trails around the valley take you through forests, open alpine areas, and panoramic viewpoints without the need for technical skills or lifts.
Guided snowshoe tours are especially popular, as they allow you to explore safely while learning about the landscape and wildlife. If skiing isn’t your thing or you’re traveling with mixed ability levels, snowshoeing is an accessible and easy way to enjoy Chamonix in winter.
🥂 Try Après Ski at Chambre Neuf
Après ski is a big part of Chamonix culture, and Chambre Neuf is one of the most popular spots in town. Located right near the lifts, it fills up quickly in the afternoon with skiers still in their boots and people looking to keep the day going.
Music, dancing, drinks, and a lively crowd make this one of the most fun things to do in Chamonix after a day on the mountain, even if you didn’t ski yourself.
🕺 Go Clubbing at Amnesia
Chamonix might be a mountain town, but the nightlife is surprisingly amazing. Amnesia is the most well known nightclub in town and a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to go out late.
The atmosphere is fun and unpretentious, with DJs, dancing, and a mix of travelers and seasonal workers. If you’re looking for nightlife beyond après ski, this is one of the best things to do in Chamonix after dark.
La Foiue Douve hotel also has a restaurant with performances and when you eat there you also get free access to Amnesia
🔎 Try the Escape Game
This outdoor escape game is a unique and interactive way to explore the town while learning about its history. Using your phone as a digital companion, you’ll walk through the streets of Chamonix solving puzzles and clues inspired by the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, all based on the landmarks and details you see around you.
It’s one of the most creative things to do in Chamonix if you enjoy history but want something more engaging than a traditional museum. The game is self guided, easy to follow, and works well for couples, friends, or families who want to explore at their own pace while uncovering stories and anecdotes from Chamonix’s mountaineering past.
🎢 Ride the Alpine Luge Roller Coaster
For something a little different, the alpine luge is one of the most underrated things to do in Chamonix. This mountain roller coaster lets you race down a track with alpine views, controlling your own speed the entire way.
It’s fun for adults, kids, and anyone who wants a break from traditional mountain activities. You don’t need any experience, and it’s a great option if you’re visiting Chamonix in warmer months.
🧀 Join a Food Tour in Chamonix
Taking a food tour is one of the most underrated things to do in Chamonix, especially if you want to understand the region beyond the mountains. These tours usually focus on Savoyard cuisine, giving you the chance to try local cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and alpine specialties while learning about the area’s French and Italian influences.
A guided food tour is also a great way to get oriented in town, as many stop at local bakeries, markets, and family run shops you might otherwise miss. If you’re visiting Chamonix for more than a day or two, this is an easy and enjoyable way to break up active days with something slower paced (and delicious!).
🫕 Eat Traditional Fondue or Raclette
You can’t visit the Alps without indulging in the food, and eating fondue is one of the most iconic things to do in Chamonix if you’re a foodie. Local restaurants serve classic Savoyard dishes made with melted cheese, potatoes, cured meats, and toasted croutons.
It’s hearty, social, and perfect after a cold day outside. Whether you choose fondue, raclette, or tartiflette, this is an essential Chamonix experience. We had a truffle one, and it was so good!
🥾 Take a Scenic Hike
In summer, hiking becomes one of the best things to do in Chamonix. Trails range from easy valley walks to challenging alpine routes, many with views of glaciers, waterfalls, and towering peaks.
Even short hikes offer incredible scenery, and many trails are accessible via lifts, making them doable without advanced hiking experience.
🛶 Go White Water Rafting in the Summer
White water rafting is one of the most exciting summer activities in Chamonix and a great way to experience the mountains from a different perspective. Most rafting trips take place on the Arve River, where glacier melt creates fast moving water and dramatic alpine scenery.
Rafting tours are suitable for beginners and usually run from late spring through summer, making them perfect if you’re visiting outside of ski season. Adding rafting to your itinerary helps balance out hiking and sightseeing, and it’s easily one of the more adventurous things to do in Chamonix during warmer months.
🚋 Ride the Mont Blanc Tramway
The Mont Blanc Tramway is one of the highest railways in France and offers stunning views with minimal effort, as it leaves right from the center of town. It’s a quieter, more relaxed alternative to some of the bigger cable cars.
This is a great option if you’re looking for scenic things to do in Chamonix without crowds or long lines.
🪂 Go Paragliding Over the Valley
For a truly unforgettable experience, paragliding is one of the most adventurous things to do in Chamonix. Tandem flights launch from nearby peaks and glide down into the valley, offering a completely different perspective of the mountains.
No experience is needed, and flights are run by professional guides. It’s an epic and exciting way to enjoy Chamonix’s stunning scenery, adding a touch of adrenaline to your itinerary.
🧖🏻♀️ Relax at a Spa or Wellness Center
After days filled with mountain adventures, slowing down is essential. Chamonix has plenty of spas, wellness centers, and hotels with saunas and mountain views.
Adding some downtime is one of the most underrated things to do in Chamonix and a perfect balance to all the outdoor activity – especially in the cold!
📸 Get a Professional Photoshoot
Booking a professional photoshoot is one of the most memorable things to do in Chamonix, especially with Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks as your backdrop. Local photographers know exactly where to capture the best light and angles, whether that’s in town, along scenic trails, or at panoramic viewpoints reached by cable car.
A photoshoot is a great option for couples, solo travelers, families, or even content creators looking for high quality images in an alpine setting. If you’re already investing in a trip to Chamonix, this is an easy way to come home with photos that truly reflect how dramatic and beautiful the destination is.
We personally love this because carrying our own professional camera while in the mountains is risky, and a huge hassle. Having a local take our pictures was fun and a great addition for our group trip.
🚐 Take Day Trips Around the Mont Blanc Region
One of the reasons Chamonix is such a great base is how easy it is to explore the surrounding Mont Blanc region. Popular day trips include Courmayeur in Italy, which you can reach via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, and Megève, a charming alpine town known for its traditional architecture and food scene.
You can also visit nearby glacier areas, scenic mountain passes, and quieter alpine villages that feel very different from Chamonix itself. Adding a few regional day trips to your itinerary is a great way to round out your list of things to do in Chamonix, especially if you’re staying more than a few days.
⭐️ If you’re looking at options to get to Chamonix, many trains and buses connect through Annecy, making it a great addition to your Alps itinerary.
Experiencing the Best Things to Do in Chamonix: Final Tips & What’s Next
Whether you’re visiting for adventure, scenery, food, or nightlife, there’s no shortage of epic things to do in Chamonix. From iconic cable cars and glaciers to food tours, après ski, and immersive experiences in town, the mix of outdoor thrills and laid back alpine charm makes Chamonix feel special in every season.
No matter how long you stay, Chamonix delivers experiences that go far beyond skiing. It’s a place where mountain views meet great food, historic moments, and easy access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Alps, making it well worth adding to any France or Europe itinerary.
Some of the top restaurants and activities have limited spots and fill up fast, so don’t forget to book everything well in advance!
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know all of the great things to do in Chamonix, you’ll probably want to know more about visiting! We have a few more guides about Chamonix coming up, but in the meantime, you can check out some other France travel guides.
Here are our other France travel guides:
🤑 33 Best free things to do in Paris
📸 36 Amazing photo spots in Paris
🎄 Christmas in Paris
🏰 15 Beautiful castles in France
🧚♀️ 21 Fairytale villages in France
🔔 Mont Saint Michel guide
🌊 Visiting the cliffs of Etretat
⭐️ 23 Things for your France bucket list
So, are you ready to start planning an epic trip to Chamonix? Now that you know all of the fun things to do in Chamonix, you can start planning your itinerary in the French Alps.
Want to learn more about visiting Chamonix or other areas of France? We have several other France Travel Guides for you, along with new ones coming up! Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so that you can stay up to date with our most recent articles, as well as to get special discounts on our shop.
Ready to start planning the most magical trip to Chamonix and other places? Well, we’re here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning, so you can skip the hard work, and just enjoy your travel experience to its fullest. Take a look at our travel planning packages we have, or simply email us if you have any questions!
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