Loop trail of the Mottets and Caillet refreshment stands

Depart from the Montenvers car park or the Planards car park, a little further along the route.

(S/E) From the car park, head north-east towards the Planards business park and follow the Chemin du pied du Grepon, which runs alongside the railway line. Cross the business park towards the summer toboggan run.

(1) Next to the start of the summer toboggan run, take the path that climbs up under a chairlift line. Shortly before the top station of the chairlift, turn left and continue to a fork.

(2) Take the left-hand track, which is suitable for vehicles. After about 500 m, cross the railway line carefully via a tarmac crossing. The track climbs gradually through the forest, with several hairpin bends. Note the views of the Chamonix valley and the Aiguilles Rouges massif in places.

(3) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead along the track. You will arrive in a more rocky landscape with the Drus in sight. After a few final hairpin bends, you will arrive at the Chalet des Mottets (refreshment bar) where you can admire the old passage of the Mer de Glace.

(4) Retrace your steps to the previous junction.

(3) Take a path that climbs up to the left into the forest. Keep heading south-west until you reach the Buvette Caillet (superb view from the terrace).

(5) Continue west on the path that descends towards Chamonix (ignore a trail that climbs left towards the railway line). Descend through the forest on a series of switchbacks. Once again, take care when crossing the railway line via a wooden footbridge.

(6) At the T-junction at the edge of the forest, turn right onto a track and descend to the junction you took at the start of the hike.

(2) Follow the same route you took on the way there, but in the opposite direction, to return to the Montenvers car park (S/E).

There are no free water sources on this hike; water is available for a fee at both chalets.