Chamonix

A popular day trip from Geneva, the village of Chamonix, or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, lies on the French side of the France-Switzerland border at the foot of the imposing Mont Blanc – Western Europe’s highest peak.
The resort, one of the oldest and most famous in France, is not only a hotspot for skiers and snowboarders, with ski runs catering for all levels (including some terrifyingly steep slopes and plenty of long off-piste routes), but has earned itself a stellar reputation for winter sports and adventure activities. Mountain climbing, ice climbing, paragliding, rafting and canyoning are all on offer. Mountain biking has become a popular pastime in the region with an abundance of challenging off-road routes available.

Visitors can also ride the cable car – one of the world’s highest - up to the peak of the Aiguille du Midi and across the Mont Blanc Massif, affording some spectacular views over the French and Swiss Alps. Alternatively, take the rack railway to nearby Montenvers, where you’ll get some great lookouts over the shimmering 7 km long Mer de Glace glacier.