8 places to climb in Chamonix

Are you coming to the French Alps soon? So discover the 8 best places to climb in Chamonix!

With its high mountains and beautiful cliffs, the Alps are certainly one of the best destinations to climb! Haut-lieu du ski français et des sports d’hiver, la vallée de Chamonix is also an iconic and legendary climbing site in the middle of nature. After all, it is here that mountaineering would be born! It is considered that this sport was invented by Horace-Bénédict de Saussure. In 1786, the latter offered a premium to the first one that climbed the Mont Blanc, called the "maudited mountain"! Two Chamoniards made this challenge, an event that brought Chamonix under the spotlight and attracted tourists and enthusiasts from all over the world. Still today, the whole Earth and its mountaineering enthusiasts meet at “Cham”!

In the summer, the warmer climate allows you to discover the cliffs and blocks of the Chamonix valley. Don't you know where to practice your passion in the French Alps? To help you in your sporting adventures, you will find 8 best places to climb in Chamonix. The region is home to 19 rocks-slope schools, according to the topographic guide. These eight sites are among the most accessible and renowned. All you have to do is put your slippers and equip yourself to discover these exceptional spots!

1. The Gaillands

Located south of Chamonix, the climbing rock of the Gaillands is renowned internationally! This spot is also historic. Indeed, the first climbing school in France was probably developed in the 1930s by Alfred Couttet and Roger Frison-Roche. At the bottom of the valley, the Gaillands are very easily reachable by car, as in train with the Saint-Gervais-Vallorcine line, stop the Pilgrims. The spot offers a large climbing surface where all difficulty levels are represented. You will find more than 100 tracks, ranging from 3c to 7c for rating. It is an ideal climbing rock for families, as you will find many easy routes. The foot of the tracks is also unsafe.

Note that the rock is made of gneiss. South exposure, the spot is often sheltered. In front of the Gaillands, there is also a bar where to rest and relax. To reach this spot by car, you will have to take the White Road and follow the signs "Taconnaz, the Bossons". Then look for Lake Gaillands on the right. The site is on the left, well before Chamonix Centre.

2. Barberine

You will find the site of Barberine, the name of the local watercourse, just before the Swiss border. Only 30 minutes separate Barberine from the alpine station. After the village of Vallorcine, you will see a small road marked on the left. You will then have to walk between 10 and 20 minutes in steep climb to reach the site. To avoid blocking the small access road, you should park a bit before the village of Barberine. This spot is certainly one of the best places to climb in Chamonix. It is in part in Switzerland, so don't miss out on making the full of chocolate on the border or paying attention to your mobile connection on site! In this place, you can also admire the Black Water, a beautiful torrent that departs from the mountains.

As for Barberine's spot, it houses between 25 and 50 tracks, whose rating ranges from 4a to 7a. They are spread over several granite cliffs, some of which are exposed to the sun. The altitude at the foot of the tracks is 1,300 metres, the longest are 200 to 300 metres high. These are very physical. They require skills and a solid climbing experience. However, the spot is not recommended to families, as the foot of the tracks is dangerous to children.

3. Vallorcine

Located north of the valley and just before the Barberine spot, Vallorcine is home to one of the best climbing places in Chamonix. The cliff is on the right when you descend from the Montets Pass to the village of Vallorcine. You will find between 10 and 25 tracks, and pitches ranging from 4a to 7a. Northeast exposure, you can practice the climbing ideally from May to October! You can climb in the morning to the fresh, during the summer period. But the strength of this spot lies above all in the fantastic landscapes surrounding it. On this wall, you will have a magnificent view of the Vallorcine valley!

As for the access to the spot, you should park at the old Buet train station where there is a large parking lot. From there, a short 15 minute walk through the meadow will lead you to the wall. The spot can also reach by train. It should be noted that the foot of the tracks is unsafe for young children.

4. The Joux

Located not far from Argentière, La Joux is certainly one of the best places to climb in Chamonix! The rocks of this spot are between 50 and 100 paths, the rating ranges from 3c to 7b. The Joux is also an excellent spot for families. First, the foot of the tracks is comfortable and unsafe for young children. Second, you will find ways for all, regardless of the level or age! Third, the spot is south exposure. This is a nice place to picnic.

To reach this spot in La Joux, you will have to go to the hamlet of the same name, then park next to the railway track. After crossing the track behind the railway gate, take a right in the hamlet and then cross the woods. A trail climbs up to the small climbing rock. A dozen minutes will be enough to reach the spot. A nearby avalanche is equipped with a few tracks. So we can do a block!

5. Servoz

All mountaineering enthusiasts know Servoz! This authentic village, keeper of the valley, lives serenely at the foot of the Fiz chain, facing the legendary Mont Blanc. You will also find one of the best places to climb in Chamonix. Located not far from the village, the climbing rock houses between 50 and 100 tracks. The rating ranges from 3a to 7a. It also offers some good challenges, with well physical overhangs and tracks in 2 or 3 lengths from 5 to 6b.

South exposure, this spot has a particularly pleasant setting in the summer. There is a small bar to cool down and relax. Attention, however, the foot of the tracks is dangerous for young children! To reach the Servoz spot, it is very simple: follow the D13 along the Arve. The cliff is well indicated.

6. The Col des Montets

Do you prefer the long-way block? Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about block enthusiasts! The Col des Montets, located not far from the Joux and Argentière, is undoubtedly one of the best places to climb in Chamonix. You will find several blocks suitable for the initiation of climbing, as well as many passages on gneiss offering a wide range of difficulties! Located 1,500 metres above sea level, the spot is home to about 50 passages, spread over 2 areas. Block rating ranges from 3a to 7c.

To reach this climbing spot, stop at the first free parking lot in the hamlet of Tré Le Champ Le Haut. From the parking lot, a short walk of 10 minutes uphill will allow you to access the various blocks. The spot is ideally visited from June to late September. Note also that a crashpad is highly recommended here!

7. The Labo

The Labo is a fairly recent spot. This cliff is the last equipped for climbing in the Chamonix valley. You will find it on the commune of Les Houches (Coupeau). On this spot, the tracks are rather short, ranging from 18 to 30 metres. They're spilling and explosive. If you are looking for challenges, then this spot The Labo is for you! The site has 13 tracks ranging from 6b to 7c.

To reach Le Labo, you will have to reach La Flatiére (Coupeau) or Montvauthier parking. A 45 minute walk through the forest will then allow you to reach the spot, normally well indicated. The Labo is certainly one of the best places to climb in Chamonix. It offers nice challenges to the wary climbers!

8. The Brévent

Facing Mont Blanc, the Brévent plates are a pleasant and quiet climbing site. There you will find a good 50 tracks spread over several cliffs, with rating ranging from 5b to 7a. This spot offers beautiful challenges and many interesting passages. It is thus well recommended to experienced climbers!

To get there from Chamonix, you will have to take the cable car to Planpraz at 2,000 metres, then the cable car to the Brévent at 2,525 metres. From the top of the cable car, a short 5 minute walk will finally lead you to the spot. Be careful at the time of the last descent for the return.