Petit Balcon Sud

This is a good introduction to running in Chamonix: it's relatively smooth surface, easy access, shady forest, and low elevation make it easier than most higher trails.

This is a gentle but scenic trail just up the hill from the valley floor. There are many connections to town, so you can hop on and off it where ever you please, and easily take the train or bus if you get tired. The sections a bit north of Chamonix (around Les Tines, La Joux) are particularly nice where the trail goes near many streams and the Arve River.

The good parts about being low in the valley: the snow melts fast, and this has a longer season. It's mostly forested, which makes it cooler and the trail surface is soft dirt. Being on the north side of the valley, the views of the Mont Blanc massif are excellent, though not continuous. Also, this is a very pleasant trail in bad weather - even rain.

However, most people come to Chamonix for the high alpine and unobstructed big mountains... so if you have limited time and good weather, choose a trail higher up.

This is more of a network of trails and short stretches of roads, but every intersection is well-marked, so just keep your eyes open and you'll stay on track.