Chamonix · July 2017
Located an hour drive from Geneva and along the route to Zermatt, it was easy to add Chamonix to my plans for visiting the Swiss Alps.
Here, the sharp peaks of the French Alps border Italy and Switzerland.
With only two full days in Chamonix, I focused my energy hiking in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, which has some amazing views across the valley toward the Mont Blanc massif.
Hiking Lacs Noirs and Cornu
5.4 miles one way, 1,270 feet gain, 2,456 feet descent, 8,313 feet highest elevation
If you're staying in the center of Chamonix, you can take a bus to Les Praz, where a gondola takes you up to La Flégère.
The views across the valley from here are already really good.
From here, walk over to the chairlift and take it up to Index, where you will begin the hike downhill toward the Planpraz gondola.
This takes you down to Brévent near the city center.
A view of the Aiguille Verte from Index: 45.968436, 6.873101
The switchbacks of the Combe de la Glière, on the way up to the Col de la Glière: 45.961491, 6.860525
Views of Lac Cornu and across the valley from the Col de la Glière: 45.960517, 6.856788
The downhill route starts at the top of the Index chair: 45.968436, 6.873101, and it ends at the Planpraz gondola: 45.935412, 6.853472
Hiking Lac Blanc
3.75 miles one way, 375 feet gain, 1,900 feet descent, 7,750 feet highest elevation
This easy hike can be completed going in either direction.
In case you prefer an uphill hike, you can start walking up to Lac Blanc from the top of the Les Praz-La Flégère gondola.
For the downhill route, walk over to the chairlift and take it up to Index, where a trail heads back down to La Flégère.
My knees are in good shape, so I generally prefer downhill hikes if the grade is not too steep.
The Mont Blanc massif, from Aiguille du Plan to Aiguille du Midi from the Index Chair: 45.968436, 6.873101
Mont Blanc
The Grande Jorasses and Mer de Glace
The downhill route starts at the top of the Index chair: 45.968436, 6.873101, and it ends at the Flégère gondola: 45.960443, 6.886802
Mont Blanc
Getting a close-up view of Mont Blanc is as easy as taking the Aiguille du Midi Gondola from the center of Chamonix.
At an elevation of 12,600 feet, being on the summit terrace can cause altitude sickness if you are not acclimated in advance.
Mont Blanc from the City Center
Mont Blanc from the top of Aiguille du Midi
The gondola station up to the Aiguille du Midi is located next to the Hôtel l'Héliopic: 45.918407, 6.870023
Directions
Parking is limited in the Chamonix City Center, but you can easily walk or bus to most places.
Ask your hotel for a free bus pass.
1
Les Praz: 45.941478, 6.885408
2
La Flégère: 45.960443, 6.886802
3
Index Chair: 45.968436, 6.873101
4
Planpraz: 45.935412, 6.853472
5
Brevent: 45.924141, 6.863178
6
Aiguille du Midi Gondola: 45.918372, 6.870009
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