Traveling James Bond Style From Chamonix to La Palud

Cable Car From Chamonix to Italy: Crossing the Alps

Looking for something a little different to do in Europe? A different mode of transport for traveling from France to Italy, perhaps?

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably always looking for a new adventure, something a little unusual.

So if you want to make a James Bond style entrance between countries then we’ve got just the adventure for you.

Traveling from France to Italy: James Bond style

Here’s how we traveled from Chamonix, France, to La Palud, Italy, and how much the crossing costs today.

Mont-Blanc Express to Chamonix

This trip starts in the usual way with a train ride on the Mont-Blanc Express from Martigny in Switzerland into Chamonix, but it’s no ordinary train. Think large glass windows to make the most of those views through the European Alps. And if you’re lucky, the driver may just let you up in the cabin to see what’s ahead. Coming from Switzerland, you change trains at Vallorcine, just inside France.

Picture Perfect Chamonix

Once you’ve arrived in Chamonix you’ll no doubt want to have a look around – the town is picture-book perfect and easy enough to get around on foot in a day. But don’t just stick to the town, there are dozens of walks you can do in the surrounding mountains, and if you’re not really a walker, cablecars will help you get to the top in no time to make the most of those views.

Where to Stay

We stayed at Chalet Les Frenes, just outside the town center in Les Bossons. This bed and breakfast sits at the foot of Mont Blanc and boasts stunning views of the Alps. There is also an outdoor hot tub with views of the mountain range, so be sure to bring your swimsuit. It’s worth checking whether the tub is in use when you book.

Hiking to Lac Blanc

We took the gondola up to La Flégère and hiked for four hours to Lac Blanc, reaching an elevation of 2,352 meters — yes, it’s all uphill. But the views are worth it, and if you’re lucky, you might see some wildlife along the way. We saw two ibex meandering around the lake.

The walk took us up to the snow line, where we had a wide view of the French Alps. Even covered with cloud, the views of the Mont Blanc mountain range are humbling.

The Flégère gondola leaves from Les Praz, about three kilometers from Chamonix. In 2026, a round trip cost €25 for adults, and the summer service ran until mid-September.

Traveling from France to Italy: Crossing international borders

But what does this have to do with James Bond? I hear you asking.

You’ll need to set aside a day or two for this adventure, and pack lightly! You really don’t want to be lugging around a whole lot of stuff, after all that’s very un-James Bond like behavior.

We can’t stress enough how much we loved this experience – traveling from France to Italy via cablecar. That’s right, you’re going to cross international borders from your own little pod swinging across the top of Europe.

The Cablecar Ride

You’ll be taking several cable cars here, so bear with us. First, head from the Chamonix city center up to the Aiguille du Midi, which is 3,842 meters high. From there, you’ll have sweeping views of the mountain ranges and the town of Chamonix below. Dramatic mountains surround you.

However, the trip from the Aiguille du Midi to the Helbronner in Italy will really take your breath away. It’s called the Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola and it crosses the Glacier du Géant, which is about 5 km away. The journey lasts about half an hour, including regular stops so you can photograph the surrounding mountains and so passengers can get on and off.

On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the Mer de Glace, Mont Blanc—the highest mountain in Western Europe—and the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps.

You’ll see brave souls wandering across the barren landscape and the crevices and rock faces they must tackle.

The cable cars travel in groups of three, with two people in each car. Each car can hold up to four people. It’s an eerie feeling to be in such a quiet car, suspended between the mountains and swinging across the top of Europe.

Helbronner

Helbronner – officially on the border of France and Italy – sits at 3,466 meters.

You could take a cable car back, but we’d recommend staying overnight in Italy and checking out the Italian Alps.

From Helbronner, the Skyway Monte Bianco takes you down in two stages: first to the Pavillon du Mont Fréty at 2,173 m, then to the valley station at Pontal d’Entrèves (1,300 m), right by La Palud. The cabins rotate 360 degrees on the way down.

Stay in either La Palud or the larger, nearby, Courmayeur. We stayed in La Palud, but ate in Courmayeur. Both are pretty, but there’s more choice of hotels and restaurants in Courmayeur.

We had the biggest pizza we’ve ever had in Courmayeur at the Pizzeria Ristorante Du Tunnel on Via Circonvallazione, the oldest pizzeria in town.

And you’ll probably want to have a martini with dinner… shaken not stirred!

We’re pretty convinced that this itinerary is the best way for traveling from France to Italy.

Prices, Tickets and Season (2026)

When the crossing runs

The Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola is summer-only and runs only in good weather. The 2026 season opened in July and closes on September 27, 2026. In the final weeks it runs from 9:00 am to 1:45 pm; in peak summer, from 7:00 am to 3:45 pm. Opening dates move from year to year, so check the operator’s calendar in spring.

The lifts at either end run longer. The Aiguille du Midi is open until November 1, 2026, then closes for maintenance until December 18. The Skyway Monte Bianco runs most of the year, with a spring maintenance break.

What it costs

2026 rates from the Chamonix tourist office and Skyway Monte Bianco.

A one-way crossing from Chamonix to Courmayeur comes to about €150 per adult outside August, plus €15 for the 40-minute bus back through the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Panoramic Mont-Blanc tickets are sold only on the day at the top of the Aiguille du Midi. Go early: clouds build around Mont Blanc as the day goes on, and in peak summer the line for the return gondola can reach 30 minutes by late morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Panoramic Mont-Blanc tickets online?

No. The gondola ticket is sold only on the day, at the cash desk at the top of the Aiguille du Midi, because the lift runs only when the weather allows. The Aiguille du Midi cable car and the Skyway Monte Bianco can both be booked online in advance.

Is the cable car from Chamonix to Italy open in October or winter?

The Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola isn’t; its 2026 season ends on September 27. The Aiguille du Midi stays open until November 1, and the Skyway runs up from Courmayeur most of the year, but you can’t cross between the two by cable car outside summer.

Do I need a passport to cross from Chamonix to Courmayeur by cable car?

Bring a passport or national ID card. Checks at Helbronner are rare because both countries are in Schengen, but the operators ask you to carry ID, and it’s mandatory on the bus through the Mont Blanc Tunnel.

Can young children ride the cable car to Italy?

Children under 3 aren’t allowed on the Aiguille du Midi lifts, and under-5s aren’t recommended because of the altitude and cold. Older kids ride at reduced fares.

What happens if the gondola isn’t running when I get to the top?

The Panoramic Mont-Blanc stops in strong wind or poor visibility. If that happens, ride back down to Chamonix and cross by road. SAVDA and FlixBus run buses between Chamonix and Courmayeur several times a day.

Will I feel the altitude?

You may. The lifts take you from 1,035 m to 3,842 m in about 20 minutes. Take the stairs slowly at the top, drink water, and head down if you feel unwell.