Sarah Allen

Maple Grove, MN

Pack Each Trip With Memories

With a lifetime of wanderlust and years dedicated to exploring the globe, I've transformed my passion for discovery into a career of guiding others on their own unforgettable journeys.

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Best Day Hikes in Chamonix

Arguably the day best hikes in France, Chamonix in the French Alps checks all the boxes for an outdoor activity paradise. A great base for hiking on the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) with day hikes for days on the TMB trails, and/or local trail network. Not just for winter sports, you’ll find PLENTY to do in Chamonix. Hike, Bike, and Explore!

Chamonix was the destination of choice to celebrate my first 50 years around the sun. We traveled in September and stayed for 7 nights. We found few crowds, crisp cool mornings and bright blue skies in sunny afternoons. Did it Rain? Of course. Did it matter? No! There is never bad weather, only bad gear! Bring your raincoat and base layers!

Our favorite Chamonix hikes were chosen based on our own personal fitness and

Best views of Mont Blanc from both sides of the Valley

Chairlift or Cable Car access up and down to decrease impact on our knees [we are all 50-somethings]

A Refuge or Restaurant at start/finish for reward refreshments

Approx half-day or 4-6 hours of hike time

Nid d’Aigle Glacier Loop.

Two starting variants, Les Houches or le FayetThe Nid d’Aigle Glacier Loop was the perfect primer to Chamonix-style hikes. This was our break-in hike. We became familiar with our group’s hiking ability, the trail style, wayfinding, and how to use the AllTrails maps. Possibly, more importantly, how to enjoy the Refuge stops and/or cafes along the trail. We found the morning to be quiet, and after lunch you could tell it was a favorite for the locals for a weekday afternoon hike.

Grand Balcon Nord: Montenvers / Mer de Glace Start

The trip from the Chamonix Valley up to Montenvers is a trip through geologic time. This hike starts from Chamonix via historic cog train, Train du Montenvers – the Chamonix Valley itself carved centuries ago from the receding glacier. You’ll arrive at the top of a moraine shaped by the glacier.

Grand Balcon Sud: Flégère to Brevent.

This is a fantastic point to point hike, easy up via the Flégère Cable Car and back down to the valley from Planpraz. The views are non-stop. The walk is straightforward without much for elevation gain and a pure delight with constant views of Mont Blanc and Bossons Glacier along the entire trail. This hiker was happy she was solo on this hike, I was constantly stopping to take photos- the sun was warm, the sky was blue and the grandeur of the Mont Blanc Mastiff was non stop. If I could have walked sideways the entire hike, I would have. Take a look at the shots below, the backdrop is real, I swear!

Lac La Blanc from l’Index.

This is a great loop hike, or a great add on to the Grand Balcon Sud or the walk below – Stage 10 of the Tour Du Mont Blanc. We did this as an out-and-back from the l’Index chair lift (accessed by the Flégère Cable Car), but if you want to add on the climb up (or down), the addition is an easy gravel trail.The walk along the balcony to Lac La Blanc doesn’t gain much altitude, but portions of the trail do follow along an old scree path, the trail has been literally formed out of rubble. I was thankful for the trail crews that placed individual stones and then shored them up to prevent wobbling to create the trail.

Stage 10 of Tour du Mont Blanc

The best for last. This is what we trained for. This was THE BEST CHAMONIX HIKE.The Nord and Sud balconies are beautiful walks, and a must for anyone who visits the Chamonix Valley. Those who want a little more adventure, a little more elevation gain, and a little more test of grit, Stage 10 of the TMB should be on your list. (FWIW This writer has grit) As a group, we had spent time training our legs for the elevation gain we expected on this hike. After four days in Chamonix getting the kinks out on other hikes, becoming accustomed to the altitude, we were ready for the longest hike on our Chamonix adventure.

This Traveler would have turned right around and done this hike again if her legs weren’t Jello. I loved the journey via train to the trailhead, through the forest and up, up, up to Lac La Blanc. I didn’t even mind the women ahead of me from CA who freaked out on the ladders. There were no bullies on the trail and everyone respected the other’s space. Yay us!

Is Chamonix in the French Alps on your bucket list? Reach out and let's chat!