Chamonix's Top 5 Views
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 and they are all included in our Chamonix guidebook.
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Randonnée à Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Spending a few extra days in Chamonix?
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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’.
Why are our guidebooks better?
What you really need to know is how to plan a trek: itineraries, accommodation, food, water, etc. However, for our competitors, trek planning is a mere afterthought and they fill their books with step by step directions for navigating the trail. Yet these days, most people navigate trails using GPX tracks and over-complicated directions are unnecessary. Accordingly, we focus in much greater detail on trek planning so that you can snag the best accommodation bookings. We still provide directions but they are more concise and user-friendly.
When planning a trek, the first step is to design an itinerary that matches your ability and experience. There is little point in booking trail accommodation until this is finalised. Our itinerary planners are far more comprehensive than anybody else's. We include up to 20 different itineraries and provide daily statitics for each of them. This enables you to quickly choose one that suits, saving you hours of work. You will not find these in any other books or on the web.
Unlike other books which contain useless sketch maps, ours contain real maps. In most cases, we produce our own mapping which is more up to date than many other traditional maps. Because we make our own, we can mark on them all accommodation, food and shops along the trail. This helps you to understand exactly where you can stay and where you will resupply. Other books do not provide this level of detail.
Our designs are more modern and exciting. Our professionally captured images help you visualise what you will see along the trail. There is nothing wrong with salivating over spectaular scenes even though your trek might be a year away!
Learn more about the world's best treks
Our key info pages will whet your appetite
Tour du Mont Blanc
Walker's Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt
Dolomites Alta Via 1 (AV1)
Corsica GR20
Tour of the Ecrins (GR54)
Tour des Combins
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The Great Treks of the Alps
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