Sightseeing in Chamonix & around Chamonix, Italie & Switzerland
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Sightseeing in and around Chamonix
Chamonix is world famous. At the foot of Mt Blanc ( 4808m. 15,770ft ), the highest mountain in western Europe, Chamonix's alpine town atmosphere and spectacular scenery attract people from all over the globe. It boasts of having one of the highest cable cars in the world.
The skiing, climbing and walking are all superb and are undeniably the best ways to combine sightseeing with adventure. But there is a lot that a pedestrian can see as well.
The Views of Chamonix.... visit the Aiguille du Midi & the Mer de Glace
While you can get a unique view of the mountains from just about anywhere, the lifts provide a great starting point.
Take the Aiguille du Midi
cable car from the valley floor to the summit at 3842m (12,605ft ).
From the terraces at the top station the views are stunning.
Another way to get closer to the mountains is to catch the Montenvers train. This funicular railway climbs from the valley floor to the impressive Mer de Glace glacier.
Some people say the best views of the Mt Blanc massif are from the top of the Brevent cable car.
You can also take a helicopter flight for some fantastic views. While landing a helicopter is illegal in France, there are companies that take you from Chamonix on panoramic sightseeing tours to the Aiguille Verte, the Grands Jorasses, the Mont Blanc, or a tour of the whole Mont Blanc mountain range.
Steeped in History (pun intended). There are 2 famous statues
in the centre of Chamonix. The one shown here in this photo
commemorates Horace Bendicte de Saussure who, in 1760, offered a
"substantial" cash prize to the first person to reach the summit of Mt
Blanc. (This prize was claimed by Jaques Balmat, 26 years later). A nearby statue is that of Dr Gabriel Michel Paccard, Jacques Balmat's partner on that historic ascent.
Check out the museums in Chamonix. The Alpine Museum provides an essential background to the history and architecture of the valley.
Over the Border: Italy & Switzerland
A popular daytrip over the border to Switzerland is a scenic train ride with the Mt Blanc Express from Chamonix to Martigny. Click here for Things to Do in Switzerland.
A popular stop on the Chamonix - Martigny line is the little Swiss
village of Chatelard. From here the Chatelard Funicular takes visitors
up to to the Emosson dam and lake.
Craving real cappuccinos and pasta? Head through the Tunnel of Mont Blanc to Courmayeur for a taste of the Italian Alpes!
Don't miss the colourful weekly markets and their range of local produce.
Many small alpine towns in the Haute Savoie have markets on different days of the week.
Visit the capital of Haute-Savoie, Annecy, also known as the "Venice of the Alps" for medieval architecture and a stunning lake.
Nature and Wildlife
Chamonix is a mountain town. Those who don't come to practice its sports come anyway because they love the mountain scenery and wildlife.
You can get up close to nature by hiking into the hills, but you can also learn a little more by visiting some of the nature reserves and animal parks. Learn about the wildlife, plant life and geology of this amazing location.
There are also places to get up close and personal with man's best friend. You can visit the breeding centre for St. Bernard dogs and a Husky centre. Click here for more.
Other things to see in Chamonix and the surrounding areas...
Don't miss the colourful weekly markets and their range of local produce. Many small alpine towns in the Haute Savoie have markets on different days of the week.
