Right in the centre of chamonix, set back in the pedestrian zone, the old "Chamonix Palace" is now the site of ther Alpine Musuem which traces Chamonix history.

Exhibition centre and Crystal Museum. See the website or the chamonix.net Events section for the current exhibition schedule.

At the "Elevage de Saint-bernard aux Houches," come see the breeding centre for St. Bernard dogs. Excursions last half an hour.

The Parc Animalier de Merlet is not a zoo. It's a reserve for deer, chamois, bouquetins, marmots, llamas and more. Come see the animals in their natural habitat.

The Aiguilles Rouges information centre at the Col des Montets offers a permanent exhibition on the faune and flora of this Nature Reserve. It's an interactive laboratory experience plus you can go on a botanical walk with science students as your guide. Open from the end May to mid September.

The Bossons glacier claims to be the "largest ice fall in Europe." It is certainly the fastest moving glacier (300m/year)and it also reacts very quickly to climate change. Come learn about glaciers at the outdoor exhibit close to the Chalet du Glacier des Bossons.

This tourist train which winds its way up from Le Fayet / St. Gervais / Les Houches to the Nid D'Aigle (the Eagles Nest) si the starting point for climbers to climb the Mont Blanc by the normal route (Gouter route). It provides access to the Tete Rousse and Gouter refuges.

Take the scenic train or drive up the windy road to the Emosson dam situated on the Swiss/French border. Besides the magnifiscent views and the dam itself, there is also an area where you can see dinosaur footprints.

All over Haute-Savoie, the towns take turns having their local markets on different days of the week. A wonderful way to discover the local produce and traditional foods.

Leaving from the centre of Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car goes up to 3800m in two stages. The top terrace at 3842m provides spectacular views of the Swiss, French and Italian Alps. On a clear day it is possible to see the Matterhorn, Monta Rosa and the Grand Combin. You can watch climbers battle with snow, ice and rock while having a picnic or eating at one of the restaurants.

The Montenvers museum is at the top Montenvers station perched above the Mer de Glace. Visit the museum and learn about the construction of the scenic railway, check out the collection of crystals, and take the Mer de Glace gondola down onto the Mer de Glace to visit the Ice Grotto. You can also eat at stay the night at the Hotel Montenvers.

Take this panoramic cable car up from the mid station (Planpraz) accessible from Chamonix by gondola. From the Aiguilles Rouges side of the valley, you'll get some of the best views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
(closed until Christmas 2008)

Walk and conference led by Luc Moreau (glaciologist) on the fluctuation of the Mont-Blanc glaciers. Go on a gentle walk along a marked trail with regular stops.
Where: On the Argentière glacier or other glaciers in the Chamonix Valley.
Entrance: Adults 15 euros; child 10 euros (lift not included)

Hotel Prieuré, the Saint Michel church, the Cour bridge ... From its humble beginnings to today's growing reknown, discover the fabulous history of Chamonix over a 2 hour walk.
Sign up at the Tourism Office
In the summer and winter seasons.

The Gorges de la Diosaz is a beautiful trip through carved rock, behind waterfalls, and on bridges over deep pools.