Chamonix and French Alps Walking Holidays
Explore Chamonix, a charming resort town that blends tranquillity with thrill
Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps
Discover the tranquil charm of Lac Blanc and Lac Cornu, nestled amidst rugged peaks
Tread along sections of the famed Tour du Mont Blanc, soaking in panoramic vistas
Challenge yourself with the Aiguillette des Posettes hike, a trail that rewards you with stunning views
Ascend to the 3,842-metre-high Aiguille du Midi with the Téléphérique de l’Aiguille du Midi cable car
Hike up to the famous Lac Blanc, one of the highlights above Chamonix
Streets of Chamonix during nighttime
Capture a photo of Mont Blanc for yourself
You might even run into some alpine ibexes
Enjoying the peaceful solitude by Lac Cornu
Front-row view of Mont Blanc from Aiguille du Midi
Enjoy the indescribably beautiful views of the Chamonix valley
Itinerary
Welcome to Chamonix, the picturesque resort town nestled in the heart of the French Alps. As you arrive, the majestic peaks of the Mont Blanc Massif will greet you, setting the stage for your walking holiday. Spend the day acclimatising to the alpine environment, exploring the charming streets lined with quaint cafes and shops, and soaking in the vibrant mountain culture that makes Chamonix a world-renowned destination.
Awake to the fresh mountain air and prepare for your first hike to the stunning Lac Blanc. As you ascend from the Flégère cable car station, you’ll traverse through lush alpine meadows, with the Mont Blanc Massif serving as your backdrop. The trail will lead you to the serene Lac Blanc, where you can admire the emerald waters in the hut nearby. The sight of the crystal-clear lake reflecting the snow-capped peaks is a memory you’ll cherish forever. On the route back, you’ll take the longer way around and descend past Lac Cheserys before circling back to the upper Flégère cable car station.
8.5 km; 600 m of elevation gain/loss
Today’s adventure takes you to Lac Cornu, a hidden gem nestled high in the mountains. The trail, starting from the Planpraz cable car station, winds through rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the Chamonix valley. The sight of Lac Cornu, a pristine alpine lake cradled by jagged peaks, is a reward worth the challenging hike. Cap off the day with a cable car ride to the top of Brevent, where the sunset paints the sky in hues of orange and pink.
7 km; 560 m of elevation gain/loss
Enjoy a leisurely day in Chamonix. Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car and ascend to dizzying heights, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. There are also several restaurants, a gift shop, and a museum. Back in town, explore the local markets, savour the regional cuisine, or simply relax in a café and watch the world go by. This day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Your journey continues with a train ride to Montroc, the starting point for the circular hike to L’Aiguillette des Posettes. The trail, though challenging, offers fabulous views over the Chamonix and Vallorcine valleys. As you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by a panorama of Mont Blanc, Le Tour Glacier, Le Buet, and Les Perrons. The sight of the setting sun casting a golden glow on the peaks is a fitting end to your last hike.
10 km; 800 m of elevation gain/loss
As your walking holiday comes to an end, take one last stroll through the streets of Chamonix, soaking in the sights and sounds of this alpine paradise. As you depart, the memories of the stunning vistas, exhilarating hikes, and tranquil beauty of the French Alps will remain etched in your heart, beckoning you to return.
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
5x accommodation with breakfast in a 3/4* hotel in Chamonix
Description
You’re standing at the edge of a crystal-clear alpine lake, the cool mountain breeze rustling through your hair, the majestic peaks of Mont Blanc mirrored in the tranquil waters. It’s not a dream, but a journey waiting to unfold, a journey that promises to etch unforgettable memories into the canvas of your heart.
Nestled in the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix is a charming resort town that serves as your base for this adventure. Here, the air is crisp, the vistas breathtaking, and the vibe is a harmonious blend of tranquillity and thrill. As you explore the town, you’ll be greeted by the sight of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, standing tall against the azure sky.
The serene Lac Blanc and Lac Cornu, cradled by rugged mountain slopes, offer a tranquil retreat, their beauty amplified by the reflection of the surrounding peaks. And then there’s the Aiguillette des Posettes, a summit that rewards you with panoramic views of the Chamonix and Vallorcine valleys.
This walking holiday is not for the faint-hearted. The hikes are demanding, requiring a decent level of physical fitness and hiking experience. Though well-trodden and well-marked, the paths wind through rugged terrain and ascend steep inclines.
But fear not, for they are shortened by scenic cable car rides, and the stunning vistas that greet you at every turn make every step worth the effort. You will even tread along sections of the famed Tour du Mont Blanc.
At Walking Holidays France, we take care of all the logistics, from booking your accommodations to providing a detailed day-by-day itinerary and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. We also include local recommendations in our self-guided handouts to ensure you experience the best of Chamonix.
Our goal is to ensure that all you need to worry about is lacing up your hiking boots and immersing yourself in the beauty of the French Alps.
If the mountains are calling, it’s time to answer. Lace up your boots, pack your spirit of adventure, and join us on this unforgettable journey. After all, life is too short for ordinary holidays. Let’s make it extraordinary, one step at a time.
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.
Self-guided
HASSLE-FREE
TRUSTED BY MANY
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
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