What activities can you do in Chamonix in summer?
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular destination in winter and summer alike: the city lends itself as much to summer activities as to board sports. For lovers of travel and nature, you will discover a wide range of activities in Chamonix in summer for adults and children. Framed by the mountains, this town of Haute-Savoie hosts the highest peak in Western Europe: Mont-Blanc. When the snow melts, admire lakes, mountains, and waterfalls and watch nature regain its rights. So What to do in Chamonix in summer ?
Enjoying Chamonix in summer outside
During the summer season, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can be enjoyed outside! The Refuge des Aiglons welcomes you for a great stay in Chamonix in summer. Indulge yourself with mountain hikes with nearly 350km of hiking trails. We help you choose your guided trail. Climbing, via ferrata, mountaineering: the most adventurous will also find perfect spots to practice the reliefs. Between paragliding sessions or even days in MTB, at Golf, in Trail Or at Tennis, here all desires are possible!
The city and the valley are very well supplied with sports equipment and other fields.
What activities are there in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley?
Sports and cultural activities
If you need some pretexts to pass a few days at Chamonix Summer, here are a few:
- The Mont-Blanc marathon from 27 to 30 June 2024 : the Mont-Blanc Marathon opens the summer season with a trail event bringing together 8 races. Several distances are offered to runners from all over the world to participate with family or friends.
- The Cosmojazz Festival from 22 to 27 July 2024 : space for cosmic sounds with concerts at altitude and in the heart of Chamonix in a friendly atmosphere for the 11th edition of the Cosmojazz Festival, created and managed by André Manoukian.
- The Mont-Blanc Ultra Trail from August 26 to September 1, 2024 : it's the “A race of all superlatives”. A complete tour of the Mont-Blanc massif, crossing 3 countries (France, Switzerland and Italy). The Holy Grail for any successful trailer!
Water activities at the foot of the mountains
Les water activities are also popular with rafting, kayaking and canyoning in the mountain's rivers. Of course, the pools and other spas are also open to find a bit of freshness and to splash around in peace. For families, animal parks open their doors to admire the fauna and flora of the valley. Every year, numerous events are organized in Chamonix in summer, in the valley and in particular at the Refuge des Aiglons, which relays concerts and other cultural events.
10 ideas for summer activities in Chamonix
1. L'Aiguille du Midi
First activity not to be missed at Chamonix in summer : theAiguille du Midi, an unmissable point of interest in the region. At an altitude of 3,842 meters, access this mountain peak thanks to the Aiguille cable car that takes you to 2,317 meters. A second cable car then takes you to the top to discover a Breathtaking panorama. Admire the Mont-Blanc Massif And the Vallée Blanche and locate all the points of interest thanks to a Plan de l'Aiguille. For the bravest, “Step into the Void” invites you to enter inside a transparent cage suspended in the void. Adrenaline guaranteed!
2. The Mont-Blanc Tramway
Impossible to Come to Chamonix in summer without doing the Mont-Blanc Tramway ! Starting at Saint-Gervais-Le-Fayet station, board this unique tram to visit the sublime mountainous landscapes of Chamonix in summer, up to the foot of the Bionnassay glacier (Eagle's Nest). This contemplative trip lasts approximately one hour. The landscape unfolds before your eyes and the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley reveals all its secrets to you. To leave again, you can then resume the same cogwheel train in the opposite direction or let yourself be tempted by a hike via a hiking trail.
3. The Sea of Ice
Discover the Mer de Glace, one of the largest glaciers in Europe. In just 20 minutes, take a small red train to reach Montenvers, at an altitude of 1,913 meters. Surrounded by the Grandes Jorasses and the Drus, the Mer de Glace offers an exceptional panorama to Chamonix in summer. Take the opportunity to discover the Ice Cave and its 50 shades of blue inside the glacier.
4. Chamonix's summer waterfalls
Around Chamonix in summer, there are two waterfalls that are worth a visit. Located at Foot of the mountains, they are easily accessible: the Cascade du Dard And the Cascade de Bérard. With these hikes suitable for the whole family, take advantage of this walk in the forest to take a good breath of fresh air and cool off on site at the refreshments.
5. Lac Blanc
To take full advantage of Chamonix in summer, nothing like Go around the lakes ! There are several, but the very famous Lac Blanc is a must. It is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in France. You can access it thanks to the La Flegère cable car, then walk for 1.5 hours. The reflection of the mountains on the lake and the landscape are magnificent! It is even possible to pitch your tent there, watch the sunset and sleep under the stars.
6. Paragliding
There's nothing like Paragliding in Chamonix in summer to discover the mountain from a different angle! Take a step up and admire the rock giants with their peaks that are always snow-capped from the sky. Paragliding is a gentle activity and much less impressive than parachuting, which allows you to contemplate the whole valley like a bird. Let yourself be tempted by new sensations.
7. The Junction hike
Another perfect activity for Chamonix in summer : The Hike de la Jonction for lovers of walking and wild nature. This hike is aimed at a slightly more experienced public (almost 1,500 meters of positive altitude difference), but it remains a great Chamonix classic. You will have the opportunity to discover two glaciers there: the Bossons Glacier And the Taconnaz glacier. You will once again have an incredible panorama of the Aiguille du Midi, the Dôme du Goûter and the Aiguilles Rouges. Enough to forget fatigue quickly!
8. The Diosaz Gorges
Enjoy your visit to Chamonix in summer to get to Servoz, less than 20 minutes from Chamonix. There you will find the Diosaz Gorges, an exceptional natural site with developed gorges accessible to all thanks to a path. Go from footbridge to bridge for an immersion in the heart of nature. The Diosaz Gorges are enhanced by 5 small waterfalls.
9. The Merlet animal park
Also about 20 minutes from the city of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the Parc Animalier du Merlet is located 1,563 meters above sea level. It is a great place to visit with your whole small family. In this 21-hectare park, the animals are not locked in cages or behind fences: unlike a classic zoo, they evolve in their natural habitat in semi-freedom. With Mont-Blanc in the background, take the 45-minute “tranquil trail” or the 1.5-hour “in shape” trail. There you will encounter chamois, deer, marmot, ibex or mouflons.
10. Chamonix city center
Chamonix in summer is more than pleasant! This small flowery town at the foot of the mountains also offers indoor activities such as museums and other buildings:
- The Alpine Museum : museum on the beginnings of mountaineering and the history of the Chamonix Valley.
- Saint-Michel church : pretty little Catholic church, classified as a historical monument.
- The crystal museum : collaboration between the city and the Chamonix Mineralogical Club with an exhibition on mountaineering and a beautiful collection of minerals.
Discover the Chamonix Valley in summer
This ski resort can be discovered all year round, at the rhythm of the seasons. For all travelers who love nature, you can observe nature resumes, with landscapes that transform to offer different panoramas between the winter and summer months. Snow sports enthusiasts will appreciate as much Chamonix in summer only in winter thanks to the multitude of activities and the tranquility that emanates from the city and its environment.
Impossible to get bored in the Chamonix valley ! Whatever your affinities, you will find activities that 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. Do not hesitate to call on us! The hotel reception is available to customers to support their stay and advise on activities throughout the year.
