Things to do in Haute-Savoie

Visit the site of the first Winter Olympics. In Chamonix, experience majestic scenery on a drive through the Arve Valley and from the 12,605-foot viewing platform on Europe’s highest mountain. This day tour begins in Geneva with a drive across the French border through the glacier-fed Arve Valley. At Chamonix, marvel at the splendid backdrop of the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. You’ll take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, which was the world’s highest cable car ride when it was launched in 1955. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of this Alpine wonderland, with views into France, Switzerland, and Italy. Lunch will be at your leisure. You will also have the chance to ride the astonishing Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace glacier. The journey on this electric train covers 3 miles of beautiful mountainous scenery before arriving at the longest glacier in France. Spend the day as you please. Wander by foot to discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands or Atelier Les Racines. Chamonix is the world capital for outdoor activities: mountaineering, alpinism, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, trail running, and skiing.

Meet the pilot in Chamonix at the paragliding school to begin your tandem flight adventure. The pilot will prepare the equipment and ensure everything is in order. You’ll be provided with a helmet and a harness, which is the harness in which you will be seated during the flight. Next is a briefing about what is expected of you during take-off and the flight. After ensuring you are properly equipped, staff will take you to the cable car, and with your pilot you'll continue up to the take-off site. Then, all you have to do is enjoy your flight. Take in spectacular alpine views as you fly over Le Brevent, Chamonix, and maybe even a glacier.

Board a bus from Geneva to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and in 90 minutes, arrive at this Alpine village to discover the beauty of the mountains. In the morning, ride up the cable car to the summit. At more than 3842 meters, be impressed by the Majestic Mont-Blanc and all the peaks around you. If you are feeling adventurous, take a breathtaking step into the void. Three glass walls, the glass floor, and glass ceiling panels give you a unique experience enhanced by 1000 meters of free air directly under your feet, in total safety! Look around and admire the highest peaks in Western Europe, and view the Bossons Glacier, with the greatest descent in Europe, from a dramatic perspective.  Snap some incredible landscapes from one of the numerous panoramic terraces, or warm your hands around a coffee from the shop. Head back to the village, and take a freetime to put your sensations back together before you take the Mountain train Montenvers to discover the Ice Sea. This is the largest glacier of France, featured in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. If it's open ( not garanteed) Take the steps down to visit the Ice Caves. Enjoy the museum and the view from the panoramic terrace, before you head back.

How does it feel to be at the foot of the highest mountain in Europe? Find out, with reliable transport from Geneva to Chamonix Mont Blanc. Board a bus and enjoy the 75-minute drive by motor-coach through the picturesque Arve Valley to the typical Alpine village at the foot of the remarkable and majestic Mont-Blanc. Enjoy your day as you stroll in the little streets full of charms of Chamonix. Enter in a local shop to discover the local flavors as Mountain Honey, cheese or charcuterie. Try a fondue or a raclette in once of the numerous restaurants of this well-known ski resort. Discover where the first Olympic Games of winter started in 1924. Situated at the border between France and Italy, this town is famous for its tunnel under the mountain, which joins the 2 countries. Enjoy the activities available in this little town before you head back to Geneva. If you choose the cable car option you can enjoy the ride up to the Aiguille du Midi and be amazed by the view. In the afternoon, take advantage of the mountain train and discover the Ice Sea.

Feast your eyes on dramatic landscapes as you travel by coach through the scenic Arve Valley to Chamonix. Chamonix’s position at the foot of Europe’s highest peak, Mont-Blanc, makes it one of the most popular mountain villages in the area. On this full-day trip from Geneva, you’ll have access to Aiguille du Midi, a rocky 3,842-meter peak close to Mont Blanc. Take a ride up on the most famous cable car in the world, (please note this cable car is currently under maintenance, your tour will feature an alternative cable car or activity). This high mountain site, equipped for your comfort and safety, offers a 360-degree panorama taking in the majestic Mont-Blanc as well as the whole of its massif. In addition, you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the major peaks of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. The Aiguille du Midi comprises the Piton Nord, the Piton Central with the Mont-Blanc gallery, and the Mont-Blanc terrace with its unforgettable view of Mont-Blanc. Take a charming little red train from Chamonix to the Montenvers site and the world famous Mer de Glace glacier. The Montenvers site is surrounded by the magnificent summits of les Drus, les Grandes Jorasses, and les Grands Charmoz. Learn about the largest French glacier and nature in the Alpine environment at exhibits here.

Enjoy the slopes with enviable views on the Mont Blanc! As well as offering a hugely diverse and amazing range of skiing and boarding, on and off piste, Chamonix is a fabulous destination. The valley floor is low and the ski areas, of which there are 6 separate ones in the Valley, start at approx 2000 meters with lifts reaching over 3000 meters. From stunning glacial peaks, to gentle rolling slopes, each ski area has something different to offer all levels. There are 3 dedicated beginner slopes, Le Tour has the largest beginner's area, perfect for first timers. There is a vast array of intermediate levels, challenging and difficult runs throughout the whole valley. And for the advanced, slopes on the Grand Montets is the favorite to many locals, due to the sheer steepness and difficulty.

Experience the adrenaline rush of soaring through the air on this paragliding tandem flight in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Fly with an instructor that has 20-years of experience. Admire stunning mountain and valley views. Meet at the lift departure station where you can purchase your ticket for the lift. Ride up on the gondolas together. Enjoy a short scenic walk to the take-off area. Listen to a safety briefing to help ensure you are confident for the flight. Take off from gentle grassy slope, after a quick run to get airborne. Relax as you drift through the air and see the peaks of the Graian Alps on a clear day. Learn what it is like to fly a paraglider with a lesson from your guide. Have the chance to perform some aerial acrobatics before landing in the vicinity of your meeting point.

Explore Evian and stunning lake Geneva on this excursion by boat. Begin your self-guided tour from Lausanne and cruise on beautiful Lake Geneva towards the little town of Evian.  Reach this gem on the shore of the lake in about 35 minutes. Once the boat docks, hop off and start exploring at your own pace. Walk through the small streets and little allies of the quiet town, stop at a cafe or visit some of the local shops. Discover the beautiful lake promenade and marvel at the breathtaking views of this stunning landscape. You can also take the historic funicular to enjoy a beautiful view on the shores of the lake. If you visit between May and September, you can see the art nouveau Source Cachat, the first Evian water source, and enjoy a free glass of the world-famous Evian water. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming place.

Combine 2-days in one and enjoy the little time that you have to spend in Geneva to explore its most beautiful landscapes. Only 90 minutes away from Geneva, take a coach and go directly to Chamonix. Enjoy the little streets of Chamonix full of charm and admire Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. Admire all of the beautiful mountains that surround you. Afterwards, go back to Geneva and do the city tour of Geneva that will bring you to visit the international part through the center of the world’s peacemaking organizations, followed by a tour of the main tourist attractions of the city such as Jet d'eau (Fountain) and the wonderful Flower Clock. Moreover, get a taste of Genevan history with the mini train Tramway Tour and dig even deeper into the Old Town with your guide on a walking tour.

Slide down the magical Harry Potter track in Chamonix! Access to platform 9 ¾ from King's Cross station has been condemned! To board the Hogwarts Express, you must now travel to the mountaineering capital of the world... Your mission? Thwart this enchantment by finding your way to the platform! Muggles: meet at the Friendship Triangle. But beware: the train will pass in 2 hours! With your smartphone in hand, go in search of each house. The goal is to collect 4 code words per house within the time limit, which will allow you to find the new location of the track. By visiting each house, you will find key clues to link in order to find THE code word that will validate each of your passages. You'll solve puzzles, meet wizards, and find bonus cauldrons. The Hogwarts Express will leave in 120 minutes. Tick tock tock... This game is accessible to all and multigenerational. You have the possibility to play in team, for that only one person of each team will have to enter the identifier and the unique code on his device. Then you can start the game simultaneously. You will be able to compare your points and the time obtained at the end of the game. Please note: this activity is an outdoor escape game where the plot is not directly related to the city (although it is held in attractive places in the city center). It is a game on a given theme and not a guided tour of the city.