Our Favourite Summer Hiking Routes in Chamonix

A walking holiday with friends is the perfect way to clear your head, relax and recharge. So why not go hiking in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? With well-signposted routes, enjoy easy hikes through beautiful valleys. Thanks to its fresh mountain air and serene tranquillity, Chamonix is the ideal destination for a recluse into nature.

Lac Blanc

Hiking in Chamonix-Mont-Banc would not be complete without climbing to Aiguilles Rouges Natural Reserve’s most famous lake. Lac Blanc boasts a beautiful panoramic view of the Mont-Blanc’s snowy peaks. There is a medium difficulty hike starting from Flégère, or if you want an easier and shorter route, you can also depart from Index. Both starting points can be reached by chairlift, with return tickets for 17€.

Once at Index, follow the path on your right leading to Lac du Fouet. This will continue onto Combe des Crochues, where you’ll need to cross the hillside to enter the Reserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges. Climb the hill until you reach the cairn, then follow the trail to Lac Blanc. On your way back down, take the path that snakes towards the main Flégère lift. It takes 30 minutes to climb from Flégère to Index, and then it’s an additional 75 minutes to Lac Blanc.

Grand Balcon Nord

For a longer expedition, why not hike to the Grand Balcon Nord? This route allows you to enjoy the high mountains and their surrounding nature. The walk starts from the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers, which is accessible by train from Chamonix’s station. You can then decide to stay at a low altitude, following the trail towards Plan de l’Aiguille or if you’d prefer a better view of the Mer de Glacehead, walk towards the Signal Forbes. As you’re hiking in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc towards Aiguille du Midi, let yourself be blown away by the breath-taking view of the Glaciers des Bossons and Brévent-Flégère. A cable car will then take you back to Chamonix for just €30.50.

Cascade du Dard

Hiking in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc comes with some great views – and this easy 45-minute walk is no exception. With just 200m of altitude to gain, it is perfect for a casual stroll and a good catch-up with friends. Beginning in Grépon Carpark in Chamonix’s town centre, this trail takes you on a picturesque tour of the surrounding mountains towards a stunning 20m waterfall. At the top, there’s a cosy little chalet where you can share a coffee and some good conversation. Take your time – it only takes 30 minutes to walk back down.

How to Get There

Travel in style from Geneva to Chamonix with Shuttle Direct’s comfortable private transfers. Swiss or British Airways offer a direct 90-minute flight to Geneva from London airports (with prices between £70 and £110). Meeting you outside the terminal, Shuttle Direct can then take you to Chamonix in 75 minutes so you’ll be hiking in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in no time!

About Shuttle Direct

Shuttle Direct offers fast and convenient travel across Europe and North Africa. With our easy online booking system and friendly drivers, you can enjoy a hassle-free transfer from the airport to your mountainous destination.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private transfers to and from airports, cruise ports, train stations and hotels all over Europe and northern Africa. If you're planning a holiday to go hiking in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, pre-book your airport transfer before leaving home to ensure a smooth start to your stay.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.