3 Epic Day Hikes in Chamonix

Lac Blanc, La Jonction, Emosson Dam
.... three of the best dayhikes in Chamonix
Chamonix is a picturesque town in the French Alps, at the base of Mont Blanc.
Surrounded by dramatic mountains, glaciers, lush meadows and alpine forests, it is a paradise for walkers, hikers, runners, climbers, photographers... anyone who likes the outdoors.
This short video features 3 of the most spectacular hikes / walks in the Chamonix Valley:
- Lac Blanc: A beautiful lake that sits high above the valley, directly across from the Mont Blanc Massif.
- La Jonction: The spectacular ridge between two huge glaciers which flow from Mont Blanc: The Bossons and The Taconnaz.
- Emosson Dam. This walk ventures into Switzerland to the hugely impressive dam, complete with icy blue lakes and the Dinosaur Tracks (prehistoric footprints dating back to a time when much larger animals used to hike around the valley!)
Chamonix Valley is without question the most beautiful place I have ever visited and all the hikes depicted in this video I thoroughly recommend. Just be aware - the walks do involve walking on steep, uneven ground, and some of the climbs are very strenuous. La Jonction is particularly demanding. Other hikes (like Lac Blanc) can be shortened by using the extensive network of cable cars that operate in the valley.
Because of its location (Chamonix is 1,000m above sea level) many of the walks are above 2,000m and, as such, snow can be present for much of the year. Generally, the best time for hiking is July to mid-September.
The guidebook I used to plan the walks was: 'Mont Blanc Walks' by Hilary Sharp (Cicerone). I thoroughly recommend it.
All of the music in the video is from the KZread Audio Library:
Intro: Exhale, Jeremy Blake
Et Voila, Chris Haugen
Jazz in Paris, Media Right Productions
Lac Blanc: Easy Day, Kevin MacLeod
Aretes, Kevin MacLeod. Aretes by Kevin MacLeod is
licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence
(creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-
free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100325
Artist: incompetech.com
La Jonction: Wind Marching for Rain, Puddle of Infinity
Serenity, Aakash Ghandi
Emosson: Acoustic Guitar 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution licence
(creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Kombucha Drone, Unicorn Heads
Arms of Heaven, Aakash Ghandi
Thanks for watching!

Пікірлер: 65

  • @Restez_Humble
    @Restez_Humble11 ай бұрын

  • @cncguides
    @cncguides4 жыл бұрын

    My brain doesn't work as fast as you talk. Thanks for sharing.

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    My brain doesn't work as fast as I talk either .... it causes me all sorts of problems! Thanks for watching.

  • @cncguides

    @cncguides

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@richardrambles6259 Good luck with your adventures.

  • @AdvenTours0818
    @AdvenTours08184 жыл бұрын

    There is something humbling about the mountains. 😊

  • @Norwegianraver
    @Norwegianraver2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for excellent and stress free video!

  • @PChina-vk1ep
    @PChina-vk1ep Жыл бұрын

    Wow that looks amazing, my husband and I are coming this summer. Can’t wait!! Thanks for your amazing vdo 😊

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks. Have a great time there ... It's an amazing place 🙏

  • @JB_FLYA69669
    @JB_FLYA6966910 ай бұрын

    Great video you have inspired me to go here.

  • @HenriOlivier
    @HenriOlivier3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this great video, my friend! Have a great day!

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks. I appreciate it 👍 Glad you liked it. All the best, Richard

  • @wardensyt
    @wardensyt2 жыл бұрын

    awesome video! cheers for sharing :)

  • @wildcamping1502
    @wildcamping15025 жыл бұрын

    WOW Richard you captured some absolutely stunning views what an amazing place and to be sat next to a glacier just unreal, That mountain Range to was Bloody impressive, you did well to capture the scale and size of that mountain range to, Makes our mountains look like moel Hills But wouldn't swap them, Really Enjoyable, Take Care,Les.

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Les. Glad you liked the video. I really appreciate you taking the time to watch it and to leave such positive comments. It spurs me on to make more videos. Although my next few trips might need to be closer to home... I've used up most of my annual leave and my bank account has taken a battering! Thanks again for watching and for the support. All the best...Richard

  • @JDonaldsonHD
    @JDonaldsonHD4 жыл бұрын

    Great video, the alps are amazing in the summer! I have just been last week. Thanks for sharing

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Joe. I appreciate it. I hope you had a great time out there... You're right... It's an incredible place. Great scenery, nice weather, and good food... what more could you ask for!

  • @dinocafolla5262
    @dinocafolla52623 жыл бұрын

    Impressive!

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    3 жыл бұрын

    Cheers mate. I appreciate it 👍 I hope to get back out there... it's a great place

  • @MiaRodas
    @MiaRodas4 жыл бұрын

    beautiful travel destinations, thanks for sharing

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! All the best, Richard

  • @krissiaa.2732
    @krissiaa.27324 жыл бұрын

    Stunning views 😍 very informative video, thanks for sharing

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks very much. It's an amazing place... can't wait to go back! All the best, Richard

  • @kanouk34
    @kanouk345 жыл бұрын

    looks amazing, going next week!

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    5 жыл бұрын

    Have a good time! It's an amazing place!

  • @richlomas9367
    @richlomas9367 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video! I'm going to Chamonix next week and this has helped me plan my adventure 😁

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you found it useful ... Enjoy your trip .. it's a great place

  • @dottyrobson1
    @dottyrobson14 жыл бұрын

    Wow, really enjoyed this. Great views and looks like an all around fantastic place. Updating my hikes to do list now. Thanks mate. Subscribed. 👍

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! If you are interested in doing a long-distance walk in the Chamonix area, I highly recommend the Tour Du Mont Blanc. It is challenging (with lots of steep sections) but the views are immense, as are the places it passes through (e.g. Courmayeur - the Italian version of Chamonix, but more chilled out). But the day hikes are great too. I hope you get to see it for yourself soon. All the best, Richard

  • @dottyrobson1

    @dottyrobson1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the recommend. Ill take a look at it now. Always wanted to do a long distance Alps hike.

  • @Iron_DD
    @Iron_DD Жыл бұрын

    What time of the year was this? Stunning video btw 😍

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    Жыл бұрын

    Sorry for the slow reply... I haven't been on here for a while! This video was filmed in late August... It is a busy time to go... The UTMB race week is hectic. I have also been in early July and early September. Both were very good weather wise.... with the occasional heavy thunderstorms

  • @AdamRifi
    @AdamRifi4 жыл бұрын

    Great cinematography! found you through Kraig Adam's Channel, nice to see another hiking creator on KZread :)

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Adam... I really enjoy Kraig's channel too. He makes incredible films. I have added many places /hikes to my bucket list after watching his films. He's gonna cost me a fortune :) Thanks again for watching. All the best, Richard

  • @nicoyletyinen1143
    @nicoyletyinen11434 жыл бұрын

    Great video!

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Nico. I appreciate it!

  • @tommyfoskett3133
    @tommyfoskett31334 жыл бұрын

    Great video!! The views are amazing. Ben Nevis is 1345m high so you climbed higher than the tallest mountain in Britain most days lol great stuff

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Tommy. I appreciate it! Chamonix is an amazing place. I hope you get a chance to experience it. All the best, Richard

  • @jal7950
    @jal79504 жыл бұрын

    Hello Richard! I am from Brazil and I have passagnes to Europe, now in late October. I saw that you said the recommended period is until mid-September, but you know if people can go hiking in late October. Grateful for the attention. And thanks for sharing your video.

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching! I haven't been in the Chamonix area in late October. I think by then the chances of snow (especially at higher elevations) could be high, which could make walking / hiking unsafe. Also, the mountain huts will be closed (as will almost all of the lifts). You could buy a guidebook (I recommend Mont Blanc walks by Hilary Sharp) and have a look at the many walks / hikes in and around Chamonix then, depending on the weather forecast each day (and how much snow is about) decide if it's safe to try. Even if you are not able to get out hiking much, late October is probably a nice time to be in Chamonix town itself... I'm sure it's much quieter and more peaceful than the summer months! I hope you have a good time out there! All the best, Richard

  • @jal7950

    @jal7950

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@richardrambles6259 Thank you so much Richard!!!

  • @drewandrachelcrites6051
    @drewandrachelcrites60515 жыл бұрын

    Did you buy your verticalp tickets at Emosson Dam (at the top) or did you have to get them ahead? Thanks so much. These hikes look great!

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching. The whole region is incredible... with so many great walks to choose from. Emosson was a real gem though. I initially planned to walk back to Vallorcine from the dam but I was quite tired so I decided to use the verticalp (as soon as I saw it I wanted to try it!) I bought the ticket at the visitor centre at the dam. It's really good, especially the miniature train that goes along the mountain side. I hope you have a great trip and get as lucky with the weather as I did. Also, if I had more time I would've checked out the dinasour tracks at Emosson... could be worth a visit if you get a chance

  • @PHARALALKA
    @PHARALALKA4 жыл бұрын

    Hello Richard, nice video there. Quick question: The La Flégère cable car is shut for maintenance this year. I too may have to hike all the way up. How long did the hike from Chamonix to Lac Blanc take you? Thanks, Prateek.

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Prateek, I think it took me about 3 or 3.5 hours to walk from town level up to the lake, but I stopped at La Floria for food and did quite a bit of filming which took time. It's probably do-able in 2.5 hrs. The path is very rocky in places so take care....

  • @PHARALALKA

    @PHARALALKA

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@richardrambles6259 thanks for the prompt reply! I too plan on stopping at Floria, and on filming as well. I guess I'll keep 4 hours for the hike up. Thanks again!

  • @tassiad.9137
    @tassiad.91374 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful video, thanks for sharing. Just wondering here I love to hike but I am a beginner. Is it possible to get a guide to help me get to those places? I would love to see those mountains lakes.

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Tassia. Thanks for your kind comments! The lakes are beautiful. Lac Blanc is well sign-posted and very popular so at peak summer time on days with good weather there should be lots of people about (if that would make you feel better about doing it yourself)... But if you do not feel comfortable hiking by yourself you can hire guides in Chamonix (either privately, which could be costly) or join a group with a set itinerary. Check out Chamonix-guides.com... I think they use IFMGA qualified guides and have several itineraries to choose from.... single day and multi day. Unfortunately I don't have any personal expert of using the guiding agencies. I think adventurebase is another popular guide company. If you really want to immerse yourself in the Alps, one of the best way to see the region is to walk the Tour Du Mont Blanc. I did a video about it recently if you want to check it out.... It's a physically challenging walk but the views are incredible. I hiked it solo but can pay to go as part of a guided group and spend 10+ days walking through some of the best scenery imaginable! And also enjoy the sociable side of the walk... staying in hotels and mountain huts along the way. I hope that is of some use! Sorry I don't have any personal recommendations for guides... Thanks again for watching. I hope you manage to get out there and experience it yourself. It's an amazing place!

  • @fahdzaa
    @fahdzaa3 жыл бұрын

    Amazing hikes and views. La Jonction could be to hard for me. But i was wondering how long did it take to get to emosson dam and back to chamonix? I mean its not close right? And what did you mean on how to get free transportation?

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching. In regards to Emosson Dam, i got the train from Chamonix to Vallorcine (30mins) and started the walk from there. It is about a 4 mile walk to Emosson Dam with about 900 metres of elevation gain. It took me about 3 hours to walk it. Add more time if you want to stop off at Loriaz refuge along the way. I also spent about 90 mins at the Dam. I then got the cable car from the dam down to Le Chatelard, then the train back to Chamonix. Alternatively, just before the dam there is a path that descends to the valley below and leads back to Vallorcine. However, the decent is steep and it would make for a long day (the walk from Vallorcine to Emosson dam and back would be about 9 miles). The walk I showed on the video (Vallorcine to Emosson) is fantastic but the best views are actually being you, i.e. looking back towards Vallorcine so you could actually go the opposite direction... Start the walk at Emosson Dam and walk back to Vallorcine. Then get the train back to Chamonix. Just a thought The transport card was given to me at the hotel when I checked in. I also got one from a campsite too. I don't think it covered the full train journey to Vallorcine. It certainly doesn't cover the cable cars. But it worked well for me.... I regularly used the buses to various places in the Chamonix valley and didn't need to pay. I hope this helps. For planning walks in or around the Chamonix area I highly recommend the Cicerone book by Hilary Sharp... "Mont Blanc Walks." It has served me well! I hope this helps. All the best, Richard

  • @fahdzaa

    @fahdzaa

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@richardrambles6259 Thanks alot, great info. Really appreciate it. Gonna help me for sure.

  • @PEDRALANGAS
    @PEDRALANGAS4 жыл бұрын

    Hey brother questions: I am planning to hike those places but I walk on crutches. I am in California and hike a lot. How long was each hike for you? I am assuming it would take me twice as long for each one haha! :D

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi Pedro.... If you walk with crutches, I don't think any of the hikes in the video would be safe... the terrain is very rough and there are exposed sections where a fall could be very serious / fatal. The Chamonix area is beautiful and well worth a visit but the hikes described in this video are tough going. I think each one took me 6+ hours (out and back)....they all involved more than 1300 metres (4000 feet) of ascent, over knee-jarring rocky ground. I was exhausted by the time I finished each one! Thanks for watching the video and I'm sorry to sound negative....but I just want to be completely honest about how tough the hikes are. A the best, Richard

  • @Jouneytoproverbs31
    @Jouneytoproverbs315 жыл бұрын

    i have a question please. i am going there soon an di wanted to know if you have to pay to hike? what is the process? do you know the closest transportation there? thank you

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    5 жыл бұрын

    Hi Bridget... You don't have to pay to hike unless you plan to use some skilifts / chairlifts to gain some height. Chamonix is at 1000m above sea level and there are lots of great walks you can start from the town but with some, including Lac Blanc, you also have the option of using the cable car to climb the first 1000m. I think it cost 15euro for a return journey, which I just paid at the cable car station. If you're planning walks in the Chamonix area I thoroughly recommend the Cicerone guidebook... 'Mont Blanc walks.' It is really good. In terms of transport, I have been to Chamonix 3 times, EA h time flying into Geneva and then getting a minibus transfer to Chamonix. I use Mountain Dropoffs who I've found to be a great company. My return journey to the airport is usually 60 euro, so transfers can be pricey. There's a train but I think it is awkward, and involves a few changes. There is probably a bus which might be cheaper. I only have experience of getting there from Geneva. Once you arrive in Chamonix, the public transport I'd excellent with regular buses and trains all along the valley. I have always been given a transport card from the campsites and hotels I've stayed at which makes the buses and trains within the valley free! I hope you have a great time... Chamonix is stunning. So too is Courmayeur (Italy) which is only a 45 minute bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel.

  • @williambraga6105
    @williambraga61054 жыл бұрын

    Nice vídeo. You have to pay to do this trekkings, or is open?

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks William. The treks are free... unless you choose to use the ski-lifts / chairlifts to help... then there would be a cost for that. For example, many people use the skilift at La Flegere to get close to Lac Blanc (to avoid the first 1000m of ascent)... I think it costs 14 euro for a return trip.

  • @sameshpun2137
    @sameshpun2137 Жыл бұрын

    Talking super fast 💨😀liked the video though

  • @user-or7ji5hv8y
    @user-or7ji5hv8y3 жыл бұрын

    Are hiking sticks necessary for the hikes in Chamonix?

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    3 жыл бұрын

    I certainly recommend them... some of the hikes are over rough, steep ground. I find they help with balance and also take pressure off my knees on steep descents.

  • @andrewstorm8240
    @andrewstorm82404 жыл бұрын

    If you bypass the cable car is it easy to find the start of the walk up the hills - do you just walk behind the cable car station

  • @richardrambles6259

    @richardrambles6259

    4 жыл бұрын

    Yes Andrew, the walk to Lac Blanc starts at the back of La Flegere cable car station. It's a nice walk up through the trees, passing through La Floria, then it opens put into some ski pistes. On a day with good visibility the views are excellent.

  • @sameshpun2137
    @sameshpun2137 Жыл бұрын

    Talking like Eminem rap 😁

  • @enaam685
    @enaam6852 жыл бұрын

    طريقه عمل البغاشه

  • @vamonaa
    @vamonaa4 жыл бұрын

    speak faster like its an international call