This beautiful lake (which is often snow covered) offers an extraordinary vantage point over the Chamonix Aiguilles, Les Drus and the Verte.
Lac Blanc hike
Lift accessed hike from Flégère up to the lake in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges
Lac Blanc is a high altitude mountain lake, surrounded by rocks and accessed by a number of different hiking trails. The calm clear waters create the perfect mirror image of Mont Blanc and the snowy peaks on the opposite side of the valley.
Lac Blanc is a particular favourite of ours as it offers so many different perspectives of the Mont Blanc Massif and demonstrates some of the most beautiful alpine colours, changing all year round. At the tail end of summer a few seasons ago we hiked up to Lac Blanc in the late afternoon staying overnight in the refuge. That evening we saw the most amazing sunset over the Mont Blanc massif. We were lucky enough to have a clear day the following morning and were able to watch the sun rise over the range again. It was a truly amazing sight with rich autumnal colours on display against the stunning Mont Blanc backdrop.
The mountain refuge on the edge of the lake was destroyed by an avalanche and re-built in the 1990’s but it has proven to be such a popular stop over with walkers (being on the Tour de Mont Blanc) that it was further extended in 2005 to offer more beds.
What to bring
You'll need to buy a lift pass for the cable car and/or chairlift.
The hike is exposed with no shade, so wear sunglasses and a hat if it's sunny.
If you wish to take a map, the IGN3630 map is recommended.
What to see
This area is in the nature reserve of the Aiguilles Rouges and it's not uncommon to see wild animals such as bouquetin (also known as ibex), chamois, marmots and deer.
Sights in Chamonix
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
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.
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Municipal library
Public library and exhibitions in central Chamonix with great kids section
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
A modern museum dedicated to the history of Chamonix located on its oldest street
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.Â
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Alpine museum
Musée Alpin de Chamonix currently closed for renovations, planned reopening: June 2026
The museum is currently closed for renovations
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
Everything you need to know about a visit to this iconic glacier and 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.
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Crystal museum
Musée des Cristaux has a collection of minerals and crystals collected in the valley
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
Where to lunch
The refuge at the lake serves meals, snacks and drinks. There is also a canteen-style restaurant at the cable car station. The lake is a perfect picnic spot if you wish to bring a packed lunch.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Big Mountain Basecamp Bar & Restaurant
Local craft beer, artisan pizzas and epic mountain views in the heart of Chamonix
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.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
American cuisine, craft beers, cocktails, and homemade baked goods
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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Le Mayen Restaurant
Traditional alpine cuisine served in a restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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L'Adret de la Flégère Restaurant
Enjoy the views from this mountain restaurant at the top of the Flégère gondola at 1,913m
Located at the Flégère ski area, their restaurant offers a pleasant and bright setting for your meals.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Good value sourdough pizza in the Neapolitan tradition, take away or delivered
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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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Central hotel with a stylish restaurant and bar popular with locals and holidaymakers alike
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
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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Tandem paragliding
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with these qualified tandem paragliding specialists - All year round
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 snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
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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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
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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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the Vallée Blanche
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.
Directions
Starting at the top of the Flégère cable car, you have two options to get to the lake:
- Take the Index chairlift up (you can walk it but it’s a 4x4 track with large, rough stones and isn’t very pleasant) and traverse across the base of a rocky spur before climbing up a scree slope into the Aiguilles Rouges Reserve.
- Descend the combe of la Chavanne and follow the path on the left that climbs upwards from the vicinity of the old stables. The route is signposted either way and is not difficult to find, especially if you look out for splashes of paint on the rocks.























