top of page
WANDERING CHAMONIX, FRANCE | UTMB WEEK
Chamonix, France. Every summer this little mountain town in the heart of the French Alps, transforms overnight to become the center of the global ultrarunning community. For a week, the town hosts the Ultra-Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB) Final which attracts thousands of runners from around the world. There are several different races during the week, ranging from 15km YCC to the grand finale, the UTMB, an epic 100 mile journey around Mont Blanc that takes your across 3 different countries: France, Italy and Switzerland.
Yet, the town of Chamonix is more than a backdrop for this incredible event; it’s a gateway to a world of natural wonders and outdoor adventures, offering a perfect blend of endurance challenge, global cultural event and natural beauty that few places can match.
Chamonix offers a plethora of activities to suit every traveler's preferences and the following are some of must-do's if you find yourself away from all the running. But, before that, my #1 recommendation is to get the Mont Blanc Multipass if you are planning to explore the stunning Chamonix Valley and experience the best it has to offer. The pass gives you access to most of the area to discover the sites and areas, and over several days if necessary.
After grabbing your Multipass, be sure to check out at least these three sites:
Aiguille du Midi
Aiguille du Midi stands as the crown jewel of Chamonix Valley, offering visitors an opportunity to touch the sky and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Mont Blanc Massif. The adventure begins at the Chamonix cable car station, where you'll board the Aiguille du Midi cable car. As you ascend, the dramatic change in scenery is nothing short of magical. Gaze out of the windows as the lush valley transforms into a landscape of jagged peaks and icy wilderness.
The Aiguille du Midi adventure begins at the bustling Chamonix cable car station. Step into the cable car and brace yourself for a ride like no other. As you ascend, the world transforms before your eyes, evolving from the picturesque valley to a dramatic, otherworldly landscape of towering peaks and boundless wilderness.
Upon reaching the summit of Aiguille du Midi, you'll step onto a breathtaking panorama that will leave you speechless. At an elevation of 3,842 meters (12,605 feet), you are truly among the giants of the Alps. The sensation of standing on a narrow ridge, with the sheer drop of the Mont Blanc Massif on one side and the vastness of the Chamonix Valley on the other, is both exhilarating and humbling.
One of the most iconic attractions at Aiguille du Midi is the "Step into the Void." This glass box protrudes out from the mountain, allowing you to feel as though you're floating over a precipice with a sheer drop of over 1,000 meters below. It's a thrilling experience that will get your adrenaline pumping, and the views of the valley floor are absolutely spectacular.
Le Brevent
Le Brevent - a swift cable car ride from the charming town center transports you to this alpine paradise. At its 2,525-meter summit, the Mont Blanc Massif unfolds in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, with the iconic Mont Blanc itself stealing the show.
While you get a much closer-up view of the Mont Blanc by taking Aiguille du Midi, Brevent offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Mont Blanc massif! Though this ride might be less famous than Midi, it's defintely worth it so don't miss it thinking that it's just another cable car ride!
Brevent is located on the opposite side of Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix valley - start walking toward the other mountain from Aiguille du Midi station, strolling though a charming alpine village with street lined with shops and cafes. The walk should take only about 10-15 minutes.
Mer de Glace
Lastly, nestled in the picturesque French Alps, the Mer de Glace is a breathtaking spectacle of nature's grandeur. Accessed via the Montenvers Railway, located right behind the main Chamonix-Mont-Blanc rail station, the experience begins with a scenic ride through lush forests and jagged peaks, offering glimpses of the majestic Mont Blanc massif along the way.
Arriving at the glacier's edge, the sight is nothing short of spectacular: a vast expanse of ancient ice sprawling out below, flanked by towering granite peaks. The journey down to the glacier itself involves a steep descent via a series of steps and tunnels carved into the rock, adding an element of adventure to the excursion.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Mer de Glace holds historical significance as well. The Glaciorium museum near the railway station showcases exhibits on the history of mountaineering in the region and the impact of glaciers on Chamonix's development. For adventurers, activities such as ice climbing and glacier trekking are available, providing a way to experience the glacier up close. Whether you're drawn by the allure of natural wonders, the thrill of exploration, or the desire to understand climate change's impact firsthand, a visit to the Mer de Glace promises an enriching and unforgettable experience in the heart of the French Alps.
Comments
Partagez vos idéesSoyez le premier à rédiger un commentaire.
Stay in Contact
Never Miss a New Post!
bottom of page