Skis Off. Guide Book In Hand: Sightseeing In Chamonix

Chamonix attracts visitors from all over the globe thanks to its charmingly scenic alpine town centre and great skiing. For those who look for something extra on their ski holidays, it also has plenty of culture and history to offer. The fact that getting from Geneva to Chamonix is so quick and easy, with transfers taking around one hour, is the cherry on top of the perfect ski holiday ‘sundae’!

Aiguille du Midi

Literally translated as ‘the needle of midday’, the Aiguille du Midi is a hugely popular tourist attraction, with half a million visitors coming all year round (except when it’s closed in serious weather conditions, and during the November maintenance period). Whether you come in the winter for off piste skiing, or visit in the summer for rock climbing or paragliding, the Aiguille du Midi offers stunning panoramic views after an exciting ride in the cable car system which holds the world record for the highest vertical ascent.

Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny

This museum was built after the discovery of Roman ruins in 1976, and today houses several permanent displays and also has a centre for contemporary exhibitions. Don’t miss the Sculpture Park, which houses works by Brancusi, Rodin and Miro, as well as pieces by Swiss artists. The Archaeological Walk is a chance to discover more about Roman History, and the 5,000 seat amphitheatre is very impressively restored. Other highlights include the Gallo-Roman Museum, consisting of high quality exhibitions from private collections, and the Car Museum which has a fantastic collection of unique classic cars in working condition.

Emosson Dam

For breathtaking views over the Mont Blanc range and the canyon of Bouqui, look no further than the Emosson Dam. Le Petit Train Panoramique connects the base of the dam with the Chateau d’Eau, circumnavigating thick forest and rocky terrain along the way. The dam is situated just above the charming Swiss village of Chatelard, which is just 19km from Chamonix. Once you arrive, prepare for a beautifully scenic electric train journey and some fantastic hiking options after your funicular adventure. 

Chillon Caste

Why not take an afternoon off the slopes and go to the centrepiece of the Swiss Riviera, Montreux? There you will find an 11th-century castle which is simply gorgeous, and has had many modifications and enlargements over the years. Wander through the courtyards, peer out from the top of the tower and venture into the dungeon if you dare! It’s a beautiful spot to soak up some local history, and is a superb example of historical architecture. 

How to Get There

Flights from the UK to Geneva take around 90 minutes, and there are several budget airlines offering the route a few times each day. A Shuttle Direct transfer will get you from Geneva to Chamonix in next to no time and completely stress-free. Our experienced drivers will meet you in arrivals and transport you to from Geneva to Chamonix safely and comfortably, so you can get your trip off to the best possible start.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for an affordable transfer from Geneva to Chamonix, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.