Nature and mountains

The best nature activities for every season

The Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley is a unique natural setting, surrounded by mythical peaks and breathtaking scenery. In summer and winter alike, nature offers an exceptional adventure playground, ideal for both relaxation and personal challenge. From the larch forests of Servoz to the glaciers ofArgentière, from the mountain pastures of Les Houches to the wild streams of Vallorcine, each season reveals its own beauty and activities.

In spring, the melting snow brings torrents and flowering meadows back to life: the ideal time for family outings and panoramic hikes. In summer, the mountains are transformed into a life-size playground: rock climbing, MOUNTAIN BIKING, paragliding, canyoningbivouacs and overnight refuge stays. Autumn is calmer, inviting contemplation, photographic walks and the discovery of wildlife. Finally, in winter, Chamonix is covered in white, revealing a magical world where snowshoeingsnow-shoeing, ski touring, ice climbing and dog-sledding.

Outdoor activities for sports enthusiasts

Chamonix is the place to be for mountain and nature enthusiasts. With its legendary peaks, high-altitude forests and tumultuous rivers, the valley attracts sports enthusiasts from all over the world. But beyond mountaineering and skiing, a multitude of activities allow you to escape into unspoilt landscapes while pushing back your limits.

Walks and hikes in Chamonix

Visit hiking is the number-one activity in Chamonix. Family-friendly itineraries rub shoulders with high-mountain trails reserved for seasoned hikers. Lac Blanc, Balcon Sud and Tour du Mont-Blanc are among the most emblematic. Les Houches offers gentle strolls around Lac des Chavants, whileArgentière seduces with its impressive glacier and high-altitude refuges. In Vallorcine, trails wind between rivers and forests, perfect for observing local wildlife, and Servoz beckons with the Diosaz gorges, a spectacular route above roaring waterfalls.

Hikers can also try Nordic walking, or set off with a guide to discover the alpine flora, animal tracks and secret panoramas of the Mont-Blanc massif.

Rafting and canyoning on the Arve

TheArve river flows through the Chamonix valley, offering an exceptional setting for white-water sports. Rafting and canyoning are must-do experiences for those who love adventure and thrills. Supervised by professionals, these activities take you down the river through rapids, bends and refreshing jumps. Perfect in summer, they are equally suited to families and experienced sportsmen and women.

The most popular runs are between Les Houches and Servoz, where the current offers the perfect balance of adrenalin and fun. For the adventurous, the canyons of Vallorcine and Trient (on the Swiss border) offer waterfalls, natural slides and vertiginous abseils in a wild and grandiose setting. These activities allow you to discover the valley in a different way, combining sport, nature and discovery.

Climbing and visiting adventure parks

Chamonix is the world cradle ofclimbing and mountaineering. The cliffs of the Lac des Gaillands, accessible to all, are a mythical place to start out in complete safety, while the more challenging walls of the Aiguilles Rouges are ideal for experienced climbers. From mountain guides offer courses for all levels, from discovery to performance.

For families and children, there are several adventure parks and accrobranches throughout the valley. Les Houches offers forest courses with zip lines and suspension bridges. In Vallorcine, the "Les Aventuriers du Mont-Blanc" park combines climbing, nets and nature activities for young and old. These areas offer the chance to enjoy the mountains in complete safety, in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Extreme sports in Chamonix

The world capital of mountain sports, Chamonix attracts thrill-seekers every year. Between dizzying peaks, deep valleys and rugged terrain, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Sports enthusiasts in search of adrenalin will find here an incomparable field of expression.

Cycling and mountain biking

The Chamonix valley is home to numerous mountain bike and mountain biking itineraries. Family trails run along the river between Chamonix and Les Houches, while fans of technical descents head for the Tour-Balme area or the steep trails ofArgentière. Ski lifts transport bikes for spectacular descents facing Mont-Blanc.

Vallorcine's forest trails are ideal for electric mountain biking and leisurely strolls. Servoz is wilder, with winding trails and views over gorges and mountain pastures. Specialized schools and rental companies accompany visitors on supervised outings, suitable for all levels.

Paragliding in the Chamonix valley

Flying over Mont Blanc is an unforgettable experience. Paragliding in Chamonix allows you to admire glaciers, forests and villages from the sky. The most popular take-off points are at Planpraz, Plan de l'Aiguille and Les Houches. In tandem, with a qualified instructor, flying is accessible to all, from 5 years upwards. More experienced pilots can take part in introductory or advanced courses to learn to fly independently.

In Vallorcine and Servoz, more confidential sites offer peaceful flights at sunrise or sunset, in a magical atmosphere. It's a poetic way to discover the valley and feel the full power of the mountains.

Family activities

Chamonix's natural environment is a playground for children. Families will find an infinite number of activities to suit them: walks, nature workshops, visits to mountain pastures or animal watching. In Les Houches, the Parc animalier de Merlet offers the chance to meet chamois, marmots and ibex in a grandiose setting. In Servoz, the educational trails around the Maison du Lieutenant tell the story of pastoral life and Alpine traditions.

The villages ofArgentière and Vallorcine also offer gentle activities: forest trails, riverside walks, picnics and treasure hunts. In summer, the refuges welcome families for convivial evenings by the fireside, with mountain stories and stargazing. These simple, authentic experiences reconnect young and old to the essentials.

Animal encounters for the little ones

The valley's educational farms open their doors to introduce children to life in the mountains. Milking cows, making cheese, caring for animals: all fun and educational activities. Les Houches is home to several family farms where visitors can take part in the daily life of mountain farmers. In Vallorcine, the youngest visitors can meet sheep and goats, while in Servoz, ponies await apprentice riders for a country ride.

Guided mountain tours

To better understand the valley's natural wealth, guided mountain tours are offered throughout the year. Accompanied by enthusiastic guides, visitors discover the secrets of alpine fauna, glaciers and flora. Themed outings such as "Medicinal plants of the Alps" or "In the footsteps of the ibex" offer a different way of observing nature.

Guides in Chamonix and Les Houches also organize guided hikes to refuges and lookouts. In Servoz, cultural walks combine nature and heritage, while in Vallorcine, guides offer cross-border outings between France and Switzerland. These supervised experiences are perfect for immersing yourself in the mountains, learning to respect them and appreciate their full splendour.

Between adventure, wonder and serenity, the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley offers an infinite range of nature and mountain activities. Whether you're a sportsman, a contemplative or a family, every moment spent here becomes an encounter with the raw beauty of the Alps and the authentic spirit of the high mountains.