Planpraz to Lac Cornu, Chamonix - Le Brévent
A half-day hike up to a high altitude mountain lake that is rewarding and challenging
The lift system saves you time and effort, meaning that you can spend more of your day enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this remote spot.
Starting from Planpraz at Brévent, turn left out of the lift station and follow the wide path past the Altitude 2000 restaurant (closed in summer). On a good calm day you’ll see parapenters taking off from the grassy field on your left.
Continue up towards the chairlift pylons and bear right towards Flégère; after a couple of hundred metres you’ll come to a footpath on your left that climbs uphill through open fields before reaching a scree slope. Scramble across the scree (it’s not too steep or challenging) and pass through a narrow gap.
The trail becomes steeper as it approaches Col Cornu and you pass between the impressive peaks of Aiguille de Charlanon on your left and Aiguille Pourrie on your right; once you’ve reached the summit of the col at 2,414m the trail drops down to the lake.
The lake itself is surrounded by rocks that make good picnic tables and the occasional grassy patch. The rocks make for quite eerie acoustics and you can often hear the cawing of birds or bleating of goats, magnified and distorted from their usual sounds. The views are spectacular and you get a completely different perspective by being on the other side of the mountain.
You can either return via the same route, or make a circuit of it by descending to Flégère and taking the cable car down to Les Praz, from where you can catch the bus back to Chamonix or walk alongside the river.
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What to bring
This hike is very exposed with no shade or shelter so check the weather and be prepared with suncream, sunglasses, hat, spare layers of clothing, etc. High altitude can bring on dehydration so make sure you have plenty to drink.
The ground is rocky (and sometimes snowy) underfoot, so wear decent hiking shoes and consider using poles.
A map is not essential as the route is signposted but it is always useful to have one for reference - the map that covers this area is IGN 3630OT.
What to see
It's common to see alpine wildlife in this area such as chamois and bouquetin. Marmots live amongst the rocks, so keep an eye out for them once you get higher up.
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
The Bergerie at Planpraz serves lunches, snacks and drinks throughout the summer; they have a lovely sunny terrace with great views. Lac Cornu is a great place for a picnic if you prefer to bring your own food.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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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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Le Mayen Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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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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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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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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Photoshoot of You & Your Pet
Here’s an opportunity to let a professional photographer capture the true bond between a man and his dog... cat, or otherwise!
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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.
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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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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.
Directions
The Planpraz-Brévent gondola is at the top of Rue des Mollards, the road that goes up the hill behind the tourist office. You can walk there from the centre of Chamonix in under 10 minutes, or you can drive up and leave your car in the paid parking lot.
