What to do and see in Chamonix, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes: The Best Free Things to do

June 17, 2021 Trinity Boughner

As host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix will always have a place in the history books. Its main attractions are Mont-Blanc (Western Europe's tallest mountain) and the many ski areas that face the Chamonix Valley. Steep slopes and extreme weather conditions suit advanced skiers best, but there are also runs for beginners. Just make sure everyone in your party knows a green circle from a black diamond. Oh, and another note for the history books—Pierce Brosnan was here (filming a James Bond movie, The World Is Not Enough).
Restaurants in Chamonix

1. La Jonction

39 route des Tissieres Les Bossons, 74400, Chamonix France
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 30 reviews

La Jonction

2. Grand Balcon Nord : Plan de l'Aiguille du Midi - Montenvers

74400, Chamonix France https://www.chamonix.com/grand-balcon-nord-plan-de-l-aiguille-du-midi-montenvers,241-67698,en.html
Excellent
95%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Grand Balcon Nord : Plan de l'Aiguille du Midi - Montenvers

Reviewed By SylviaR1231

This is a very nice trail to walk. You can go up with the cable, then walk Gran balcon and go down with the little train. Or just walk down. Take a backpack with you with drinks and some food. Also better to take good hiking clothes with you because the wether can change quickly. When it is warm in the village can it be cold on the mountain. Take also a little first aid kit with you.

3. Reserve naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges

Chamonix France +33 4 50 54 02 24 http://www.chamonix.com/chalet-de-la-reserve-des-aiguilles-rouges,48-184986,fr.html
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Reserve naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges

4. Cha'Cha'Cha'

134 avenue Ravanel le Rouge, 74400, Chamonix France +33 4 50 93 47 74 http://chachacha74.blogspot.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 38 reviews

Cha'Cha'Cha'

Reviewed By Mmm_Spicy - Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom

Fantastic drinks emporium! Not just wine, which is their main item, but beer and spirits too! Lots of seating so you can also enjoy a drink there too. Worth a visit.

5. Lac Cornu

Chamonix France
Excellent
62%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 52 reviews

Lac Cornu

6. Lac Blanc

Chamonix France http://www.randos-montblanc.com/difficile/lac-blanc-montets.html
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 509 reviews

Lac Blanc

Reviewed By rudiefine - Den Bosch, The Netherlands

You have to hike up there we took one lift and hiked the rest of it. We have a good condition so we didn’t need as much time as the signs said. The view was great. We spent an hour around the lake, all to enjoy the view. Afterwards we hiked a bit down to a smaller lake which you can see from Lake Blanc. Took the same route back to the lift because we couldn’t hike from Lac Blanc to L’Index because of snow and were not trained hikers. When we were back at the lifts we had lunch (fine prices) and hiked up to L’Index. That was a tough one to hike up. But so worth the view! If you’re condition is not that great, I’d suggest to take the lift to L’Index and only hike down.

7. Glacier des Bossons

Les Bossons, Chamonix France http://www.chamonet.com/les-bossons
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 420 reviews

Glacier des Bossons

Reviewed By tracyjarratt - West Midlands, United Kingdom

As non skiers we decided to take the gondala up to the top of the mountain to see the glacier and it was well woth it. It takes about 45 mins to get to the top. We got off at the first stop and had a drink and admired the view before getting back on the gondola and making it to the top. The views are breath taking and it is so quiet and peachful up there . We spent about half hour up there taking photos and watching the skiers before we came back down. So glad we decided to do it.

8. Legend'Chx

218 avenue de l Aiguille du Midi, 74400, Chamonix France +33 4 50 90 22 25 [email protected] http://www.legendchx.com
Excellent
81%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
14%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Legend'Chx

Our approachable and friendly team will help you find bike, ski touring or splitboard gear suited to your level and budget. Summer: immersion in the world of cycling: mountain bikes, road bikes, electric bikes with market leaders. Winter: come and discover the First Blackcrows nest freebird touring in the world. Premium rental: MTB, road bikes, ski touring and splitboard. #legendchx #RideUpRidedown

Reviewed By PatrickW2875

Competent, friendly staff and great products. Should be one of your first stops for Chamonix mountain gear.

9. Chamonix Cemetery

Avenue Cachat Le Geant, 74400, Chamonix France
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

Chamonix Cemetery

Edward Whymper (Matterhorn) and Maurice Herzog (Annapurna) have pride of place amongst the graves of the great Alpine Guides and Chamonix dynastic families.

10. Lake Gaillands

Chamonix France
Excellent
50%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
4%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 28 reviews

Lake Gaillands

Reviewed By LeniHappy - Cologne, Germany

Relax by the lake, surrounded by the woods to hike in, with amazing views of the mountains, perfect place to bring a book with or just enjoying the peacefulness and beauty !

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