Peaks and cable cars
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Aiguille du Midi | A cable car climbing in two stages to 3,842 metres facing Mont Blanc, with a glass box hanging over the void at the top, called «Step into the Void». | About €83 return for adults; closed for maintenance 2 November–18 December 2026 |
| Panoramic Mont-Blanc | Cabins crossing from the Aiguille du Midi over the Vallée Blanche glacier to Pointe Helbronner on the Italian border. | About 30 minutes; summer only, weather permitting |
| Brévent cable car | Climbs from the village centre to 2,525 metres, with a full view of the Mont Blanc range from the opposite side. | Summer 13 June–1 November 2026, and for skiing in winter |
The Mer de Glace
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Montenvers train | A red mountain train climbing from the village to the view over the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier. | All-in ticket about €49.70 for adults until 30 November 2026 |
| The ice cave | A cave carved into the glacier afresh every year, reached by a new gondola and then steps. | With the Montenvers train |
| Glaciorium | An interactive exhibition on glaciers and the history of the Mer de Glace, good for children. | With the Montenvers train; the whole visit takes 2–3 hours |
Lakes and walks
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lac Blanc | A mountain lake mirroring the peaks of Mont Blanc, one of the loveliest walks in the Alps. | A hike from the Flégère cable car, in summer |
| The Flégère balconies | Wide views over the valley and the peaks, with easy family trails. | Flégère cable car, in summer |
Skiing in winter
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Brévent and Flégère | Sunny slopes for every level, looking straight at Mont Blanc. | Roughly 12 December 2026 to 18 April 2027 |
| Le Tour and Balme | Wide blue runs, and La Vormaine is one of the best beginner areas in the valley. | Top of the valley, near Vallorcine |
| Les Houches | A ski area among the forests that families love, a short distance from Chamonix. | About 8 km from Chamonix |
| Grands Montets | Long, demanding slopes for confident skiers above the village of Argentière. | Argentière |
| Le Savoy beginner area | A small slope in the village centre with easy lifts and a children's area. | A walk from central Chamonix |
Tips before you go
- Cable cars stop in wind and fog, so go up the Aiguille du Midi on the first clear day, and book early.
- The summits are far colder than the village even in summer, so bring warm clothes and sunglasses.
- Winter, December to April, is for skiing; summer, June to September, is for the lakes and walks.
- The nearest airport is Geneva, about 90–100 km away, 1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min by car.
Hotels in Chamonix
Flights to Geneva
More places nearby
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Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Chamonix?
The Aiguille du Midi cable car, the Montenvers train to the Mer de Glace and its ice cave, the Brévent cable car, Lac Blanc, and the ski areas of Brévent, Flégère, Le Tour and Les Houches.
How high is the Aiguille du Midi?
3,842 metres, reached by cable car in two stages.
Is Chamonix good for beginner skiers?
Yes: Le Savoy in the village centre, La Vormaine at Le Tour, and Les Houches for families.
How do I get to Chamonix?
Fly to Geneva, then drive 1 h 15 min to 1 h 30 min.
Do I need a visa for Chamonix?
Yes, a Schengen visa, as it is in France. Fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6 to 12, and free for children under 6, plus the centre's service fee. Where to apply: VFS Global centres, or directly at the visa section of the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah. We prepare your file and follow it up until the visa is issued.
Planning your trip to France? Read Travel to France from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.