The Tour des Aiguilles Rouges

After a gentle start through alpine meadows, the trail gradually climbs towards Brévent, revealing superb panoramic views of the Mont Blanc range. The route then continues through a wilder landscape, dotted with crystal-clear high-altitude lakes, including the tranquil Lake Pormenaz, a true highlight of the day. The path winds through a pristine environment, alternating between alpine pastures, time-sculpted rocks, and vast plateaus, providing a pleasant sense of isolation and freedom.

Upon arrival at the refuge, depending on the group's energy level and the current conditions, it may be possible to extend the hike to Lake Anterne. The guide will assess the situation to make the most appropriate decision.

If the weather is favorable, the evening can be extended by observing a starry sky of great purity, far from any light pollution.

We enjoyed a beautiful day, starting with a hearty breakfast at the refuge. The hike began with the ascent of the Salenton pass. As we climbed, the landscapes became wilder and more rugged: the trails wound between high-altitude meadows and rocky outcrops, offering superb panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and the peaks that rose on the horizon.

Depending on the conditions and the group's fitness level, it will be possible to extend the stage with the ascent of Mont Buet, adding approximately 6 km and 600 m of elevation gain. The effort is amply rewarded by an exceptional view of the Mont Blanc massif.

We then descend through the Bérard valley to reach the train, which takes us to our next refuge. We will spend two nights there, enjoying greater comfort and the possibility of hiking with a lighter pack for the last two days.

After a restful night at the refuge, we start this new day in great shape, ready to discover new exceptional panoramas.

Depending on your energy level, there are two routes to reach the Lac Blanc refuge. The more accessible one starts at the Col des Montets and leads to the Tête aux Vents via a wide, even path, offering magnificent views of the Aiguille Verte as well as the Argentière and Tour glaciers. For the more adventurous, the ladder route offers a more playful climb, with sections equipped with cables adding a touch of excitement, near the famous Aiguillette d'Argentière, often immortalized by photographers.

The two paths then converge at Tête aux Vents. We continue towards the Chéserys lakes, true alpine gems, with the Mont Blanc massif as a backdrop. The Aiguilles de Chamonix stand majestically, while the Mer de Glace, despite its retreat, retains all its beauty. The Drus, with their impressive 1,200-meter west face, complete this breathtaking panorama. It is with these images in mind that we gently descend back into the valley.

After admiring the sunrise over the Chamonix valley and its majestic peaks, we join the Flégère cable car to access the starting point of our hike.

We then resume our hike towards the Col de la Glière, and then Lac Cornu. The route follows a balcony path above La Flégère, with a cable section at La Glière facilitating the crossing of a short rocky outcrop. The trail continues through scree slopes composed of imposing boulders, in a stark, mineral landscape typical of the high mountains. Along the way, we can enjoy superb viewpoints and perhaps discover the Lacs Noirs (Black Lakes), nestled in a wild setting facing Mont Blanc.

Your guide will then lead you down to the Planpraz cable car, which we will take to reach the valley and conclude this beautiful adventure in Chamonix.