What to do in Chamonix if you don’t ski

Chamonix is a pictueresque small town, located in ths French Alps and famous destination for those who love skiing and winter sports generally, but also for those However, if you are not a ski person and want to discover this little town, you are welcomed to do it!

Moving to Chamonix one year ago and being one of the few persons who haven’t tried winter sports, i can tell you that i can find different ways to spend and enjoy my time here.

AGUILLE DU MIDI

It is the top sight if you are visiting Chamonix. Visiting Aguille du midi, is a way to approach one of the highest top in Europe, Mont Blanc 4.809 m. You can reach Aguille du midi 3.842m., by a cable car from Chamonix centre. The view is just breathtaking! Up there you can “step into the void”, which is a box glass, where you can enter and you can have amazing views from five sites! However, if the temperature up there is more than -18°C, the glass box will be closed.

MER DE GLACE

This is another sight to see in Chamonix. You can take the vintage train from la Gare du Montenvers and reach Montenvers, where is a small cable car, which leave you on the top of 500 stairs that you have to go down in order to reach the ice cave. While you’re descending, you will realise the disaster that humans caused to this world, since the glacier every year is melting and in every level is marked the year and where was at first the glacier level.

QC TERME

If you want to relax during your stay in Chamonix and enjoy an outdoor thermal pool with a mountain view, or if you are lucky enough, while it’s snowing, you have to visit QC Terme. With approximately 70 euros per person you can enjoy the pool, outdoor or indoor jacuzzi, hammam and sauna, many relaxation rooms and so more. Bonus: there is an aperitif included in the price, which includes snacks and a drink.

GO FOR A PICNIC NEAR THE LAKE

If the weather is good, go for a pic nic to the nearby lakes. You will enjoy the walk from the center of Chamonix to the lakes and also you will be amazed of the beautiful chalets that are located near these areas. The combination of the lake and the mountain view will relax you. You can also visit the lakes and the forest when is raining as well, it will be the best experience, as it was mine!

STROLLING AROUND THE PICTURESQE CHAMONIX STREETS

Chamonix is a beautiful little town with beautiful little streets. There is nothing better than exploring these beautiful streets with their little shops, restaurants and chocolateries.

WHERE TO EAT IN CHAMONIX

La maison carrier

This is a traditional french restaurant with a classic “chamonyard” decoration and tasty food. Here you can eat high quality food and you can choose a “formule” of the day, which includes starter-main course-dessert , which is a value for money choice.

Joia

In my opinion, this is the best italian restaurant in Chamonix, where i have eaten the best gnocchis of my life!! If you are a pizza person, you will love this place since they have a huge selection of delicious pizzas. For a dessert don’t miss to try the pavlova with ice cream and red fruits, its so tasty!!

Frometton

If you want to try fondue and raclette this is the perfect place. This is a new restaurant, which belongs to Heliopic hotel and is specialised in cheese. So if you want to eat “french style”, do not miss this restaurant in your next trip.

Rose du pond

Located in the center of Chamonix, next to its river, this two-floor café will steal your heart! The decor is so beautiful that it combines vintage and modern architecture. There are books everywhere in case you want to read while drinking your coffee, a big piano as well and an absolutely beautiful bar.

Alpina Hotel

Once i visited the restaurant of this hotel and i can tell that i wasn’t very satisfied. In my opinion the food was too expensive for the portions and the quality that it has to offer. I am not an expert, but this is my opinion as a client. However, what is really worth it, is the bar on the 7th floor. The view is just breathtaking. It is better to go before getting dark in order to see the mountain view and Chamonix from above.