Chamonix

L'Aiguille du Midi, also known as “the Needle of the South,” was first ascended back in 1818 and has since turned into a popular spot for travelers. Fortunately, climbing isn’t necessary anymore with the construction of elevators and cable cars at L’Aiguille du Midi, home to the world’s highest vertical ascent cable car. It’s certainly not for those who have a fear of heights. The North Tower of Aiguille du Midi includes a snack bar and cafeteria open throughout the year, as well as the L’Aiguille du Midi 3842 Restaurant, one of the world’s highest restaurants, during the summer months.

L'Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix, Phone: +33-4-50-55-82-23

Le 3842-Step Into the Void are both set on L’Aiguille du Midi’s summit, and getting to these unique spots is a journey in itself. Step Into the Void, or the Aiguille du Midi Skywalk, in Chamonix is a glass cube at an altitude of 3,842 meters that allows visitors to safely step into “figurative nothingness.” The skywalk is located off of Aiguille du Midi’s uppermost terrace and claims it is Europe’s highest attraction. Le 3842 is a restaurant that serves high-class food at one of the highest altitudes for a restaurant in the world.

Le 3842-Step Into the Void , Chamonix, Phone: +33-4-50-55-82-23

Mont Blanc is the highest peak of the Alps, which means it’s also the highest mountain peak in Europe. Two things at Mont Blanc considered to be “must-sees” are the Mont Blanc Tunnel and the cable car that transports people to the summit. Visitors can travel through the deepest operational tunnel in the world or feel like they are on top of the world. Nicknamed the “White Mountain,” Mont Blanc is considered to be one of the country’s best areas for skiing. In addition to skiing, some of the world’s best hiking can be found on the Tour du Mont Blanc trails. Mont Blanc Map

The Telecabine Panoramique Mont-Blanc is an aerial tramway running from Chamonix, France to Courmayeur, Italy and traverses across the scenic Alps mountain range. The trip provides passengers with stunning 360-degree scenic views of the mountains, including incredible views of the glaciers and the Chamonix Valley. Open seven days a week, the unique ride on the Telecabine Panoramique Mont-Blanc lasts around fifty minutes and departs from Aiguille du Midi, with an option between a one-way or round-trip journey. Travelers should remember to bring their ID, along with their camera, since they will be crossing the border into Italy.

Telecabine Panoramique Mont-Blanc, Aiguille du Midi-Pointe Helbronner, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Phone: +33-4-50-53-22-75

Departing from the top of Bossons village, Glacier des Bossons is a pleasant chairlift that transports guests over alpine chalets and meadows to an altitude of 1,425 meters, offering an amazing look at the Bossons glacier. Visitors can walk to the glacier and travel around 400 steps to enter the man-made cave as they marvel at many shades of blue found within the glacier’s ice. Display boards inside the man-made glacier cave include information in English. About a five-minute walk from the chairlift’s arrival point is the Glacier des Bossons chalet, which offers a view of the Plateau des Pyramides ice pinnacles.

Glacier des Bossons , 320 Route des Tissières, Les Bossons, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Phone: +33-4-50-21-28-05

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster is located at the Le Parc de Loisirs Chamonix, a ski resort area around five minutes from the center of Chamonix, France. While the Ski Area could be considered average compared to others, the luge alpine coaster is a trailing and fun experience for both kids and adults alike. The 1300-meter long track includes turns, jumps, and even 540-degree spins. As guests travel down the ski area’s mountain face, they can control their speed with a brake. The Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster is open throughout the entire year, with additional activities during the winter season.

Chamonix Luge Alpine Coaster, 350 Chemin du Pied du Grepon, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Phone: +33-4-50-53-08-97

The Musee des Cristaux is a small museum in Chamonix that showcases an extensive collection of crystals, rocks, and minerals. It was established as a collaboration between the town of Chamonix, France and the Mineralogy Club. Open daily, the main focus of the museum are the minerals found at Mont Blanc and from the surrounding area. The crystal section of the Musee des Cristaux resembles a gallery, and there is also an interactive section dedicated to the science and art of mountaineering and climbing. Children in particular are sure to delight in the knot-tying and climbing wall.

Musee des Cristaux, 615 Allée Recteur Payot, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, Phone: +33-4-50-55-53-93

If you are a photographer, don't miss:

The Tramway Du Mont-Blanc, or also called the Mont Blanc Tramway or TMB, is one of the last remaining mountain rack-rail trains in France. The cog railway near Chamonix winds its way from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Le Fayet, and between small mountain lakes, pastures, and meadows, traveling through Les Houches to Nid d'Aigle. While many people take a ride on the historic Tramway Du Mont-Blanc for the spectacular views of the Dômes de Miage and the Chamonix Aiguilles, hikers and mountaineers can be found on board as well, since the tram stops at a number of popular mountain trails.

Tramway Du Mont-Blanc, 571 Rue du Mont Lachat, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Phone: +33-4-50-53-22-75

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Argentiere is a little picturesque village around eight kilometers north from Chamonix, in the Argentiere basin asea, situated at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters. The small hamlet is a popular place with visitors due to its traditional architecture, nineteenth-century chapel, and baroque church, as well as for its excellent location at the base of the rather impressive Argentière Glacier and the Aiguille Verte. Part of what makes the village great to visit for a time is the mountain scenery surrounding it and the fairytale feel. Argentiere is also a frequented spot for hikers, snowboarders, and skiers.

Argentiere, Chamonix, France

The Merlet Animal Park encompasses an area of approximately twenty-one hectares of forest, rocky outcroppings, and fields. The park is home to over eighty mountain animals in natural habitats, consisting of around eight different wild species, the majority of which come from surrounding areas. These species include the Ibex, the Marmot, the Roe Deer, the Sika Deer, the Fallow Deer, the Mouflon, and the Chamois, all of which are indigenous. There is also the Llama, which comes from South America. During the summer months, presentations happen on a regular basis to help guests learn about the various animals in The Merlet Animal Park.

The Merlet Animal Park, 2495 Chemin de Merlet, Les Houches, Phone: +33-7-67-22-82-69