One Day in Chamonix, France
Beautifully picturesque, Chamonix is a small town in the southeast of France located just beyond the Swiss and Italian borders. It sits at the bottom of Chamonix Valley surrounded by the Western Alps. The landscapes are unforgettably stunning. Be sure to add this one to your bucket list!
Our top recommendations of things to do in Chamonix to make the most of a quick one day trip in the summer are highlighted in the itinerary below – happy traveling!
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1. Paraglide off Mount Brévent
The first thing to make sure you check off your list while in Chamonix is a paragliding flight off of Mount BrĂ©vent. Easily accessible by the main cable car system, paragliding from the Planpraz stop off of Mount BrĂ©vent is one of the most popular tourist activities in Chamonix – and one of the most memorable as well. You’ll get to glide through the skies 2050 meters (6725 feet) in the air and marvel at the beautiful Mont Blanc massif that surrounds you.
To book a tandem paragliding tour, you can choose from any of the following local Chamonix businesses: Absolute Chamonix, Chamonix Sport Adventure, Fly Chamonix, Les Ailes du Mont Blanc, Haut Vol, Fly Mont Blanc, and Summits (to name a few). Prices will vary by company, but typically hover around 140 euros (160 USD) for a 20-30 minute flight!
Tandem Paragliding Tour
To learn more about where to go and what to expect when paragliding in Chamonix, visit our step-by-step guide below!
2. Explore the Mount Brévent Hiking Trails
There are endless scenic hiking trails around the valley, but before you head back into town, walk up the mountain a bit from the paragliding landing field to the trailhead of Bellachat. This is an 11 mile out and back trail that will take you up the mountain if you choose to climb the whole thing. There are several branching trails and lookouts along the way.
The trailhead is located under the cable car system about a quarter mile up the mountain. When you come across a small field with Percheron horses, turn into the woods and you should easily find the start of the path.
Most of the trail will lead you through a forest of pine trees that covers Le Brévent. The deep green colors against the blue alpine background is stunning. There are no bad views!
It can be tiring climbing up a mountain, so don’t forget to take breaks for photo-ops! Around every bend there is a new view of the Mont Blanc massif. It is truly one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.
If you’d prefer not to start from the bottom of the mountain, you can also ride the gondolas up the mountain and start hiking one of the many trails from there! You could fill up a whole week exploring all that is available, but if your time is limited we recommend doing some research in advance as to what you would like to see and sticking to one or two. You are sure to see all of the best views on your paragliding tour regardless!
3. Walk Along the Arve River Chamonix
When you’re finished with the more strenuous hikes through the mountains, head back into town center and cool down with a walk along the Arve River. The river walk will take you right from the heart of the town, out of the hustle and bustle, and into the quieter parts of Chamonix, with plenty of street art and shops along the way.
Translation of the mural featured above: “Always look for difficulty, not danger. Go ahead, try, dare. In boldness there is enchantment.” – Gaston RĂ©buffat, renowned mountain guide, author, and local to Chamonix.
4. Visit the Old Wooden Walking Bridge
Not only are the surrounding natural landscapes of Chamonix picturesque, but the town itself is beautifully detailed and charming. Along your riverwalk, be sure to stop at the old wooden walking bridge that runs over the Arve. The bridge is always adorned with a string of lights, and its rails are covered with bright flowers.
5. Visit the Love Lock Bridge
A bit farther up the river, you’ll come across a second bridge: the Love Lock Bridge. Here you can initial a padlock and attach it to the metal rails to commemorate your visit! You can also take a look at all of the heartfelt locks that people who’ve fallen in love with Chamonix and with each other have left before you.
6. Visit the Église Saint-Michel (Church of Saint Michael)
Now noted as a historical monument, the Church of Saint Michael is set in Chamonix’s center square and is open for visitors and parishioners alike. The stain glass inside the church’s doors feature tributes to the outdoor winter sports that Chamonix is so well known for, with the idea that saints are looking out for those on the mountains. Though the church has undergone many restorations overtime, the original iconic bell tower is still in tact, first made over 900 years ago in the year 1119.
7. Visit the Statue of de Saussure
You will undoubtably pass by the Statue of de Saussure during your time in Chamonix. This bronze monument is named after Horace BĂ©nĂ©dict de Saussure, who in 1760 offered a reward to the first person who could climb all the way to the summit of nearby Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the European Alps at 4809 meters (15,777 feet). It wasn’t until 1786 that two locals of Chamonix were able to complete this great feat and claimed the reward – Jacques Balmat and Michel Gabriel Paccard.
The monument was erected in celebration of the centennial of this first successful climb, and when viewed from behind shows a climber pointing excitedly towards Mont Blanc.
8. Explore Chamonix!
There really is no part of Chamonix that isn’t worth a visit, so for the rest of your trip – explore the town! Sit down for a bite at a few of the many restaurants on the main drag, walk through the backstreets and find a quiet spot to people-watch, and buy yourself some souvenirs to remember your first escape to Chamonix!
Where To Stay
Wondering where to stay for your night in Chamonix? Check out our recommendations based on your travel style below:
- Budget Hostel: Le Chamoniard Volant
- Resort Hotel: Alpina Eclectic Hotel
- Popular Stay: La Croix Blanche
A Closer Look
If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to paraglide in Chamonix, check out our complete guide below!
1. Tandem Paragliding in Chamonix, France
Paragliding off of Le BrĂ©vent over the town of Chamonix is one of the most incredible experiences a person can have…
What’s Nearby
Is Chamonix just one of your stops on your tour through Europe? Check out our travel guides of destinations close to Chamonix next!
1. One Day in Cinque Terre, Italy
Located along the Ligurian Riviera, Cinque Terre is a collection of five small coastal towns in northern Italy…
2. One Day in Geneva, Switzerland
On the other side of the French Alps from Chamonix is one of Switzerland’s biggest hubs, Geneva…
3. One Day in Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Spain, located right on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea…
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
Wow I’d never heard of Chamonix before reading this blog! The love lock bridge is so cute. Adding Chamonix to my must-see list for my next trip to France.
It’s such a beautiful little town đŸ™‚ Thanks for reading!
I didn’t know that cities besides Paris had a “lock bridge.” Cool.
Thanks for reading đŸ™‚
I love little French towns! They are so adorable. Chamonix looks like an amazing place to spend the day. I love. that its location in the mountains. Definitely adding to my France bucket list!
Top of the France bucket list for sure! Thanks for reading đŸ™‚
We took the cog rail train up to the Mer de Glace when we visited. Cool destination spot.
Glad you enjoyed your visit! Thanks for reading đŸ™‚
Wow I definitely want to put this beautiful destination on my list. Thanks for such a great blog post!
đŸ™‚ Thanks for reading!
Chamonix looks beautiful! It looks like such a charming place to visit. The wooden bridge looks enchanting, and I’d love to stroll along Arve River. Paragliding sounds like an amazing adventure too! Thanks for the great guide!
Enchanting is a great word to describe Chamonix đŸ™‚ Thanks for reading!
Chamonix has been on my list for some time. It looks absolutely incredible! And the paragliding is a bucket list item for me!
As I read further, with each new heading, I got excited and thought to myself, “I’d like to do that!”. It seems like I’m just going to need to add Chamonix to my bucket list and visit one of these days. Thanks for sharing this wonderful guide! Xx Sara
I’ve been to Chamonix during the winter, but it looks like a different town once the snow has gone! I’d love to do some of the hiking trails you mention in Mount BrĂ©vent – those views are incredible!!
Squeeee! My husband keeps telling me I’d love to visit this area, and looking at your photos, I think he is right! Those trails near Mount BrĂ©vent look incredible! The views up to the peaks and glaciers and calling to me.
So beautiful! I did not know about this gorgeous place in France, and now I need to visit! Paragliding looks so fun!