The French Alps, France
Known as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy is a picturesque city renowned for its charming canals, colorful old town, and the beautiful, clear waters of Lake Annecy. It features a blend of historical sites, artisan shops, and opportunities for lakeside activities like swimming, paddleboarding, or boat tours. The Château d'Annecy and Palais de l'Isle are landmarks.
Approximately 1 hour drive from Chamonix, mainly via the A40 and A41 motorways (tolls apply). Direct bus services are available, making independent travel straightforward.
Continue your exploration with more distinctive nearby destinations.
An elegant Italian alpine resort town on the opposite side of the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Courmayeur presents a different culinary experience, charming pedestrian streets, and direct access to the Italian side of Mont Blanc via the Skyway Monte Bianco.
A historical Swiss town in the Valais canton. Martigny is known for its Roman amphitheater, the Gianadda Foundation (art exhibitions, classic car museum), and Barryland (St. Bernard dogs).
Explore the natural splendor of the region beyond Chamonix's immediate vicinity.
A large leisure lake offering swimming beaches (in summer), various watersports, and stunning views of Mont Blanc. A popular spot for relaxation and family enjoyment.
A protected nature reserve famous for its magnificent natural amphitheater, the "Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval." This cirque presents numerous waterfalls, especially impressive in spring.
While accessible from Chamonix, dedicated trips into parts of the reserve (e.g., from Servoz) offer more secluded hiking and greater opportunities for wildlife spotting.
These locations offer diverse outdoor activities and scenic beauty.
Plan your outdoor adventure based on these natural gems.
Discover the authentic cultural fabric of the Savoie region.
Visit local farms in the valley, like Ferme de la Montagne in Le Tour, or other traditional farms. Learn about traditional cheese-making and taste local products.
Explore smaller, less touristy villages in the surrounding valleys. Experience authentic Savoyard life in places like Servoz or Les Contamines-Montjoie.
A larger, more industrial town down-valley from Chamonix. It has a historic center and a good local market.
Experience the local way of life through food and village exploration.
For those with more time, consider extending your trip to explore more of the Alps or other regions of France.
A classic multi-day trek, typically taking 7-12 days, circumnavigating the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland.
Explore the Valais canton with towns like Verbier or Zermatt, or the Arolla Valley for remote alpine experiences.
Discover the Aosta Valley, known for Roman ruins, medieval castles, and Gran Paradiso National Park.
