Le Chapeau and viewpoint over the Mer de Glace

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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.

Details

n°88551360
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.17 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 503 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 503 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,576 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,080 m
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Photos

Viewpoint over the Mer de Glace

Description of the walk

Access by train from Chamonix. This is free if you have a guest card, which can be obtained from the Chamonix Tourist Office: price €10. Get off two stops later at Les Tines station.

(S/E) When leaving the station, cross the road carefullyand turn left for about 100 metres. Then turn right onto the small tarmac road, following the sign for "Le Chapeau".

(1) After about 200 metres, turn left onto the steep path and follow it to the chalets of Hameau d'en Haut.

(2) Follow the road to the right for a few metres, then turn right again to rejoin the path towards Le Chapeau.

(3) Leave the Grand Balcon Nord trail on your left and continue straight ahead to reach the Torrent du Chapeau and its waterfall.

(4) Cross the torrent and continue to the refreshment bar (terrace and viewpoint).

(5) Continue right (south-east) along the path to reach the viewpoint over the Mer de Glace.

(6) Turn back and follow the route uphill in the opposite direction to return to Les Tines station (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,080 m - Les Tines station - Gare de Les Tines
  2. 1 : km 0.33 - alt. 1,111 m - Trail start
  3. 2 : km 0.85 - alt. 1,237 m - Hameau d'en haut
  4. 3 : km 1.4 - alt. 1,334 m - Grand Balcon Nord trail junction
  5. 4 : km 1.95 - alt. 1,467 m - Torrent du Chapeau, waterfall
  6. 5 : km 2.22 - alt. 1,543 m - Buvette du Chapeau
  7. 6 : km 2.59 - alt. 1,569 m - Viewpoint - Mer de Glace
  8. S/E : km 5.17 - alt. 1,080 m - Les Tines station

Notes

The climb is a little steep at the start but the path is not difficult and can be done with children.

Worth a visit

(4) Waterfall and viewpoint over Chamonix and the Mer de Glace at (6).

Other walks in the area

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