Chamonix to the old La Para mid station
A scenic walk to an abandoned lift station complete with old cable car
The walking route up to the old La Para mid station of Les Glaciers cable car via La Cascade du Dard Refuge is a popular forest route with stunning valley views towards Les Houches through breaks in the tree line.
This first section of the pre Aiguille du Midi cable car route between Les Pelerins and La Para was opened in 1924 in time for the Winter Olympic Games.
The second section leading up to Les Glaciers was finished in 1927.
Both lift stations were abandoned in 1951 due to their diminished popularity following the opening of the Brévent Planpraz cable. Now hikers enjoy a good nose around this relic which still includes one of the original cable cars.
What to bring
IGN3630 map is recommended
What to see
You'll see the abandoned mid station of Les Glaciers cable car, La Para which was completed in 1924 and closed in 1951. There are also fantastic views of the valley towards Les Houches and beyond.
Sights in Chamonix
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Les Bossons glacier
Located 2.1 km away
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
Located 2.6 km away
The Panoramic Mont Blanc gondola operates during the summer months, connecting the Aiguille du Midi with the Skyway Monte Bianco lift at Helbronner, on the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
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Step Into the Void
Located 2.6 km away
Step into the Void is a visitor attraction on the Aiguille du Midi, a reinforced glass box suspended 1,000m above the void.
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Aiguille du Midi
Located 2.7 km away
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest point that can be accessed by cable car in the Chamonix valley. The station stands at 3,842m and is situated directly across from Mont Blanc.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Located 3.0 km away
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.
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Where to lunch
If you aren't taking a packed lunch, there is a cheap mountain refuge close to the bottom of the walk called La Cascade du Dard.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
Located in Chamonix
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 Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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Stories & Beer
Located in Chamonix
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
Bighorn Bistro opened its doors in 2015 with hopes of becoming a staple in the local and tourist communities with their fresh homemade food, artisanal beers and a friendly service. They did just that.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
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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What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Located in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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Tandem Paragliding
Located in Chamonix
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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Classic Haute Route Trek, from Chamonix
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley and further afield.
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Vallee Blanche Off-Piste Ski Guiding
Located in Chamonix
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
Located in Chamonix
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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Teresa Kaufman Outdoor Photography Classes
Located in Chamonix
'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.
Where to stay
Hotels in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce Hotel
Located in Chamonix
This hotel offers stunning alpine views, a vibrant atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities for families. Enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, spa treatments, and activities for all ages right at the foot of the ski slopes.
Price: €2,280
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Le Genepy Aparthotel
Located in Chamonix
In the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
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Chamois Blanc Apartment Residence
Located in Chamonix
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
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Pointe Isabelle Hotel
Located in Chamonix
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
Price: €2,244
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La Ginabelle Premium Residence
Located in Chamonix
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
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La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
Located in Chamonix
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
Price: €1,471
Directions
The walk starts at the current base station of the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix Sud. Take the path to the left of the station (as you are facing it) and through the tunnel. Once you come out of the tunnel immediately to your right is a path that leads you past the car park and along the road.
Keep following signs for the Refuge La Cascades du Dard. The route leads through the forest, along the river which you eventually cross to reach the refuge. Here you can see the waterfalls which are at the side this little mountain eatery. It's definitely worth stopping here for a drink on your way back down. Prices are very reasonable compared to a lot of other mountain restaurants.
From the Cascades, follow the path through the car park and along the river into the forest. From here the path makes a fairly steep and windy ascent on a narrow path that is often damp and slippery. Therefore, although you often see toddlers on this path in the height of summer, we would advise caution and check the weather conditions.
From the refugee it should take approximately one hour to reach the La Para mid station.