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.

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.

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.

Travel through the picturesque Arve Valley from Geneva to Chamonix, explore the famous village of Chamonix, and marvel at the alpine views. The resort experienced its first growth spurt in the Victorian era, hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and has emerged as the capital of all-mountain skiing. The steep-sided valley, with its glaciers and rocky spires, is where snow-sports and mountaineering meet. The busy town is a popular destination for day trippers. Find shopping designer brands and fashionable mountain brands in the many boutiques. Sample local products such as cheese, meats and fresh honey.

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.