Travel tips · Chamonix · France
Chamonix travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Ximonic , Simo Räsänen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Chamonix has been the capital of mountaineering since the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786, and the Compagnie des Guides, founded in 1821, is still at the heart of the town. The population is international, with climbers, skiers and seasonal workers from across Europe, and the mood is casual and outdoorsy rather than glamorous.
Key facts
- Language
- French
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink and very good; refill bottles from public fountains.
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number; mountain rescue is coordinated through it)
Things to know
- Greet with 'Bonjour' in shops, cafés and on mountain trails, where walkers usually say hello as they pass.
- On trails, walkers going uphill have priority; step aside for them on narrow sections.
- Respect the rules of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve: no dogs, no camping and no picking plants.
- Close gates and give cows and their guard dogs a wide berth in the summer pastures.
- Dress for function, not fashion; hiking or ski clothes are acceptable in most restaurants.
- Book Aiguille du Midi ahead: Book a timed slot online in July, August and on clear winter weekends, when queues at the base station can be long.
- Book Vallée Blanche descent ahead: Guided places fill in February and March; reserve a few days ahead and keep a weather back-up day.
- Stay in accommodation that issues the guest card for free buses and valley trains.
Tipping
Service is included in restaurant bills. Leaving a few euros for good service is common, and ski instructors and mountain guides appreciate a tip at the end of a successful day or course.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Bonjour | Hello / good day |
| Merci beaucoup | Thank you very much |
| Un forfait, s'il vous plaît | A lift pass, please |
| Une carafe d'eau | A jug of tap water |
| Où est le départ du sentier ? | Where does the trail start? |
What to wear
Bring layers in every season: temperatures at the Aiguille du Midi can be 20°C colder than in town. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a warm jacket are essential for any high-altitude trip.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink and very good; refill bottles from public fountains.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number; mountain rescue is coordinated through it)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good in the valley and at most lift stations but patchy on remote trails; EU roaming covers European SIMs, and eSIMs work well for other visitors.
- Time zone
- Europe/Paris
The main risks are mountain ones: rapid weather changes, altitude, cold at the high viewpoints and avalanche danger off-piste. Never go onto glaciers or off-piste without a qualified guide and proper equipment, and check weather and avalanche bulletins before setting out.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check France's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Chamonix?
Service is included in restaurant bills. Leaving a few euros for good service is common, and ski instructors and mountain guides appreciate a tip at the end of a successful day or course.
+Can you drink the tap water in Chamonix?
Tap water is safe to drink and very good; refill bottles from public fountains.
+What plugs are used in Chamonix?
Type C and E sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Chamonix?
French.