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.

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.

After an early morning pick-up from your Geneva hotel by private vehicle, your day trip starts with a scenic 1.5-hour drive across the Swiss-French border and through the beautiful Arve Valley to Chamonix, located at the base of magnificent Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Western Europe at 15,780 feet (4,800 meters). You'll arrive early to beat the crowds.  Transfer to a cable car and ride to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif, on the world's highest vertical-ascent cable car, taking you from 3,395 feet to 12,605 feet (1,035 meters to 3,842 meters) in 20 minutes. Reach the top of the staggeringly beautiful Alpine peak and be amazed by panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. On a clear day, you may even see the Matterhorn, the iconic Swiss peak. Get cozy on a terrace or balcony at the Aiguille du Midi summit to admire the scenery and watch skiers zooming down toward the glacier. There's also a cafe, where you can have a hot chocolate or enjoy a light snack. Take the cable car back down the mountain to the gorgeous Alpine town of Chamonix, where you'll enjoy a lunch in a nice restaurant (if option selected). After lunch, board the Montenvers Railway for a scenic train ride (optional) through the mountains to Montenvers. Enjoy fantastic views of the Mer de Glace, a massive glacier surrounded by the towering summits of Les Drus, Les Grandes Jorasses and Les Grands Charmoz. Afterwards you'll be taken back to your Geneva hotel to conclude your private Mont Blanc and Chamonix day trip. The day trip will follow an amended itinerary. Instead of Aiguille du Midi, you will be taken to Plan de L'Aiguille (Middle stop of Aiguille du Midi) and the cable car of Brevant, which takes you up to an impressive 2,525 meters with unbeatable views out across to Mont Blanc and the valley’s mountain range.

Expereince the adventure of soaring over the Chamonix valley with this family-friendly. tandem paragliding experience that is open to everyone from the age of 5 to the age of 100. Feel confident as you fly with a flying tutorial from your paragliding instructor.  Meet your instructor at the activity provider's office and get set up with your high-quality harness and helmet. Head up to the take-off location that towers high above the Chamonix Valley. Get help from your instructor at every step of the way.  Listen as your instructor carefully coaches you until you are ready. Run to get a few steps of momentum on a gentle slope facing Mont Blanc and be lifted by the wind. Fly for at least 20 minutes during which you can learn to pilot, under the advice of your flight instructor. Relax as you take in the mountain scenery from this unique perspective. Thrill-seekers can try out some optional acrobatics before landing.

Board a comfortable vehicle, drive along Geneva lake to reach the fortified village of Yvoire. It is authentic, with its ramparts and gates that were used to defend the town. Built in 1036, Yvoire’s castle is the target of all photography-lovers of Yvoire. When under construction in the 14th century, the military dungeon was used to watch the navigation and control the road that linked Geneva to the high valley of the Rhône and to Italy. Today, the majestic shape of the castle is still standing as a sentinel on Lake Geneva. Spend some free time and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place. Enjoy the restaurants with its typical fish dish called “filet de perche” in front of the magnificent Lake. Classified among the most beautiful villages of France, the medieval city of Yvoire, fishermen's authentic village, is situated right by the Leman Lake. It is outstandingly flowery and livened up by artists and craftsmen, is one of the inescapable sites of Chablais. You will be enchanted with the Garden “des Cinq Sens” and its labyrinth of greenery. 700-years-old, the village has miraculously preserved invaluable testimonies of past: castle, ramparts, doors and ditch. It is a member of a prestigious Association of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. You will have a map and you can wonder yourself in this beautiful village. To come back to Geneva, board an old steamer boat “Belle Epoque” cruise, an original journey to enjoy the banks of the lake from the water.