Easy Walks for all the Family

Whilst not physically that demanding, these walks provide an excellent orientation of the Chamonix valley, some excellent scenery and will quite often venture close to a chalet or bar where lunch or a well earned beer can acquired.

A map and / or guidebook will prove invaluable if aiming to follow these routes (and these are available in the apartment for the use of our guests)

Argentiere to Le Planet

An excellent first foray from the apartment. From the apartment and head across to the opposite side of the valley by Les Chosalets. Find the Petit Balcon Nord and follow this popular path, mostly in the shade of the pine forest toward Le Planet. From Le Planet return through the heart of the old village of Argentiere.

Alternatively, follow the path all the way to Le Tour and catch the bus back. Or better still, catch the bus to Le Tour and walk downhill to Argentiere, finishing your walk with a visit to the Creamerie Du Glacier, in the woods behind the Grand Montets telepherique station.

Argentiere to Chamonix

From the apartment, head down the village road to the bridge over the river. Turn right and follow the riverside path down the valley. Its downhill all the way to Chamonix. Kids will love the play area at the Parc Le Paradis near the golf club. Catch the train or a bus back from Chamonix.

This is also a good mountain bike ride for children, though caution on the steeper section through the narrows maybe required. (Bikes are allowed on the train though the maximum number may be reached at peak times).

Also good for scooters!

Le Buet / Grotte a Farinet

Either catch the train to Le Buet or head over the Col du Montets, perhaps stopping at the Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve visitor centre on the col which is worth a visit.

From Le Buet station, follow the signposted path up to the cascade. Its not too far and the promise of ice cream will help keep little legs going.

You can return by the same route, but better to push on up the riverbank for a while longer. Cross the foot bridge and then head back to Le Buet via Sur la Rocher and le Couteray. Wild berries aplenty in the season!

Chalet Le Chapeau from Le Lavancher

An ideal alternative if you fancy a view of the Mer de Glace but can’t face the crowds at Montenvers. There is about an hour or so of uphill walking, but the views and the chalet make it well worth the effort!

Park in the attractive village of Le Lavancher, and head up through the forest. It’s a bit of a drag, but the view over the glacier at the top is well worth it. As is a very tasty and reasonably priced lunch at the Chalet Le Chapeau, with a fairly unique and stunning view over Chamonix in the valley below.

Flegere down via Chalet La Floria

The easier way to walk to a hillside chalet is to catch the telepherique up and walk down. It’s a fair hike down through the trees from La Flegere to get to the Chalet La Floria, but again, the views over the Chamonix valley and the Aiguilles opposite are stunning, as is the home made blueberry tart!