MEGÈVE OR CHAMONIX?

For summit thrills in the Alps, Chamonix is the clear choice. Considered the birthplace of mountaineering, the resort has attracted explorers, guides and mountain enthusiasts since the 19th century. Today, it remains the starting point for Mont Blanc climbs, glacier hiking, the Vallée Blanche, and the trail that has achieved cult status through the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc). Days start early in Chamonix: as the first rays hit Mont Blanc’s north face, mountaineers are already gearing up, hikers are lacing their boots and runners are heading out on the trails. The atmosphere is electric, international and vibrant. The cafés buzz with different languages, and rucksacks are packed with ropes and crampons. The air pulses with movement, conquest and adrenaline. Life here is a year-round adventure, with freeride skiing in winter, climbing in spring, and paragliding and mountain biking in summer.

Chamonix and Megève transform through the seasons, each offering exceptional Alpine holiday experiences. In spring, Chamonix maintains its adventurous spirit with its snow-dusted trails and glacier waterfalls, whereas Megève blooms with wildflower meadows, countryside walks and lively terraces.  Come summer, Chamonix becomes an adventure playground: trail running, climbing and paragliding attract athletes and aficionados alike. In Megève, the atmosphere remains relaxed and serene, with outdoor concerts, green pastures and cosy cafés perfect for leisurely afternoons in the mountains.  Autumn brings another change of pace to both villages. Chamonix grows quieter beneath canopies of russet and gold, ideal for reflective walks in nature. Megève comes alive with local flavours, vibrant markets and forests ablaze with colour, encouraging relaxation and appreciation of life’s simple pleasures.  And in winter, Chamonix draws fresh snow enthusiasts and thrill seekers, whereas Megève transforms into a picture-postcard scene, with its Christmas market, horse-drawn carriages and fir-lined slopes.  Both villages offer distinct ways of experiencing the Alps, but for those seeking harmony between nature, cultural heritage and exceptional cuisine, Megève may well be where your journey finds its deepest fulfilment.

The adventure doesn’t end at Megève or Chamonix. Beaumier invites you to explore other alpine horizons, each with its own distinct personality. At Val Thorens, Le Fitz Roy and Le Val Thorens combine altitude with conviviality – perfect for holidays among the peaks. In Switzerland, the Grand Hotel Belvedere in Wengen graces the Bernese Oberland with inspiring experiences throughout the seasons. These are Beaumier hotels that inspire you to create meaningful connections between places, seasons and emotions. So to those wondering “Megève or Chamonix?”, the choice isn’t merely geographic – it’s about defining the essence of your ideal holiday. Whether you’re drawn to mountain grandeur or alpine village charm, the Alps reveal themselves according to your desires. If tranquillity calls to you, Megève may just be your kind of retreat.  Explore our hotels in the Alps