Chamonix, France trip planning

Posted by TravelGal4 on 04/24/24 07:49 PM

Hello everyone,

I'm planning a future trip to Chamonix, France specifically for the UTMB race week (trail race) which I will be spectating for. The trip will take place in later August and I'll be there for roughly a week and a half. I was hoping that there would be some of you out there who could help me plan some itinerary as to what I should see and what's worth my time and money. Since there's so much to see and do in a short amount of time, it would be great to have list of things to do so I don't get overwhelmed and/or carried away with scheduling some things to do. I'm flexible as to my fitness capabilities so hiking and walking are a must for me, would prefer to get around this way rather than a car. This will also be my first time visiting this country and so I want to make sure I know what to expect from the trip as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Posted by shoeflyer

Chicago

04/24/24 08:05 PM

300 posts

You most likely won't need a car; there are frequent buses from Geneva and lots of private
shuttle companies. If you are coming from Italy, it's possible to go from Milan to Aosta and
then take a bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Chamonix.

Assuming you are going to be taking lifts/gondolas up and such, get the Mont Blanc multipass
for most of not all of the days you are going to be there - it gives you access to all of the lifts
that run during summer. It's possible that some lifts will be shutting down around end Aug/beg
Sept. There is a very good bus system that can get you around Chamonix (it's ~6-8 miles from
Vallorcine near the Swiss border to St Gervais.

There are books out that document the hiking options in/around Chamonix - there are a multitude
of different areas you can check out. With the time you have, you should also do the touristy
stuff like taking the Aiguille du Midi to the top, maybe the Panoramique across to Italy, and the
Mer de Glace train.

Annecy is an easy side trip, maybe best at the end of the trip. Quick trip back to Geneva from there.

Posted by Laurie

Michigan

04/24/24 08:53 PM

417 posts

I loved Chamonix, and will definitely go back some day! You might find some helpful ideas in the mini trip report I wrote about our time in Chamonix and Annecy here:

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/mini-trip-report-chamonix-sept-2022

Enjoy!
Laurie

Posted by TC

Atlanta

04/24/24 10:59 PM

4859 posts

Take the cable car up ro Aiguille du Midi when in Chamonix. Go as early in the morning as possible to beat the crowds. Weather is subject to change, so don't make reservations. Just go on a clear day. There is also a very good walking path that goes along side the river right in town.

Annecy is close by and there is a boat tour of the lake that we found to be quite nice. The town also has a great park that is perfect for a picnic. There are plenty of shops have food in take away portions if you decide to picnic.