Hiking Chamonix has been one of the most picturesque activities to do on my travels. I was lucky enough to spend 9 months living in the valley and in that time I was lucky enough to tick off a few.
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Being a fan of day walks, most of the below are just that. But day walks are just the start as overnight camping and huts are hugely popular in the area. If in it just for a day of incredible views, check out the below as you can’t go wrong with hiking Chamonix.
CHALET DES PYRAMIDES:
While in Chamonix I did the hike to Chalet de Pyramides twice. I cheated a little (both times) as there is the option of taking a lift part way. Even-so the hike will take roughly two hours from here to arrive at the chalet, depending on your fitness and pace.
There are some eye-catching scenes along the way with the main attraction, the Bosson Glacier and the valley spread out below.
This track also continues onto La Jonction where you can see the glacier split. I unfortunately didn’t get time for this as it takes a few extra hours but I’ve heard amazing things. If you can fit it, add it to your itinerary but as you are hiking to roughly 2500 meters above sea level the correct amount of fitness is a must.
This hike, especially if heading to La Junction will take a full day. Both days at Chalet des Pyramides were spectacular so I would highly recommend adding it to the hiking Chamonix list.
MONTENVERS MER DE GLACÈ:
Three days into being in Chamonix we hiked Montenvers Mer de Glacé. This was the best introduction to hiking the valley. With this walk you are provided stunning views of Chamonix and the mountain ranges. Start easy from the base of the Les Planards ski area which you can conveniently walk to from town centre.
In terms of difficulty I would class it as a medium on the hiking Chamonix scale. But with gaining 850 meters to a total of 1913 meters it isn’t easy either. However, in saying that the pathways are quite wide and alternatively, you can hike up and take the train down or visa versa. Just a warning that you need a reasonable amount of fitness to do the loop as it’s approximately 5-6 hours.
The glacier itself is stunning and the longest in France. There’s also the Ice Caves to explore and the ability to descend down to stand on the glacier but if you’re interested make sure to do your research. There is also a cafe where you can enjoy a bevy after your hike. There is also the possibility of staying at Hotel du Montenvers which overlooks Mer de Glacé.
Even though this is only a day hike make sure to carry and wear the essentials. Above all, take a water bottle, sunscreen and hat. If you’re not keen on eating at the cafe remember to take lunch and snacks.
The hike to Montenvers was my first hike in Chamonix and a couple years later it is still very memorable.
LAC BLANC:
There are multiple ways of getting to Lac Blanc. With some trial closures over the summer of 2019 and wanting the quickest route our best direction was Col de Montets. Lac Blanc, or in English, White Lake took us three and a half hours with plenty of stops. Without stopping it will take roughly two and a half hours. The lake itself sits at 2352 meters above sea level and requires climbing 890 meters. It involves ladders, ropes and walking on the fringe of cliffs.
Once there though, such a beautiful view of the mountain ranges that Chamonix is known for. Including the most famous Mont-Blanc massif, with the view of Lac Blanc adding to the incredible vista.
You can definitely do the there-and-back hike in one day. It will be long though and depending on what time of year the track and Lac Blanc will be busy. The lake starts getting quiet around 5 – 6PM in the summer. This means aside from you and whoever else is camping (counted 13 other tents), it is very peaceful. If you have an option I would suggest to stay overnight to enjoy the place and view without the crowds. Sunrise there is also absolutely stunning and worth the early wake up call.
A few tips: Here you will find that there is the Lac Blanc Refuge that sells water, food, etc but if you’re wanting to make a stop for lunch make sure you have cash as they don’t accept card. This is the same with most other refuges in the mountains. They also have a toilet which they leave open overnight for anyone pitching a tent. Also, tents can’t be put up until 7PM and have to be taken down before 9AM otherwise they can fine you.
This was my first overnight stay in the mountains and was well worth those views I had on that mountain.
ALPAGES DE CHAILLOUX:
This was one of my most difficult but rewarding hikes whilst living in Chamonix. Everything about it was incredible though, especially the snow with this panoramic view. It was the most unreal sight I have seen.
There are few ways to get to Alpages de Chailloux but we started in Les Houches. Taking the directions headed for Chris-Roi (Statue of Christ the King) you will find this monument standing at 1196 meters. With an elevation gain of 296 meters and roughly 45 minutes from Les Houches centre, it was the easy part. After that, for the next three hours we went through such a diverse trail of road, forest and mountain edges. We managed to do the ascent and descent in one day, soaking in some absolutely incredible views.
From Alpages de Chailloux you can ascend even further to Aiguillette des Houches. This then takes you to the Natural Reserve of Carlaveyron. I wish we would have been able to make it here but for me the view from Alpages de Chailloux was more than enough as you could see both Mont-Blanc massif and the Bossons Glacier.
To make this hike easier, summer would be the best time to go as there won’t be snow and ice but like I mentioned earlier and as you can see yourself, this view was pretty magnificent.
LAC VERT (GREEN LAKE):
Lac Vert, sitting at an altitude of 1200 meters is a must-visit lake when hiking Chamonix. It’s incredible clear waters, accompanied by backdrop of mountains is a perfect spot to spend a summers day.
Due to not having a car (Lac Vert is easily reachable by driving in the summer) we used the train and walking to get there. From Chamonix centre, it’s as simple as taking the train to Servoz, disembarking at its last stop and walking through town. There are a few signs that helped point the way but Google Maps we also found helpful.
From town it’s a walk through countryside, a nice contrast from some of the other walks in the valley. We found it peaceful as there were not only less people but a lot more wildlife. With cows and horses it left me feeling a little nostalgic as it hit close to home.
You’ll notice when you get close to the lake as you will get to a fork in the path. One will take you up and to the right which looks more like a hiking path and to the left is a gravel road. We went up the right and came back down the left but I would suggest to go left both ways. The right, even during summer was a bit slippery and steep. The right on the other hand with being a gravel road isn’t as much of a climb, just zigzagging and provides much nicer views.
In addition, make sure if you arrive before lunch and bring a picnic, it’s a stunning place to sit and enjoy with a ssandwhich in hand.
CASCADE DU DARD:
Cascade du Dard is one of the easier Chamonix hikes with the start of the trail accessible from town centre. I did this walk a few times and no matter when you go it is a nice stroll through the forest.
The 45 minute walk takes you underneath the Aiguille du Midi, over bridges and gives you glimpses of the mountains. Once at the top there is a refuge (open during summer) and just past this Cascade du Dard. Sitting at 1233 meters, the 20 meter high waterfall lets off a refreshing breeze. It isn’t the best place to swim as even in summer months as the water is freezing
GENERAL HINTS AND TIPS:
– Always research the Chamonix trails that you plan on hiking. Obviously during summer time there is a lot more hikes to do with less snow but weather is a massive factor here so make sure safety is your number one priority.
– If you have any questions check with the High Mountain Office (Office de Haute Montagne). They will be able to tell you what trails are open and safe to hike. In addition The Office of Tourism (Office de Tourisme) in Chamonix centre is helpful for any general questions. They also have hiking and trail maps.
– For more information on the best route to take and directions click here.
– Make sure you get acclimatised before you do any of the walks that require you to hike to an even higher altitude.
– Start on the trails early. Going morning means there will be less of a crowd during the busy summer months.
If you’re planning a trip to Chamonix, make sure you get out and enjoy the mountains. This is where my passion for hiking and walking began and became a massive highlight of living in the alps.
Please Note: This post was written in December 2019, pre-C. All the restaurants and things to do as listed above I believe are still open and operating.