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Holidays in Chamonix

Skiing under Mont Blanc in winter, cable cars and glaciers in summer. Here's what Chamonix is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR⛷️ Skiing, 🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure
NIGHTS AWAY7
BUDGET£££
BEST MONTHSJan–Mar, Jul–Aug
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Chamonix at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 2 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
1 HR AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / E · 230V

Fly to Geneva, about an hour away by road. The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANSkiing, best time to go
  2. FEBSkiing, half term, best time to go
  3. MARSkiing, best time to go
  4. APRSpring skiing, a good time to go
  5. MAYBetween seasons, quieter
  6. JUNEarly summer, a good time to go
  7. JULSummer, best time to go
  8. AUGSummer, best time to go
  9. SEPQuieter, a good time to go
  10. OCTBetween seasons, quieter
  11. NOVBefore the snow, quieter
  12. DECSkiing, festive, a good time to go

January to March is ski season, with February half term the busiest. July and August are great for walking, cable cars and glacier views. May, October and November are quiet, with many lifts closed.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Aiguille du Midi

A cable car to 3,842 metres and a glass box over the drop. Not for under-3s because of the altitude.

TICKETED

Montenvers and Mer de Glace

A rack railway to France's biggest glacier, with an ice cave to walk into.

TICKETED

Les Houches

Gentle slopes and good ski schools that suit beginners and children.

FREE

Lac Blanc

A classic summer hike to a lake reflecting Mont Blanc. Best for older children.

TICKETED

Planards summer luge

A fast toboggan run, plus a fun park at the edge of town.

TICKETED

Merlet animal park

Marmots, ibex and chamois with mountain views.

Chamonix: common questions

Is Chamonix good for a family holiday?

Yes, in winter or summer. It's a real town as well as a resort, with lots to do off the slopes. Some of the skiing is steep, so beginners usually use Les Houches or Le Tour.

How many nights do you need?

A week for a ski holiday, or four to seven nights in summer.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New EU entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Can you get there by train?

Yes, via Paris on the Eurostar and TGV, then a local train up the valley, in around nine to ten hours.

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