Budget Hiking In Chamonix, France Without a Car - One Week Itinerary

Chamonix is often seen as an expensive destination, but it doesn't have to be. With excellent public transport, free trails, and family-friendly routes, you can enjoy a full week of hiking in the Mont Blanc region without renting a car or spending a lot of money. This itinerary is designed not only for solo travelers, but also for families who want a mountain adventure on a budget, with routes that are accessible and suitable for children.

A hotel or an apartment?

When traveling on a budget another important question before your journey is whether to rent a hotel or an apartment. Most people prefer hotels for the simplicity, such as having 24h check-in or getting breakfast included. But for a budget traveler, especially in expensive places, it is not an option. While staying in a hotel you must constantly pay to eat in different places. Even the cheapest meals in Chamonix will cost you 10+ euros. That's too much and you are tied to not having any food with you.

This is why I always prefer and recommend renting apartments. The possibility to cook food for yourself makes your whole trip much cheaper. Sure, most people don't want to cook on their vacation and want to relax, but if you want to spend less money it's the way to go. Just rent a flat on Airbnb, go to the supermarket to fill the fridge, and have a lunch box to take with you on a hike. You will spend less time waiting for food, searching for places to eat, and make your vacation cheaper.

Guest card

When you rent a flat or a hotel it is important to get a guest card from the host. It allows you to travel for free in the Chamonix valley by buses and trains. So it is extremely valuable to make your trip much cheaper. But here is an important point. You must write down your name and dates of stay on the card. A lot of drivers will complain if you show an empty card and won't let you on the bus. And if you don't have a pen with you to fill it on the spot you will have a problem.

Mont Blanc Summer Pass

The guest card is useful, but in order to get to good hikes we need to use gondolas. If you are young and fit you might hike yourself to each mountain instead of using gondolas, but it takes 2 hours on average to go up or down and it gets boring pretty fast. Luckily, in Chamonix you can buy a single pass for all gondolas in the valley without the need to buy a separate ticket. It gives you access to 14 different gondolas, the possibility to visit the highest peak in Europe with a gondola station (Aiguille du Midi), use the Tramway du Mont-Blanc to visit different mountains, and access free public transport in the valley. It might look expensive but it's the best budget option available for you.

When you buy the Mont Blanc Summer Pass online, you can choose 2 things: a date to visit Aiguille du Midi and a date to use the Tramway du Mont-Blanc. As both of them are included in the pass it makes a lot of sense to book them. I recommend booking morning times as the weather is typically better in the morning.

Day 1 – Arrival in Chamonix

The closest airport to get to Chamonix is Geneva Airport in Switzerland. But here is a catch: there are no trains or public buses that can bring you to Chamonix. You need to use either Flixbus or one of the several transfer companies to get to Chamonix. These are not private transfers but just a minivan or a touristic bus where you can buy a seat. It takes around 1.5–2 hours to get from Geneva Airport to Chamonix.

But don't forget to buy tickets for your transfer in advance. It will be cheaper and you typically can't buy them on board, only online. To get on the bus you typically need to show the QR code that you receive with the purchase. It is also important to mention that some transfers have a meeting place inside the airport while others simply stop at the bus stop outside.

All transfers are relatively the same, but I prefer Swiss Tours as they mostly have big touristic buses and not a small minivan, and they are quite comfortable.

Day 2 – Col de Balme

• Length: 5.58km
• Elevation: +250m/-250m
• Difficulty: Medium

Start your first full hiking day with a trip on the Mont Blanc Express or the local bus to the village of Le Tour at the end of the Chamonix valley. From here, you can either take the Charamillon lift to save some energy or begin walking directly from the village if you want to keep costs down. The trail winds gradually up through alpine meadows towards the Col de Balme, the mountain pass that marks the border between France and Switzerland.

This route is perfect for families: the incline is steady rather than steep, and the open terrain makes it easy to take breaks whenever the kids need a rest. Along the way, children often enjoy spotting marmots, cows with alpine bells, and wildflowers in the summer months. On clear days, the views from the pass are spectacular, with the Mont Blanc massif behind you and the Swiss valleys stretching out ahead.

There's a small mountain hut at the top where you can buy drinks or a snack, but bringing your own lunchbox keeps the day budget-friendly. Now it's time to enjoy a relaxed lunch with one of the best panoramic backdrops in the Alps.

The descent can be made the same way, or if you still have energy, you can take a slightly different path back down through alpine pastures to Vallorcine and catch the Mont Blanc Express train back to Chamonix. This adds variety without being too challenging.

Day 3 – Lac Blanc from Flégère

• Length: 6.67km
• Elevation: +510m/-510m
• Difficulty: Medium

No trip to Chamonix is complete without a visit to Lac Blanc, one of the most photographed lakes in the Alps. Its water mirrors the snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc massif, creating a view that feels almost unreal. The hike is a family favorite and can be done on a budget and without a car.

To start, take the local bus from central Chamonix to Les Praz. From here, the Flégère cable car carries you up to 1,877 meters. Using the lift saves a lot of time and energy, which is especially useful if you’re traveling with children. If you want to save money, you can hike up from Les Praz instead of taking the lift, but keep in mind that the climb is steep and can add several hours to the day.

From the top station, the trail to Lac Blanc takes around two hours of steady walking. The path goes across alpine meadows and rocky sections, but the incline is gentle enough for most people who are used to day hikes. Along the way, there are plenty of places to take a break with a great view. The last stretch is a little steeper, but the reward at the top is worth every step.

Once you arrive at Lac Blanc, the scenery feels like stepping into a postcard. You can sunbathe on the lakeshore, watching tadpoles in the shallows, or just skip stones across the surface. It makes sense to pack a picnic and spend a relaxed hour or two here before heading back down. If you prefer, there's a small mountain hut where you can buy a drink or dessert, though bringing your own food keeps the day more affordable.

The return journey can follow the same path back to Flégère. From there, return to the cable car station and take the bus back to Chamonix.

Day 4 – Grand Balcon Nord

• Length: 7.76km
• Elevation: +150m/-590m
• Difficulty: Difficult

Today begins with a breathtaking ride up to Aiguille du Midi, one of Chamonix’s most famous peaks. This is the day which you should book in your Summer Pass in advance. From the top, you’ll see panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alpine peaks. It's a truly unforgettable way to start the day if you are lucky with the weather. Keep in mind that it is not recommended to go there with children below 5 years old, as they can get altitude sickness.

After enjoying the views, descend via the same cable car to Plan de l’Aiguille, which is the starting point of the Grand Balcon Nord trail. There is a nice hut where it's a good idea to have a coffee, as the hike this day is not the easiest. This scenic trail goes along the mountainside toward Montenvers, offering spectacular views of the Mer de Glace glacier below. The path is wide, well-marked, and mostly level, but can still be tiring for some children.

Along the way, stop at viewpoints to take photos, admire the hanging glaciers, and watch climbers navigating the ice and rock below. Kids especially enjoy spotting alpine flowers, birds, and occasionally marmots in the meadows along the trail.

For lunch, bring a picnic to enjoy at one of the flat spots along the trail, or grab a warm drink at the small mountain café near Montenvers. Once you reach Montenvers, take the train back down to Chamonix (it is included in your pass). This combination of cable car, trail, and train lets you experience one of Chamonix's most iconic hikes in a single day, without needing a car or spending excessively.

The Grand Balcon Nord is one of the most iconic hikes above Chamonix to make your journey unforgettable.

Day 5 – Child’s Day

After several full days of hiking, it’s important to slow down and let yourself or your kids enjoy a more relaxed day in Chamonix. When traveling with my family, I always plan at least one day dedicated to my son, giving him time to explore, play, and recharge while still enjoying the mountains.

Start the day at Planards, Chamonix’s family-friendly amusement park. Here, kids can enjoy rides, games, and play areas designed just for them. It’s a perfect way to let children have fun in a safe environment while adults relax or join in the activities. Spending a few hours here adds variety to the itinerary without requiring a car, as the park is easily accessible by local bus or a short walk from central Chamonix.

Later, head to Les Gaillands, Chamonix’s popular climbing park. This area is perfect for children and beginners, offering climbing routes of different difficulty levels. Kids can try climbing under supervision, while adults can either participate or simply watch and encourage. It’s a fun, active experience that keeps the day engaging without being physically exhausting. Keep in mind that you need to book it in advance.

The rest of the day can include a casual stroll through Chamonix’s town center, an easy lunch at a café, or a short ride on the Mont Blanc Express to nearby villages. This slower pace ensures that you don't get too tired and that the family is ready for the next day's hikes.

Day 6 – Col de Voza

• Length: 4.80km
• Elevation: +210m/-210m
• Difficulty: Easy

Today's adventure begins in Saint Gervais, easily accessible from Chamonix by train, keeping the itinerary fully car-free. From there, take the Tramway du Mont-Blanc for a scenic ride that climbs through lush alpine forests and past dramatic mountain views. The tramway is a highlight in itself, offering children and adults alike a fun and memorable experience without extra hiking effort. The tram is included in your Summer Pass, but you must also book it in advance.

Once you reach the Col de Voza station, begin the hike. If you need a pause to drink coffee, there is a nice restaurant near the station. The trail is wide, well-maintained, and ideal for families as the hike is really easy. Its gentle incline makes it manageable even for younger children, while the open alpine meadows along the way provide perfect spots for rest stops or a relaxed picnic lunch. Kids can explore the flower-filled fields, watch cows grazing, or simply run around and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Along the path, you’ll be treated to classic Chamonix views: snow-capped peaks in the distance, green valleys below, and often playful mountain wildlife. The combination of the tramway and the mild hike makes it possible to reach a high-altitude viewpoint without exhausting your legs, keeping the day fun and enjoyable for the whole family.

It is important to remember that you must tell your return time when you get on the tram. This means you can't just get inside any tram that goes back, but only your selected tram.

Col de Voza is a perfect example of a day hike in Chamonix that balances stunning scenery, family accessibility, and budget-conscious travel—all achievable without a car.

Day 7 – La Brévent

• Length: 4.06km
• Elevation: +310m/-310m
• Difficulty: Medium

End your week in Chamonix with a visit to La Brévent, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the valley. Go on foot from Chamonix to the base of the Brévent cable car, as it is located in Chamonix itself. The cable car lifts you high above the valley, offering breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks—a perfect way to start the day with minimal effort and maximum impact.

From the top station, follow the well-marked trail to the lake. The paths are wide and safe for children, with gradual declines that make it accessible for families. Along the way, stop at viewpoints to take in the jagged peaks, deep valleys, and the occasional mountain goat or marmot. The scenery is unforgettable and provides plenty of opportunities for photos or a family picnic.

After your hike, take the cable car back down and return to Chamonix town center. You can spend the evening strolling through the village, picking up souvenirs, or enjoying a casual meal before your final day.

La Brévent is the perfect way to round off a week of budget-friendly, car-free hiking in Chamonix, providing spectacular alpine scenery not far from Chamonix and making it memorable for both adults and children.

Day 8 – Departure

After an unforgettable week of hiking and exploring Chamonix, it’s time to head home. If you're flying out of Geneva Airport, the most convenient and budget-friendly option is to take a transfer bus from Chamonix. Don't forget to book it in advance. The journey takes around 1.5–2 hours, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy the alpine scenery one last time.