Chamonix isn’t just about skiing and snowboarding—there’s so much more to enjoy here. From cosy cafés and charming little villages to breathtaking mountain views, this Alpine town has a lot to offer. I came to Chamonix for snowboarding, but I ended up loving the sightseeing just as much.
Where to Eat in Chamonix
There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Chamonix—whether you’re after classic French cuisine, juicy burgers, or a relaxed café lunch. If you’re hoping to dine at a popular French restaurant, I highly recommend booking a table in advance.
I wanted to treat myself to some proper French food, so I made a reservation at Le Monchu before my trip. It was such a good decision! You can read more about my dining experience HERE.
A View You’ll Never Forget: Aiguille du Midi
On my last day, I visited Aiguille du Midi, one of the most famous viewing spots in Chamonix.
The Aiguille du Midi is a 3,842-metre-tall peak in the Mont Blanc massif, part of the French Alps. It’s the highest mountain I’ve ever been on! For context, I’ve climbed Japan’s tallest peak, Mt. Fuji (3,776 metres), so this was even higher than that.
Everyone I spoke to told me the same thing:
“It’s amazing—you have to go, even if you’re here just for the snowboarding.”
So I went for it.
Tip: Be sure to book your ticket and time slot in advance—it often gets fully booked, especially in peak season. You can buy tickets at the base station, but booking online beforehand is your best bet.
The morning I planned to go, the weather was cloudy, and I hesitated. Visibility tends to get worse the higher you go—but I decided to take the chance. And I’m so glad I did!
By the time I reached the top, the sky had cleared, and the views were breathtaking.
You take two cable cars to reach the summit. There’s a small viewing platform partway up, but the real magic happens at the top.
From up there, I could see a 360° panorama of snow-covered peaks. Even though I’d already seen amazing views while snowboarding, this was something else entirely. I couldn’t stop taking photos—it was that stunning.
There’s even a glass-floored viewpoint where you can step “into the void.” It’s a little scary, but totally worth it. I found myself wanting to stay longer, just to soak it all in.
There are several viewing decks, so you can enjoy the scenery from different angles.
And while I was up there, I even spotted some brave people hiking through the snowy mountains! I stayed right up until I had to head to the airport, taking in every last moment of the view. I had been considering spending my final day sightseeing in town or relaxing in a spa—but I’m so glad I chose to go up the mountain instead.
My whole trip to Chamonix was amazing. I definitely recommend visiting in winter—even if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding. Or maybe… give it a try!
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