Chamonix is the extreme sports capital of the Alps and it’s here where the world’s top adventure athletes come to push new boundaries. This is the place to try climbing, whether an ascent of Mt Blanc, a classic route on a lesser known peak or ice climbing a frozen waterfall. A strong head is a must. There’s also 60km of cross-country trails, snow-shoeing, paragliding and dog-sledding.
If this sounds too exhausting, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to 3,800m and admire one of the best views in the Alps. Chamonix is a proper town with many designer stores – it’s also home to some great shopping.