Massif and Pays du Mont Blanc

Along the Chamonix Aiguilles: From the Plan de l'Aiguille to Montenvers

District: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Region: Pays du Mont-Blanc

Road access and parking: Annecy - Chamonix 101 km

Take the A41 towards Geneva, and then bear right onto the A40 to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Park at the Aiguille du Midi cable car.

Total time, not including rest stops: 2hrs 30min

Maps and guides:  IGN Top 25 n° 3531 ET Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Start height: 1035 m

Highest point: 2288 m

Height difference: 250 m

Type of itinerary: (circuit, round trip): A to B

Best season: from spring to summer, when snow free

Description:

The traverse of the northern "balcony" route above Chamonix is one of Haute Savoie's greatest walks. The outing starts by taking the impressive Aiguille du Midi cable car to the Plan de l'Aiguille and finishes by taking the Montenvers rack-and-pinion railway back to Chamonix. Simply breathtaking!

There is no better way to immerse oneself in the magical atmosphere of the high mountains and marvel at the magnificent summits of the Mont Blanc Range. The walk starts in the shadow of the Aiguille du Midi, the Dôme du Goûter and Mont Blanc, to finish beside the Mer de Glace, at the foot of the Grandes Jorasses, the Drus and the Aiguille Verte. And, what is more, the entire route offers unbeatable views of the Aiguilles Rouges and Passy nature reserves, just two of the 9 nature reserves in Haute Savoie - the largest number of any French "département". On leaving the Aiguille du Midi cable car, follow signs to the Refuge de l'Aiguille, and then to Montenvers.