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Explore
Chamonix & Beyond

Whether you’re arriving a little early or extending your stay after the wedding, Chamonix is perfectly placed for exploring a little more of France, Italy and Switzerland. Here are a few places we think are worth the detour.

Around Chamonix

Hiking & Trail Running

Hiking & Trail Running

If you’d like to explore the mountains on foot, start with our own website, Chamonix360. It has a collection of our favourite hikes and trail runs around the valley, with routes for everything from gentle walks to big mountain days.

Aiguille du Midi

Aiguille du Midi

Take the cable car from Chamonix to 3,842 metres for extraordinary views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding French, Swiss and Italian Alps. One of the absolute Chamonix classics — especially on a clear day.

Parc de Merlet

Parc de Merlet

A beautiful wildlife park high above Les Houches, where ibex, chamois, marmots and other Alpine animals roam through open mountain meadows. The views across the Mont Blanc massif are almost as impressive as the animals.

Mont Blanc Museum

Mont Blanc Museum

The newly renovated Mont-Blanc Museum tells the story of Chamonix, mountaineering and the valley’s extraordinary relationship with Mont Blanc. A great option if the weather isn’t cooperating.

QC Therme Spa

QC Therme Spa

For something more relaxing, spend a few hours at QC Spa with outdoor pools, saunas and relaxation areas overlooking the mountains. Particularly appealing after a day hiking — or after the wedding!

Near Chamonix

Lac d'Emosson

Lac d'Emosson

A dramatic high-Alpine reservoir just across the Swiss border. Take the VerticAlp funicular and mountain railway up to the dam for wonderful views back towards the Mont Blanc massif.

Courmayeur

Courmayeur

Just through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, Courmayeur is perfect for an Italian lunch, a stroll along Via Roma or a trip up the spectacular Skyway Monte Bianco.

Annecy

Annecy

One of France’s prettiest towns, with canals, cobbled streets and a beautiful turquoise lake. Perfect for a day of wandering, lunch by the water and a walk along the lakefront.

Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval

Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval

A spectacular natural amphitheatre surrounded by huge limestone cliffs and waterfalls. The easy walks along the valley floor make this an especially good family day out.

Geneva

Geneva

For a city day, Geneva combines its beautiful lakefront with the Old Town, museums, shopping and plenty of good places to eat.

Yvoire

Yvoire

A tiny medieval village on the shores of Lake Geneva. Wander the stone lanes, visit the Garden of Five Senses and find somewhere overlooking the lake for lunch.

Montreux

Montreux

A beautiful stretch of the Swiss Riviera with a lakeside promenade, mountain views and Château de Chillon sitting right on the water.

City Escapes

Lyon

Lyon

One of France’s great food cities, with the Renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon, hidden traboules and countless restaurants and traditional bouchons.

Milan

Milan

Stay a night or two for the Duomo, Brera, fashion and design, great restaurants and — of course — an evening aperitivo.

Lake Como

Lake Como

A wonderful extension to an Italian holiday. Stay by the lake and use the ferries to explore its beautiful waterfront towns and villages.

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