Refine your search for walks in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc walks
From the Mer de Glace to Chamonix through the forest
Visorando Member
4.08 mi
+715 ft
-3,031 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Return from the Mer de Glace glacier through the Montenvers forest along the eponymous railroad.
Grand Balcon Nord - Montenvers to Plan de l'Aiguille and to Les Houches
Association / Club / Walk leader11.49 mi
+2,215 ft
-4,843 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A high-level and stimulating walk along the Grand Balcon Nord overlooking the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. The route starts from the Montenvers train station (the Little Red Train) and passes the Refuge du Montenvers (worth an overnight stop). The Grand Balcon Nord terminates at Plan de l'Aiguille but the route drops down to Les Houche on the river L'Arve to reach the Chalet Les Méandres (ex Tupilak).
Mer de Glace via the forest
6.80 mi
+2,785 ft
-2,769 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Many of you will be familiar with the Mer de Glace and its iconic red rack railway. But this time, there’s no train involved – you’ll be walking up to the Mer de Glace. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to admire the little red train on your way up. This hike continues to the ladders leading down to the Mer de Glace. From there, the route becomes mountaineering and it will be time to turn back.
Le Chapeau and viewpoint over the Mer de Glace
3.21 mi
+1,650 ft
-1,650 ft
2h 55
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Round trip hike from Les Tines to the Chapeau refreshment bar and the viewpoint over the Mer de Glace. This hike offers beautiful panoramic views and is suitable for families with children. Don't be put off by the slightly steep climb at the start, which accounts for the moderate difficulty rating.
The Tines loop via Argentière
6.83 mi
+1,017 ft
-991 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
3rd° loop of the Arve descent, from Les Tines, up through Le Lavancher and Petit Balcon Nord, superb scenery and a very pleasant forest crossing, and a descent as close as possible to the river.
Tête de Prapator (Prapator head)
3.72 mi
+2,110 ft
-2,106 ft
3h 35
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Lovely loop at the end of the Grand Balcon Nord, Chamonix valley.
Loop trail of the Mottets and Caillet refreshment stands
5.98 mi
+2,277 ft
-2,254 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This hike offers beautiful views of the Chamonix valley and the Aiguilles Rouges massif, with the added bonus of two pretty chalets where you can stop for refreshments. The suggested loop starts with the climb to Les Mottets, then returns via Caillet.
Chamonix - Col de Balme
10.38 mi
+4,137 ft
-315 ft
8h 20
Very difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This first stage of the long route starts gently, facing the Mont Blanc massif, and ends at the hamlet of Le Tour. The climb to Col de Balme offers superb views of the Glacier du Tour. You will cross the French-Swiss border on the first day, just before arriving at the refuge. From Col de Balme, you can also admire the Emosson lakes.
Chamonix - Zermatt
117.22 mi
+43,812 ft
-41,965 ft
14 days
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This legendary route connecting these two resorts renowned for skiing and mountaineering is very demanding. It requires excellent physical condition. You will hike through spectacular scenery, starting at the foot of Mont Blanc and ending opposite the Matterhorn. You will pass numerous peaks over 4,000 metres high, such as the Weisshorn and the Dent Blanche d'Hérens.
From Plan de l'Aiguille to Montenvers station
3.81 mi
+499 ft
-1,772 ft
2h 10
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A lovely downhill hike leading from the restaurant near the Plan de l’Aiguille cable car to Montenvers station, with a return journey by train to Chamonix station.
Tour des Aiguilles Rouges: Refuge La Flégère - Refuge Bellachat
6.16 mi
+2,497 ft
-1,575 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Fourth stage of the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges.
This stage is on the Mont Blanc GRP® route, with the Mont Blanc massif and its glaciers as a panorama. Balcony hike to Planpraz. The panorama on arrival at Brévent is exceptional.
Lac Blanc and Cheserys lakes from La Flégère
5.00 mi
+1,850 ft
-1,847 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Hiking facing the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix peaks.
Lognan refuge and Argentiére glacier
8.48 mi
+3,766 ft
-3,747 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
An exceptional hike, with no great technical difficulty, but with a substantial vertical drop that will take you to one of the most beautiful accessible glaciers in the French Alps, along with the Tour glacier.
The scenery is breathtaking, with the Aiguille Verte (4100 m), the Aiguille d'Argentière (3900 m) and the Aiguille du Chardonnet, among the most famous. The glacier is accessible, but be careful not to venture onto this glacier without suitable equipment, as numerous crevasses are visible.
Lac Cornu (lake) from the Planpraz cable car
4.66 mi
+2,621 ft
-1,266 ft
4h 25
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Beautiful walk facing the Mont Blanc massif, with a permanent view of the massif and glaciers.
The Aiguilles Rouges Black Lakes (Les Lacs Noirs des Aiguilles Rouges)
5.62 mi
+2,093 ft
-2,087 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Hiking on the Aiguilles Rouges massif through a wild landscape, discovering magnificent mountain lakes.
You'll pass the Col du Lac Cornu, overlooking the eponymous lake, before arriving at the Lacs Noirs, where the mountain fauna is particularly present.
Despite some technical sections, I strongly recommend descending to the second lake, where few people venture. You'll be able to spot a few mountain animals - chamois, ibex, marmots - and, weather permitting, take a dip in a mountain lake with an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc.
Forest and alpine pastures on the heights of Argentière
8.92 mi
+3,734 ft
-4,337 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Outward journey from Argentière via Aiguillette d'Argentière and Lac Blanc, then down via Flégère to Les Praz de Chamonix.
Return to Argentière by train from Les Praz station. Otherwise two cars are required for arrival and departure.
Loop from Argentière to Le Tour
6.10 mi
+1,572 ft
-1,545 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
After the sources of the Arve, the second loop of the Arve starts from Argentière and takes you on a balcony to the village of Le Tour. The return journey is via Tré-le-Champs, with beautiful panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Lac Blanc (lake) from La Flégère
4.73 mi
+607 ft
-2,300 ft
2h 40
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A hike for those who want to enjoy the high mountains without too much elevation gain. It's ideal for children aged 8-10, to help them appreciate the mountains.
You'll enjoy a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc range from the Chamonix side.
Lac Blanc to Les Houches - Tour Mont Blanc
11.65 mi
+2,904 ft
-6,949 ft
7h 55
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This 11th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) is practically all downhill (with obvious exceptions at La Flégère, up to the Col du Brévent and Le Brévent and the Tête de Bellachat). The Refuge Lac Blanc is at 2,352m and the Chalet Les Méandres is at 1,100m. Let's do it!
The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.
Refuge du Lac Blanc - Chamonix
8.56 mi
+1,125 ft
-5,495 ft
4h 55
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
9th stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc, from the Refuge du Lac Blanc to Chamonix.
La Jonction via Montagne de la Côte
9.22 mi
+5,367 ft
-5,377 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
The Montagne de la Côte is a steep ridge separating the final tongues of the Bossons and Taconnaz Glaciers tumbling down from Mont Blanc and Le Goûter.
Historically, the route taken by Balmat and Paccard on their first ascent of Mont Blanc, this climb starts out pleasantly winding through the forest, then onto grassy slopes, and finally into a more mineral setting, ending in a very high-mountain glacial atmosphere.
Tré-le-Champ to Lac Blanc - Tour Mont Blanc
2.73 mi
+3,228 ft
-62 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This 10th stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) normally runs along the high ground above the L'Arve valley to La Flègere but here's the description of the variant to Lac Blanc. A shorter stage but full of excitement and challenges. Let's do it!
The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.
Refuge la Boerne - Refuge du Lac Blanc
2.87 mi
+3,261 ft
-0 ft
4h 10
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
8th stage from the Boerne refuge (Tré Le Champ) to the Lac Blanc refuge via the Aiguillettes d'Argentière.Stopover at the refuge to admire the magnificent panorama of the Mont Blanc.
Chéserys, Blanc and Persévérance lakes circuit
7.28 mi
+3,766 ft
-3,766 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A long loop taking in the various lakes in the eastern part of the Aiguilles Rouges Massif, with magnificent views of the Mont Blanc Massif just opposite, reflected in the waters of the lakes.
⚠️ The itinerary includes two tricky sections equipped with ladders and metal ramps.
Tour des Aiguilles Rouges: Bellachat Refuge - Servoz
6.87 mi
+745 ft
-5,112 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Fifth and final stage of the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges.
This stage offers panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif and its glaciers, the Contamines valley and Les Fiz. The descent is through forest.
Loop: Posettes ridge and Vallorcine valley
8.45 mi
+3,123 ft
-3,117 ft
6h 35
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Loop close to the Franco-Swiss border with a variety of exposures in a Nature Reserve (forest to the East, long ridge, alpine pasture, forest to the west), with a beautiful 360° panoramic view and a belvedere ideal for picnics.
Lac de la Remuaz loop
5.35 mi
+2,726 ft
-2,710 ft
4h 50
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Magnificent hike, facing the Mont Blanc Massif all the way! While the whole route is quite busy, Lac de la Remuaz is off the trail and therefore isolated: a little forgotten gem.
Lac Blanc via the Lacs de Chéserys from the Col des Montets
6.72 mi
+3,104 ft
-3,074 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A must-do hike through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, in the Chamonix Valley.Lac Blanc, at an altitude of 2,352 metres, offers an unforgettable panorama of the Mont Blanc massif.The route described here offers a much more idyllic and unspoilt setting than the alternative route via La Flégère, which has become far too touristy.
⚠️ This route passes through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.
Péclerey mountain from the Tour village
4.59 mi
+1,844 ft
-1,844 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
This modest hike takes us to the Péclerey mountain overlooking the village of Le Tour, at the northern end of the Chamonix valley. This small, unassuming mountain offers superb views of the surrounding peaks (Aiguilles Rouges, Mont-Blanc), the Chamonix valley and the Tour glacier.
Les Sources de l'Arve
6.75 mi
+2,615 ft
-2,585 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
With a group of senior hikers from the Arve Valley, we set off down the Arve River from its source at La Jonction, Geneva, to its confluence with the Rhône.
A short one-day circuit, ascending via the balconies and descending as close as possible to the river, the SM3A path.
Refuge Albert 1er - Glacier du Tour
5.15 mi
+1,939 ft
-3,048 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
Located above the Tour glacier, on its right bank, it is the only refuge managed by the Chamonix CAF that can be reached without crossing a glacier in summer. Its location is ideal, with views over a wide range of peaks: Aiguille du Tour, Chardonnet, Aiguille d'Argentière, la Verte and les Drus, les Aiguilles Rouges. It was named after Albert 1st, King of the Belgians. Considered the only high-mountain refuge accessible to families.
Col de Balme - Source de l'Arve - Col des Posettes from Le Tour
2.88 mi
+82 ft
-1,204 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie)
A short summer hike with exceptional panoramic views over the Chamonix valley and its massifs. There are several ways to approach it from Le Tour: the one shown is from the East, using the Charamillon cable car and the Autannes chairlift. The return journey is via the Charamillon cable car.
More walks in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Select a point of interest below: