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Aiguilles de Chamonix hiking trail
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Description
The traverse of the northern “balcony” route above Chamonix is one of Haute Savoie’s greatest walks. The outing starts by taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the Plan de l’Aiguille and finishes by taking the Montenvers rack-and-pinion railway.
There is no better way to immerse oneself in the magical atmosphere of the high mountains and marvel at the magnificent summits of the Mont Blanc Range. The walk starts in the shadow of the Aiguille du Midi, the Dôme du Goûter and Mont Blanc, to finish beside the Mer de Glace, at the foot of the Grandes Jorasses, the Drus and the Aiguille Verte. And, what is more, the entire route offers unbeatable views of the Aiguilles Rouges and Passy nature reserves, just two of the 9 nature reserves in Haute Savoie – the largest number of any French “département”. On leaving the Aiguille du Midi cable car, follow signs to the Refuge de l’Aiguille, and then to Montenvers. Type of itinerary : A to B. Maps: IGN Top 25 n° 3531 ET Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Access depending on meteorological conditions. For more information, contact the High Mountain Office of Chamonix: +33 (0)4 50 53 22 08.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Points of interest
Date and time
- From 01/06/2026 to 01/10/2026
Additional information
Open period
From 01/06 to 01/10.
Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Tips
The presence of the Montenvers little train and the Plan de l'Aiguille cable car means you can tailor your tour to suit your fitness level and budget. Find out about opening times in advance of your visit.
Updated by
Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie - 02/10/2025
www.hautesavoiexperience.fr
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Environments
Mountain view
Mountain location
Contact
Phone : 04 50 53 00 24
Email : info@chamonix.com
Website : https://www.chamonix.com
Type of land
Stone
Ground
Grit
Not suitable for strollers
Location complements
Access (by car): In Chamonix, park at the Aiguille du Midi or Montenvers parking lot. Take the Montenvers train.
Access (Train): The nearest train station is Gare de Chamonix. The Montenvers train station is just a few minutes' walk from the Chamonix train station.
Access (Bus in summer): The bus stop in front of the Montenvers station is served by line 3 and line V1.
Topo guides and map references
Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3630OT
Reception complements
Whatever your hike, remember to pack cereal bars, plenty of water, sunglasses, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, and clothing appropriate to the season and weather forecast.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step
1/ Departure: Montenvers arrival station
2/ From "Montenvers (Gare)", head towards "Plan de l'Aiguille".
3/ Always follow the signs for "Plan de l'Aiguille", passing successively through "Montenvers (Hôtel)", "Signal Forbes", "Sous le Signal", "Les Grosses Pierres", "La Tapia" and "Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille".
4/ At Plan de l'Aiguille, take the Aiguille du Midi cable car back down to Chamonix, then join the Planards parking lot, the Montenvers departure station.
Animals
No. Dogs are not allowed on the Plan de l'Aiguille cable car.
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