Montenvers- Mer de Glace 1913 m
one way 6 km 2 h ▲ 0 m ▼ 851 m
Hiking trail from Montenvers- Mer de Glace to Chamonix
Moderate* hiking in Chamonix Mont- Blanc
It is a great hiking for the whole family.
Imagine yourself stepping off the Montenvers train, the crisp mountain air filling your lungs.
The towering peaks of the Mont Blanc massif pierce the sky, and the mighty Mer de Glace glacier stretches out before you. But instead of jostling with crowds, you embark on a scenic path towards Chamonix.
The well-marked trail, leads you through a cool, calming forest. Peek through the trees for glimpses of the valley below, a teaser for the grand reveal to come. As you descend, the majestic Mont Blanc comes into full view, its snow-capped summit gleaming.
The path eventually opens up, revealing a dramatic cliffside trail. Here, breathtaking panoramas unfold before you.
Take a moment to soak in the beauty – the towering peaks, the sprawling glacier.
Your hiking ends in Les Planards . The memory of this incredible journey will stay with you forever.
Your adventure begins at Gare Chamonix Train du Montenvers.
Take a charming train ride up the mountainside for a unique perspective of the Mer de Glace glacier (ca 20 min)
From the station, follow the stone path south ( VC N°1) and then after ca 300 m turn left 180° towards Chamonix, Les Bois and Les Rochers des Mottets ( you can`t miss the signpost on the right side of the path)
Go downhill through a larch forest towards Buvette des Mottets https://buvettemottets.wixsite.com/nature/restauration
where you can buy some food and drinks
(enjoy a rest with stunning nature views), then continue to Chamonix, just follow the path. The final part of the trail is very easy, as you descend into the Chamonix valley.
You will eventually reach the parking in Les Planards.
This hike offers an unforgettable experience, making it a must-do for any visitor to Chamonix.
Destination points:
❶Montenvers Mer de Glace- your hiking starting point
❷Buvette des Mottets (food and drinks)
❸Straight ahead to Chamonix
❹Parking Les Planards- your hiking trail ends here
There are two short ladders on the way down!
No big deal, but just something to keep in mind.
How to get to Gare Chamonix Train du Montenvers
You begin your adventure at Gare Chamonix Train du Montenvers https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ZpejehhhYPvC7Sn8
You can get there:
By car: park your car at Parking des Planards ca 400 m away (it is free)
By train:https://www.sncf.com/en/stations/chamonix-mont-blanc/OCE87746784/departures-arrivals/gl/departures
By bus: https://www.montblancbus.transdev.com/en/reseau/chamonix-bus/
Bus stop near to Gare Chamonix Train du Montenvers: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oq3HyKZFymsrVjbN6
What you should know
Moderate* even if the hike itself isn't too strenuous (6km/2h), the descent ca 851 m will definitely bump up the difficulty and make it a moderate hike.
1) The first part of the hike is very comfortable.You can enjoy the scenic train ride up to Montenvers Mer de Glace without any special gear. However, the downhill adventure on the trail itself requires little more preparation:
-pack sturdy hiking shoes for good traction and comfortable clothing for the changing mountain weather.
-don't forget to bring plenty of water and some snacks to keep you fueled throughout the hike.
2) There are two short ladders on the way down! No big deal, but just something to keep in mind.
3) The trail can be slippery in wet weather, so be sure to take your time and watch your footing.
4) There's an Ice Cave attraction you can check out in the area. Take a gondola lift to the Grotte de glace from the Téléphérique Mer de Glace
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KjGu6eWpHwcKfcPM7
