Day Trips

Chamonix’s unique location on the boarder of Switzerland and Italy gives you a great opportunity during your holiday to experience different cultures and traditions in a day trip. Here at Chamonix Holidays we can assist you with directions and transport information to make your day trip unforgettable!

Take the train to Servoz or drive down the valley from Chamonix to the Gorges de la Diosaz. It offers spectacular walks through the gorge sculpted by the power of a mountain river. Walk along a shaded and well equipped footpath, weaving through the gorges and is often times even carved into rock. 

Lac du Passy, just 15-20 minutes drive from Chamonix is popular with locals and tourists alike the natural lake has a children's play area, snack bar and toilet/changing facilities. It is great swimming spot for a hot summer’s day and for the more adventurous you can try windsurfing on the lake or climbing the Via Ferrata via cables and ladders. For sporting activities please visit Session Raft local to Passy. 

You can take the train from Chamonix to St. Gervais to visit some beautiful glacial lakes, Les Lacs Jovet (2174m) and Lac d’Armancette (1673m),  that are great places for a picnic. Some of the hiking trails overlook the breathtaking Gorge of the Gruvaz. 

The Tramway du Mont Blanc is a magical tourist train which winds its way up from Le Fayet / St. Gervais / Les Houches to the Nid D'Aigle (the Eagles Nest). It is the starting point for climbers to climb the Mont Blanc by the classical route (Gouter route). It provides access to the Tete Rousse and Gouter refuges.

Vallorcine is an authentic little mountain village, that lies at the top of the Chamonix Valley. It is a gateway to Switzerland arranged in hamlets scattered over the mountains flanks with traditional high alpine charm. Here you can find hikes and walks through the Aiguilles Rouge Natural Reserve and the beginning of the Vallon de Berard (link to hikes section) trail from Le Buet with the Cascade de Berard. 

Beauty lovers can discover all the treasures at the grandiose site at the Emosson dam featuring the largest deposit of dinosaurs’ tracks in Europe, a highlight in your children’s holiday!  To get there take the scenic train or drive up the windy road to the Emosson dam situated on the Swiss/French border. You will have magnificent views over the dam and there is a restaurant for lunch as well being the starting point of several trekking trails.

To experience more of the mountains take a bike up the Vallorcine gondola and ride down one of the purpose built trails, featuring a world class VTT course for downhill mountain biking. There are some boulders at the Col des Montets for a climbing challenge or try the Barberine on the Swiss border for slanted slabs up to 300 meters high. Children can try pony riding at the playground area opposite to the railway station. For more activities and even fishing visit the Maison de La Montangne . Visit the Vallorcine and Emosson websites for further information.

In Megève you will find breath taking waterfalls, beautiful ridges, challenging hiking trails for ages of the family. You can reach Megeve by car within an hour from Chamonix, winding up through picturesque scenery over the Haute-Savoie. For summer 2010 Megeve will be hosting the most enduring mountain bike race in the world that consists of 2 races: MB Race& MB Enduro covering 6000meters of altitude and 140km of terrain. The race begins in Megève and ends in Combloux where there will be exhibitions, inflatable structures, climbing wall, skateboard ramps as well as concerts, July 10th – 11th. If want to spend a day or afternoon shopping Megeve is THE village in the Alps with over 200 shops from the most prestigious brands to the most traditional shops. Make sure you leave space in your suitcase when packing for your holiday!

Summer in Les Contamines evokes images of flowering meadows, high mountain pastures and dense pine forests. The village is a departure point for a great number of walks and longer hikes that cross the 5,500ha Nature Reserve as well offering cultural events throughout the season. Come to the village on the 18th of July to celebrate with the locals The Fete Du Village, tasting local specialties, music and enjoy folk dancing. Please visit Les Contamines for upcoming events and information.

Take the Mt Blanc Express from Chamonix to Martigny in Switzerland to enjoy a day of arts and culture in this historic Roman town. You can take a tour and visit archaeological sites including the Roman amphitheatre, the Mithraeum or visit La Bâtiaz Castle situated in the town’s historic quarter. Martigny hosts many art exhibitions in its galleries, museums and at the Pierre Gianadda Foundation.

Annecy is known for its beautiful crystal clear lake Lac d’Annecy that is named as one of the purest in the world as well as hosting one of the world’s biggest fireworks displays during the Fete du Lac in August every year.  Annecy is a small beautiful French town, preserved in medieval architectural glory. With its quaint canals and tiny bridges, it is justly referred to as the Venice of the Alps.  It offers lots for day visitors and tourists including guided tours of the Old Town with its castle and museum, cafes, shops, and even water sports like wakeboarding and waterskiing.