Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.
Chamonix to Mer de Glace
A varied walk with great valley views and France's longest glacier at the top
This beautiful walk takes you up to the Mer de Glace and the Montenvers station. For those that prefer downhill walks you can take the train up and trek back down, or you can do a complete loop lasting approximately five hours.
The Mer de Glace is famous worldwide and is the longest glacier in France. The hike up to it is steep in places but not too tricky for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
There are plenty of places to stop and catch your breath en-route, as well as a little refuge where you can stop for a drink and a look at the incredible views.
This hike can be done as one big loop or, thanks to the Montenvers train, you can either do the ascent or the descent and ride the train in the other direction.
What to bring
Plenty of water, snacks and lunch if you don't want to eat the café at the Mer de Glace or the refuge.
For a detailed map, we recommend a 'Carte Sentiers' from the tourist office and has details of all routes in the valley. IGN3630 map also covers this area.
What to see
The vast glacier known as the Mer de Glace, the Ice Caves and beautiful views across the Chamonix Valley.
Sights in Chamonix
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flégère 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.
Where to lunch
The Mer de Glace café, Hotel du Montenvers or the Rochers des Mottets refuge.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
A lovely restaurant located in the Chamonix valley, the Refuge de la Flégère is a true haven for culinary delights in the heart of the mountains.
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La Fruitière Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
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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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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, these pizzas are made with a sourdough crust prepared from mother yeast, two flours, sea salt, water and extra virgin olive oil, then left to rise for at least 72 hours for light, easy digestion. They use San Marzano and Yellow Datterini tomatoes and the freshest fior di latte mozzarella. With sustainability in mind, only a couple of organic meat options are offered, keeping the menu thoughtful and delicious.
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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, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Whether you’re hungry or thirsty after a day in the mountains, Big Mountain Basecamp has you covered. Come for fresh craft beer, a relaxed restaurant atmosphere, an on-site micro-brewery, a large sunny terrace, shady beer garden and a take-out beer shop.
What to do
Explore the ice caves, visit the museum and have a drink on the terrace of the Hotel du Montenvers.
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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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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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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Tandem Paragliding
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
Directions
The route starts at the Les Planards ski area. Walk up the piste taking the blue run that leads off to the left, after about 100 metres or so the run will open up again to the right. Here you can choose either to carry on to the left on a shallower route to the Mer de Glace that passes via the Rochers des Mottets refuge or take the steeper trail which starts half way up the section of piste to the right, entering the forest on the left hand side. The steeper trail leads through the forest towards the arches of the Montenvers train track and is a more preferable route down.
On the shallower trail to the left, you'll cross the train track, following the path up through the forest. There are plenty of breaks in the trees so you can admire the views across to Brévent and Flégère.
When you come out of the forest there is a fairly steep ascent over some rocks until you reach the refuge, taking about an hour or so to hike and scramble over. The refuge is a great place for a quick snack and a drink with views of the end of the glacier across to large waterfalls.
To continue up to the Mer de Glace, follow the path upwards rather than round to the side. There are a couple of ladders and foot holds on this section of the trail so it may be tricky with younger children.
Halfway up the path splits in two; you can take either route but the path to the left is wider and more direct. The path brings you out under the bubble car that takes you down the the ice caves and then up to the top of the lift station. This section should take approximately one hour depending on conditions.
If you don't want to take the train down, the path back to Chamonix starts by the station, following the trails to the left past the Caillet refuge and back down to the Planards. This path is steep and fairly narrow in points, passing via the arches of the Montenvers train track.
