Lac Blanc refuge (2352m), Massif du Mont-Blanc
Breathtaking scenery from this easily accessed lake side refuge
This refuge is one of the most popular mountain shelters in Chamonix due to its stunning views over the adjacent lake. The surrounding mountain scenery is especially beautiful here at sunset and sunrise.
The refuge is open in the summer from mid-June to the end of September. Accommodation is half-board only and picnic lunches can be provided on request; an ร la carte menu is available during the day and is popular with passing hikers. Cuisine is traditional Savoyard using fresh local ingredients - cheese croute, omelettes, salads, blueberry tart, etc.
The refuge sleeps up to 40 people in dormitories split between two buildings. Blankets and pillows are provided but for hygiene reasons you must bring your own sleeping bag liner. Hot showers and toilets are available.
The easy access and stunning location of this refuge mean that it is very popular, reservations must be made in advance and full payment is required at time of booking.
Please contact the refuge directly for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
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Directions
The shelter can be accessed by taking the Flegere cable car and then following the short path to the Index chair lift. Once at the top of the index lift, follow the signposted hiking trail to Lac Blanc. The route should take approximately 1.5 hours.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Teresa Kaufman Outdoor Photography Classes
'The best photo class you will ever take', is Teresa's bold strapline for her unique photo walk classes, which take place in the incredible outdoors of the Chamonix Valley and offer an opportunity to photograph the major mountains and viewpoints.
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Vallee Blanche Off-Piste Ski Guiding
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), Ski and Snowboard Instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.
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Cinema VOX
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Tandem Paragliding
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
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Guided off-piste Vallรฉe Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism.ย Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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3-Day Mont Blanc Traverse by Tacul & Maudit Summits
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is without a doubt the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world, and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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La Fruitiรจre Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, itโs a favourite with both locals and visitors.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentiรจre
The Plan Joran tรฉlรฉcabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.ย
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La Flรฉgรจre, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flรฉgรจre and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.ย
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
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Argentiere Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
The Argentiere ski de fond trails weave through the pine woods and the small hamlets of Les Choselets and Les Grassonets.
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Grands Montets Ski Area & Lifts, Argentiรจre
Les Grands Montets cable car (otherwise known as GM) is located an easy walk from Argentiรจre town centre and is also on the main bus line, as well as being very near to Argentiรจre train station.
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Flรฉgรจre Ski Area & Lifts
La Flรฉgรจre is a large south-facing ski area accessed by a cable car from the village of Les Praz; you can reach this lift pass office at the bottom of the cable care in just 10 minutes by bus, train or car from Chamonix town.
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Le Tour Ski Pass Office
The Le Tour ski area is at the end of the valley, towards the Swiss border, and is easily accessed by bus or car, with plenty of parking.
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Vormaine Beginner Ski Area & Lifts, Le Tour
Nestled just off to the right of the main gondola at Le Tour is La Vormaine ski area, a beginner's ski area with four lifts.
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Chamonix Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
The Chamonix cross-country ski trails are easily accessed from the centre of town and are located near to the sports centre.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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Argentiรจre
Argentiรจre is a picturesque village within the Chamonix Valley and is just a short 10-minute car journey from Chamonix town. This charming village has been less affected by wealthy tourists and ex-patriots from various countries who have chosen to make their living in the mountains. It therefore retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars.
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Les Praz
Les Praz is a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Chamonix. The village is surrounded by forests and streams making it an idyllic mountain hideaway and a popular place to live. You will find many chalet-style properties in this area. It is also home to a number of good bars and restaurants.
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Le Tour
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix Valley in the Domaine de la Balme area. Take a stroll around the back streets to see some of the classically Alpine-style houses and the church dome. Look up to see the glaciers reaching down towards you, which are really impressive even in the height of summer.
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Vallorcine
Vallorcine is a small, relatively quiet French village at the eastern end of the Chamonix Valley, just a few kilometres from the Swiss border.
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Chamonix Mont Blanc
Chamonix is a lively market town known as both a world-class ski resort and mountaineering destination. Consequently, it is bustling with activity, in both the winter and summer seasons. Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4,810m) - the highest in Western Europe.
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Les Bossons
Les Bossons is a sleepy little village just a five-minute drive from the centre Chamonix on the road to Les Houches. It is fairly spread out and consists mainly of chalet-style properties and is popular with families due to its school.