Rick Steves Calls This More Affordable Region Of The Alps 'No Less Dramatic' Than Switzerland's

The Swiss Alps are world-renowned for their breathtaking scenery. Think snow-dusted peaks, turquoise lakes, and picture-perfect villages that look like they've stepped straight out of "Heidi." But Switzerland is also known for its eye-wateringly high prices — it consistently sits at or near the top of the rankings of Europe's most expensive countries. Thankfully, travel expert Rick Steves has a workaround for thrifty travelers, writing on his website, "The French Alps are no less dramatic than Switzerland's." 

Steves singles out one destination in particular, writing, "My pick of the region is the range that hovers just above the resort town of Chamonix." Gorgeous Chamonix sits in the shadow of Mont Blanc, right on the borders of Switzerland and Italy. It's a lively town, surrounded by the jagged summits of the Aiguilles de Chamonix range. It even hosted the very first Winter Olympics back in 1924. Offering some of the most spectacular views anywhere in the Alps and a price tag that's (slightly) gentler than Switzerland's, Chamonix is a photogenic Alpine getaway.

A must-do when in Chamonix is taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi. As France's highest cable car, it gives you a jaw-dropping bird's-eye view of the valley below. From the top, you have panoramic views over the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. Rick Steves loves this spot but warns, "the air is noticeably thinner than back on earth, and even when the sun's out, it's still bitterly cold in July." Make sure to bring layers! The ride costs around $62 return with departures every 10–15 minutes. Check times and buy tickets here.

You can go even higher from the Aiguille du Midi, soaring past Mont Blanc and over glaciers and crevasses as you travel into Italy on the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car. After soaking in the magnificent Alpine views from Punta Helbronner, descend to the pretty Italian town of Courmayeur. You can return the same way or take a bus back to Chamonix through the 7-mile Mont Blanc Tunnel.

Finally, you can't visit the Alps without taking a hike, even if, like Steves, you're a self-described "hiking lightweight." Chamonix is a popular starting point for the Tour de Mont Blanc, the trek that opened Steves' eyes to the beauty of hiking. If you're not up for a multi-day odyssey, there are many shorter routes. Steves loves the Grand Balcon Sud, which can be a one-way, downhill route between cable car stations with views he calls "unforgettable." Before you set out, check Steves' best tips for hiking in Europe.

Chamonix is one of the most accessible Alpine resorts. The closest major airport is just over the border in Geneva, Switzerland. From there, it's a little over an hour's drive to Chamonix, and you can book a transfer, take a public bus, or hire a car. The road is a dual carriageway and easy to navigate, even for nervous drivers. Chamonix is also one of the few mountain resorts with its own train station, and services run from Geneva and major cities in France. Since both Switzerland and France are members of the Schengen area, you won't face any passport checks at the border.

The best time to visit Chamonix depends on your plans. Summer, from June to September, is ideal for hiking and sightseeing. By June, most of the snow will have melted, meaning the paths are clear, and the lifts will be open. Mountain refuges also open for the season. The winter months, from late December to March, are the peak times for snow sports.

While Chamonix is more reasonably priced than many resorts in the Swiss Alps, it's not a budget vacation spot. Expect to pay upwards of $160 per night for a well-rated hotel in July — many properties sit below the $250 per night mark. If you're looking to save, it may be cheaper to rent an apartment. Once you've found somewhere to lay your head, read our article to find out how much you can expect to pay for food in France. With the same Alps but a smaller bill, Chamonix is a steal!