Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve

The Aiguilles Rouges is a large nature reserve full of lakes, strange rock formations, cliffs, remnants of glaciers and lots of flora and fauna.

The entrance to the reserve is on the Col des Montets between Argentière and Le Buet, and from here you can also enter the Aiguilles rouges chalet laboratory. This information center has a permanent exhibition and an interactive laboratory. There is a botanical path that runs through the reserve, which can be guided by science students.

Gorges de la Diosaz

For an easy walk with stunning views, the Gorges de la Diosaz are a good option. The route takes you along the gorge past waterfalls, cliffs and carved rock, over bridges and pools.

The walk takes about 1.5 hours and is doable for almost everyone. There is a souvenir shop and a snack bar for some refreshments.

Opening hours: July and August every day from 9am to 6pm (last entry). June and September every day from 9.30am to 5pm (last entry).

Aiguille du Midi

One of the highest cable cars in the world, the Aiguille du Midi takes you in two stages from the centre of Chamonix to an altitude of 3800m. This is the start of the world famous "Vallée Blanche" – 24km of off-piste skiing through spectacular scenery.

There are a number of different routes to ski down from the Aiguille du Midi, depending on your skill level. The classic route is not technically very steep or difficult, and would generally suit a confident intermediate – good control is important. All the ski schools and guides do trips up here, and you should be able to join a guided group of similar ability to make the most of this unforgettable run.

Skiing up here is unmarked, unpatrolled, off-piste and all on a huge glacier, with attendant risks of crevasses, falling seracs and avalanches. So take a guide! Your essential safety equipment (harness, transceiver, etc) can all be hired in town, and if you join a guided group the guides can often provide some or all of this for you.

To get to the top of the run from the cable car station, you have to walk down the 'arête' – a fairly narrow, snow-covered path that is very exposed on either side. This is a real challenge for the vertiginous, and you might like to take crampons (these can be hired from the sports shops in town), to give you more security on this walk. Guides usually rope themselves to their clients for added security.

Tourist train

Discover Chamonix on a miniature tourist train, the easiest way to see all the Chamonix hot spots with comments in French, English, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Italian.

The train leaves every half hour from the post office, L'aiguille du midi car park and the main train station between 10am and 7pm. It runs from the 1st of May 2008 till October 12, 2008.

Emmosson Dam

Just over the boarder in Switzerland is the Emmosson dam. This dam stops water from flowing in the valley, creating a stunning lake. There are magnificent views from here and excellent hiking trails, for example to dinosaur footprints.

Ride the charming train towards Martigny and take the gondola up to the dam. Or you can drive into Switzerland and follow the signs after the border: a very pleasant and picturesque route.

Tramway du Mont Blanc

The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs from Le Fayet or St. Gervais station to the Nid d'Aigle station (2372 m), which overlooks the gorgeous Bionassay glacier. In the winter months, the train stops at Bellevue (1794 m). This 18 km route follows the south side of the Mont Blanc, and was build almost a century ago.

In the winter, when the Tramway stops at Bellevue, you can ski down to Les Houches. This ski area is especially suitable for families because of its easy slopes. Another option is cross-country skiing with blue and red loops for example to Lac Bleu. Snowshoeing is an easy and original way to discover the mountains, and the Bellevue area is perfectly suitable for it.

In the summer, the Tramway gives access to numerous hikes from the Col de Voza, Bellevue and Nid d'Aigle. Or use the train to take mountain bikes up and ride down towards Les Houches or St. Gervais. The Tramway is also used as a starting point to ascent the Mont Blanc and other mountaineering routes. And you can also access plenty of great climbing areas from here.

Les Bossons Glacier

Le Glacier des Bossons is one of the largest glaciers in Europe, and the one you can't miss where ever you are on the valley floor. It's well worth hiking up to the glacier, giving you astonishing views and the change to touch and hear the glacier.

The Chalet du Glacier des Bossons gives information about glaciers, has information about walking routes and has a viewpoint which overlooks the glacier.

Montenvers - Mer de Glace

The 'sea of ice' was discovered in 1741, and has been one of the main attractions in Chamonix ever since. The Mer de Glace is France's biggest glacier; it's 7 km long and has a surface area of more than 40 km2. From 1908 the Montenvers Train made the site easily accessible and even more popular. More than 1 million people visit the glacier every year, enjoying the magnificent views over the sea of ice and the neighbouring peaks. Other than the amazing surroundings, you can take the gondola down (or walk down) to the ice caves, taking you straight into the heart of the glacier. Or visit the Montenvers museum and find out everything about the construction of the train and be blown away by their crystal collection. There is also an Museum of Alpine Fauna, where you can see chamois, marmottes etc. And there are plenty of walking routes that start or end at the Mer de Glace. There is also a café and a souvenir shop on site.

Opening hours: Every day, all year round. First departure 8.30am, last departure back to Chamonix 5.30pm.

CMBH - Chamonix Mont-Blanc Hélico,

What better way to discover the magic of the Mont Blanc range in all its glacial beauty than by helicopter! Chamonix Mont Blanc Hélico offers panoramic flights, and can even suggest itineraries that include a gastronomic stop-over to really complete the experience.