Hikes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Chamonix for short, is located in the French Alps, nestled between the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc mountain massifs. The world-famous winter sports resort on the border with Switzerland and Italy is the most eastern municipality in the French Département of Haute-Savoie in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Mont Blanc, which towers over the village, is the highest mountain in the Alps at 4,810 metres. And although it has been well visited since its first ascent in 1786, the mystical character of the mountain and the whole region has remained intact. Already in the 19th century, Chamonix was one of the most famous tourist spots in the Alps, and today the region is one of the 10 most visited natural areas in the world. In 2015, Chamonix was named Alpine Town of the Year - the town enchants with its flowery, lively centre and its varied architecture with buildings from different centuries.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is by far the most popular hike in the region – it is one of the most famous hiking trails in the Alps. The Tour du Mont Blanc is the perfect hike to enjoy the mystical area around Chamonix in all its beauty and splendour. A total of around 170 km of hiking trails, divided into 10 daily stages in three countries, will take you to a unique alpine world with unforgettable panoramas. In addition to the four-thousand-metre peak itself, the mighty glaciers and icebergs as well as the wild and romantic valleys and large alpine pastures of the high alpine landscape on Mont Blanc will astonish you.

The challenging loop begins and ends in Chamonix in France and passes through the villages of Champex-Lac in Switzerland and Courmayeur in Italy. The hiking trails through the Val Ferret alpine valley are especially breathtaking. The difficult hike includes many ascents and descents in the alpine terrain, in total you will cover around 11,000 metres of altitude. A good level of fitness, sure-footedness and mountain experience, also with multi-day (hut-) hikes, is a must. In any case, reserve/book all huts and accommodation in advance and check the available information about closures and current conditions in the Mont Blanc region! The Tour du Mont Blanc is also offered as a guided tour in groups by various mountain guides.

Of course, there are many day or half-day hikes and circular walks possible around Chamonix. Even with easier walks, however, you should always bear in mind that hiking in the mountains requires the right equipment, a good level of fitness and sure footing. From Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you will find a variety of hikes to suit your mountain ambitions.

Lakes, glaciers, peaks, fauna and flora - all the ingredients are there to give you unforgettable moments. On many hiking trails you will find huts where you can catch your breath and enjoy a hearty meal. These breaks are also a good opportunity to admire the town of Chamonix and the majestic Mont Blanc.

The easy hike to the Cascade du Dard is a scenic route. With a length of 4.4 km and an estimated duration of 2 hours, it is also suitable for inexperienced hikers and families. The starting point of the hike is the car park in Chamonix, from where you begin the ascent through the forest below the cable car. On the way, there are always wonderful views over Chamonix and parts of the valley. The descent to the Cascade du Dard is quite steep in parts, but easily manageable. The waterfall itself is beautiful and offers an ideal place for an extended break.

Tip: There is a restaurant near the waterfall to round off the hike perfectly.

The summit of Mont Blanc can only be reached on foot by experienced mountaineers, but the cable car takes you to the Aiguille du Midi at 3,777 m, one of the highest rocky peaks in Chamonix. Here you will find an impressive viewpoint with terraces offering a 360° view of the majestic Alps of France, Switzerland and Italy. If you don't suffer from vertigo, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the imposing Mont Blanc from the glittering summit platform at 3,842 m above sea level. The Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you up in 20 minutes from the centre of Chamonix. Get inspired by the great photos in our travel guide. The Tramway du Mont Blanc cog railway takes you from the village of Les Houches, around eight kilometres from Chamonix, to the Nid d'Aigle viewpoint at 2,386 metres. The single station offers fantastic views of the surrounding Alps.