Chamonix, short for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, may be well known as a winter destination, but the resort area near the junction of France, Switzerland and Italy offers just as much to experience in the summer. Along with panoramic views, Chamonix in the northwest region of the Alps offers unforgettable activities and adventure.

Whether you want to take a classic train ride, see glacial formations or go ziplining in the forest, there are many great possibilities. If you require inspiration, you’ll find it with these 10 best things to do this summer in Chamonix.

  • 1

    Aiguille du Midi

    Take the cable car to experience incredible mountain views

    Aiguille du Midi
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    Aiguille du Midi is a mountain that soars at 3,842 metres and is popular year-round thanks to its awe-inspiring beauty and excellent activities. It is part of the Mont Blanc massif in the French Alps. For an unforgettable experience, take the aerial lift leaving from Chamonix town centre up to the summit.

    Along with panoramic views, Aiguille du Midi offers quite a few things worth checking out. Midway is the Plan de l'Aiguille, and the journey continues to the top of the station, where you will find several terraces for viewing. Other highlights include guided tours of the site, two museum areas, Le 3842 restaurant and the Step Into the Void, a thrilling all-glass enclosure on the uppermost terrace.

    Location: 74400 Chamonix, France

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  • 2

    Lac des Gaillands

    Spend a leisurely day at this lovely lake

    Lac des Gaillands
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    • Families

    Lac des Gaillands offers a tranquil place to admire the natural scenery of the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley in Haute Savoie in southeastern France. Less than a 10-minute drive from Chamonix, the man-made lake is a picturesque place for leisurely pursuits. Whether taking a walk or admiring the views, this place is a serene spot in the summer.

    Nearby Lac des Gaillands is a rock cliff near the hamlet of Les Pècles that is popular with bouldering and rock climbing enthusiasts of all levels. Other highlights are fishing and the clear views of the Mont-Blanc massif and the Bossons Glaciers.

    Location: 74400 Chamonix, France

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  • 3

    Gorges of the Diosaz (Gorges de la Diosaz)

    Discover the stunning surroundings of this alpine attraction

    Gorges of the Diosaz (Gorges de la Diosaz)
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    Gorge of the Diosaz (Gorges de la Diosaz) transports you to a scenic wonderland with lush greenery, waterfalls and rock formations. A 10-minute drive from Chamonix, the attraction in Les Houches, France, features a suspended footpath surrounded by nature. Along the way, you’ll find interesting displays highlighting the geology and history of the area.

    Since the creation of the passage in 1875, the Gorge of the Diosaz (Gorges de la Diosaz) continues to attract nature lovers and adventurous types. The walk/hike is of moderate difficulty and takes around 1.5 hours to experience. Also onsite is a gift shop and restaurant, which has a terrace for enjoying paninis, ice cream and other bites.

    Location: 181 All. des Gorges, 74310 Les Houches, France

    Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm

    Phone: +33 4 50 47 21 13

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  • 4

    White water sports on the River Arve

    Action-packed adventure on the rapids around Chamonix

    White water sports on the River Arve
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Families

    White water sports on the River Arve provide an adrenaline-rushing experience surrounded by nature. If you want to see the area from an interesting vantage point, head to one of the white water sports outfitters and book one of the excursions, which range in duration from 2 hours to half a day.

    Ideal for ages 10 and up, white water sports on the River Arve features knowledgeable guides with a lot of experience on the water. Each raft typically can accommodate 4 to 10 people, and excursions starting from Chamonix are known to feature medium rapids with wide water movements.

    Location: France

  • 5

    Mer de Glace et Grotte de Glace

    Explore the exquisite glacier and ice cave any time of the year

    Mer de Glace et Grotte de Glace
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    Mer de Glace (Mer de Glace et Grotte de Glace) offers an exciting experience for visitors. Set in Montenvers, the largest glacier in France and its carved ice cave are accessible via a 20-minute train ride from the Chamonix town centre to Montenvers station, overlooking the glacier. The charming red train offers panoramic views and plenty of photo opportunities.

    While Mer de Glace (Mer de Glace et Grotte de Glace) is known to attract winter visitors, summer is also a great time to explore. Once you arrive at Montenvers station, you must take a gondola and then 430 steps to get closer to the glacier and man-made ice cave. One highlight is The Glaciarium, an interpretation centre showcasing the area.

    Location: 74400 Chamonix, France

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  • 6

    Lac Blanc

    One of the most beautiful alpine lakes

    Lac Blanc
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    Lac Blanc is a gorgeous alpine lake that offers a beautiful backdrop for hiking and enjoying nature. Located at an altitude of 2,352 metres at the Aiguilles Rouges National Reserve in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Haute Savoie, France, the lovely lake and surrounding area offer fabulous views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

    Accessible by cable car or foot, Lac Blanc is a popular place for walking enthusiasts in the summer months. You can expect to walk the lake anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and maybe even spot wildlife such as deer and marmots. When it’s time to get a bite to eat, the Refuge du Lac-Blanc has food and drink to enjoy.

    Location: 74400 Chamonix, France

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  • 7

    Paragliding flights (Vols en parapente)

    Soar and see the scenery above during this thrilling experience

    Paragliding flights (Vols en parapente)
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    • Families

    Paragliding flights (Vols en parapente) provide the perfect opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Several adventure outfitters offer this fun summer activity that entails tandem paragliding with an expert guide and instructor.

    Open to all experience levels, paragliding flights (vols en parapente) in Chamonix provide an excellent opportunity to take in the beauty from great heights. You can sometimes expect to do some walking before taking off in flight. On average, the activity can take 3 hours which includes instruction.

    Location: France

  • 8

    La Jonction hiking trail (Randonnée de la Jonction)

    A rewarding activity with remarkable views

    La Jonction hiking trail (Randonnée de la Jonction)
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    • Families

    La Jonction Hiking Trail (Randonnée de la Jonction) may test your stamina, but a hike up this scenic route is well worth it. Spanning nearly 12,000 metres, this hiking destination in the vicinity of the Mont-Blanc Massif captivates with its gorgeous glacial views. On average, it takes over 7 hours to complete.

    The start of La Jonction Hiking Trail (Randonnée de la Jonction) is at the Chalet Glacier des Bossons, which is accessible by chairlift. From there, the path continues and reveals striking scenery before reaching Gîte à Balmat and La Jonction, putting you close to the Glacier des Bossons.

    Location: 74400 Chamonix, France

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  • 9

    Gaillands Adventure Park

    Get ready for an adventure in the woods

    Gaillands Adventure Park
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    Gaillands Accro’Park (Accro’Park des Gaillands) offers exciting outdoor experiences for all levels in a friendly and fun atmosphere. Near the city centre, the largest adventure park in the Chamonix valley features 6 courses and 100 workshops that take you through the trees.

    Summer is a sensational time to visit Gaillands Accro’Park. As you make your way through the trees, you’ll encounter rope bridges, jumps and ziplining facing Mont-Blanc. There is the Gaillands refreshment bar where you can get snacks and drinks when you need a snack.

    Location: Rte des Gaillands, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

    Open: Saturday–Sunday from 1.30 pm to 7 pm (closed Monday–Friday)

    Phone: +33 4 50 53 55 70

    Map
  • 10

    Tramway du Mont-Blanc

    Take a ride on this classic cogwheel train

    Tramway du Mont-Blanc
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    • Families

    Tramway du Mont-Blanc offers travellers a fantastic way to see the scenery aboard a train on this mountain railway line. The highest railway line in France departs from stations in the villages of Saint-Gervais and Le Fayet, offering spectacular viewpoints of the Bionnassay glacier.

    The journey along the Tramway du Mont-Blanc is a pretty one, revealing lush landscapes, mountain lakes and more along the Les Houches route before reaching Nid d’Aigle, also known as Eagle’s Nest at 2,372 metres, which is at the foot of the glacier. With 6 stops, you’ll be able to explore other areas, such as the Voza Pass and Mont Lachat.

    Location: 80 Av. de la Gare, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, France

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