Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth visit to the foot of Mont Blanc, you’ll never fail to be amazed by the beauty of the landscapes and panoramas at every turn — from the town centre to the mountain tops. Those snow-capped peaks still take the breath away from locals too, and they’re endlessly photogenic for all your social media holiday bragging and photography in Chamonix.
Start in the heart of town, where you can admire the views just as Jacques Balmat did with Horace-Bénédict de Saussure before setting out on the first ascent of Europe’s highest mountain in 1786. The statue of Balmat, pointing proudly towards Mont Blanc, stands in the square that now bears his name. Enjoy the view from Atelier Café or Rose du Pont, and take your first shots of Chamonix from here.
From the town centre, it’s easy to reach most of these viewpoints by cable car, leaving you free to focus on your photography once you’re at the top. In summer, the Mont Blanc Multipass gives access to lifts across the valley, while in winter the Mont Blanc Unlimited ski pass includes all of the main sites — from the Aiguille du Midi to the Montenvers train.
If you prefer to explore on foot, several well-marked hiking trails lead to viewpoints that are quite literally breathtaking. Read on for some of the best spots to discover during your stay in the Chamonix valley.
Top viewpoints for photography in Chamonix
Montenvers – Mer de Glace
Hop aboard the retro red cog train that climbs from the centre of Chamonix to 1,913 m, where you’ll find one of the valley’s most breathtaking views over the Mer de Glace — the “Sea of Ice” and France’s largest glacier. As you make your way down the steps to the ice cave, you’ll pass signposts showing how far the glacier once reached, a powerful reminder of how the landscape has changed over time.
From the viewpoint, take a moment to soak in the panorama of the Mer de Glace, Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses. Look closely and you might spot the Forbes bands — the natural dark and light stripes running through the ice, formed by years of movement and snowfall, like the rings of a tree recording time in frozen form.
Aiguille du Midi
Leaving from Chamonix Sud, the Aiguille du Midi cable car offers a spectacular, uninterrupted view over the Chamonix valley and surrounding peaks. Ride up to 3,777 m and explore the terraces around the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with a full 360° panorama of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
For an extra thrill, continue to the top terrace at 3,842 m and step into the famous “Step Into the Void” — a glass box suspended over a 1,000 m drop. It’s an unforgettable experience, though you’ll need a good head for heights to look straight down!
Panoramic Mont-Blanc
From the top of the Aiguille du Midi, don’t miss the chance to travel across the Glacier du Géant to Italy’s Pointe Helbronner. From June to September, the Panoramic Mont-Blanc cable car carries you high above the ice, gliding over dramatic seracs and deep crevasses. The 50-minute journey offers a truly unique perspective of the Mont Blanc massif and a breathtaking way to cross the border between France and Italy.
Brévent – Flégère
Brévent faces due south and offers clear, uninterrupted views of the Mont Blanc massif, including the Aiguille du Midi and the Dôme du Goûter. It’s the perfect spot to see the mountains in their true proportions — from here you can finally correct the illusion from town that the Goûter is higher than Mont Blanc. Capture a few shots from this vantage point and compare them with your photos from the valley floor to see the difference.
From Planpraz, you can set off on a stunning hike to Flégère along the Grand Balcon Sud, with panoramic views all the way, or simply relax on one of the sunny terraces at the mid-station or the summit.
Starting from Chamonix’s neighbouring village of Les Praz, the Flégère cable car glides over the golf course and up to 1,877 m. From the mid-station, you’ll discover an unbeatable panorama taking in the Drus and the Mer de Glace — or you can continue on foot to explore beautiful alpine lakes higher up the mountain.
Domaine de Balme – Le Tour
At the top of the Chamonix valley, the Balme area offers wide, open pastures that rise to 2,270 m and overlook both Chamonix and Vallorcine. In summer, a network of hiking trails winds through alpine meadows, accessible to all levels and perfect for soaking up panoramic views. In winter, the same slopes transform into a ski area with runs that offer spectacular vistas stretching all the way down the valley.
Les Grands Montets
Soaring above the village of Argentière, the cable cars of the Grands Montets area whisk you into a wild, high-mountain landscape. From various vantage points, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Argentière Glacier, Les Drus, the Aiguilles Rouges, and Mont Blanc itself.
Since the fire that damaged the top station a few years ago, access to the very summit is currently closed, but the Lognan mid-station still offers incredible scenery and plenty of opportunities to explore. From here, a 45-minute walk leads you to one of the most accessible glacier viewpoints in the valley — a favourite spot for photographers. Sit for a while and take in the shifting shapes of the ice face and its towering seracs; if you’re lucky, you might even witness a dramatic tumble of ice breaking away.
Glacier des Bossons
Departing from Les Bossons, the vintage two-seater chairlift glides up to 1,425 m, offering beautiful views over the valley and towards the Bossons Glacier — once one of the most visible glaciers in Chamonix. These days, the ice has retreated significantly, but the Chalet du Glacier des Bossons at the top still makes a lovely stop for a drink and a dose of mountain nostalgia.
The short trail beyond the chalet leads to information boards explaining the glacier’s history and retreat, along with old photos showing just how close the ice once came. Although the glacier is now much further away, the walk remains peaceful and scenic, surrounded by forest and alpine views.
You can also reach the chalet on foot from Les Bossons village – a steep but rewarding climb through shady woodland.
Les Petits Balcons
The petits balcons — or little balconies — sit just a few hundred metres above Chamonix, offering the perfect balance between shaded forest trails and open viewpoints across the valley floor. These scenic paths run the full length of the valley; simply follow the signs for the Petits Balcons Nord or Sud to enjoy gentle walks, peaceful woodland, and plenty of chances to practise your photography in Chamonix.
Make the most of Chamonix’s viewpoints
Wherever your adventures take you — from the town squares to the highest terraces — there’s always a new angle to capture. Each season transforms the valley’s light and colours, making every visit unique. Don’t forget to share your favourite shots with #welovechamonix on Instagram so we can celebrate your mountain moments and inspire others to see Chamonix through your lens.
