Travelling to Chamonix
Chamonix is a mecca for tourists. Located at the foot of Mont Blanc, a taxi from Geneva Airport to Chamonix will take just over an hour if traffic is light and there is no snow. In high season it can take considerably longer! Geneva Airport has a massive flight network so there is not much reason to look at flying anywhere else if you need to get to Chamonix.
If you absolutely can't get to Geneva for whatever reason, then have a look at the journey times and distances below:
Distance of Transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix: 104 km. Geneva Airport to Chamonix Transfer Time: Approx. 1 hr 10 mins.
Distance of Transfer from Chambery Airport to Chamonix: 145km. Chambery Airport to Chamonix Transfer Time: Approx. 1hr 30mins.
Distance of Transfer from Grenoble Airport to Chamonix: 225km. Grenoble Airport to Chamonix Transfer Time: Approx. 2hrs 30mins.
Distance of Transfer from Lyon Airport to Chamonix: 220km. Lyon Airport to Chamonix Transfer Time: Approx. 2hrs 10mins.
About Chamonix
The world famous town at the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix, is a must see destination. It is a renowned ski resort and a walkers’ paradise in the summer.
If you are not afraid of heights then take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the viewing platforms at 3842 metres. You will feel like you could touch the peak of Mont Blanc and you will see groups of brave mountaineers attempting to conquer one of the stunning peaks around or ski the famous Vallée Blanche.
If you prefer trains to cable cars then take the Montenvers rack railway to the famous Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) glacier. You can go down to the glacier and into the ice grotto that shows you the history of the glacier along with some great ice sculptures. You do have to climb over 300 steps though in each direction. On the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc is the Brévent cable car. You get the best view of Europe’s highest mountain from here.
In the winter there is lots to do for non-skiers as well in Chamonix, which makes it an ideal destination for families and people who want to enjoy the snowy vistas. You can take the cable cars or the Montenvers railway up into the mountains of Chamonix and enjoy a leisurely lunch on the top. You also have a choice of some excellent spas in Chamonix if you are after something relaxing.
If you want a real bird`s eye view of the mountains then why not try a helicopter ride around Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks.
There is also a leisure centre in Chamonix with a swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, ice rink, indoor climbing and other facilities.
You can also find a bowling alley in Chamonix, that also has pool tables and air hockey tables. Chamonix`s cinema also shows some films in English with subtitles.
If you like a bit of gambling then why not try the Casino in Chamonix`s centre? You can enjoy some blackjack or roulette but of course you have to be over 18.
The other great activity you can do is, of course, Shopping. Chamonix has many great shops, you can find anything from luxury boutiques to mountain hardwear shops.
If you want go for a day trip from Chamonix then try the beautiful town of Annecy, which is only an hour away. Your other option is the medieval town of Yvoire on the shore of Lake Geneva or Courmayeur through the Mont Blanc tunnel.
It is easy to enjoy the Savoyard gastronomy in Chamonix`s delightful restaurants. In the winter there is nothing better than a hearty meal of cheese-based dishes. Try a raclette, a fondue or a tartiflette, it should satisfy the biggest appetites!