Chamonix at a glance
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc lies at the foot of the highest mountain in Western Europe, in a narrow valley lined with glaciers and granite needles. It is one of the oldest mountain resorts in the world and remains a place of pilgrimage for climbers, skiers, hikers and trail runners. The town has kept a lively centre with old hotels, shops, restaurants and bars, and in every direction the view rises to the summits.
For Geneva Transfer Booking, Chamonix is one of the most frequent destinations from Geneva Airport, in winter for skiing and in summer for the mountains.
A short history
Chamonix was a remote farming valley until the 18th century, when travellers came to see its glaciers. In 1786, Jacques Balmat and Michel-Gabriel Paccard reached the summit of Mont Blanc for the first time, an event often seen as the birth of mountaineering. The valley soon welcomed visitors from all over Europe, and in 1924 Chamonix hosted the first Winter Olympic Games. Since then, its name has been linked to the great adventures of the Alps.
When to come
Winter, from December to April, is the ski season, with a busy period during the Christmas and February holidays. Spring is the season of ski touring and of the famous Vallée Blanche. Summer, from June to September, brings hikers, climbers and the great trail races, including the UTMB at the end of August, when the valley is full. Autumn is quieter and often sunny.
From Geneva Airport to Chamonix: the route
The trip covers about 100 kilometres. Google calculates about an hour and a quarter without traffic. The route crosses into France at the edge of Geneva and follows the Autoroute Blanche past Cluses and Sallanches, then climbs into the valley with a first view of Mont Blanc. On winter Saturdays, the motorway and the valley road can be very busy; we plan the departure accordingly.
Our vehicles run on winter tyres and carry chains, and our chauffeurs check the road reports before leaving.
The border and formalities
Chamonix is in France. The car crosses the border between Switzerland and France on the way. Both countries are in the Schengen area: there is usually no passport check, but customs controls are possible. Each passenger must carry a valid passport or identity card.
The ski areas
Chamonix does not have one ski area but several, spread along the valley: Les Grands Montets, known for steep slopes and off-piste, Brévent and Flégère, facing Mont Blanc, Les Houches, more family-friendly, and Balme at the top of the valley. The Vallée Blanche, a long off-piste descent from the Aiguille du Midi over the glaciers, must be done with a mountain guide.
What to see in Chamonix
- The Aiguille du Midi cable car, which climbs to about 3,800 metres, with a spectacular view of Mont Blanc, depending on the weather.
- The Montenvers train towards the Mer de Glace glacier, depending on opening.
- The town centre, its church, its pedestrian streets and the statue of Balmat and Saussure.
- The Lac Blanc and the Balcon Sud trails in summer.
- Courmayeur, in Italy, on the other side of the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
At the table
Savoyard specialities are everywhere: fondue, raclette, tartiflette with Reblochon cheese, and croûte au fromage. Mountain restaurants on the slopes serve hearty dishes with a view, and the town has bistros and a few renowned tables. Savoie white wines accompany cheese dishes.
Advice by type of traveller
Skiers. Tell us the number of ski bags; a V-Class takes six or seven passengers with equipment.
Climbers and trail runners. Bulky gear is no problem; tell us the volume when booking.
Families. Ask for child seats with the children's ages.
Day visitors. An hourly booking lets you go up the Aiguille du Midi and return to Geneva the same day.
Vehicles
A Mercedes E-Class suits one to three passengers with ski bags; the S-Class offers the most comfort; the V-Class takes up to six or seven passengers with equipment; the Sprinter is available on request for groups.
Booking
The prices on this page are calculated by our booking engine for a one-way trip from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. Book online to see the exact price for your chalet or hotel. Book the return at the same time and the booking engine applies a 10% reduction to the round trip.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix?
About an hour and a quarter for about 100 kilometres without traffic. Allow more on winter Saturdays.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, carry a passport or identity card: Chamonix is in France.
Are your vehicles equipped for snow?
Yes, with winter tyres and chains on board.
Can we go to Courmayeur in Italy?
Yes, through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, about twenty minutes beyond Chamonix.
Can we visit Chamonix in a day from Geneva?
Yes. An hourly booking keeps the car and chauffeur available for the day.
