Lac Blanc
This 8 to 9.5 km circuit, varying based on the chosen path, is challenging but ranks among the most stunning in the Chamonix valley. Despite its popularity on sunny days, moments of solitude amidst the vast Alpine peaks are plentiful. Your destination is Lac Blanc, located at 2,350 meters in the Aiguilles Rouges national nature reserve. If you hike before the end of June, you may find parts of the lake still veiled in snow. The journey takes about 4 to 4.75 hours in total (2.5 to 3 hours for the ascent). There are three access routes to the lake: the quickest via Tré-le-Champ, the Col des Montets path, and the Flégère route, which begins at the cable car of the same name.
North Balcony
A must-try for seasoned hikers in the Chamonix valley. Prepare for a 5.5-hour ascent and over 2 hours of descent, totaling nearly 8 hours of walking over a 16.4 km trail with more than 1,500 meters of elevation. Proper equipment is essential for this remarkable journey. Highlights include the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier, and the striking Aiguilles de Chamonix. Time can be saved by taking the Montenvers train from Chamonix to the Mer de Glace. The vistas from Forbes signal and the Blue Lake are breathtaking.
Aiguillette des Houches
Embark from the village of Les Houches, just 5 km south of Chamonix, and head to the Carlaveyron nature reserve to tackle the Aiguillette des Houches summit at 2,285 meters. This 9 km loop (medium difficulty) starts from the Merlet park car park. Ascend past the Bellachat refuge, a key waypoint before reaching the summit. This peak, offering splendid views of the Fiz and Mont-Blanc mountains, is less frequented than Lac Blanc. The hike requires about 5 hours, with an elevation gain of 910 meters.
Peclerey Mountain
Experience a shorter hike to the Tête du Grand Chantet, totaling 6.7 km and taking about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Starting from the Planet parking lot in Argentière, north of Chamonix, Peclerey Mountain is a favorite among locals and nature enthusiasts who prefer quieter trails. You’ll find refreshing shade in the forest during your descent. This hike has an elevation gain of 670 meters, suitable for occasional hikers looking for a rewarding challenge.
Lac Cornu and black lakes
Set aside 4 to 5 hours for this 11 km loop (medium difficulty). Lac Cornu, a 54-hectare glacial lake, lies within the Aiguilles Rouges range at an altitude of 2,300 meters, while the Black Lakes are situated slightly higher, at 2,540 meters. The hike begins at the Planpraz train station, accessible via gondola from Chamonix. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Lac Cornu and an additional 45 minutes to the Black Lakes. These lakes provide magnificent views of the Mont-Blanc massif and tend to be less crowded than Lac Blanc.
Interested in more ? This overview highlights some of the top hikes in Chamonix, showcasing the variety of trails available. We've intentionally provided just a glimpse of what can be done in the area, to help you decide which hike might best suit your style. For more detailed trail descriptions and a wider range of options, you can visit this website : https://www.chamonix360.com/
