The Lac Blanc hike in the Chamonix Valley offers walkers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. This superb itinerary is accessible from ages 8-10, making for a great family day out. The path is well signposted and safe. An ideal hike if you're visiting our hotel in Chamonix.
Which route to take?
For the more courageous, the Lac Blanc hike can be started from the Index chairlift. Just head right downhill towards Lac du Fouet. The path leads down to the Combe des Crochues. Crossing this, you come to a rocky spur, which you have to walk around. This is the boundary of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, where Lac Blanc is located. The path then joins the one coming from Flégère and leads to the refuge and lake.
It is possible to start the hike from the Flégère cable car, thus avoiding a 2h30 climb. From the cable car station, simply descend into the Combe de Chavannes. A track rises near the old stables and passes Lac de la Flégère (2027m). Then take the path below Tête Aubuy and join the one coming from Argentière. The path then leads to Lac Blanc de Chamonix.
On the way down, take the path leading to the Lacs de Cheserys (approx. 45 minutes). Beware, the descent is quite steep despite the carved steps. Once you've passed the lakes, simply take the path that leads to the Flégère cable car.
Lac Blanc hiking in figures
The ascent to Lac Blanc takes around 1 hour 45 minutes for those who choose to take the Flégère cable car, otherwise an additional 2 hours 30 minutes are required. The descent via the Lacs de Chéserys, which is highly recommended, takes 2 hours 45 minutes.
In total, the round trip is 7.8 kilometers long with the gondola and 12.3 kilometers without. The cumulative altitude difference is 570m from La Flégère and 1560m from Les Praz de Chamonix.
We recommend taking the Flégère cable car, which avoids a 2.5-hour ascent of little interest. Fares are €26 for an adult return and €24.70 for children aged 5 to 14. Children under 5 ride free. Family passes can be purchased for 90€ (2 adults + 2 young people and3rd,4th, 5th young person in the same family free).
Practical information
We recommend this hike between June1 and November 1, depending on snow conditions and lift openings. Please note that access to the trail is subject to weather conditions and is closed in the event of snow.
For 2018, the Flégère cable car is open
- Daily: 8.45 a.m. to 5.10 p.m. February 10 to April 22
- Every day from 8.15 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 16 to July 13
- Daily from 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. from April 14 to August 19
- Daily from 8.15 a.m. to 5 p.m. from August 20 to September 16
- Daily, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. October 20 to November 4
The Chamonix hike is off-limits to pickers and dogs. You can find a few nice places to eat by the lake, ideal after the effort!
For more information, contact the Chamonix High Mountain Office on +33 (0)4 50 53 22 08 or visit their website.
