From the Mer de Glace to Chamonix through the forest

Start: Take the Montenvers train up from Chamonix station and then the cable car down to visit the Sea of Ice.

(S/E) Take the stairs down to the Mer de Glace cave.

(1) Retrace your steps to the cable car arrival station.

(S) Continue along the path to the first intersection, then take a sharp left. Wind your way up to the Crystal Museum (on the left), with a view of the glacier opposite. Pass the Montenvers railway station and reach the hotel of the same name.

(2) At the hotel, turn left, then less than 100m further on, turn completely right. Then turn left, keeping parallel to the railway line.

(3) At the crossroads, take the path to the right for a few metres, where you'll find a fine view of the railway viaduct.

(4) Retrace your steps and continue along the railroad line on your right. Wind down to the railroad line.

(5) Cross the track. Look out in both directions for incoming trains! Also, watch out for the rack in the middle of the track. Continue along the track opposite, down a few more hairpin bends, then turn left.

(6) At the Caillet snack bar, continue straight ahead. Alternate switchbacks and mountainside crossings for about 1.5km. Cross the railroad again (same safety instructions) and continue on the opposite track to the hamlet.

(7) At the intersection with the ski slope, continue straight on, skirting a chalet. Rejoin the ski slope and continue along it to the entrance to the leisure park. On leaving the park, turn right along the railroad track to the bottom station (S/E).

Start & Transport: Take the Montenvers train up from Chamonix station and then the cable car down to visit the Sea of Ice.

Alternative: This route can also be done in the opposite direction, from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace.
In this case, the positive difference in altitude of over 900m over such a short distance makes the hike very difficult, with few "flat" passages.

- Sea of ice
- Crystal Museum