Hiking in Chamonix

Walking in Chamonix is a real joy — whether it’s gentle strolls on the valley floor, the sparkling air and cool pine woods of the valley sides, or the dramatic and beauti­ful high alpine walks. Wherever you are, the soaring peaks and glaci­ers above and the wild profu­sion of flowers below make an unfor­get­table frame for the dazzling snow-capped summit of Mont Blanc which dominates the valley.

The chalet’s position in the heart of the valley gives a huge variety of walks to start right from your door. Here are just a few favourites to get you started — there are walking guides at the chalet which you are welcome to borrow, with more detail as well as safety infor­ma­tion. We also have a page on safety here.

Les Bois circuit

Almost level and suitable for pushchairs, this circuit takes you through the delight­ful hamlet of Les Bois, with its appeal­ing chalets and gardens. Stop off here at the capti­vat­ing Hotel La Prairie for drinks and crêpes beneath the shady pergo­las, before winding on through the woods to Les Tines. If it’s open, peep into the tiny church here, to admire the beauti­fully painted interior before cross­ing the bridge at the old sawmills and strolling back beside the river as the sun filters through the pines. About an hour, though you can extend or cut short as you like.

Chalet Floria

The terrace of Chalet Floria, with over 4,000 plants, is one of the most bewitch­ing spots in Chamonix. You can see the flag above the restau­rant from the chalet, and it’s about an hour’s walk from the door. The path winds up through the pines, reveal­ing a series of ravish­ing views before reach­ing the capti­vat­ing terrace, where butter­flies and humming­bird moths zip to and fro among the riot of flowers.

Lac Blanc

One of the most famous hikes in the Alps, a classic high alpine walk through magnif­i­cent surround­ings to a stunning pale green lake reflect­ing Mont Blanc. Lovely chalet at the lake serving lunch and drinks. You can go either from the Flegere lift, near the chalet (takes about 2 hours) or take the top lift from Flegere, the Index, to make it easier (about 1.5 hours). Check walk condi­tions by asking at Flegere before setting off, as there can be danger­ous snowpack on the path well into July.

The Grands Balcons

The Grand Balcon Sud and Grand Balcon Nord take you along the natural balconies which run along the sides of the valley at around 2000m. The lifts whisk you up to the start­ing points, and from there it’s  2–3 hours through astound­ing scenery covered with flowers, whilst the jagged spires of the peaks with their pale turquoise glaci­ers set off the deep blue sky. Allow longer for a relax­ing time with lunch stops etc — you may want to take a lot of pictures! For a full day out you can combine the Balcon Nord with the Aiguille du Midi, or the Balcon Sud with Lac Blanc.