In June 2023, we travelled to Chamonix in the French Alps. I’d been there twice before with my parents when I was younger, and I always knew this was a place I’d want to return to regularly.
We went camping with our Fiat 500, packed to the ceiling, and brought our large tent. We chose Camping Les Marmottes in the village of Les Bossons. The view of the Bossons glacier was breathtaking, and it was only a 20-minute drive to downtown Chamonix.
One of the things we love about the area is that tourists receive a free train pass for the entire valley during their stay. It allows you to travel by train all the way up to the Swiss border and explore the charming villages along the railway.
Chamonix is the largest and most famous of them all. It has a wide range of restaurants—from very simple to luxurious. Tip: Restaurant Mumma! Although Chamonix has a reputation for being expensive, we found the prices surprisingly reasonable (maybe even a bit cheaper than in the Netherlands!), especially considering how touristy the area can be.
June can be a tricky month in the Alps weather-wise, but we were lucky and had mostly good days. On the rainiest day,s we took a drive to Geneva and Annecy to explore the cities and lakes.
Our tips:
- Camping Les Marmottes (Les Bossons)
A lovely campsite with amazing views. One of our favourite features was the rotating food trucks that came by each day—so we didn’t have to cook ourselves! We enjoyed barbecue, a delicious Nepalese curry, pizza, and more. - Get a multi-day cable car pass
We bought a 3-day pass for about €120 per person via Mont Blanc Natural Resort. It gives access to all the major cable cars in the region, including the iconic Aiguille du Midi (which alone costs around €80 pp). The pass also includes the scenic train ride to the Mer de Glace glacier. - Visit Aiguille du Midi
Even if you’re not into mountaineering, the Aiguille du Midi is an unforgettable experience. At 3,842 metres, the views over the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding Alps are absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even see into Switzerland and Italy. You get there by cable car from Chamonix.
Tip: Take it slow at the top—due to the altitude, you might feel lightheaded or short of breath. Give your body time to adjust, and don’t run up the stairs like I did! - Hike to Lac Blanc
Take the cable car to La Flégère from the village of Argentière and hike from there to Lac Blanc (the trail is well signposted). It’s about a 2-hour hike with spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. On the way back, treat yourself to a well-earned beer at Le Petit Social in Argentière.
