Spending time in nature has so many benefits such as improving mental health by reducing stress, boosting mood, and creating a feeling of peace. This summer, my plan was to explore the alps, specifically Mont Blanc in France. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and lies on the border between France and Italy.
The alps are beautiful in all seasons, whether you want to enjoy the snow or sunshine. Winter can be magical in the alps, especially when everything is covered in snow. You can also do winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and skating. Since I don’t like spending too much time outside in the cold and snow, I would rather go in the summer so I don’t need to wear special winter clothes.
How do I get to chamonix from the UK?
Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the UK to Chamonix. The nearest major airport is in Geneva, the most convenient way to reach Chamonix is to fly from the UK (Manchester, London, Birmingham, and Edinburgh) to Geneva and then take a bus to Chamonix. I stayed for one night in Geneva before continuing my journey to Chamonix the following day. Geneva is not a massive city like Paris or London where you might need several days to explore all the main attractions.
Before going to the Geneva bus station, I recommend booking a Swiss tour bus ticket in advance online through Omio. Tickets are often cheaper when you purchase ahead than on the day of travel. Booking in advance also helps you avoid disappointment, as tickets can be sold out during summer holiday and winter because Chamonix is a popular destination. The journey from Geneva to Chamonix takes about one hour, making it possible to day trip from Geneva.
Day one – Traditional Chalet
I was amazed by the breathtaking scenery along the journey, including forests, mountains, snow capped peaks, and traditional chalets. I chose to stay in a traditional wooden chalet in Chamonix for 4 days.
As soon as I arrived in Chamonix, I went straight to the chalet to drop off my luggage. After the journey, I took a short break on the balcony to relax and recharge while enjoying the mountain views. On my first day, I enjoyed walking around the town, exploring the local shops, and having a meal at a French restaurant.
Where to Stay : Staying in a Hotel with a Chalet -style design gives you the feeling of experiencing traditional Alpine accommodation. Heliopic Hotel is a great place to stay, as it is conveniently located between the town centre and the mountain cable car station. https://www.heliopic.com
Day Two – Gare Du Montenvers – Mer De Glace
On the second day, the weather was sunny with a refreshing mountain breeze. I visited the mer de glace Glacier, which required taking the train from Gare du Montenvers mer de glace. It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, as they can be purchased on the day from either the ticket machine or the ticket counter.
Day Three – Les Gaillands
I was unlucky and disappointed on the third day because I was unable to get a cable car ticket to Mont Blanc. The tickets had already sold out by the time I arrived at the counter, and they were not available for online booking. The only way to purchase a ticket was to book it in person early in the morning. Therefore, I would recommend arriving before 9 am to join the queue.
Since my original plan did not work out, I decided to move on to my backup plan, hiking in Les Bossons and walking around the lake at Les Gaillands. Both locations were close to my hotel, making them easily accessible on foot.
However, my hotel provided a complimentary train pass, and I wanted to try travelling by train for the experience. The train departed from Aiguille du Midi Station, allowing me to enjoy another scenic journey through the valley.
Day Four – Checking out of the Chalet
On my final day in Chamonix, before travelling back to Geneva around midday, I went for a short walk around the town. Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to enjoy more outdoor activities before leaving.
Conclusion
Chamonix is a wonderful destination in the French alps, offering a wide range of outdoor adventures surrounded by spectacular natural scenery. Whether you enjoy winter sports or hiking during the summer, it’s a fantastic place to visit.
I would definitely like to return to Chamonix in the future, especially to experience Mont Blanc by cable car. Missing out on that experience gives me the perfect reason to come back and explore even more of this beautiful mountain region.