The 11 Best Day Trips From Chamonix By Car

Have an extra day on your itinerary and looking for some of the BEST day trips from Chamonix by car? Look no further!

While Chamonix Mont Blanc dazzles travelers with its stunning alpine scenery and access to iconic sites like the Mer de Glace ice cave and the Aiguille du Midi cable car ride, the surrounding areas offer their own unique mix of stunning towns and landscapes.

After visiting Chamonix in Spring 2023, I quickly realized that it was only one of many wonderful places to explore in this pocket of the world. Located right near the border of both Switzerland and Italy, there are tons of amazing day trips to be had, whether in nearby countries or to explore more of Southeast France. If you have an extra day on your itinerary I definitely recommend you check them out!

In this guide, you’ll find the best day trips from Chamonix by car. From picturesque medieval towns and cities wrought with history to areas that offer new perspectives of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Alps. You’ll find a complete breakdown of the best places within driving distance of Chamonix, what makes them worth visiting, and their main attractions. 

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The Best Day Trips From Chamonix, France By Car

1. Annecy, France

Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy, France is a town of shimmering waters, flower-filled canals, and well-preserved medieval architecture. Similarly located in the Haute-Savoie region, the town is surrounded by rolling hills and snow-capped mountains. However, the highlight of this picturesque town is the beautiful Lake Annecy, which is famously known as the cleanest lake in Europe. If you love to partake in water activities or simply enjoy breathtaking views of the sparkling waters backdropped by mountain peaks, this is the day trip for you! You can easily spend a day here with tons of unique activities you won’t find in Chamonix.

Driving Distance From Chamonix: 1 hour, 15 mins

Best Time to Visit Annecy, France: Annecy is well worth a visit any time of year – the canals are picturesque regardless of the weather. The most popular time to explore the city is during the summer months from June – September when the weather is warm, activities can be enjoyed out on the lake, and hiking trails are open.

Best Things To Do in Annecy, France:

1. Stroll along the picturesque canals in the old town
2. Enjoy the views and nature atop the nearby Semnoz mountain 
3. Go paddle boating or enjoy other water activities on Lake Annecy 
4. Visit the beautiful Château d’Annecy for a taste of the city’s culture and history
5. Wander the stalls at the Annecy Street Market

2. Courmayeur, Italy

Only a short drive across the Italian border and you’ll find another wonderful mountain town with its own unique culture and charm. Courmayeur sits on the opposite foot of Mont-Blanc and offers a fresh perspective of this iconic mountain. You’ll also have wonderful views of the surrounding Italian Alps and a gateway to multiple new hiking trails. A highlight of many day trippers to Courmayeur is the change in cuisine to the delicious Italian specialties. You can access the town through the Mont-Blanc tunnel and due to the short drive, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a full day of exploring this new area.  

Driving Distance from Chamonix: 1 hour 

Best Time to Visit Courmayeur, Italy: Another day trip from Chamonix that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, Courmayeur has something to offer in every season. Enjoy hiking and outdoor adventures in the warmer summer months or hit some new slopes during the winter. The shoulder seasons also provide great opportunities to visit with fewer crowds and enjoy pre-season discounts.

Best Things To Do in Courmayeur, Italy:

1. Take the Skyway Monte Bianco 360-degree rotating cable cars to immerse yourself in panoramic views of the mountains and enjoy a unique complex at the top
2. Hike the numerous trails departing from the city such as Rifugio Bonatti or Lago Miage
3. Browse the boutiques and shops on the main pedestrian street
4. Indulge in Italian cuisine at the fine dining spots in town
5. Go white water rafting on the Dora Baltea River

3. Geneva, Switzerland

One of the best day trips from Chamonix by car is to the famous Geneva, Switzerland. Internationally renowned for its role in politics and humanitarianism, this bustling city is a must-see for culture and history buffs. As a global centre for diplomacy and finance, Geneva offers a vibrant cultural scene alongside beautiful nearby views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. There are so many unique things to see and do in this city, from interesting architecture to fascinating museums that shed light on recent history.

Driving Distance from Chamonix: 1.5 hours 

Best Time to Visit Geneva, Switzerland: Geneva, Switzerland’s peak season is in the summer months from June – September when the temperatures are pleasant and you can enjoy activities on the lake. However, the fantastic sightseeing the city has to offer can be done at any time of year and the shoulder seasons always provide the benefit of fewer visitors.

Best Things To Do in Geneva, Switzerland:

1. Wander the cobblestone streets of the city’s old town and visit popular historical sites like St. Peter’s Cathedral
2. See the iconic Jet d’Eau fountain 
3. Paddleboard and enjoy the waters of Lake Geneva
4. Visit the UN buildings and fascinating museums such as the MAMCO and Museum of Natural History
5. Indulge in Swiss Chocolate in downtown Geneva shops such as Auer or Albert Pougnier

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4. Aosta Valley, Italy

The Aosta Valley in Italy is another gem to explore near Chamonix. The valley is known for its abundance of castles, Roman ruins, and mountain scenery backdropping it all. It is also a destination for wine tastings and farm visits with vineyards dotting the valley. There are numerous small towns to enjoy along the way, with the beautiful town of Aosta as the highlight. This is the perfect place for those wanting to explore some of the romantic Italian countryside with a hint of outdoor adventure. 

Driving Distance from Chamonix: About 1 hour

Best Time to Visit the Aosta Valley, Italy: The Aosta Valley comes to life most in the summer months of June – September, with exceptional hiking and beautiful weather. During the shoulder seasons in the spring and fall, you can still enjoy the sights the valley has to offer, however, a lot of businesses close at this point and hiking becomes limited.

Best Things To Do in the Aosta Valley: 

1. Go wine tasting and visit the vineyards around Aosta and Saint-Pierre (there are great day tour options that offer a guided experience)
2. Check out the Roman ruins at Aosta’s theatre and Arch of Augustus 
3. Hike the scenic trails around the Becca di Nona mountain
4. Tour historic castles like Fénis and Sarre
5. Explore Italy’s oldest park, Gran Paradiso National Park 

5. Chambéry, France

Another alpine town in the French Alps, Chambery, France is known for its role as the capital of the Savoie department of the Rhone Alps. Located in a valley between the Chartreuse mountains and the Bauges massif, this lively town is a great place to visit for day-trippers seeking something a little more off the beaten path. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture that features a blend of French and Italian influences. With medieval castles, mountain views, and a relatively close proximity to the Bauges Nature Park, Chambery makes for a unique day trip from Chamonix.

Driving Distance From Chamonix: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Best Time to Visit Chambery, France: Chambery is a great skiing destination if you are visiting in the winter and want to change up the slopes. In the spring and summer months, it also provides excellent weather for hiking and exploring the city. However, like most of the destinations on this list, you can’t go wrong with a visit at any time of year!

Best Things To Do in Chambery, France: 

1. Wander and enjoy a patio lunch on the pedestrian-only streets in old town
2. Explore the hiking trails in Bauges Nature Park
3. Visit the imposing Château des Ducs de Savoie 
4. Walk through the oldest street in Chambery, the Rue Basse du Château (known for its traditionally medieval feel with dark and narrow streets)
5. Relax at the nearby thermal spas of Aix-les-Bains

6. Yvoire, France

Step back in time with a visit to Yvoire, France. Located on the French shores of Lake Geneva, this well-preserved medieval village is filled with old stone buildings, wooden balconies, crystal blue waters, and colourful flowers decorating it all. The town was built in the 14th century and is often known as the “Pearl of Lake Geneva.” Considered one of France’s most beautiful villages, this small medieval town makes for one of the best day trips from Chamonix by car. 

Driving Distance from Chamonix: 1 hour, 15 mins

Best Time to Visit Yvoire, France: Yvoire is gorgeous all year round but it becomes especially picturesque in the spring and summer months. At this time of year, you’ll find flowers blooming and the beauty of the lake is enhanced by the sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Best Things to Do in Yvoire, France: 

1. Walk the flower-filled alleys of the charming medieval village
2. Have a picnic and enjoy the views of Lake Geneva at one of the town’s two ports
3. Visit the popular Garden of the Five Senses
4. Take a boat ride across Lake Geneva
5. Photograph the beautiful Château d’Yvoire with the lake in the backdrop

7. Montreux, Switzerland

Another incredible city on the shores of Lake Geneva, Montreux, Switzerland is the perfect day trip destination for those seeking a blend of nature, culture, and the arts. The town sits directly between steep mountain hills and lakeshore and is renowned for its natural beauty. In fact, many famous figures frequented the town, such as Freddie Mercury, Mary Shelley, and Charlie Caplin. Along its waterfront promenade, you’ll find Mediterranean trees, colourful florals, and interesting statues. Topped with a preserved castle nestled between shimmery waters and mountains, Montreux is a truly special place to visit. 

Driving Distance From Chamonix: 1.5 hours

Best Time to Visit Montreux, Switzerland: The summer months are the most popular time to visit this stunning lakeside destination, as the warmer weather opens up a ton of unique activities to do. In the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, the temperatures will still be mild and there will be fewer crowds to contend with. Winter visits to this beautiful city can be slightly dampened by colder weather and lots of rain.

Best Things To Do in Montreux, Switzerland:

1. Walk the incredibly scenic Montreux Lakeside Promenade
2. Visit the stunning island castle Château de Chillon by taking a cruise or hiking there on foot
3. Hike the Rochers de Naye mountain for beautiful views over the Alps and Lake Geneva
4. Check out the Freddie Mercury statue and walking tour
5. Take a Lake Geneva Boat Tour 

8. Lausanne, Switzerland

Another of the best day trips from Chamonix by car is to Lausanne, Switzerland. Also located along Lake Geneva, this vibrant city is filled with colourful buildings and tons of unique things to do. Among some of these activities is a visit to the international headquarters for the Olympics and numerous 13th and 14th century cathedrals. Lausanne has a hilly old town with cobbled streets and numerous fascinating museums to explore. This city is worth visiting for its combination of medieval old town charm, scenic waterfront settings, and insights into global sports at the Olympic Museum.

Driving distance from Chamonix: 1 hour, 45 mins

Best Time to Visit Lausanne, Switzerland: Lausanne can be visited year-round, however, the consensus is that the summer months from June – September are the most lively time to explore the city.

Best Things To Do in Lausanne, Switzerland:

1. Stroll along the tree-lined lakeside Ouchy Promenade and rent a paddleboat
2. Wander the colourful hilly streets of the medieval old town
3. Climb the Sauvabelin Tower for Views over Lausanne
4. Tour the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral Lausanne
5. Visit the Olympic Museum 

9. Bern, Switzerland

The capital city of Switzerland, Bern is a unique and picturesque city built around a bend in the Aare River. The city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with wonderful medieval architecture to explore. The old town is located atop a cliff with the sparkling waters of the Aare River visible on three sides. It also features over 6,000 protected historic buildings, majestic fountains, and an alpine backdrop. Despite hosting federal government institutions, Bern still maintains its small-town charm and perfectly mixes the old-world feel with a more modern lifestyle. 

Driving Distance From Chamonix: 2 hours 

Best Time to Visit Bern, Switzerland: Bern experiences a relatively mild range of temperatures year-round and doesn’t often receive snow during the winter. This makes a visit to this wonderful city very enjoyable any time of year. In particular, the shoulder seasons in April and October are considered a great option to avoid some of the crowds.

Best Things To Do in Bern, Switzerland: 

1. Wander the gorgeous old town and catch glimpses of all the most famous fountains and buildings
2. Take the funicular to Gurten Mountain 
3. Visit the Rosengarten (Rose Garden) for some of the best views over Bern
4. Take a helicopter flight over the Swiss Alps
5. Visit the Einstein Museum 

10. Lyon, France

Lyon is France’s third largest city with a UNESCO-listed old town and a 2000-year-old history. Bursting with culture, history, and amazing things to do, Lyon offers the perfect blend of modern sights and old-world charm. Featuring a Roman amphitheater built in Roman times, hidden passageways, an outstanding food scene, and more, you could easily fill an entire day exploring this incredible French city. The drive time from Chamonix village is on the longer side, making this a great choice if you want a more full-day trip. 

Driving Distance From Chamonix: 2 hours, 30 mins

Best Time to Visit Lyon, France: Lyon’s peak season runs from about May – October. Outside of this, the city still offers some great things to do, however, there may be fewer tours available to you. For a day trip though, you can still easily enjoy a day of checking out the best sights!

Best Things to Do in Lyon, France: 

1. Visit the historic Roman amphitheater and ruins
2. Discover the “traboules” secret pedestrian passageways in the city’s old town
3. Walk along the Saône River
4. Sample Lyon’s renowned cuisine at its Michelin-star restaurants
5. Marvel at the impressive Fourvière Basilica

11. Turin, Italy

Another slightly longer day trip from Chamonix, Turin is a fantastic place to visit for architectural gems, fascinating history, and culinary delights. Turin was the first capital city of Italy and is now filled with sophisticated charm. Visitors can get their cultural fix with the array of world-class museums and enjoy its prominent cafe culture. As a more contemporary city to explore, this day trip is well-suited for those looking to explore a unique cultural and historical destination. 

Driving Distance from Chamonix: 2 hours, 30 mins

Best Time to Visit Turin, Italy: A visit to Turin in the summer months means enjoying delicious gelato while marveling at the warmth of the city. The spring and fall often offer numerous cultural events and festivals that you might be lucky to catch. Winter is considered the rainier season, however, you can usually find some shopping deals if that’s your thing.

Best Things to Do in Turin, Italy: 

1. Try some of the best chocolate in the world at iconic coffee houses The Grand 19th-Century Caffè San Carlo and Baratti & Milano. 
2. Explore the Egyptian Museum to see some of the best artifacts you can find outside of Cairo itself 
3. Check out the iconic Mole Antonelliana
4. Stroll the Via Roma for the city’s best shops and restaurants
5. Visit the city’s historical royal palace (Palazzo Reale) 

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips From Chamonix By Car

As you can see from this guide, there are endless amazing day trip options when exploring the areas surrounding Chamonix, France by car. From charming historic towns to scenic natural landscapes and iconic cultural cities, each destination offers its own unique experience. Whether you seek charming medieval villages, more stunning mountain views, world-class cuisine, museums, or simply a change of scenery, you are sure to find the perfect day trip. With so many incredible places located within just a few hours of Chamonix, it truly pays to extend your stay in the area and take advantage of the diverse range of day trip possibilities. 

* Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through a link. I only recommend products and companies that I use. Thanks for the support!

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