Rules for visiting Chamonix
What is allowed and what is not at the resort and around it: camping, motorhomes, ski touring, dogs, drones and fires. Each rule links to the official source it comes from.
The resort lies within Réserve naturelle nationale des Aiguilles Rouges (also a Natura 2000 area, Aiguilles Rouges), together with the Carlaveyron and Vallon de Bérard reserves, in the massif facing Chamonix, so its public-use rules also apply. Source: cen-haute-savoie.org
⛺ Camping and bivouac
- With conditionsCamping is prohibited in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, whether in a tent, a vehicle or any other shelter. Bivouacking is tolerated from 19:00 to 9:00 with a reservation at reserve-bivouac74.fr and is prohibited in restricted zones. You may not leave the tent pitched outside those hours or for several days.Source: ffrandonnee.fr
🚐 Motorhomes and caravans
- With conditionsFrom 1 May to 31 October (municipal decree 2026.00652): maximum 24 h in the same place and sleeping in the vehicle is prohibited from 22:00 to 7:00, except in the «Camping-cars» car parks (under 7 m) and «Grépon Bus» (over 7 m). Parking at the service area is not allowed.Source: chamonix.fr
🎿 Ski touring and snowshoes on the slopes
- With conditionsLa Trapette ski touring route (Argentière): free access from 17/12 to 19/03, every day from 9:00 to 17:00, depending on snow and weather. It is marked but not maintained or secured, and is not recommended for beginners. You go at your own risk.Source: en.chamonix.com
🐕 Dogs
- ProhibitedDogs are prohibited in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, even on a leash. Only sheepdogs, rescue dogs and, on a leash, dogs accompanying blind people are allowed.Source: cen-haute-savoie.org
🛸 Drones
- ProhibitedFlying over the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve with a drone, paraglider or any other aircraft is prohibited, so as not to disturb wildlife or livestock.Source: cen-haute-savoie.org
🔥 Fires and barbecues
- ProhibitedLighting fires in the natural environment is prohibited in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve unless authorised by the prefect (art. 6 of the decree of 27/01/2010).Source: cen-haute-savoie.org
📋 Other rules
- With conditionsIn the reserve it is prohibited to cut, damage or take wild plants. Picking blueberries, raspberries, bearberry and mushrooms for personal consumption is permitted, respecting landowners' rights. Taking rocks, minerals or fossils is also prohibited.Source: cen-haute-savoie.org
- ProhibitedIn the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, driving and parking motor vehicles is prohibited outside the departmental road RD 1506. Exceptions are public services, rescue, reserve management, and agricultural, forestry or pastoral activities.Source: cen-haute-savoie.org
Frequently asked questions
- Can you camp or bivouac at Chamonix?
- With conditions. Camping is prohibited in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, whether in a tent, a vehicle or any other shelter. Bivouacking is tolerated from 19:00 to 9:00 with a reservation at reserve-bivouac74.fr and is prohibited in restricted zones. You may not leave the tent pitched outside those hours or for several days.
- Can you sleep in a motorhome at Chamonix?
- With conditions. From 1 May to 31 October (municipal decree 2026.00652): maximum 24 h in the same place and sleeping in the vehicle is prohibited from 22:00 to 7:00, except in the «Camping-cars» car parks (under 7 m) and «Grépon Bus» (over 7 m). Parking at the service area is not allowed.
- Can you skin up the slopes at Chamonix?
- With conditions. La Trapette ski touring route (Argentière): free access from 17/12 to 19/03, every day from 9:00 to 17:00, depending on snow and weather. It is marked but not maintained or secured, and is not recommended for beginners. You go at your own risk.
- Can you bring a dog to Chamonix?
- Prohibited. Dogs are prohibited in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve, even on a leash. Only sheepdogs, rescue dogs and, on a leash, dogs accompanying blind people are allowed.
- Can you fly a drone at Chamonix?
- Prohibited. Flying over the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve with a drone, paraglider or any other aircraft is prohibited, so as not to disturb wildlife or livestock.
- Can you light a fire or barbecue at Chamonix?
- Prohibited. Lighting fires in the natural environment is prohibited in the Aiguilles Rouges reserve unless authorised by the prefect (art. 6 of the decree of 27/01/2010).
Before you go
Rules collected on 12 October 2026 and reviewed every month. Rules change and may have exceptions: if in doubt, follow the protected area, the local council or the resort. Translated from Spanish; some sources may be in another language.