A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chamonix-Mont-Blanc vs. Imperia for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Imperia. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a epic, majestic, and world-class mountain town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mont Blanc
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Although Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Imperia is known for its museums and shopping. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. It is also home to Mont Blanc. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc

How is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Imperia and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a must-visit destination for snow skiing. However, Imperia is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc should be on your list. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Imperia is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Imperia is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Imperia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an experience not to be missed. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.


Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Imperia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great choice. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Imperia is not a resort destination.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a must-visit destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Imperia is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Imperia is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Families?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

Imperia is a family-friendly mountain town. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very popular mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.


Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia a more walkable city?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Imperia

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable destination. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

For even more information, also check out Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting? and Is Imperia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

How long in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Imperia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Imperia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Imperia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.


  • How many days in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 4-7 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Imperia, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find skiing and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Many people visit Imperia for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Imperia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Imperia offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Imperia. This town offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best G Adventures Tours to France, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is €235, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 90
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 180
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc


Hotels in Imperia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 40
    Imperia 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Chamonix to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Courmayeur to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Chamonix (FR) to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $131
  • Courmayeur to Milan Malpensa Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $137
  • Chamonix-Morzine-Avoriaz to Geneva Airport GVA-Departure Transfer: $147
  • Courmayeur, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $153
  • Courmayeur Ski Club to Linate Airport (LIN) - Departure Transfer: $162
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chamonix to Milan Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer Chamonix and Morzine to Milan Malpensa Airport: $229

Is it cheaper to fly into Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 48
    Imperia 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Food Tour in Chamonix: $444

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 80
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • On an adventure with Rosalie - Nancy-sur-Cluses: $5.45
  • Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $144
  • Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $171
  • Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $195
  • Bespoke Private Chamonix Experience: $196
  • Altitude experience above Chamonix by eBike: $298
  • Chamonix: Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour: $416
  • Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $538

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 9.64
    Imperia 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tour with private driver - 10 hours: $823


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Imperia, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than you might in Imperia.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive? and Is Imperia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Imperia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.