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Hiking: Chalets de la Pendant

Hiking: Chalets de la Pendant
Hiking: Chalets de la Pendant
Hiking: Chalets de la Pendant

Description

A beautiful hike up the mountain of La Pendant. Between alpine meadows and forests, you'll discover some of the ancient viewpoints of the Mer de Glace, and see how the glacier has retreated over the ages.

From the village of Le Lavancher, just outside Chamonix, this hike takes you to a more confidential Mer de Glace observation point than the famous Montenvers: Le Chapeau.

The chalet, which backs onto the mountain, was once next to the glacier and today bears witness to its gradual retreat. Enjoy traditional dishes at the Chalet Restaurant du Chapeau while admiring this impressive landscape.

You'll have a fine view of the Arveyron torrent (the outlet of the Mer de Glace), which is joined by the Chapeau torrent at the waterfall of the same name.

The loop continues towards Tête de Prapators, accessible by a small ladder. From the top of the 1,844-metre-high peak, take time to contemplate the view over the tongue of the Mer de Glace.

You'll then reach the Chalets de la Pendant in the heart of a beautiful alpine landscape, before starting your descent on the Grand Balcon Nord trail.

Technical Information

Walking
Difficulty
Easy
Duration
6h45mn
Dist.
7 km
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Altimetric profile

Starting point

Chemin de la Coutire , 74400   Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Lat : 45.954833Lng : 6.905362

Date and time

  • From 01/06/2026 to 30/09/2026

Additional information

Contact

Phone : 04 50 53 00 24

Email : info@chamonix.com

Website : https://www.chamonix.com

Open period

From 01/06 to 30/09.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Environments

Mountain view
Mountain location

Type of land

Not suitable for strollers

Topo guides and map references

Map references :
TOP 25 IGN 3630 OT - CHAMONIX / MASSIF DU MONT-BLANC

Updated by

Conseil Départemental de la Haute-Savoie - 24/11/2025
www.hautesavoiexperience.fr
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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/ From the parking lot at the end of the Route du Chapeau in Le Lavancher, take the path rising towards Le Chapeau, following the signs for "Le Chapeau" at the marker posts, until you reach the Chalet du Chapeau.
2/ At the Chalet -Buvette du Chapeau, turn back to the path rising to the right towards "Prapators par sentier escarpé".
3/ From the Tête des Prapators, take the path down through the forest towards the Montagne de la Pendant, until you reach the Grand Balcon Nord path. At this crossroads, take the path on the right towards the Chalets de la Pendants.
4/ From Chalets de la Pendant, return to the crossroads between the trail to Tête des Prapators and the Grand Balcon. Continue this time on the Grand Balcon Nord trail back down to Le Lavancher. As you descend, leave the paths on your right and follow the white markings in the form of paint marks on the trees, which will take you back to your starting point.

Animals

Yes. Dogs must be kept on a leash in the presence of herds.

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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾