You have arrived on holiday in Chamonix and want to head out on a family hike. The valley offers many great options. However, choosing the right walk is important when children are involved.
Which hike should you choose? How do you prepare when little ones are coming along too?
The answer depends on several factors. These include the age of your walkers and their ability. The weather on the day also plays a key role.
This guide will help you plan with confidence. It covers everything you need to know before setting off on a family hike in Chamonix.
Choosing the right family hike
Whether you are hiking with adults or young children, preparation is essential. This is even more important when little walkers are involved. A bit of planning can make the difference between a stressful outing and a really enjoyable family hike.
Fortunately, the Chamonix Tourist Office and its affiliate offices across the valley offer excellent resources. These are designed to help families choose suitable routes with confidence.
Tourist Office booklets & maps © montblancfamilyfun.com
Helpful resources
Online itineraries, colour-graded by difficulty and highlighting features such as playgrounds, waterfalls, and buvettes (snack bars).
A printed booklet and map of graded walks in the Vallée de Chamonix Mont-Blanc, also available for the wider Pays du Mont-Blanc
There are also several useful guidebooks dedicated to family hiking with small children, offering practical advice for walking with children.
Preparation for family hikes in Chamonix
Always set off on a family hike well prepared. This is even more important when walking with young children. The right equipment can make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a stressful one.
Make sure you carry the essentials. These include a basic medical kit, sun protection, waterproof clothing, enough water and snacks, emergency numbers, and a fully charged mobile phone.
Ideal family walks with a buggy or pram
When hiking with a buggy, a blackout cover is highly recommended. It is especially useful on sections of the path where you may be walking directly into the sun.
Arve river walk to Les Praz (loop option)
This flat and buggy-friendly walk follows the Arve river and is easy to adapt depending on how far you would like to walk.
The route can start either in the centre of Chamonix or at the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon. It begins with a shady section along the river before reaching the village of Les Praz. Here, you will find several good options for lunch, refreshments, or a picnic stop.
From Les Praz, the walk returns via the Bois du Bouchet. This creates a pleasant loop and offers more shade than the path that follows the Arveyron river.
Along the way, there are several playgrounds. These can be found in Chamonix, near the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon, and in Les Praz. If you prefer a shorter outing, you can take the train to Les Praz and walk back towards Chamonix.
The walk can also be extended. From Les Praz, continue towards the Pierre d’Orthaz, pass the heliport, and loop back through the village of Les Gaudenays.
The main departure points are the centre of Chamonix and the Centre Sportif Richard Bozon. Trains and buses run between Chamonix and Les Praz. Walking time is around 1.5 to 2 hours, not including stops.
Le Paradis des Praz (Les Praz de Chamonix)
This is a short and completely flat walk, making it ideal for buggies. It also works well with bikes and balance bikes. The destination is a real highlight for families: Le Paradis des Praz.
Set in the forest, this small outdoor area is perfect for young children. There is a shallow stream for paddling, a playground, a buvette, and pony rides, all in a relaxed and shady setting.
The walk usually starts in Les Praz de Chamonix, although it can be extended by starting from Les Tines. Parking is available at the golf course car park or near the Flégère lift. Trains and buses also stop in Les Praz and Les Tines.
The route is around 3 km return. Walking time is about one hour from Les Praz, and less if you start from the car parks. Further details are available from the Chamonix Tourist Office.
Paradis des Praz playground © montblancfamilyfun
Ideal family walks with a baby carrier or backpack
How far you can walk with a baby carrier or backpack depends on two main things. First, how comfortable you are carrying extra weight. Second, how long your child can sit happily in the carrier.
Walking with a very small baby is very different from carrying an 18-month-old. Sleep patterns, comfort, and patience can vary a lot. Weather conditions also play a big role.
When using a baby carrier or backpack, shade is essential. Make sure your child is well protected from the sun, with a sunhat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It can feel surprisingly hot on the mountain paths. It is also important not to hike above 2,500 metres with children under three years old.
You may feel comfortable heading out on a longer hike. However, shorter routes with shade and a peaceful buvette at the end are often more enjoyable. These walks still offer great views and a good workout, without pushing too far.
Chalet La Floria to Les Praz (Chamonix)
This is a short but rewarding hike, ideal for families using a baby carrier or backpack. The route starts in the quiet hamlet of Les Nants and climbs steadily through shady forest. It then joins the Petit Balcon Sud.
The walk leads to Chalet La Floria, a colourful mountain chalet known for its flowers and views. From the terrace, you can enjoy drinks and snacks while looking across to the Aiguilles de Chamonix.
The route forms a loop. You can return via Les Praz, which is steeper downhill, or go back the same way to Les Nants for a shorter option. If you descend to Les Praz, it is worth stopping at Le Paradis des Praz for a relaxed break.
From Les Praz, you can either walk back to Chamonix along the flat Arve river path or take the train if energy levels are low. The maximum altitude on this walk is around 1,330 metres.
La Floria © montblancfamilyfun
Les Tines to La Buvette du Chapeau Lavancher (Chamonix / Les Bois)
This shaded loop walk starts at Les Tines SNCF and is well suited to families using a baby carrier or backpack. The route climbs gently towards the hamlet of Le Lavancher, which you reach after around 30 minutes.
From here, the path continues to the Buvette du Chapeau Lavancher. This is a lovely place to stop for a rest, enjoy the views, and sample some excellent homemade cakes.
If energy levels allow, you can continue uphill for a further 15 minutes to the Point de Vue de la Mer de Glace, which offers views of the famous glacier. The return route forms a loop, heading back to Les Tines via a different path through the woods of Les Bois and the Sources de l’Arveyron.
The walk starts and finishes at Les Tines SNCF, where parking is available. The maximum altitude reached is around 1,600 metres. Total walking time is approximately three hours, including a refreshment stop at the buvette.
Homemade treats © Buvette Chapeau Lavancher
Ideal family walks with toddlers and very young walkers
There comes a point when children no longer want to sit in a backpack. Instead, they are keen to explore the mountain paths on their own two feet. This is great news, as it marks the start of a young hiker.
That said, early enthusiasm can fade quickly. Energy levels change fast at this age. For this reason, it is best to choose walks with small rewards along the way. Forest dens to build, waterfalls to spot, or a playground at the end can make all the difference. Taking a carry backpack as a backup is also a good idea.
With young children, themed walks often work particularly well. They give little walkers something to focus on and help keep motivation high.
Le Parc Animalier de Merlet (Les Houches)
A visit to Parc Animalier de Merlet is a great option for families with toddlers. Located above Les Houches, the park is home to around 80 mountain animals roaming freely across the site. Children can spot chamois, ibex, marmots, and even the occasional llama.
The setting is spectacular, with open views across the Mont-Blanc massif. There is also an interactive trail for children, a restaurant on site, baby-changing facilities, and family-focused activities during the summer months.
The park works well for toddlers, but it is also suitable with a baby carrier or backpack. An all-terrain buggy can be used on the lower paths. Access is via several car parks at the park itself, or by train to Les Houches followed by a shuttle bus. The maximum altitude reached is around 1,500 metres.
Parc de Merlet sandpit © montblancfamilyfun.com
La Cascade de Bérard (Vallorcine)
This is a short and gentle walk, ideal for toddlers, small walkers, and families using a baby carrier or backpack. It is also a good option if you are looking for a rewarding outing without committing to a long hike.
For older or more confident walkers, the route can be extended. From the waterfall, you can continue into the Vallon de Bérard and head towards the Pierre à Bérard, where marmots and ibex are often spotted. Another option is to continue uphill to the Alpage de Loriaz.
The walk starts opposite Le Buet SNCF, next to the Hôtel du Buet. The path passes through the hamlet of La Poya before following shaded forest trails. These make the walk comfortable even on warmer days.
At the end of the path, you reach the Cascade de Bérard. Here, you can take a break at the Buvette de la Cascade de Bérard and explore the waterfall via a secure walkway.
The walk starts and finishes at Le Buet SNCF, where parking is available. Total distance is around two kilometres return, with a walking time of approximately 45 minutes. The maximum altitude reached is about 1,420 metres.
Cascade de Bérard waterfall © Cascade à Bérard
Ideal family walks with 7 to 11-year-olds
At this age, children are confident walkers, but not quite teenagers yet. A mix of adventure and reward works best. Think ladders to climb, boulders to scramble over, big views, and a memorable destination. Add a bubble lift or chairlift into the mix, and motivation usually stays high.
Lac Blanc to Lacs des Chéserys loop (Flégère, Les Praz)
This iconic Chamonix hike is ideal for families with slightly older children. Set within the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, it offers some of the most impressive views in the valley.
The arrival at Lac Blanc is a real highlight. From here, you can see the Aiguilles de Chamonix, Les Drus, Aiguille Verte, and the Grandes Jorasses, along with surrounding glaciers.
The walk forms a loop and is most enjoyable when using the Flégère cable car and the Index chairlift. This avoids a long and steep ascent or descent and keeps energy levels for the fun sections of the hike.
Between Lac Blanc and the Lacs de Chéserys, the trail includes steep sections and metal ladders. Children should be supervised here, but this part of the walk is often a favourite. It adds a real sense of adventure.
From the lakes, the route heads back towards the Flégère via the Grand Balcon Sud. At the end of the walk, it can be very rewarding to finish with a visit to Le Paradis des Praz, just a short walk from the lift station. It is the perfect place to cool tired feet in the stream.
The walk starts at the Flégère lift station in Les Praz, where parking is available. Trains and buses stop at Les Praz de Chamonix. The maximum altitude reached is around 2,352 metres. Total distance is approximately 7.5 kilometres, with a walking time of four to five hours including a lunch break.
Lac Blanc © montblancfamilyfun
Lac de Pormenaz (Passy / Servoz)
Although this hike starts in Passy, it is well worth the short detour from the Chamonix valley. It is an excellent option for families with confident walkers and was one of our first longer hikes using a baby backpack.
The walk leads to the beautiful Lac de Pormenaz, which makes a perfect picnic stop. Along the way, the Refuge de Moëde Anterne is an ideal place to pause for refreshments. This historic chalet dates back to 1898 and offers a relaxed atmosphere that works well with children.
The lake sits at 1,945 metres within the Réserve Naturelle de Passy. From here, the views are wide and impressive, taking in the Chaîne des Fiz, Les Aravis, and the Pointe Noire.
One popular starting point is the Parking du Gouet, just beyond the Refuge Châtelet d’Ayères. From here, the route passes the Chalets de Souay before climbing via La Chorde. This section is steep and includes metal ladders and cables, so close supervision is essential.
The return loop passes the Refuge de Moëde Anterne and follows part of the Tour du Pays du Mont-Blanc. It then descends past the Pierre à l’Ours and Ayères du Milieu before returning to the car.
The hike can be shortened by returning via La Chorde or by descending the Argentières route, although both options remain exposed. Total walking time is around six hours, including lunch and refreshment stops. The maximum altitude reached is approximately 2,002 metres. Bus access is available on the Sallanches–Passy line, although further information is only available in French.
Lac de Pormenaz walk © montblancfamilyfun
Ideal family hikes in Chamonix with teenagers
Teenagers who are confident walkers are ready for longer days and more technical terrain. Steeper paths, scrambling sections, and big mountain scenery are often exactly what keeps them engaged. This is the stage where Chamonix really starts to shine.
La Jonction (Les Bossons)
This is one of Chamonix’s most iconic hikes and is only suitable for families with older children who are very competent walkers. It is a long and demanding day, with a scrambling section near the top, and it is not appropriate for younger children.
The route offers a huge variety of terrain. You walk through forest paths, pass the historic Gîte à Balmat, and quite literally follow in the footsteps of Chamonix’s early mountaineers. Higher up, the trail becomes more technical before reaching La Jonction, where the Glacier des Bossons meets the Glacier de Taconnaz.
This is a powerful place to stop and take it all in. The views are dramatic and close-up, with visible seracs and crevasses, and wide panoramas of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Midi, Dôme du Goûter, and the Aiguilles Rouges.
If you would like to shorten the day, you can use the Bossons chairlift to reach the Chalet du Glacier des Bossons. This reduces the ascent and still offers an excellent introduction to the glacier environment. It also works as a separate, shorter walk with younger children, thanks to the educational panels along the path.
The hike starts from the Bossons chairlift car park. Trains and buses stop at Les Bossons. The maximum altitude reached is approximately 2,589 metres. The total distance is around 13 kilometres return, and you should allow a full day of walking, around eight hours in total.
La Jonction © montblancfamilyfun
Refuge de Loriaz via Barberine and the Emosson dam (Vallorcine)
This is a superb full-day hike, well suited to families with teenagers or very competent walkers. The route includes short sections with cables and ladders, similar to an easy via ferrata, which adds variety and keeps older children engaged.
The hike can also be extended into a memorable overnight adventure. From the Emosson dam, it is possible to continue around the Lac du Vieux Emosson, where dinosaur footprints can be seen. From there, the route crosses the Col de la Terrasse at 2,648 metres before descending to an overnight stay at the Refuge de Loriaz. There are also shorter and less demanding routes to Loriaz from Vallorcine, Le Couteray, or Le Siseray.
This particular itinerary starts in Vallorcine. The path leads towards the hamlet of Barberine before climbing to the Cascade de Barberine, a popular canyoning spot. From here, the trail continues up to the Emosson dam, which makes an excellent picnic stop.
After the dam, the route climbs via the Col du Passet and continues towards the Refuge de Loriaz. This section includes a short stretch with cables and ladders and should be tackled with care. Once you reach the alpages of Loriaz, several different paths lead back down to Vallorcine, allowing some flexibility depending on energy levels.
Loriaz la croix © montblancfamilyfun
Ideal family walks with older relatives
If you are visiting the Chamonix valley with older relatives, long distances and steep climbs may not be suitable. In this case, choosing a mostly flat walk with a clear path and a rewarding destination makes all the difference. This route also works well with young walkers or a baby carrier.
Bisse du Trient (Trient, Switzerland)
The walk along the Bisse du Trient follows a historic irrigation channel built in 1895. It once carried water from the Trient Glacier to the Col de la Forclaz and was even used to transport blocks of ice.
The path is wide, easy, and mostly flat, making it ideal for relaxed walking. Along the way, a playful educational trail explains how the bisse worked and how the ice was transported. The route is popular with families, and all-terrain buggies are often seen here.
At the end of the walk, you are rewarded with views of the Trient Glacier and a stop at La Buvette du Glacier. Picnics are allowed here, provided you purchase refreshments.
The walk starts from the Col de la Forclaz, where parking is available. The total distance is around 6.5 kilometres return, with a walking time of approximately three hours including a lunch break.
As the route crosses into Switzerland, remember to bring your passport. It is also useful to carry some Swiss francs for the buvette or nearby restaurants at the Col de la Forclaz.
Making the most of family hiking in Chamonix
Family hiking in the Chamonix valley is about finding the right balance between adventure and enjoyment. With a little planning and the right route, the mountains can be shared by everyone, from first-time walkers to confident teenagers and older relatives. Whether you are pushing a buggy, carrying a baby, or tackling a longer alpine hike, there is a family-friendly option to suit every pace and ability. Take your time, stay flexible, and enjoy exploring the valley together, one step at a time.
