Hiking to Lac Blanc in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif
In summary
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Sports
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Duration2 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions13.63 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the world's most iconic trekking routes. It traverses exceptional alpine landscapes , blending glaciers , rocky peaks , and breathtaking panoramas around the highest summit in Western Europe . To discover the essence of this legendary route without committing to a long trek, this two-day hike to Lac Blanc is an ideal alternative.
The route begins at altitude thanks to the Flégère cable car (not included in the price) , allowing you to avoid the steep climb from Chamonix. The trail then winds through a spectacular rocky landscape before reaching Lac Blanc , renowned for its turquoise waters and breathtaking views of the entire Mont Blanc massif . The day concludes with a descent to the upper Chamonix valley , with an overnight stay in comfortable accommodation .
On the second day, the route forms a different loop to reach La Flégère, offering new panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. An intense and accessible alpine immersion , ideal for experiencing the best of Mont Blanc in a short amount of time.
The highlights
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Lac Blanc and its turquoise reflections facing the Mont Blanc massif
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A condensed two-day Tour du Mont Blanc through magnificent alpine landscapes
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Overnight stay in cozy accommodation in the heart of the upper Chamonix valley
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Enjoy a fully independent stay: you will have access to an emergency number, reachable only between 9am and 7pm.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 700 m
- Average daily descent: 685 m
Management
You will receive access to our trekking app, which serves as a complete digital travel guide for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Inside, you will find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your trip.
Program
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From La Flégère to Lac Blanc, panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 510 m
- Negative elevation 1060 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From the north side of Chamonix , you can take the cable car to La Flégère , saving yourself over 700 meters of ascent. The marked trail then climbs gradually towards Lac Blanc , in the heart of a typically alpine, rocky landscape. After about 30 minutes of walking, you'll pass near Lac de la Flégère before continuing into more rugged terrain, ideal for observing local wildlife, particularly ibex .
After about 1.5 hours of hiking, you reach the Lac Blanc refuge , where a break is possible. Lac Blanc , located just beyond, offers an unobstructed view of the entire Mont Blanc massif , with its glaciers and iconic peaks. The route then continues east, passing Lac de Chéserys , before following the ridge line at a constant altitude, with panoramic views over the Chamonix valley.
The descent begins further on, with a series of switchbacks leading to the valley road. You follow it for about an hour to reach the Mermoud gîte , your accommodation for the night.
Day 1 -
Panoramic loop via the Chéserys ladders
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 3h45
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 890 m
- Negative elevation 310 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The day begins gently with a stroll towards Tré-le-Champ , the starting point for a more exposed route. The trail then climbs towards the Aiguillette d'Argentière and crosses the Chéserys ladders , a section equipped with steps, ladders, and cables. This exposed but safe section offers beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and adds a more alpine dimension to the hike.
After this section, you continue the ascent to Tête aux Vents , the highest point of the day. From there, the view extends across the Mont Blanc massif and the surrounding valleys. The route then continues along a balcony path, alternating between traverses and gentle descents, to the La Flégère refuge .
You finally reach Chamonix by cable car, concluding this stay with a final immersion at altitude, with varied panoramas that complement those of the previous day.
Day 2
Note
For a fully independent stay, we recommend that you take out the multi-risk insurance offered when you book.
Accommodation
Gîte Mermoud is a charming gîte (hostel) located in the tranquil Vallorcine valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif. Situated directly on the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trail, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with a terrace, a traditional Savoyard living room known as a "Pêle" with a beam dating back to 1723, as well as wood-paneled bedrooms and typical Savoyard chalets . This gîte is ideal for hikers seeking authentic and peaceful accommodation, while remaining close to hiking trails and valley amenities.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The digital travel guide
- Accommodation in guesthouses and dormitories
- Half-board at the gîte
- Telephone support is available from 9am to 7pm.
The price does not include
- The journey to the place of stay
- Lunches
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Transfers and cable car package
- The solo supplement (€30)
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Blankets are provided in the mountain refuge and gîte.
Equipment to bring
- A pair of lightweight sandals for the refuge or a pair of sneakers
- A toiletry bag (earplugs recommended)
- A quick-drying bath towel
- For sleeping in mountain huts or guesthouses: a sleeping bag liner
- A small flashlight (with spare batteries)
- Telescopic walking poles (recommended)
- A 1.5L water bottle or hydration pack
- A pocket knife
- An individual plastic container for lunch salads + cutlery and a cup
- Sunscreen cream (skin and lips) + after-sun lotion
- Toilet paper + small garbage bag
- Optional: camera, binoculars…
Warning: the mountains are unpredictable and unpredictable. We've tried to consider all the different weather conditions they can present. This equipment list will help you adapt comfortably to the mountain's moods!
Clothing to bring
- A cap or a hat
- A pair of sunglasses
- A hat or a headband
- T-shirt (carline type, quick-drying material)
- A warm shirt or a thin fleece
- A warm jacket (fleece type)
- A windproof jacket (like a K-Way or Gore-Tex)
- A closed rain cape with sleeves, without snaps, made of polyamide
- Lightweight canvas trousers
- Windproof trousers (like Kway or Gore Tex),
- Shorts or capri pants
- Socks (100% wool: warm, absorbs and wicks away moisture, prevents foot overheating; synthetic fibers: very good resistance, absorbs and wicks away moisture, but be careful if 100% synthetic as it can cause foot overheating; cotton: absorbs moisture but doesn't wick it away well)
- Trekking shoes: they're a hiker's best friend! They must have three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support (high-tops), and waterproofing.
- Choose shoes with non-slip, cleated soles that are relatively rigid. They need to grip the ground well. Vibram soles have a long-standing reputation; choose them if you have the option.
- A pair of long gaiters
- A pair of gloves
- Spare underwear
- A pair of lightweight canvas trousers and a spare pair of shorts
- Spare socks
