Chamonix is the most famous mountain town in the Alps. In fact, it is probably the most famous mountain town in the world and its incredible hiking trails are on the ‘bucket list’ of most hikers. Its peerless reputation owes everything to the mighty Mont Blanc (MB) which, at 4810m, is the highest peak in Western Europe. Chamonix sits on the floor of the Vallée de l’Arve (Chamonix Valley), just at the foot of MB and is a fabulous base from which to explore the surrounding network of walking paths. Walkers, mountaineers and general tourists all stroll through the pedestrian streets of this bustling town, gazing at the beautiful snow-capped summit of MB and its neighbouring peaks and glaciers. After exerting themselves in the mountains, they take the weight off their feet at one of the many bars and restaurants, most of which enjoy fabulous views.
MB is the focal point, continuously drawing the eye, but the walking here has much more to offer: snow-frosted summits everywhere you look, incredible high mountain passes (or cols), exquisite alpine pastures, sparkling azure lakes, carpets of wild-flowers, the soothing sound of cow-bells and easy-to-follow paths connecting all of these attractions. This is true ‘Sound of Music’ scenery. Unforgettable. Unrivalled. Unsurpassable.
However, for the newcomer, it can be difficult to pick out the very finest viewpoints from the sheer volume of options available. We know that vacation time is precious so you want to make the most of every day. But we are also aware that your lives are busy and that you have limited time available for research. So, to get you started, here is our ‘Bucket List’ of viewpoints in the Chamonix Valley. These are the places that you should not miss during your time in Chamonix.
However, for the newcomer, it can be difficult to pick out the very finest viewpoints from the sheer volume of options available. We know that vacation time is precious so you want to make the most of every day. But we are also aware that your lives are busy and that you have limited time available for research. So, to get you started, here is our ‘Bucket List’ of viewpoints in the Chamonix Valley. These are the places that you should not miss during your time in Chamonix.
1. Mer de Glace from Signal Forbes
Everyone who visits the Chamonix Valley wants to see the famous Mer de Glace and this walk takes you to Signal Forbes, the finest viewpoint from which to gaze at it. It is a short hike from Montenvers where most people go to view the glacier. However, if you want to escape the crowds, and experience one of the finest day-hikes in the world, take the much longer approach to Signal Forbes via the epic balcony path known as the ‘Grand Balcon Nord’: the scenery is exquisite as you pass just below a variety of peaks and glaciers. This longer route is Hike 1 in our book ‘Walking Chamonix-Mont Blanc’.
The Mer de Glace seen from Signal Forbes
2. Lac Blanc
Lac Blanc is a major highlight of the Chamonix Valley. The reflection of the MB Massif in the lake is a sight to behold. The balcony of the mountain hut beside the lake overlooks MB and is a superb place for lunch. There is an exceptional walking trail heading around the lake: it takes 20-30min. Watch for chamois and ibex, especially early in the morning. There are a number of ways to reach the lake: there is a magnificent yet easy route which takes advantage of cable cars from Chamonix (Hike 12). However, our favourite is the sublime Connoisseur’s Route (Hike 14): for many hours, you will climb a spectacular ridge on a path known as the ‘Grand Balcon Sud’. The views of the MB Massif are some of the best in the whole valley and there are usually plenty of ibex to spot. On the descent, the incredible scenes continue and you get the opportunity to use the famous and exhilarating ladders at Aiguillette d’Argentière: a long section of metal ladders, steps and railings bolted into the rock face, enabling you to climb vertically down the cliffs. The sections of ladders are the stuff of legend to hikers but, if you have a head for heights, then they are quite straightforward.
Mont Blanc reflected in the famous Lac Blanc
3. The Mont Blanc Balcony
Nothing can prepare you for the exquisite views of MB on the balcony path between le Brévent and Refuge Bellachat. The summit of le Brévent is one of the most famous viewpoints for MB but in our opinion the views are better further south. The panorama from the terrace of Refuge Bellachat is also sublime and a break there is an unforgettable experience. Take a look at Hike 6 in our book.
The Mont Blanc Balcony must be seen to be believed!
4. Le Prarion
For the Chamonix Valley, the height of this outlying peak is relatively small but the views from it are anything but. In fact, it is perhaps the finest place of all from which to view the entire MB Massif. Because it is set back slightly from the principal peaks, it is a superlative vantage point from which to get an overall perspective of the massif: MB and its neighbours are on full display. On a clear day, you will want to spend some time on the summit to identify all the peaks of the range. You can take advantage of the Prarion cable car to gain altitude and afterwards, it is only a short climb to the summit. However, if you prefer a longer day out then check out our Hike 4.
The sublime viewpoint at le Prarion
5. Refuge Albert 1st
As far as glacier views go, this is one of the finest. An incredible balcony path leads you around slopes covered with Alpenrose: there are spectacular views of Glacier du Tour and MB throughout. In fact, you get so close to the glacier that you can see every serac and crevice. Finally, you will arrive at Refuge Albert 1er, a mountain hut deep in the mountains: the panorama from its terrace is simply divine. The route is Hike 17 in our book.
Refuge Albert 1st is right next to the glacier
Of course, this is only a small selection of the amazing places to visit in the Chamonix Valley. There are plenty of other routes in our book: we have included no ‘fillers’ and only the most spectacular routes made the cut. We have ‘sifted the wheat from the chaff’ so that you do not have to. The book ensured that you get the most out of your vacation with the least stress and hassle. The Chamonix Valley is unforgettable and we want your trip to be unforgettable too.
Our amazing new book on Chamonix-Mont Blanc
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Our bestselling book on the Tour du Mont Blanc
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Walking Chamonix Mont Blanc
£15.99
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The 20 hikes in the Chamonix Valley that need to be on your Bucket List. No fillers. Only must-do hikes are included.
► Real IGN Maps inside: 1:25,000
► Detailed information on public transport, including cable cars
► Our secret tips on how to get away from the crowds
► Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
► Graded routes to suit all abilities
► Everything the hiker needs to know: route descriptions, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
► Information on Wildlife and Plants
Our walks have been carefully selected to enable easy access by public transport, including the Chamonix Valley’s incredible cable car network.
Chamonix is the most famous mountain town in the world. It is where mountaineering began.
Its peerless reputation owes everything to the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe: our hikes will take you to the finest viewpoints of the mountain and its glaciers.
The 20 hikes in the Chamonix Valley that need to be on your Bucket List. No fillers. Only must-do hikes are included.
► Real IGN Maps inside: 1:25,000
► Detailed information on public transport, including cable cars
► Our secret tips on how to get away from the crowds
► Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
► Graded routes to suit all abilities
► Everything the hiker needs to know: route descriptions, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
► Information on Wildlife and Plants
Our walks have been carefully selected to enable easy access by public transport, including the Chamonix Valley’s incredible cable car network.
Chamonix is the most famous mountain town in the world. It is where mountaineering began.
Its peerless reputation owes everything to the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe: our hikes will take you to the finest viewpoints of the mountain and its glaciers.
Walker's Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt
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Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000/1:50,000. No need to carry a separate map!
Also includes:
- Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you
- Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
- Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets
- Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations
- Section on Zermatt day walks
- 13 exciting variants to the main route
- Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
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Numbered waypoints linking maps to text
Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you
7 Proposed Itineraries of between 6 and 11 days
Everything the trekker needs to know to plan the route: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts
Section on Camping
Exciting variants to the main route
Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
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Tour of the Ecrins National Park (2nd Edition)
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Complete guidebook for planning and trekking the GR54 which is arguably the finest trek in the Alps.
- Real maps for each stage: IGN 1:25,000. No need to carry a separate map!
- Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you
- Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, equipment and more
- Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets
- Full information on camping
- Exciting variants to the main route!
Walking Brittany
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32 epic coastal walks Brittany in France
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No ‘fillers’! Only unmissable walks made the cut.
Wild coastline: towering cliffs, remote headlands, forgotten islands and stunning beaches which would not be out of place on a Caribbean island.
32 epic coastal walks Brittany in France
Real IGN Maps inside: 1:25,000.
No ‘fillers’! Only unmissable walks made the cut.
Wild coastline: towering cliffs, remote headlands, forgotten islands and stunning beaches which would not be out of place on a Caribbean island.
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The definitive guidebook for walking in Northern Ireland: 36 epic walks hand-picked by a County Down local.
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The Causeway Coast, the Glens of Antrim, the Mourne Mountains, the Sperrins and much more.
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The definitive guidebook for walking in Northern Ireland: 36 epic walks hand-picked by a County Down local.
The only guidebook for Northern Ireland with real OSNI maps inside: this makes navigation easy.
The Causeway Coast, the Glens of Antrim, the Mourne Mountains, the Sperrins and much more.
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- New walks in the Mournes which were not included in our previous Mourne Mountain book: including the Mournes Grand Traverse, our newly designed 55km challenge circuit which has been divided into two stages.
- Game of Thrones film locations
- List of Irish place names
- Numbered waypoints linking maps to text
