Things to Do For Free around Chamonix Mont Blanc
Top Ten Money-Saving Activities in the French Alps
Aug 12, 2009
Free summer entertainment in the heart of the French Alps requires some creativity but there's not a lack of rewarding options. Chamonix can be hiked, contemplated and explored at no cost. Travel by bus and train within the Chamonix Valley (between the towns of Servoz and Vallorcine) is free with a "Carte d'Hôte", "Gens du Pays" (valley residents card) or ski pass. Request a "Carte d'Hôte" (privilege card provided for tourists) at the hotel / apartment. This is partially what the nightly tourist tax covers.
Free Outdoor Activities in the Chamonix Valley
Hike in the Aiguilles Rouges Natural Reserve. Start from the Col des Montets or Argentière – both locations are on the Chamonix Bus Route. These trails afford spectacular views of peaks such as Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi (Needle of the South) across the valley. It is not uncommon to cross paths with bouqetain (Ibex), the more flighty chamois (mountain goats) and hear the warning cry, not unlike a bird screeching, of fleeing marmots.
Gather edible wild fruits and fungi depending on the season. Blueberries, fraise des bois (wild strawberries), raspberries and chanterelle mushrooms are some of the edible delicacies found with a keen nose in the Chamonix forests. Be certain to accurately identify any species collected. Many berries and mushrooms looking remarkably similar to their consumable counterparts are poisonous. Some pharmacists can confirm if a mushroom is an edible variety. No mechanical devices may be used to pick berries.
Go bouldering in the forest. There is no charge for climbing. The boulder field at the Col des Montets is an idyllic spot with mountain views and a bubbling brook. This activity ideally requires specialized climbing shoes though a pair of espadrilles or tennis shoes will do.
Free Indoor Attractions in Chamonix
Visit the Office de Haute Montagne (High Mountain Office) to learn about the hikes and mountain routes in the two mountain ranges of Chamonix — the Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges Massif. The OHM as it is known provides up to date information on alpine huts, weather and mountain conditions.
Browse through the bibliothèque (library) which, as well as books, DVDs and magazines, hosts frequent exhibitions with books, artifacts and an audio-visual display covering the theme of the moment. Most reading material is in French but there is a small English-language section and an extensive children's library.
Admire artwork. Dotted around Chamonix in shops and frequently displayed in the town's grand hotels are free-entry galleries and photographic exhibitions of regional artists. For example enjoy the cheeky, contemporary graphic art of Bungalow Graphics in permanent exhibition at the Design House.
Check out the book store in Chamonix's Main street. It holds a large collection of local and exotic maps. There are guidebooks for every imaginable climbing and hiking route in the Chamonix area and beyond. Many of these titles are in English.
Free Cultural Attractions in Chamonix
Practice French and play chess with the locals on the human-size chess board with giant pieces, outside the Tourist Information Office in Chamonix's center.
Join a session of pétanque (boules), the traditional French social activity. Tucked in a tree-shaded corner of most French villages, a boules court of hard dirt will be found. Pétanque is game, not unlike horseshoes, in which the players toss hollow, metal balls the size of an orange towards a target.
Browse the Chamonix Market in the center of town every Saturday morning. Many neighboring town centers have their own weekly market. Keep an eye out on bulletin boards for upcoming village festivities such as musical concerts, brocantes (second-hand markets) and sporting events.
The magnificent serrated vista of the Chamonix Aiguilles (needles) from a high vantage point can be viewed at no charge. Walking the trails rather than riding the lifts provides free access to wonderful picnic spots with the added bonus of a physical workout. Not all free activities need involve strenuous exercise. Stroll the Rue Paccard, Chamonix's main street, a great place for people-watching. Browse the stores that cater to all tastes from Haute Couture at the House of Chanel, Laguiole the master craftsmen of traditional French knives or Snell Sports for all imaginable mountain clothes, equipment and gadgetry.
Related articles in this series include: Bad Weather Activities in Chamonix Mont Blanc
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