I don't remember when I first learned of Mont Blanc -- or Chamonix, the village at its base -- but it has long captured my imagination. Growing up in Small Town, Louisiana, I certainly never imagined I would ever have the opportunity to visit such magical a place.
It's not the easiest place to reach. The nearest commercial airport is in Geneva, over 60 miles away, and the train requires multiple transfers. Buses run regularly and are cost effective. Private transfers or car rentals are definitely an option, though parking is a bit limited throughout the Mont Blanc valley. However you choose to get there, visiting is so worth it!
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| Waiting for the train out of the Mont Blanc Valley in 2025. In 2026, we took the bus both to and from Chamonix. |
But it's a mountain resort ... and "I don't ski" ... or "I want to visit during the summer" ... or ... or ... or ...
No worries, my friends! The Mont Blanc valley offers plenty of activities for all visitors in all seasons. From sightseeing by train or gondola, from a mountain-top dining to pubs in the village, from hiking to snow sports to spas ... yes, there is definitely something for every visitor to Chamonix.
Aiguille du Midi
My #1 recommendation is to ride the gondola to the top of Aiguille du Midi, all 12,605 feet of it. The scenery along the way is spectacular, and from the top, the view is forever on a clear day.
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| Gondola to the top of Aiguille du Midi: PRO TIP: Be sure to hold on as the gondola does sway a bit when it crosses support posts. |
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| The top of Aiguille du Midi: the arrow points to the Skywalk. |
Okay, sure, I'll go to the top, you think. But what is there to do up there?
Besides gawking at the scenery, you can take an elevator even higher and "step into the void." Yes, really! There's an experience at the top called Step Into the Void, or the Skywalk, which is a glass box that extends from the edge of the mountain.
To enter the Skywalk, you must first slip special slippers over your shoes and leave all your things in a little cubby. Then hand your camera to one of the trusty employees, who will take many pictures of you inside the box and maybe even a video.
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| Just me in 2025. |
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| With friends in 2026. |
You can also walk through Le Tube, a large metal pipe-like gallery with windows to the Alpine world below. A couple of restaurants offer lunch at the top of the mountain, and if you're lucky, you may be able to catch the gondola from Aiguille du Midi across the mountain to Italy!
Historic Montenvers Train
The Montenvers train is another Must-Do activity. Departing from Chamonix, this historic railway climbs almost 1,000 meters in 20 minutes, with incredible views of the Mer de Glace glacier. Enjoy the views from the train station at the top, grab a snack for a picnic on the terrace, or buy a souvenir at the gift shop.
Or begin a hike! From here, you can hike down to the ice cave inside the glacier, or you can hike all the way back to Chamonix, with many options in between.
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| On a hiking trail near the Montenvers train station. |
Not up for another hike yet? Take the gondola from the Montenvers train station down to the glacier, then climb approximately 550 metal steps down to the ice cave -- yes, that ice cave.
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| The last gondola of the day, on its way to the ice cave. Note the great view of the Mer de Glace glacier! |
Every year for 80 years, the local Claret family has carved and re-carved a cave inside the glacier. Part of their artistry includes creating new ice sculptures every year!
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| In 2025, the sculptures inside the cave included a sitting area! (Yes, it was COLD!) |
Paragliding
Another option for more adventuresome is paragliding! The Alps are one of the most popular places in the world for paragliding, and Chamonix has no shortage of options.
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| Paragliders coming in for a landing in Chamonix. |
Me? The closest I came to paragliding was donning a virtual reality headset!
What other outdoor activities are available in the Mont Blanc Valley?
Rock climbing, so much hiking, trail running, biking, more hiking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, dogsledding, tennis, golf, fishing, water sports, and more! No matter your preferred activity level, this region is truly a dream for people who love the outdoors and beautiful scenery.
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| Spectacular Chamonix scenery! |
Spa Time
After exploring during the day, whether engaged in active endeavors or enjoying the sights from a gondola, a little spa time is the perfect way to end the day. Several of the hotels in the area have onsite spas, most of which are open to the public with pre-booking.
One of the highlights of my stay in 2025 was a massage with two hours of access to the spa's thermal area. Talk about a treat after two days of Alpine hiking!
Wine and Dine
And finally, as expected, the Mont Blanc Valley offers many dining options. From McDonald's to grocery stores that rent raclette heaters to sidewalk bistros to fine dining, you are sure to find something that suits your fancy.
Where to Stay
Where to stay is a valid question, and there's no wrong answer! Iconic Chamonix is the most easily accessible of the villages in the Mont Blanc Valley, with a vibrant social scene, countless restaurants, and bars, and easier access by car, bus or train. Les Houches, just next door, offers a few more affordable lodging options plus bus access to the entire valley -- this is where I stayed in 2025, and it was perfect for me. Les Praz and Les Bois are a bit a more exclusive, with access to ski lifts and a golf course, and countless luxury lodges perfect for groups or family travel.
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| A bit rainy as I was departing the Mont Blanc Valley in 2025. |
How to Plan Your Own Trip
A multi-day trip to Chamonix can be planned with a bit of advance research and planning. Securing lodging, researching activities, organizing transportation, and planning your time are all necessary to get the most out of a trip to this special place.
However or whenever, add this magical place to your Must Visit list. You won't regret it!
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