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Mont Blanc Tunnel: everything you need to know

Crossing the Alps to link France and Italy, the Mont Blanc Tunnel is one of the world's most famous road tunnels. When it was inaugurated in 1965, its proportions made it the longest tunnel ever built. An engineering marvel, this impressive structure shortened the journey between Chamonix and Courmayeur by 60 km. However, the main reason for its construction was to facilitate border crossings, which until then had been complicated by the winter closure of the Alpine passes. The tunnel is also an ideal solution for heavy goods vehicles wishing to reach the other side of the Massif.

Mont Blanc Tunnel

The Mont Blanc Tunnel : an attraction in itself

Beyond its purely practical role, the Mont Blanc Tunnel is also considered a real tourist attraction. Not far from your hotel in Chamonix, it's a must-see for any visitor to the Alps.

If you're wondering how long the Mont Blanc Tunnel is? The Mont-Blanc tunnel is 11.6 km long. Located at an altitude of 1,274 meters, the opening on the French side is 5 km from Chamonix. On the Italian side, it reaches an altitude of 1,381 meters, providing access to Courmayeur, 5 km away.

Following a fire in the tunnel on March 24, 1999, three years of repairs and safety work were necessary before the tunnel was reopened on March 9, 2002. Cameras and radars were installed along the entire length of the Mont-Blanc tunnel, and safety measures were reinforced. The same applies to speed limits (minimum 50 km/h and maximum 70 km/h) and the distance to be maintained between two cars, which is now 150 metres.

 

Practical information on the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Of all the information you need to know before embarking on this journey, the Mont Blanc Tunnel fares are undoubtedly the most important. Prices vary depending on the type of vehicle, whether it's a one-way or return journey, and are even different on the French and Italian sides! A one-way ticket from the French side will cost you €46.30, while a return ticket will cost you €57.80. If you want to spend less than seven days on the Italian side before returning to Chamonix, this type of fare for the Mont Blanc Tunnel will be much more advantageous. Subscriptions for 10 or 20 passages are also available, as are monthly passes.

 

What to do near the Mont Blanc Tunnel

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the Mont-Blanc Tunnel allows visitors to enjoy some of the most unforgettable attractions on either side of the massif. Get ready for a breathtaking view from the glass cage of theAiguille du Midi: the Pas dans le Vide. On the Italian side, its counterpart can be found at the very top of the "Skyway Monte Bianco" cable car. Here you can admire unique panoramas at an altitude of almost 3,500 metres! Here, you can enjoy a hot chocolate in the midst of an icy environment of unimaginable beauty. If you're thrilled by these landscapes, don't leave Haute-Savoie without discovering the splendid Mer de Glace.

Finally, after so much adventure, a well-deserved rest is in order. On either side of the Mont-Blanc tunnel, you can enjoy a moment of absolute relaxation in one of the many spas in the region. Our hotel spa in Chamonix even has outdoor pools where you can recharge your batteries while admiring the surrounding mountains.

Don't hesitate to contact our team for personalized advice! The Chamonix valley awaits you for an unforgettable stay.

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