Best Things to Do in Chamonix (Beyond Hiking)
Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Charlotte
Chamonix is synonymous with hiking and mountaineering, but you don’t need to be an alpinist to fall in love with this valley. Some of the most spectacular experiences here require nothing more than a cable car ticket and a sense of wonder. Within minutes, you can be standing at 3,842 meters overlooking Mont Blanc, walking inside a glacier, or floating above the valley in a paraglider.
Whether you’re planning rest days between hikes, traveling with non-hikers, or simply want to experience the Alps without the quad burn, Chamonix offers plenty of ways to soak in the scenery and adventure. This guide covers the best activities beyond the trails, from dramatic cable car rides and glacier visits to adrenaline-pumping adventures and rainy-day options.
Planning your Chamonix trip? Check out our complete travel guide for tips on where to stay, getting around, and our Chamonix day hiking guide if you do want to hit the trails.
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The Best Things To Do In Chamonix
Summer in Chamonix isn’t just for hikers and skiiers. Once the snow melts, this valley transforms into a full-blown alpine playground. In Chamonix, you can ride cable cars to glacier overlooks, hike to clear turquoise lakes, paraglide, climb crags, ride summer luges, paddle glacial rivers, and toast it all with local cheese and wine. Whether you’re here for jaw-dropping views, type-2 fun, or lazy afternoons in the sun, these are the best ways to experience Chamonix.
Ride to the Top of the Alps at Aiguille du Midi
Catch the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3,842 meters and step out into a panorama of jagged peaks, swirling clouds, and the surreal white expanse of Mont Blanc. Brave the Step Into the Void (a glass box suspended above a vertical drop), or just gawk in awe.
Don’t miss our full Aiguille du Midi guide here, we share exactly what to expect (and what not to miss) in at the top of the alps.
Ride the Montvers Cogwheel Train and Explore the Mer de Glace
Hop aboard the red Montenvers cogwheel train, then descend via gondola to France’s largest glacier. At the Mer de Glace Ice Grotto, a shimmering blue ice cave is carved anew each year, and you can literally walk inside of a glacier! It is an otherworldly experience, and wildly photogenic.
You can read all about our ride on the Montvers Train, and learn tips for the when to go and which side of the traincar to sit on here.
Walk Inside a Real Glacier in the Mer de Glace Ice Grotto
One of the most surreal experiences in Chamonix is walking inside the Mer de Glace glacier. After riding the Montenvers train up the mountainside, you’ll descend over 400 steps to reach a glowing blue ice tunnel carved directly into the glacier each year.
We break down the full visit and how to get there in our Mer de Glace guide here.
Tandem Paraglide in Front of Mont Blanc
There’s no better way to see the Chamonix Valley than by literally flying over it. Tandem paragliding launches you from the cliffs above Planpraz or Brevent, gliding with a certified pilot past glaciers and peaks. Yes, it’s worth it.
If you’re a first time to tandem paragliding, and want to learn what to expect on your first flight in Chamonix, be sure to check out our paragliding blog post here.
Visit the Chamonix Crystal Museum
Think rocks are boring? Think again. This museum features rare rocks and minerals originating from the Mont Blanc Massif, and sparkly specimens from all across the world.
This activity is perfect for a rainy day in Chamonix, and you can read more about what we loved during our visit to the Musée des Cristaux here.
Ride the Summer Luge Track
Located just at the bottom of the Planards lift, the Domaine des Planards has a toboggan-on-rails snakes down the hill. It’s fast, ridiculous fun for adults and kids alike, offering both single and tandem rides so you can scream your head off with your friend or kid! Best of all, you control the brakes, so go full send or Sunday cruise.
Soak, Swim, or Spa
Need a rest day? Lounge in a riverside park, take a dip at the public pool at the Richard Bozon Sports Centre, or enjoy one of the many pools at the QC Terme spa with glacier views. Summer days are long here, so there’s no shame in doing nothing and relaxing.
Rock Climbing at Les Gaillands
A natural rock wall right near town, Les Gaillands is a legendary crag with routes for all skill levels ranging from absolute beginners to well-seasoned climbers. Les Gaillands is very close to Chamonix-Centre, so it is super accessible by both the local bus and by car. You can even hire a local guide if you’re new to outdoor climbing.
Visit the Merlet Animal Park
Part zoo, part nature reserve, Merlet is home to ibex, marmots, deer, and chamois in a high alpine setting with beautiful views. It is a great family-friendly outing or a fun detour if you’re craving wildlife without committing to a full-day hike.
Go River Rafting or Hydrospeeding
If you’re looking to cool off (or just get tossed around in glacial meltwater), try a whitewater rafting tour on the Arve River. More adventurous types can book hydrospeeding, which is basically river bodyboarding. Most outfitters include wetsuits and gear.
Join Major Summer Events in Chamonix
Chamonix isn’t just a haven for hikers and mountaineers, it’s also a magnet for major international events. From elite trail races to high-flying climbing competitions, summer in the valley is full of energy, spectacle, and a few road closures. If you want a peaceful, crowd-free trip, you may want to avoid these dates. But if you’re curious to witness (or even participate in) some of the most legendary gatherings in the French Alps, here’s what to keep an eye on:
UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc) – Late August
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is the world’s most famous trail race, which brings tens of thousands of runners and fans to Chamonix every year. It’s a bucket-list event, but also the busiest week of the entire year. Expect packed restaurants, closed roads, and a buzzy, almost electric atmosphere.
Marathon du Mont-Blanc – Late June
The Marathon du Mont-Blanc is a mountain running festival that spans four days, with races ranging from 10K to the full 90K ultramarathon. It’s slightly less chaotic than UTMB, but still draws a big, enthusiastic crowd and early-season trail runners
Chamonix World Cup Climbing Competition – Early to Mid-July
Chamonix hosts one leg of the IFSC Climbing World Cup on a dramatic wall set up right in the center of town. Free to watch and always exciting, this is a fun spectacle even for casual spectators.
Fête des Guides de Chamonix – August 15 (Assumption Day)
A local tradition since 1924, this festival honors Chamonix’s mountain guides with concerts, ceremonies, and a dramatic evening show and fireworks display in Les Gaillands. It’s one of the most beloved events for locals and visitors alike.
CosmoJazz Festival – Late July
This high-altitude jazz festival brings free open-air concerts to iconic mountain locations. There are also pop-up performances in the valley villages.
Are You Ready For Your Next Adventure?
One of the best things about Chamonix is how accessible its dramatic scenery is. You don’t need technical skills, perfect weather, or elite fitness to experience glaciers, alpine views, and mountain adventures. A cable car ride gets you there in minutes, and the valley offers activities for every energy level and interest. Whether you spend your days paragliding and rafting or prefer leisurely cable car rides and museum visits, Chamonix is waiting for you.
