Chamonix: I Think I Found Heaven

Oh boy, let me tell you about Chamonix! This mountain town is an absolute gem, nestled in the French Alps and surrounded by towering peaks that will leave you in awe. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a peaceful escape, Chamonix has got you covered all year round.

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Let’s start with winter, shall we? Because in the winter, Chamonix transforms into a winter wonderland. It’s a skier’s paradise, with endless ski runs of all levels of difficulty. The world-famous Vallee Blanche ski run is a must-do for any skier or snowboarder, with breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and peaks. But skiing isn’t the only winter adventure to be had here – you can also try your hand at ice climbing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, or even paragliding over the snow-capped mountains.

But don’t think Chamonix is only beautiful in the winter – it’s stunning in all seasons! In the spring and summer, the town and its surrounding mountains burst into bloom, with lush green forests and meadows dotted with wildflowers. The hiking trails are unparalleled, with routes for all levels of fitness and experience. You can take a cable car up to the top of Aiguille du Midi, one of the highest peaks in Europe, and enjoy panoramic views that will take your breath away.

Summer Fun

And let’s not forget about the activities that are available in the warmer months! Rock climbing, canyoning, mountain biking, and white-water rafting are just a few of the thrilling adventures you can experience in Chamonix. And if you’re looking for a more laid-back activity, you can simply stroll through the charming town and enjoy the delicious French cuisine and world-renowned wines. Not to forget about Mont Blanc – the majestic centerpiece of Chamonix that towers over the entire valley with its snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain! The sheer scale and beauty of this iconic mountain will leave you absolutely mesmerized and breathless with wonder. 

Chamonix truly has something for everyone, with its unbeatable natural beauty and endless opportunities for adventure. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready to fall in love with this magical mountain town. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed, cause I really believe I have found heaven!

Entering Into The Stunning Valley Where Chamonix Is Situated

Photo by Waed Goumani on Pixabay

Let’s Start By Exploring The Cute Little Town Itself

Photo by Tom Podmore on Unsplash

Chamonix is one of the most picturesque places on earth. Situated in a valley surrounded by the Swiss, French and Italian alps. Just walking down the historic lanes here will blow you away. The cobble-stone streets are adored with alpine buildings bursting in beautiful color from all the flower boxes. There are plenty of shops, boutiques, cafes and more to keep you occupied for hours. Be sure to bring your camera as there are so many Insta-worthy photo spots.

Wheelchairs and strollers may find some streets more difficult due to the cobble-stones; however, there are alternative routes. Get that postcard Chamonix photo by the Paccard Statue. Stand by the railing overlooking the river with the stunning mountainside in the background. It is that ‘Chamonix shot’ that you are looking for. The statue that this stunning scene is by is the Michel G. Paccard statue. He was a physician, botanist, explorer and climber that conquered Mont Blanc in 1786.

Say A Prayer At Paroisse Saint Bernard du Mont-Blanc Church

Photo by Jeroen Roegist on Unsplash

Built in the 17th century, Paroisse Saint Bernard du Mont-Blanc is a beautiful church located in the heart of Chamonix. It is a Roman Catholic church and is dedicated to Saint Bernard of Menthon, the patron saint of mountaineers. The good news is that the church is free to enter, and it’s open all year round. So, whether you’re visiting Chamonix in the winter or the summer, you can stop by and pay a visit to this beautiful place of worship.

Ride The Mile Long Luge At Chamonix Amusement Park

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

Chamonix Amusement Park is home to Chamonix’s luge/alpine coaster. A trip to this gorgeous town is not complete without a ride or 10 down the luge. Zip down the 1 mile/1.5 kilometer long luge through the mountain terrain. It is stunning year-round with changing scenery from green grass in the summer to autumn leaves in the fall and snow during the winter. There isn’t much else to do at the park besides the luge for adults but there are a number of fun rides that you need to get tokens for the kids. If you come during the winter, this is a great place to learn how to ski! With a restaurant and bar on-site, this makes for a fun few hours! The grounds themselves are wheelchair accessible however the luge and rides are not.

Get A Stunning Photo Of The Mountains And Train Line

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

When walking around Chamonix, it is hard to put away your camera. It is just so pretty. This spot right here above the train line is where I took one of the best photos in Chamonix and I wanted to share this awesome spot with everyone on Tripio! Look at that view, the best time to capture a photo is around sunset! Just stunning!

Soar High Above The Alps Paragliding

Photo by Jean-Louis SERVAIS on Pixabay

Photo by JackieLou DL on Pixabay

Air Sports Tandem Flights in Chamonix offers several different tandem paragliding flights throughout the year. Get un-matched views over the mountains and Chamonix as you glide like a bird through the air. There are even special paragliding flights for kids aged 4 to 12. The

Discovery flights from Plan-Praz run throughout the year except for in May and November while the one leaving from Plan de l’Aiguille is run in April, May, June, September , October and November. This is an incredible once in a lifetime opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

Step Into The Void: A Glass Box 12,000 Feet Above Chamonix

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

It’s Waiting For You To Step Into The Void

Photo by Liam Heywood on Unsplash

The Aiguille du Midi Skywalk,  or “Step into the Void” as it is called is a must-do attraction while in Chamonix. Access to the void is free with a lift pass to  Aiguille du Midi 3777m. Are you brave enough to step into a glass box at one of the highest points in Europe?

Step into the void at 3,777 meters/ 12,392 feet above Chamonix below. This glass box has glass walls, ceiling and of course floor. It is the highest attraction in Europe. You will board your cable car in Chamonix and will be required to hop off mid-way to catch another cable car up to the highest point. Be sure to have your camera out the entire time.  Once at the top, follow the signs to Le Pas dans le vide and you will have to take an elevator up to the void. Before stepping into the void…..literally, you will don slippers over your shoes to protect the glass. 

Are You Brave Enough

As this attraction is so high in altitude, it isn’t recommended for young kids and definitely no infants. The air is so thin up here so it isn’t recommended to stay too long, a maximum of about 3-4 hours. The views are absolutely amazing. Dress for the cold, even in the middle of summer the temperatures are below freezing. The best time to go is on a clear day in September/October, however, anytime of year is spectacular. Be mindful that it does close for bad weather. There are restrooms, a gift shop, canteen, restaurant and museum at the top to enjoy. 

Not all areas of the mountain are wheelchair accessible, you can view the void but not roll your wheelchair into the box itself. Be sure to contact the staff prior to your arrival to ensure a smooth visit.

Hike To The Stunning Lac Blanc & Lakes Of Chéserys

Photo by Raymond RUTJES on Unsplash

Lac Blanc is a gorgeous alpine lake in the Chamonix- Mont Blanc Region. Embark on a 7.2-mile loop trail that takes about 6 hours to complete and takes you up 3,300 feet in elevation. This hike begins at  Tré-le-Champ in Haute-Savoie and crosses the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. You will get stunning views of Mont Blanc along this hike along with the lakes of Chéserys. This hike is recommended for experienced hikers only due to the high altitude. Do not attempt in bad weather.

Go On One Of The Most Scenic Train Rides On Earth

Photo by Leo Salminen on Pixabay

Photo by Gregory DALLEAU on Unsplash

Montenvers – Mer de Glace Train is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Hop aboard the little red train. It departs from Chamonix at 1,035 meters/3,400 feet in altitude and takes you up on a scenic journey through the mountains to Montenvers station, which sits at an altitude of 1,913 meters/6,276 feet. The journey up takes about 20 minutes, and the views are spectacular. You can purchase a ticket separately or as part of an all-access pass which includes the cable car up to Aiguille du midi and the famous high altitude glass box. The train runs all year round, with the exception of 3 weeks in October for its annual closure and of course extremely bad weather conditions.

 Discover The Ice Cave & Glaciorium 

Photo by Thomas Serer on Unsplash

Once you reach Montenvers station, the view will blow you away so have your camera ready. From here you can take the gondola to discover the ice cave and Glaciorium which is a museum.  The ice cave is a man-made grotto that has to be carved out of the living glacier every summer as the glacier moves about 70 meters/230 feet each year. Please note the ice cave is open in the winter and the Glaciorium is open in the summer. Although the train is wheelchair accessible, both the Glaciorium and the ice cave are not. Access is via 430 steps on both the outward and return walk from the top of the glacier’s gondola lift. However, there are also restaurants and the legendary Montenvers hotel to visit too. This is a must-do while in Chamonix!

Take The Cable Car Up The Steepest Ascent On Earth To Aiguille du Midi

Photo by Simon on Pixabay

Photo by Peter Mostbryg on Unsplash

Aiguille du Midi is one of the main attractions in Chamonix. It is a mountain standing 3,842 meters/ 12,600 feet high. The cable car ride up is divided into two sections. Be aware that the second section is the steepest accent in the world to be experienced via cable car so be mindful of vertigo and altitude sickness. In fact, the Aiguille du Midi cable car holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent totaling a whopping 2,807m (from 1,035m to 3,842m) which is nearly 10,000 feet. This is the closest you can get to Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the alps and all of western Europe without climbing it of course. The view is absolutely worth it. Due to the very high altitude, it isn’t recommended for infants.

Ticket office and ground level in Chamonix is called Compagnie du Mont Blanc.

At Aiguille du Midi’s Peak

Image by JackieLou DL from Pixabay

At the first stop called Plan de l’Aiguille, there are numerous hiking trails, a cafe and this is also the location where you would go paragliding from. The second stop is the peak,  Aiguille du Midi, where you will find the attraction “Step into the void” along with a canteen, restaurant, gift shop and the world’s highest museum, The Espace Vertical. This is the location where a lot of ice climbers will depart from. Only certain sections of the mountain are wheelchair accessible so be sure to notify the staff ahead of time of your arrival.

Take The Cable Car Up To Le Brévent

Photo by Ricardo Frantz on Unsplash

Le Brévent is a stunning 8,284-foot-high alpine summit that offers stunning views over Mont Blanc. You can hop on a two section cable car that will take you to the summit. There is a restaurant at both the first stop Planprez and the summit Brevent. The view from the restaurant’s balcony at the summit is unreal. Relax and enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee and take in the view. There are several hiking trails to go on if you are feeling particularly energetic but be sure to have plenty of water with you. Dress for the weather.

Ski The Longest Off-Piste Run In The World La Vallée Blanche

Photo by Melvin Wahlin on Pexels

The La Vallée Blanche is only for experienced skiers and snowboarders. It is the longest off-piste run in the world and can be dangerous. Take either the Vallée Blanche cable car or the Aiguille du Midi cable car and start your descent from the top of Aiguille du Midi right back into Chamonix’s town, snow permitting of course. The time to attempt this run is between December and May. However, conditions are best in March and early April. This is an unmarked, unmaintained and unpatrolled high mountain off-piste ski run which is challenging but rewards you with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. The run takes between 4 to 6 hours to complete depending on your speed. It is advisable to not attempt this run alone. This incredible run features over 8,858 feet /2,700 meters of vertical descent and is more than 14 miles/ 23 kilometers long.

QC Terme Chamonix- The Ultimate Relaxation Destination

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

QC Terme Chamonix is the ultimate relaxation destination in Chamonix. This incredible spa offers a labyrinth of relaxation rooms, steam rooms, saunas, salt therapy rooms along with several different pools and jacuzzies. They also provide massages and other individual pampering spa treatments along with a great lunch menu. I have to say the main event of QC Terme Chamonix is their outdoor heated pool. It has to be one of the most Instagrammed spots in the whole town. Sit back and relax in the warm water as you gaze at one of the most spectacular views in the world, the alps. This is a must-visit!

Even The Sun Sets In Heaven

Photo by Klaus Dieter vom Wangenheim on Pixabay

Photo by Sylvain Mauroux on Unsplash

Finally, let me tell you about the absolutely breathtaking sunsets in Chamonix! They are truly a sight to behold, with vibrant colors painting the sky and stunning vistas that will leave you in awe. As the sun begins to dip below the jagged peaks of the French Alps, the sky explodes with a riot of oranges, pinks, purples, and reds that seem to set the entire valley on fire.

With the majestic Mont Blanc as a backdrop, the sunset views in Chamonix are simply spectacular. The way the light dances off the mountains and reflects in the crystal-clear glacial lakes is truly something to behold. As the sun finally disappears over the horizon, the sky is transformed into a canvas of twinkling stars that will leave you feeling utterly enchanted.

Believe me, if you ever have the chance to witness a sunset in Chamonix, you simply cannot miss it. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever, and one that will leave you feeling absolutely exhilarated!

Happy Tripio Guru

Photo by @vegoutt_gem_winchester on IG

In conclusion, Chamonix truly is a slice of heaven on earth, and for me, it is an absolute favorite among the 80 countries I have visited so far. The stunning scenery, crisp mountain air, and the plethora of outdoor activities make it a must-visit destination for any adventure seeker. And let’s not forget the charming town with its delightful local cuisine and warm hospitality. It’s a place that will capture your heart and soul from the very first moment you set foot in it. If you’re looking for a place that offers a little bit of everything, from adrenaline-pumping adventures to peaceful moments of tranquility, Chamonix is the perfect destination. So pack your bags and get ready for the journey of a lifetime – Chamonix is waiting for you!

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