Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Things to Do Tips by iNorv9

L'Aiguille du Midi - Best View of Mont Blanc Aiguille Du Midi Review

L'Aiguille du Midi, known as "The Needle of the South" in English, provides an excellent location for viewing Mont Blanc (15,780 ft/4 810 m) ,and the French Alps. The famous Telepherique (Gondola) de l'Aiguille du Midi transports you along an impressive ascent of over 2 800m in about 20 minutes. Once at the top (12,604 ft/3 842m) there are several panoramic viewing platforms where you'll be able to take in the tremendous raw beauty of the Alps.... The landscapes are truly amazing; Mont Blanc appears to be so close that you could just reach out and touch it.

Cost: A round trip ticket is about 35 euros.... not cheap, but very worth it. The gondola is open from May to September, except in cases of bad weather.

Duration of Visit : Allow for 2-4 hours depending on crowds.

Quick Tip: The best time to visit is between 7-8am, when the lighting is ideal and the crowds are small.

Bottom-line: This is a easily a MUST SEE for anyone traveling to Chamonix.

Address: 100, place de l'Aiguille du Midi

Directions: At the base of the mountains, just east of Chamonix.

Phone: 00 33 (0)4 50 53 00 24

Take an old time train for some ice spelunking Mer de Glace & Montenvers Review

The Montenvers Railway, first completed in 1909, takes you from Chamonix along a windy, tree lined and sometimes steep 5.1 km (20 minute) route to the Hotel de Montenvers station (6,276 ft/1 913m). From here you can take a gondola (or take the path during the summer) down to the Mer de Glace, the second largest glacier in the Alps. My favorite part of Montenvers was La Grotte de Glace, or Ice Grotto, essentially an ice cave which has been freshly carved out each year for the past 50 years. The deep blue glow of the glacial walls is remarkable, and after all, where else will you be able to step foot INSIDE of a glacier? Also, near the station there a free Alpine Museum with plenty of, well, stuffed wildlife.

Cost: about 20 euro for round trip train ticket + Grotte de Glace gondola

Time: at least 2 hours, more if you choose to hike back

Bottomline: Nice landscapes, unique experience, worthwhile if your budget allows

Address: Station is to the south of Chamonix

Website: http://www.chamonix.net/english/sightseeing/mer_de_glace.htm

Take a stroll through the old town of Chamonix

The town of Chamonix has a nice feel to it: nestled in a valley between two formidable mountain ranges, there are plenty of interesting buildings and shops, not to mention a small but nevertheless roaring river full running right through the center of town. Although most of the shops are real expensive, Chamonix makes a nice spot to relax, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.