Best Places To Stay in the Chamonix Valley for Hiking. These places Double up as Great Winter bases for Skiing too!

Chamonix – If you’re here for bucket-list hikes and big-mountain energy, Chamonix is the place to be. Nestled beneath Mont Blanc, this bustling town is packed with trailheads, cable cars, and mountain huts that link into some of Europe’s most famous high-altitude walks.

Access to hikes like Lac Blanc, Grand Balcon Nord, and Plan de l’Aiguille is as simple as hopping on a lift. The town is lively but walkable, and perfect if you want outdoor adventure without giving up good food, gear shops, and espresso stops. Chamonix is also the start or end point for many people walking the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Les Contamines-Montjoie – A peaceful alternative to Chamonix, Les Contamines lies at the foot of the Montjoie Valley and is a favourite for TMB hikers. It’s quieter, more traditional, and ideal if you want mountain scenery without the buzz. There are stunning day hikes from town, including Col du Bonhomme and Refuge de Tré la Tête.

La Clusaz – Set in the Aravis Mountains, La Clusaz is better known as a ski resort, but it’s a gem in summer too. Flower-strewn meadows, well-marked trails, and jagged peaks make this an underrated hiker’s base. Trails here feel more local and less touristy, but still dramatic and wild.

Annecy – If you want lake views, charming streets, and mountain hikes, Annecy is your place. It’s not technically high alpine, but you’re within a short drive of some incredible walks — including Semnoz, La Tournette, and the Bauges Regional Park. It’s ideal for combining hiking with a summer break vibe.

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval – Tucked into a dramatic cirque of cliffs and waterfalls, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval feels like a secret spot. The hikes here, like the Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval, are quieter and more rugged, and it’s a gateway to Réserve Naturelle de Sixt-Passy. If you like your hikes wild and remote, this is your place.

Megève – A luxurious resort town with old-world charm, Megève is an elegant base for summer hiking. It’s lift-accessible in summer, has trails with panoramic views of Mont Blanc, and you’ll find cosy cafés and patisseries at every turn. Good if you want hiking by day and comfort by night.

Le Grand-Bornand – Alpine charm meets fantastic trail access in Le Grand-Bornand. Set below the Aravis Range, it’s a great choice for families or slower-paced hikers. The area is full of green pastures, traditional chalets, and wildflower-covered hills — with trails leading to places like Col des Annes and Pointe Percée.

Les Houches – Just down the valley from Chamonix, Les Houches is a quieter option that still gives great access to the Mont Blanc Massif. It’s on the TMB route, has its own cable car to Prarion Plateau, and is ideal for shorter local hikes or avoiding the high-season Chamonix crowds.

Valloire – Further south, Valloire is a rising star with access to some epic routes in the Galibier Pass and Cerces Mountains. It’s less developed, so feels more off-the-beaten-track — but is packed with proper hiking routes, mountain lakes, and quiet valleys that rival the big-name spots.

Beaufortain (Albertville & Surrounds) – If you’re chasing solitude, local cheese, and empty trails, head to the Beaufortain region. This area is perfect for hut-to-hut trekking, alpine ridges, and trails with fewer people. Albertville can be your entry point, but the charm lies in places like Arêches-Beaufort and Queige.