What can you do in Chamonix in summer?
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an ideal winter and summer destination: the town lends itself equally well to summer activities and winter sports. For travel and nature lovers, Chamonix offers a wide range of summer activities for adults and children. Framed by mountains, this Haute-Savoie town is home to Western Europe's highest peak: Mont-Blanc. When the snow melts, admire the lakes, mountains and waterfalls and watch nature reclaim its rights. So, what can you do in Chamonix in summer?
Enjoy Chamonix outdoors in summer
During the summer season, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc comes alive outdoors! The Refuge des Aiglons welcomes you for a top summer holiday in Chamonix. Enjoy hiking in the mountains, with almost 350km of footpaths. We'll help you choose your trail with a guide. Climbing, via ferrata, mountaineering: the more adventurous will also find perfect spots for practising the reliefs. From paragliding sessions to a day of MOUNTAIN BIKINGgolf, trail running or tennis, there's something for everyone!
The town and valley are very well supplied with sports facilities and fields.
What activities are available in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley?
Sports and cultural activities
If you need a few reasons to spend a few days in Chamonix this summer, here are just a few:
- The Mont-Blanc Marathon from June 27 to 30, 2024: the Mont-Blanc Marathon opens the summer season with a trail event bringing together 8 races. Several distances are on offer for runners from all over the world to take part with family or friends.
- The Cosmojazz Festival from July 22 to 27, 2024: make way for cosmic sounds with concerts at altitude and in the heart of Chamonix in a convivial atmosphere for the 11th edition of the Cosmojazz Festival, created and managed by André Manoukian.
- The Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc from August 26 to September 1, 2024: the "race of superlatives". A complete tour of the Mont-Blanc massif, crossing 3 countries (France, Switzerland and Italy). The Holy Grail for all accomplished trailers!
Water activities at the foot of the mountains
Water activities are also popular, with rafting, kayaking and canyoning in the mountain rivers. Of course, pools and spas are also available for a refreshing dip in the water. For families, wildlife parks open their doors to admire the valley's flora and fauna. Every year, numerous events are organized in Chamonix during the summer, particularly at the Refuge des Aiglons, which hosts concerts and other cultural events.
10 ideas for summer activities in Chamonix
1. The Aiguille du Midi
The first activity not to be missed in Chamonix in summer is theAiguille du Midi, one of the region's must-see attractions. At an altitude of 3,842 metres, access this mountain peak via the aiguille cable car, which takes you up to 2,317 metres. A second cable car then takes you to the very top for a breathtaking panorama. Admire the Mont-Blanc massif and the Vallée Blanche , and locate all points of interest thanks to a map of the aiguille. For the more adventurous, "Le Pas dans le Vide" invites you to step inside a transparent cage suspended in the void. Adrenalin guaranteed!
2. The Mont Blanc Tramway
You can't come to Chamonix in summer without taking the Tramway du Mont-Blanc! Departing from the Saint-Gervais-Le-Fayet station, hop aboard this unique tramway to visit Chamonix's sublime mountain scenery in summer, all the way to the foot of the Bionnassay glacier (Nid d'Aigle). This contemplative journey takes around an hour. The landscape unfolds before your eyes and the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley reveals all its secrets. To get back on track, you can either take the same cogwheel train in the opposite direction, or enjoy a hike along a footpath.
3. The Sea of Ice
Discover the Mer de Glace, one of Europe's largest glaciers. In just 20 minutes, take a little red train up to Montenvers, at an altitude of 1,913 metres. Surrounded by the Grandes Jorasses and the Drus, the Mer de Glace offers an exceptional panorama of Chamonix in summer. Take the opportunity to discover the Grotte de Glace and its 50 shades of blue inside the glacier.
4. Chamonix's summer waterfalls
In summer, there are two waterfalls in the Chamonix area that are well worth a visit. Located at the foot of the mountains, they are easily accessible: the Cascade du Dard and the Cascade de Bérard. With hikes suitable for the whole family, take advantage of this forest walk to get a breath of fresh air and refresh yourself on site at the refreshment stands.
5. Lac Blanc
To get the most out of Chamonix in summer, there's nothing like a tour of the lakes! There are several, but the famous Lac Blanc is a must. It's one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in France. You can reach it by taking the Flégère cable car, then walk for 1h30. The reflection of the mountains on the lake and the scenery are breathtaking! You can even pitch a tent, watch the sunset and sleep under the stars.
6. Paragliding
There's nothing like paragliding in Chamonix in summer to discover the mountains from another angle! Take to the skies and admire the rocky giants with their snow-covered peaks. Paragliding is a gentle activity, much less impressive than parachuting, which lets you contemplate the whole valley like a bird. Let yourself be tempted by a whole new sensory experience.
7. The Jonction hike
Another perfect Chamonix summer activity is the Jonction hike, for lovers of hiking and wilderness. This hike is aimed at a slightly more experienced public (almost 1,500 meters of positive ascent), but it remains a great Chamonix classic. You'll have the opportunity to discover two glaciers: the Bossons and the Taconnaz. Once again, you'll enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Aiguille du Midi, the Dôme du Goûter and the Aiguilles Rouges. Enough to make you forget your fatigue in no time!
8. Les Gorges de la Diosaz
Take advantage of your summer visit to Chamonix to head for Servoz, less than 20 minutes from Chamonix. Here you'll find the Gorges de Diosaz, an exceptional natural site with gorges accessible to all via a footpath. Pass from footbridge to footbridge for an immersion in the heart of nature. The Diosaz gorges are enhanced by 5 small waterfalls.
9. Merlet wildlife park
Also about 20 minutes from the town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the Merlet animal park lies at an altitude of 1,563 meters. It's a great place to visit with the whole family. In this 21-hectare park, the animals are not confined in cages or behind fences: unlike in a conventional zoo, they live in their natural habitat in semi-liberty. With Mont Blanc as a backdrop, take the 45-minute "sentier tranquille" or the 1h30 "sentier en forme". You'll encounter chamois, fallow deer, marmots, ibex and mouflons.
10. Chamonix town center
Chamonix in summer is more than pleasant! This small, flower-filled town at the foot of the mountains also offers indoor activities such as museums and other buildings:
- The Alpine Museum: a museum on the beginnings of mountaineering and the history of the Chamonix valley.
- Saint-Michel church: a pretty little Catholic church, listed as a historic monument.
- Le musée des cristaux: collaboration between the town and the Club de Minéralogique de Chamonix, with an exhibition on mountaineering and a fine collection of minerals.
Discover the Chamonix Valley in summer
This ski resort can be discovered all year round, following the rhythm of the seasons. For nature-loving travelers, you'll be able to watch nature take over, with landscapes that transform to offer different panoramas between the winter and summer months. Snow sports enthusiasts will appreciate Chamonix just as much in summer as in winter, thanks to the multitude of activities and the peacefulness of the town and its surroundings.
It's impossible to get bored in the Chamonix Valley! Whatever your interests, you'll find activities to suit you, with the Mont-Blanc massif in the background. And if you want a specific program, we can guide you in your choices or give you the necessary contacts. Don't hesitate to call on us! The hotel reception is on hand to assist guests during their stay and advise on activities all year round.
