To Nid d’Aigle from the Bellevue stop on the TMB and back via the same route

The TMB starts from Saint-Gervais station, where you can park your car. Take the TMB and get off at the “Bellevue” stop.

(S/E) Head towards the level crossing and look out for the small path that leads down to the houses at Le Planet.

(1) Continue down the Chemin des Chanterelles. Then turn left to reach the Pont des Places. Cross the bridge and, after a short climb, you’ll reach a crossroads. Turn left to reach the Chalet du Chalère.

(2) Carry on along the path, crossing a few fords, and head uphill to the next junction.

(3) Turn left, following the sign for “Passerelle de Bionassay”. Cross the footbridge and enjoy the view of the torrent. Carry on, keeping an eye out for the glacial lakes on your right. Continue to the next junction.

(4) Turn right and walk along a flat section before getting down to business with the ascent to the Refuge du Nid d’Aigle. After a long, steep climb, including a section with well-secured ladders and a few other slightly tricky passages, you’ll reach a fork in the path where you can admire the glacier up close.

(5) Take a return trip along an easily passable path to get as close as possible to the glacier.

(6) Then return to the fork in the path.

(5) Head back up towards the Refuge du Nid d’Aigle to have a drink if you wish, and catch the train back from Bellevue station (S/E).

You will need to take a return ticket on the Mont Blanc Tramway from St Gervais to Nid d’Aigle.
This hike is the standard route to Mont Blanc from the Nid d’Aigle.

It is possible to reduce the elevation gain at the “Bellevue” exit of the TMB (S/E) by using the GR® Tour du Mont Blanc variant route, which leads directly to point (4).