Things to do in Chamonix in Summer
Chamonix is one of the Alps’ finest ski resorts, seeing thousands of visitors arrive from all over the world every year.
The resort gained global fame in 1924 as the first ever host of the Winter Olympics, and it has gone from strength to strength since then, becoming one of the region’s premier resorts. Its close proximity to Mont Blanc, the largest mountain in western Europe, is a major reason for its popularity, and guests often come to ski Chamonix’s range of glorious slopes.
However, while the peak ski season at Chamonix tends to run from December to April, if you’re looking for a summer getaway, it remains a great choice.
In this article, the team at Alpine Fleet will take a closer look at all the things to do in Chamonix in summer.
Read on for more…
Can you visit Chamonix in summer?
Yes, while Chamonix is a world-famous ski resort and winter wonderland, summer in this charming part of the world offers an equal amount of great opportunities and activities.
The Mont Blanc region is packed with stunning vistas, crystal-clear lakes and breathtaking hiking trails that offer spectacular views.
During the summer months, the winter snow will melt away, revealing luscious greenery and flowers in full bloom. The temperatures tend to range between 15℃ to 25℃, and sometimes it can even get as hot as 30℃. This makes it the perfect choice for a wide range of outdoor activities.
Things to do in Chamonix in summer
Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or someone who wants to relax and enjoy nature, Chamonix in the summer has something for everyone.
Some of the best activities include:
Hiking
Hiking is undoubtedly one of the biggest draws of Chamonix in the summer. The region is crisscrossed with spectacular trails that cater to all levels of hikers. Some of the most popular include:
Lac Blanc Hike
This iconic hike offers breathtaking views of the stunning turquoise waters of Lac Blanc (the White Lake) that provides Mont Blanc itself as a dramatic backdrop. The panoramic views are truly aweinspiring and the hike itself is fairly moderate with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
You can reach the lake in several ways, but the most popular route is getting a cable car to La Flegere station and hiking the path until you reach the lake.
Grand Balcon Nord
A scenic trail that stretches from Plan de l’Aiguille to Montenevers, this provides incredible views of the Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc itself. It’s a fairly easy trek, which is perfect for those looking to spend a day outdoors. It also offers the opportunity to visit the iconic Mer de Glace.
Grand Balcon Sud
This classic hike offers great views of Mont Blanc and Mer de Glace. The trail runs from La Flegere to Planpraz and is ideal for those wanting to enjoy breathtaking vistas with moderate effort.
See Mer de Glace
Mer de Glace is one of the largest glaciers in France and a must-see attraction for everyone visiting the region. You can reach it via the Montenvers railway, a charming train ride that will take you up the mountainside.
Once there, you can explore the ice caves and learn about the history of the glacier at the visitor centre. The experience is both educational and awe-inspiring, making it perfect for family days out and giving visitors a real sense of the beauty of nature.
Visit Aiguille du Midi
No trip to Chamonix would be complete without a cable car ride up to Aiguille du Midi. At 3,842 metres, this is the closest you can get to Mont Blanc without physically climbing it, and the views here are truly unbeatable.
There is also a panoramic terrace and a thrilling ‘step into the void’ glass box experience that makes it great fun.
Even in the summer months, you’ll be able to feel the icy chill of the high altitude, so make sure to take warm clothes.
Paragliding
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then paragliding over the spectacular Chamonix Valley will be a dream come true.
Professional instructors offer tandem flights so you can safely enjoy the sensation of soaring above the remarkable Alpine landscape.
Swimming and watersports
The resort of Chamonix has a wide range of outdoor swimming areas to enjoy, from pools to mountain lakes.
Lac de Passy, located a short drive away, is a popular spot for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking, and the area also offers several picnic spots. Additionally, some hotels in Chamonix also include pools that are open to the public, providing a refreshing break after a day of hiking.
Exploring the town’s bars and restaurants
After a day of adventure outdoors, Chamonix’s vibrant town centre offers plenty of places to unwind. Whether you prefer cosy Alpine taverns or stylish modern bars, the nightlife in Chamonix has something for everyone.
Getting to Chamonix is relatively straightforward, and the easiest and most convenient option is an airport transfer.
At Alpine Fleet, we offer private and shared transfers to the resort that take the stress out of the travel and get your holiday off to the best possible start. Geneva Airport in Switzerland is the closest major airport to Chamonix, and a transfer takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, trains are also an option. While there is no direct train from Geneva to Chamonix, you can take a train to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet and switch to the Mont Blanc Express, which offers a scenic route through the mountains. The journey is picturesque and leisurely, so you can soak in the region’s natural beauty.
Other public transport options include buses from the airport, but their frequency depends on the day of the week and the season. Whereas with an airport transfer, we’ll meet you at the airport as soon as your flight arrives.
Chamonix in the summer offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, thrilling activities and all of the cultural charm you’d expect from an Alpine resort. If you’re planning a summer trip to the region, make your trip as easy as possible with leading private and shared transfers courtesy of Alpine Fleet. Contact our team today to find out more.
