Autumn, the season of contrasts

With the arrival of the first fresh air, the whole valley is transformed into a showcase of color and calm. The mountains take on the warm hues of larch and beech, while the peaks begin to powder with snow, much to the delight of hikers and photographers both amateur and experienced.

The weather is often ideal for strolling along the paths and through the villages of the valley. The pure, fresh autumn air, combined with these moments of well-being, allow you to regain real energy, far from the stresses of everyday life.

Autumn is the ideal time to take care of yourself and slow down. Giving yourself a break is essential for recharging your batteries before winter, and offering yourself a breath of fresh air to awaken body and mind. Take the time for a cup of coffee on a terrace, stroll the streets and let yourself be distracted by our various activities. So many excuses to make the most of your stay.

A flamboyant backdrop for photo enthusiasts

It's the ideal season for nature lovers, but it's also for anyone who feels the need to get away from it all: pure air and grandiose landscapes make it easy to reconnect with what's essential, and there's no better way to recharge your batteries. Forests of larch, beech and birch are tinged with shades of golden yellow, orange and red. All the peaks of the Mont-Blanc massif are already naturally snow-covered, offering a striking contrast between the warm autumn colors of the forests and the coldest icy peaks. A unique panorama, like nowhere else!

You can run, roll or walk at your own pace, as the various trails evolve peacefully. In the forest, the atmosphere is pleasant, and the light streaming through the branches invites us to stop and enjoy a moment of reconnection with nature. It's the perfect time of year for photography!

Head for the Grand Balcon Sud (between La Flégère and Planpraz), and imagine capturing Mont-Blanc standing out above the multicolored forests, or the morning mist clinging to the Aiguilles de Chamonix. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply equipped with your smartphone, you'll achieve captivating results. Temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities.

Whether you're looking for a hike or just a walk in nature, autumn is the perfect time to rediscover Chamonix and its valley in a whole new light.

Awakening the senses: observing, listening to and understanding wildlife

At this time of year, the valley becomes the scene of a unique spectacle, as wildlife reclaims its rights before the onset of winter. Animals prepare for a colder climate and are more visible, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

In fact, over 90% of the Chamonix Valley is protected, and there are no fewer than 3 nature reserves: Aiguilles Rouges, Vallon de Bérard and Carlaveyron, which together cover almost 4,400 hectares.

we're not alone!

Chamois and ibex still roam the lower areas before reaching the snow-covered heights. At the bend in the path, you may catch a glimpse of them, grazing peacefully or moving nimbly along the rocky slopes. On the verge of hibernation, marmots are still active, in search of food for the coming months. Autumn also marks the season of the stag's bellow, a spectacular moment when the males, in search of mates, make their powerful calls resound through the forests. Witnessing this ritual in the valley is an unforgettable experience that plunges you into the heart of the mountain's natural cycles.