2 days in Chamonix and the Mont Blanc valley

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Aiguille du Midi

   A cable car climbs to a rock needle among the glaciers, with a view across to Mont Blanc. The top is over 3,800 meters, so dress warmly and take it slowly. Check ahead for the lift and the weather.

   Go when First thing in the morning, on the clearest day of your week.

   Local tip Pack a warm coat, gloves and a hat even in July. Go early for shorter queues, walk slowly at the top, and check ahead for the lift, the wind and the cloud. If you feel unwell, go back down.

   

   About 19 min by car or transit7.3 km
2. 2
   MorningWorth the time

   Le Brévent

   A peak on the north-west side of the valley with a wide view across to Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi. The best look at the whole range from one place.

   Go when Morning, when the other side of the valley is clear.

   Local tip This is the best place to see the whole range at once, from the Aiguille du Midi to the glaciers. Bring a coat, because the wind can be cold at the top.

   

3. Lunch

   A plate of Savoyard charcuterie

   Cured sausages, ham and a wedge of local cheese with bread, the simplest mountain lunch. Look for it in a small cafe off the main street.

   Local tip Share a plate and add a salad, because dinner will be heavy.

   About 10 min by car or transit2.9 km
4. 3
   MorningWorth the time

   Montenvers Railway

   A rack railway that has run up from the center of Chamonix for more than a century. The ride goes through the forest to a terrace above the glacier. Check ahead for what is running.

   Go when Morning, when the train is quieter.

   Local tip The ride is part of the day, so sit on the valley side and watch the forest fall away. Check ahead on what is running and take a warm layer.

   

   About 12 min by car or transit3.7 km
5. 4
   MiddayWorth the time

   Mer de Glace

   The largest glacier in France, a wide river of ice between steep rock walls. It has been getting smaller for years, so the way down changes. Stay on the marked paths and check ahead.

   Go when Late morning, once the light is up over the ice.

   Local tip The glacier has been shrinking for years and the way down changes, so follow the marked paths and the signs. Do not walk onto the ice without a guide.

   

   About 16 min by car or transit6.0 km
6. 5
   MiddayA big hike

   Lac Blanc

   A mountain lake high in the Aiguilles Rouges, with the Mont Blanc range reflected in it on a still day. It is a real hike. Ask at the tourist office or a guide about the path and any snow before you go.

   Go when Early start, on a clear day.

   Local tip Ask at the tourist office or a mountain guide about the path and snow before you set out, and turn back if the cloud comes in. Bring water, a hat and a warm layer.

   

7. Dinner

   Fondue savoyarde

   A pot of melted mountain cheese and white wine, eaten by dipping cubes of bread on long forks. A classic of the region.

   Local tip Share one pot between two or three people, and leave the dessert for another night.

Built from the plan’s must-sees, grouped so each day stays close together and ordered by time of day.

1. Drive from Lac BlancAbout 1 h 4 min by car59.7 km

   Where Day 1 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Palais de l'Isle

   A narrow old stone building that stands on an island in the middle of the canal, the symbol of Annecy's old town. Walk the lanes and the canal around it.

   Go when Morning, before the lanes fill.

   Local tip Walk both banks of the canal and cross the little bridges. It is the most photographed corner of the town, so go early.

3. Dinner

   A glass of Roussette de Savoie

   A crisp white wine from the hills of Savoy, good with fish or cheese. Try a glass at a table with a view of the lake.

   Local tip If you are driving back to Chamonix, choose one small glass or let someone else drive.