If for you, the end of the summer means a return to cold and grey weather, back to work and the end of summer fun, you’ve never spent autumn in the mountains! By the time you’ve read this article, you’ll know that autumn in Chamonix has many surprises waiting for you – it’s possibly the best season to enjoy the mountains…
Here are four good reasons for spending autumn in Chamonix ...
Enjoy the autumn colours in Chamonix
Autumn is one of the most beautiful times to visit the mountains – the leaves on the trees are turning red and the first snow begins to settle on the highest peaks.
What better way to enjoy these colourful landscapes than to embrace the great outdoors? And when you visit Chamonix, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy in the fresh air.
Walking
Autumn is the best time to discover tourist sights and routes. As there are still very few holidaymakers at that time of year, you will have this wonderful scenery almost to yourself! Here are some of our favourite hikes in Chamonix in the autumn…
The Aiguille du Midi
If you only do one thing in Chamonix, make sure you take the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi in the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif. The panoramic view from the summit, at 3.842m is breathtaking.
The Mer de Glace
There are several ways to discover this unique place – the largest glacier in France.
For a great family day out, get on board the Montenvers train, which will take you all the way there. The more energetic might prefer to walk there. Just take the Plan de l’Aiguille cable car and then walk to the Mer du Glace – it will take you about 2hrs 30.
You’ll need some time to appreciate this impressive scenery, but then you can walk back down, or take the Montenvers train back to Chamonix.
Fer à Cheval
Just a few kilometres from Chamonix is another natural wonder that you just shouldn’t miss – the Fer à Cheval natural circus.
This wonderful natural amphitheatre, with walls reaching 500-700m high, is the largest in the Alps. It’s a magical sight whatever the season, so imagine how impressive it is in autumn, with the trees changing to red and gold and few visitors there to admire it
NB: if you are travelling in late autumn, please check that the roads are open.
Mountain-biking in Chamonix in autumn
Autumn is the perfect time for a late mountain biking holiday, before snow covers the peaks and it’s time to put your bike away.
The tourist office’s guide to mountain biking in the Chamonix area will help you plan your route and prepare for your excursion – there is something for every taste and ability: steep paths, wooded descents or trails along the water’s edge.
And if you haven’t brought your own equipment, you can still give it a try. Rental shops are open all year round and will have everything you need.
Other autumn activities in Chamonix
If you are looking for some more unusual ways to spend your time, here are some of the things you can do in Chamonix:
- Pamper yourself in the spa at QC Terme;
- Put your team spirit to the next in an outdoor Escape Game;
- Discover the valley from the air with Absolute;
- In September, meet the mountain animals at Merlet Animal Park;
- Enjoy a helicopter flight over the mountains with Chamonix Mont-Blanc Helicopters.
Discover Chamonix’s sporting, cultural and gastronomic heritage
Even in autumn, there are plenty of local events and demonstrations in Chamonix.
The more athletic might like to run the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges, which takes place every September.
Families might prefer the Petits Asticots theatre festival in October, or follow the “Au Fil du Rail” nature trail by train.
Food lovers will appreciate Le Casse Croûte festival at the end of October, which combines culture, gastronomy and ecology.
Finally, at the beginning of December, you can herald the arrival of winter and witness the preparations for the end of the year. The first Christmas markets are set up and the holiday fun begins to take hold. There’s a magical atmosphere in the mountains, with something for everyone!
Take advantage of lower accommodation prices
As well as all the activities you can enjoy outside the busy holiday times, there’s another advantage to travelling in the low season: the cost of accommodation.
Rental prices drop considerably in the autumn, so it’s the perfect time to save money!
The majority of OVO Network’s partner chalets are designed to accommodate guests in all seasons. Spas, saunas, fireplaces and cinema rooms – you’ll have all the facilities you need for a cosy day in the mountains.
Here is a quick look at the properties you could rent in Chamonix in autumn.
If you’ve always dreamed of staying in a luxury chalet, this beautiful 5-bedroom chalet, just a short walk from the centre of Chamonix, has everything you need for an unforgettable holiday: Nordic hot tub; sauna; steam room; cinema room, raclette and fondue machines and a beautiful open-plan kitchen.
This welcoming and spacious 6-bedroom chalet is the place to be if you are looking forward to an autumn holiday with friends. With plenty of room for 11 guests, the chalet has a hot tub, a sauna, a gym and a games room. The bedrooms have double beds that can be converted to twin beds if you prefer, to accommodate both couples or singles.
Or how about this beautiful chalet for 13 with a sauna, hot tub and cinema room? It’s just a few minutes’ walk from all the village shops, bars and restaurants – although you may not need to leave the comfort of your accommodation with all these great facilities!
Those seeking a luxury wellness experience in Autumn will love this stylish chalet for 12 with a spa, gym, pool and treatment room. And if you still want more, there’s even a home cinema and wine cellar!
Browse more chalets in Chamonix
Enjoy a gourmet autumn break in Chamonix
Who says you have to wait for winter to enjoy raclettes, fondues and other wonderful Savoyard dishes?
Many of Chamonix’s shops and restaurants stay open all year round so that you can try the region’s wonderful food. Here are some wonderful places for you to try:
- For the best raclette in Chamonix, get yourself to La Calèche;
- For a warm and cosy atmosphere, and fondues the likes of which you won’t get anywhere else, head for the Fer à Cheval;
- For a fun night out with good craft beer and some excellent burgers, you’ll need to go to Micro-brasserie de Chamonix.
And when it’s time to go home, it would be a shame to leave without stocking up on all the Savoyard products you’ve been enjoying during your holiday, wouldn’t it?
Luckily, some of the best grocery shops stay open in the autumn – Le Refuge Payot for example. There’s also a great market from 7 am to 1 pm on Saturdays, where you will find plenty of local products.
Are you planning to spend your next autumn holiday in Chamonix? Share your best pictures of this wonderful scenery on our social networks!
Here are some other articles that might interest you:
- Autumn in Morzine
- The top autumn activities in the Alps
- 8 great walks in Chamonix for all abilities (remember to check that these routes are accessible in autumn)
