Grand Balcon Sud, Brévent to Flégère
A stunningly beautiful but very accessible hike in the mountains
This section of the Grand Balcon Sud can be done in either direction and has the benefit of lifts at either end, saving your calves on the way up and your knees on the way down.
Starting from Chamonix centre, head up behind the tourist office and take the Brévent-Planpraz lift up to the mid-station at 2,000m. When you come out of the lift station you’ll see a restaurant directly ahead of you, follow the path that goes to the left of it and you’ll soon pick up signs for the Grand Balcon Sud and La Flégère.
The trail drops downhill first of all, twisting through boulders covered in thick bracken and wildflowers. Listen out for the whooping sound of marmots, they’re well camouflaged but you’re never far away from them up here.
Although there is a bit of up and down to contend with, this hike ambles fairly gently along a path that once passed through old grazing pastures - you’ll still come across the ruins of old cottages and shepherds huts from time to time. Small streams run alongside the path in places and there are countless places to take the perfect photo, or to stop for a leisurely picnic.
On the sunnier side of the valley and above the tree line, this is a great hike for admiring the spectacular views across to the Mont Blanc Massif and the Aiguilles Rouges.
It doesn’t take long at all, maybe only a couple of hours, but it can easily be extended at either end by hiking up to Lac Brévent from Planpraz or Lac Blanc from Flégère.
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What to bring
This hike is very exposed to the elements, so take sunscreen and suitable clothing.
What to see
We've seen marmots, chamois and bouquetin frequently on this hike - more often in spring or autumn when there are fewer people around. If you exit the Planpraz lift station and take a sharp left up a small hill you'll be able to watch parapenters taking off.
Sights in Chamonix
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Le Brévent, Chamonix - Town
Brévent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
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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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Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.
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Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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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.
Where to lunch
There are cafés at both Planpraz and at Flégère, as well as many beautiful picnic spots along the way. If you plan on hiking down from Flégère, be sure to make the detour to Chalet Floria, if only for a quick coffee.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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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.
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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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La Fruitière 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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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
What to do
If you do this hike the other way round, from La Flégère to Planpraz, you can forget about taking the lift down and fly instead! Planpraz is a popular take-off zone for parapenters.
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Teresa Kaufman Walks for Women
A spoonful of curiosity, a pinch of empowerment – and you’ve got the recipe for a great afternoon. Join these outings exclusively for groups of women, led by local mountain climber, tour guide and photographer Teresa Kaufman.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Canyoning
An exhillerating mountain water experience travelling down rivers or streams within a canyon by a variety of means including walking, scrambling, climbing, abseiling and swimming.
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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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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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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.
