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Hiking in the Chamonix Valley
| Hiking in and Around the Chamonix Valley |
If you come to Chamonix in the summer (and between you and I, you really should) chances are you'll want to get your walking boots on and go on a ramble or two. There's so much to choose from the only difficulty comes in picking a route to do! Fortunately, the Chamonix Valley possess one of the most complete, well sign-posted and well maintained network of mountain footpaths in the Haute Savoie region. With over 600kms (400 miles) of marked trails in the valley, walking here can be as easy or as technical as you want it to be.
Below are some of our tried and tested suggestions for walks and hikes in the area. There are routes to suit those of you that would like a gentle promenade, suitable routes if walking with children and some longer day hikes for the relatively active walker. If you wish to venture into the high alpine environment and onto the glaciers, check out the mountain guides in town who will be able to advise you further. |
| Before heading off... |
Although the footpaths are very well maintained and signposted, you should always exercise caution when venturing into the mountains, particularly at the beginning of season when there may still be snow covering some parts of the footpaths which must therefore be crossed with caution. Frozen avalanche debris can remain the gullies until well into the summer making it dangerous for an ill-equipped or inexperienced walker to cross. It is also always wise to seek the advice of those in the know before you head out. The 'Office de la Moyenne et Haute Montagne' near the tourist office (Place de l’Eglise) is just the place to do this. Experts are available all year round to offer advice and information (in English) to the experienced and inexperienced alike. They can also provide information on weather forecasts, state of the trails (snow coverage etc), refuge opening and closure dates and general advice on your choice of route to help you plan your adventures.
Before you embark on any activities in the mountains you should remember that you are likely to be at a considerably higher altitude with more rugged terrain than you are used to at home. For that reason it is particularly recommended that you:- Are as physically fit as possible - Ensure you are fully aware of your limitations and of those accompanying you (children and elderly people)
Are appropriately equipped - Choose sturdy footwear with ankle support, warm, water repellent clothing (even if the sun’s been beating down for days), sun cream, sunglasses, map, plenty water, food and snacks, first aid kit....Check your itinerary with the Office de la Montagne or Tourist Office - Even the easiest and best marked trails can present unexpected hazards such as rockslides or snowfallAllow plenty time for your chosen route - Additionally, leave an extra margin in case of incident. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Nightfall may take you by surprise so it is wise to carry a flashlightStay on the marked trails - This is especially important on steep slopes or precipices. Never take short cuts as doing so causes erosion, channelling the rain water and resulting in deterioration of the trails that are so hard to maintainRespect the environment - The mountains here are breathtakingly beautiful but the balance of nature is very fragile. In order to maintain the beauty of the valley; don’t light fires, ensure you take your rubbish with you, leave the flowers for others to admire and avoid making excessive noise that may disturb the wildlife.
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last updated 5-Oct-2007 |
| Gentle walks around the Chamonix Valley |
Getting around the Chamonix Valley and up into its high mountain terrain is made easy thanks to the extensive transportation network available. The local buses that take you to all the main gondola and cable car stations are free with a Carte d’Hote (Guest Card). You can get your card on arrival at your accommodation. Cable cars and chairlifts are used widely by walkers and climbers alike, whisking you up to around 2000m, or taking you back down! Using the lifts can cut a good 2 hours off a walk thus enabling you more time to enjoy the views at a higher altitude without unnecessary slog. The lift system comes into its own in the event of deteriorating weather, injury or just plain tiredness, when it will swiftly transport you back to the valley floor (providing you are within the lift operating hours). For the latest opening and closing dates of the valley lift system, see here.
The river de L'Arve runs through the entire Chamonix valley and there are essentially two directions one can head from Chamonix. Down the valley down towards Les Houches, or up the valley towards Argentiere and Le Tour. The following two routes are two of our favourite river walks :- Promenade d’Arve – towards Les Houches
Promenade d’Arve – towards Argentiere
Suffice to say, whichever direction you choose, both riverside paths will provide some colourful plantations and spectacular panoramic views of the massif.
WALK 1 : Promenade d’Arve – towards Les Houches
This is a leisurely walk, following the right bank of the river Arve on the south side of the valley.
Starting Point : Chamonix
Duration: 2hrs (one way)
Starting from the crossroads Lionel Terray, follow the Route des Pecles to Les Gaillands. Three lakes, known as the mirrors of Mont Blanc, lie in the wooded area near the Rocher d’Escalade (natural climbing wall). Continue along the Promenade a l’Anglais through a small wood, crossing the Ravin des Vouillouds above Les Bossons. After passing Les Montquarts, cross the Lapaz ravine then once level with the Pont de Clair-Temps (a railway bridge), the path climbs slightly into the forest of les Roches; then joining the Chemin des Eaux Rousses. Follow the path which arrives at the bridges at Les Gures (EDF dam and railway station), at the crossroads of the Route de Coupeau. You can return by the same route (2hrs) or catch the train or bus from Les Houches. |  |
WALK 2 : Promenade d’Arve – towards Argentiere
This route climbs gently along the banks of the river Arve on the south side of the valley.
Starting Point : Chamonix
Duration : 2hrs 40 (one way)
Near the Sports Centre, take the Promenade du Fiori past the tennis courts. Turn left, cross the two bridges and take the Promenade des Encontres which follows the left bank of the river Arve and brings you out at the bridge at Les Praz. Crossing the bridge, turn right and take the Promenade des Mouilles des Praz which will take you past the 18 hole golf course. Cross the Pont de la Flegere (bridge) and the cable car park and follow the main road (RN506) as far as the Route du Golf which crosses the Arve. Follow the Promenade du Paradis des Praz on the right bank of the river (old dairy, café, play area for children and pony rides) and on reaching Les Tines, ignore the Pont de la Corruaz and take the path on the right which passes under the railway line and climbs alongside the Eboulements tunnel. You will then pass the Moulins footbridge below the road junction to Le Lavancher, and eventually come to the bridge at la Joux. Continue along the right bank of the river, passing Les Iles and at the end of the Chemin des Caquerets you will arrive at the bridge at Les Chosalets. Cross the bridge and turning left, walk through the Grand Montets car park which will bring you out in Argentiere. Return by the same route (2 hrs 20) or by train or bus. |
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last updated 16-May-2008 |
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