Chamonix Chalet Rentals in France
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc isn't a purpose-built resort. It's a working town in a deep valley, and Mont Blanc, the highest summit in the Alps, is right above it. The first Winter Olympics were held here, in 1924, and climbers have used it as a base for far longer. Our five chalets are spread along the valley under the peaks. One of them sleeps 26. They suit people who came for the mountains themselves.
5 chalets · 5 to 12 bedrooms · up to 26 guests
Chalets in Chamonix
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Life in Chamonix
Under Mont Blanc
You don't really get away from the mountain in Chamonix. Mont Blanc is straight above the town, glaciers spilling down towards the valley, and the granite spikes of the Aiguilles stand along the skyline. The weather changes quickly up there. You can see the summit at ten, and by eleven it's gone into cloud. Early morning is usually the clearest, before the cloud starts to pile up over the peaks.
The Aiguille du Midi
The cable car to the Aiguille du Midi leaves from the edge of town and climbs to a needle of rock at 3,842 metres. Up top, there are terraces facing the summit of Mont Blanc and the ice fields below. The Vallée Blanche, the long off-piste run back towards the valley, starts from here. Take proper warm clothes, even in July, and go early when the sky is clear.
A town, not a resort
People live in Chamonix all year round. There are old streets, squares, a fast river through the middle, and people who work there in every season. The skiing is spread along the valley in separate areas. Le Brévent and La Flégère are joined by a cable car. Les Grands Montets, Le Tour-Balme and Les Houches are on their own, so you hop on a valley bus or the local train.
Climbing and walking in summer
For a lot of people, summer is the reason to come. The valley fills up with walkers, climbers and trail runners, and the high lifts open to take them up. Paths lead to mountain lakes and onto balconies with the valley far below, a few right to the edge of the ice. Montenvers has its rack railway, and from the top you look down on the Mer de Glace. Guides rope up clients for the big peaks. Overhead, paragliders.
Nearby in the French Alps
Distances are straight lines on the map; the drive through the mountains is longer.
When to go
Winter's December to April, and the holiday weeks are the crowded ones. Come June to September if you'd rather walk, climb or ride the high lifts.
Before you go
What guests ask us most before a stay in Chamonix.
How far is Chamonix from Geneva?
It's around 1 hour 15 minutes from Geneva airport by road when the traffic's clear, mostly on the motorway up the Arve valley. Winter Saturdays take longer. Geneva is the airport most people use. Lyon is around 2 hours 30 minutes away, and Turin is an option through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
Are the ski areas linked?
Not really. The valley has five ski areas: Le Brévent, La Flégère, Les Grands Montets, Le Tour-Balme and Les Houches. Only Le Brévent and La Flégère connect, by cable car. To get to the rest you take the valley bus or the local train, so most ski days begin with a short ride to the lifts.
Is Chamonix good for beginners?
It can be, as long as you pick your spot. There are nursery areas in the valley, such as Le Savoy and Les Planards near the centre, La Vormaine at Le Tour, and gentle runs through the woods at Les Houches. Still, a lot of the skiing is steep and high. Confident skiers tend to get more out of it than complete beginners.
What is the Vallée Blanche?
It's an off-piste run of around 20 kilometres down a glacier, starting at the top of the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842 metres and finishing back towards Chamonix. Nothing is marked or patrolled, there are crevasses, and it takes three to four hours. You need to be comfortable off-piste. Going with a high-mountain guide is strongly advised.
Is Chamonix worth visiting in summer?
Yes. In summer the valley is one of the big centres for walking, climbing and trail running in the Alps. The high lifts open, the Aiguille du Midi cable car among them, and the Montenvers railway runs up to the Mer de Glace. Visitors come from June to September for the long days, the mountain lakes and Mont Blanc itself.
Planning a stay in Chamonix?
Tell us your dates, who's coming and what you'd like to do in the mountains. We'll go through the chalets with you.