Chamonix Valley Hikes
Mont-Blanc - The mountain in majesty
Nothing can tire us of exploring and admiring this chain of mountains, the most majestic in France, today surrounded by a myriad of natural reserves.
Natural Resort of Aiguille Rouge
- Hiking, Summer Activities, Trekking
- Very easy
- 45 min. (3h to the refuge)
- 4-10
- Max 1480 (2 352 m for lac Blanc)
- +100 m (+900 m for the refuge)
Access: from Chamonix, direction to Argentiere to GM parking.
Introduction to alpine nature on the edge of the Col des Montets lake.
This natural space which has been rehabilitated makes it possible to present, over an area of 3 ha, mountain flora and wetlands. Hikers come across ibex and chamois here.
At Col des Montets is the reception chalet of the nature reserve. Facilitators offer visitors the opportunity to discover the alpine fauna and flora, as well as the geology of the area, through exhibitions and scientific experiments. The reception chalet, open from June 1 to September 15, is free to enter and has a refreshment bar and a shop.
A discovery trail meanders around the pass: it allows you to pleasantly discover the natural spaces characteristic of the Aiguilles Rouges, and more generally of the Alps. Without difficulty, it offers everyone, even non-hikers, a route of 1 to 3 kilometers. The management of the trail by the reserve aims to maintain a high biodiversity, explained by signs or by a facilitator/trainee.
Le Lac de Pormenaz
- Hiking, Summer Activities, Trekking
- Moderate
- 5h 30 to 6h
- 4-10
- Max 2323 m
- +1180 m
Access: Passy, le plateau d’Assy, Plaine-Joux, depart du Lac Vert
Hollowed out in gneiss, the Pormenaz lake overlooks the Fiz limestone massif.
In the heart of the Passy nature reserve, the Lac de Pormenaz, overlooked by the imposing Pointe Noire of the same name and the Rochers des Fiz, is an essential summer walk.
Easy, the route leads quietly to the torrent of Souay, to finally rise more frankly at the level of La Chorde where cables and ladders will help to overcome some difficulties.
The Aravis and Fiz will feature as a permanent backdrop throughout the climb. Swimming in the Lac de Pormenaz can be a refreshing break before the descent to Argentières and the Chalets d’Ayères.
For people prone to vertigo, it is possible to avoid the cable passages by leaving the La Chorde path on the right at the fork.
Le Plan de la Fenetre
- Hiking, Summer Activities, Trekking
- Easy but long
- 5-6 h in loop
- 4-10
- Max 2245 m
- +1080 m
Access: After Les Contamines, continue to the big parking of Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge
Amazing trekk throught Contamine National Park
Magnifique boucle au départ de Notre-Dame de la Gorge. L’ascension du Col de la Fenêtre vous conduira vers un point stratégique sur la frontière entre le massif du Mont Blanc et le Beaufortain. Depuis ce passage étroit, vous profiterez d’une vue remarquable sur le Mont Blanc à l’est, le Lac de la Girotte et les pentes de Hauteluce à l’Ouest.