Free things to do · Chamonix · France
5 free things to do in Chamonix
Chamonix without the ticket prices: sights, walks and views that cost nothing.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Franck Langlois, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
You can fill at least 2 days in Chamonix without paying an entry fee: Place Balmat and the Saussure statue, Lac des Gaillands, Cascade du Dard and Glacier des Bossons and Église Saint-Michel are all free. Stay in accommodation that issues the guest card for free buses and valley trains.
Key facts
- Free sights in this guide
- 5
- Low-cost extras
- 0
- Cost level
- Expensive
- Lowest hotel prices
- May and November
Free sights and experiences
Landmark · Chamonix centre
1.Place Balmat and the Saussure statue
Follow the statue's pointing finger on a clear evening and you will see the summit of Mont Blanc lit pink at sunset.
- Time needed
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
Park · Chamonix Sud
2.Lac des Gaillands
Come at sunset and watch climbers on the crag while the peaks turn pink above the lake.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Views
Nature · Les Bossons
3.Cascade du Dard and Glacier des Bossons
The waterfall path is short and shaded, a good option for a hot afternoon with children.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
Religious site · Chamonix centre
4.Église Saint-Michel
Photograph the bell tower from the bridge over the Arve with the Aiguilles behind it.
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
- Rainy day
Nature · Argentière
5.Petit Balcon Sud trail
Walk the section from Argentière to Chamonix and return by train, a good option when the high lifts are closed by cloud.
- Time needed
- 2–4 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Kids
Free sights by area
| Area | Free sights | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Chamonix centre | Place Balmat and the Saussure statue and Église Saint-Michel | 15 minutes + 20 minutes |
| Chamonix Sud | Lac des Gaillands | 1–2 hours |
| Les Bossons | Cascade du Dard and Glacier des Bossons | 1–3 hours |
| Argentière | Petit Balcon Sud trail | 2–4 hours |
More ways to save
- Stay in accommodation that issues the guest card for free buses and valley trains.
- Buy a multi-day lift pass if you plan two or more lift days; single high-mountain tickets add up quickly.
- Self-catering apartments in Chamonix Sud, Argentière and Les Houches are much cheaper than central hotels.
- Avoid February school holidays and August for the highest prices; January and September are better value.
- Picnic on the trails with supplies from the supermarkets and bakeries in town instead of eating every meal on the mountain.
- Book Geneva shared transfers in advance, which costs less than a taxi or a car hire with winter equipment.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Chamonix expensive to visit?
Chamonix is expensive for most visitors, but 5 of its best-known sights are free, which makes a tight budget workable.
+What is the best free thing to do in Chamonix?
Place Balmat and the Saussure statue: Follow the statue's pointing finger on a clear evening and you will see the summit of Mont Blanc lit pink at sunset.