Chamonix (1035m) - Montenvers Mer de Glace (1913m) - Plan d'Aiguille (2317m)
Experienced tourists with good physical preparation can start hiking from Chamonix, and to others we suggest to take the train Montenvers which bring you to the Frozen Sea where you can visit:1. Interactive museum Glaciorum where you'll get formation about ice, glaciers and glaciology.
2. Cave (crystal gallery), where holds some of the largest crystals were found in glaciers.
3. Then we go down the stairs to the glacier Mer de Glace - the largest glacier in France, which is 7 km long. There we'll see an ice grotto, carved into the glacier. Inside the grotto we can see some iced figures with an interesting light design. Every summer, the grotto is carved at the new location, because the glacier moves under the influence of its own weight for about 70 meters a year.
After sightseeing at Montanver station we'll have a traverse to Plan d'Aiguille through the Great North Balcony (Grand Balcon Nord).The first hour we go up the hill, and then almost all the way we have a traverse. During the route we'll see the breathtaking scenery of the Brévent, Flégère, Les Houches and the valley of Chamonix. When we arrive to the plan d'Aiguille we will see the famous Les Bossons glacier. We can descent to Chamonix on cablecar (10 min) or on foot in 3 hours.
Elevation: 400 m (on foot)
Time: 2.45h for hiking + 1-1.5 hours for sightseeing on Montenvers station..
Easier route
For children and who are not used to walk in the mountains, we suggest to do this route in the opposite direction: go up in a cable car from Chamonix to Plan d'Aiguille, and then walk to the Montenvers.
Elevation: -400 m (foot)
Time: 2h for hiking + 1-1.5 hours for sightseeing on Montanver station.
Argentière (1252 m) - Lognan (1973 m) - Argentière glacier (2328 m)
The route to the Argentière glacier is good for both children and adults. Who has an experience in trekking, can start the ascent from the Argentière village. Beginners and children we suggest to overcome the 721 meters till the Lognan by a cable car.
From Lognan we have a quite easy route till the Argentière glacier with amazing views. During the itinerary we will see and hear the constant movement of the glacier.The last part of the route (15 min) passes over the rocks, but you will not have any problem to climb to Pointe de vue (2328) - a place where the whole glacier is clearly visible.
Elevation: +355 m (on foot); +720 (by cable car).
Time: 1.2h one way.
