Grand Balcon Nord, Plan de l'Aiguille to Montenvers
Hike from the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the Mer de Glace
Skirting along the north side of the valley, both the access and departure points of this walk are served by the lift system, making it one of the most accessible high altitude hikes.
This hike starts with a ride on the world-famous Aiguille du Midi cable car. You only need to go to the mid-station but we recommend going all the way to the top first and then coming back to the Plan de l'Aiguille - just for the experience.
Step outside the cable car station at Plan de l'Aiguille and follow the hiking signs for Montenvers. Dropping down past the Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille, the path then veers off horizontally to the right to La Tapia (not to Chamonix via Plan du Trois or Pre du Rocher). Once on this path, you can pretty much always see the route ahead meaning minimal opportunity to take a wrong turn. Look out for donkeys beside the refuge, they can often be found grazing here and are quite friendly.
Don’t forget to take a break to admire the views of the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc which will always be behind you in this direction. Having passed the sign to the Chalets du Blaitière (and continued straight on), the next junction you come to will give you a choice of route.
To the left is a shorter but very narrow path that leads to Montenvers across steep gullies which can be dangerous if snow covered. This route is not recommended if you have young children with you or if you are unsure of heights as the path drops away sharply in places.
The better route to take (and the most scenic) is the path that climbs up to the right to the Signal Forbes (2,198m). The additional effort is repaid in amazing views of Les Drus and the Mer de Glace that the other route does not offer. Once at the top, the path continues down to the Montenvers view point and the railway station.
What to bring
You won't need a map for this hike, as it is so well signposted. It is exposed for much of the route, so sunscreen and sunglasses are advised. High altitude can increase your chances of dehydration, so bring some water and remember to keep sipping.
What to see
Start your hike by taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car all the way to the top station at 3,842m; from here you can see the French, Swiss and Italian Alps, as well as look out over the famous Vallée Blanche.
You'll look down at the crevasses and seracs of the glaciers and maybe even see some mountaineers setting off on an expedition. There are numerous viewing terraces, as well as "Step Into The Void", a glass cube suspended high above the mountains.
At the end of your hike you'll come to the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France. Depending on the time of year, you can go down into the glacier itself and visit the ice grottoes. There is also a crystal gallery, a "glaciorium", a café and the Grand Hotel des Montenvers to visit while you're there. You can then take the historic Montenvers train back down to Chamonix.
Sights in Chamonix
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Located 1.9 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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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
Located 2.2 km away
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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Municipal library
Located 2.3 km away
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Located 2.3 km away
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
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Panoramic gondola - Aiguille du Midi
Located 3.0 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.
Where to lunch
There are cafés both at Plan de l'Aiguille and at Montenvers, as well as the panoramic restaurant at the top of the Aiguille du Midi and the Grand Hotel des Montenvers. There are also plenty of lovely picnic spots along the way.
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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Le Comptoir de Plan Praz Restaurant and Café, Chamonix - Le Brevent
Located in Chamonix
The Comptoir’s menu features a variety of hot and cold dishes, from sandwiches to delicious soups. All to be enjoyed with a lovely view of the mountains.
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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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Le Mayen Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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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Introductory Tandem Paraglide, Chamonix - Le Brevent
Located in Chamonix
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
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Classic Tour du Mont Blanc 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 the Chamonix Valley and further afield.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Located in Chamonix
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. 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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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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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.
Where to stay
Hotels in Chamonix
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La Folie Douce Hotel
Located in Chamonix
9 August 20257 NightsThis 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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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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Faucigny Hotel
Located in Chamonix
Completely renovated in Scandinavian style, Le Faucigny is a charming small hotel in the town centre. Whether you're with family or friends or enjoying a romantic getaway, the hotel provides the ideal setting for a pleasant stay in the legendary Mont-Blanc valley.
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Le Whymper Hotel
Located in Chamonix
Chalet Whymper blends alpine charm with modern comfort. With space for up to twenty-two guests, shared living areas and thoughtful extras like a sauna, concierge and daily housekeeping, it’s the perfect choice.
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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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Pointe Isabelle Hotel
Located in Chamonix
9 August 20257 NightsIdeally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
Price: €2,325
