The Ice Cave in Chamonix: an attraction not to be missed
The only glacier museum in France
One of the most famous glaciers in Haute-Savoie, the Mer de Glace contains a surprising treasure. Perched at an altitude of 1,913 meters, it is home to the most unusual cave in the entire Mont-Blanc massif. The famous Chamonix Ice Cave was dug inside this glacier that occupies the Montenvers site, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and the Vallée Blanche.
The Ice Cave was cut by man to form The one and only glacier museum in France! The year 1992 was the year of the turning point: two mountain guide friends then entered this cave that winds inside the Mer de Glace and took full advantage of its immense potential.
To bring their vision to life, they called on sculptors from all over the country to immortalize the major events of our era in frozen water. Adept at diverting objects, they use wood saws and even irons or curling irons to work on this collection, which evolves every year.
A unique natural treasure in Haute-Savoie
La Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Ice Cave also houses the Glaciorum, which gives an instructive and fun dimension to this superb cave in Haute-Savoie. It is an interpretation center to answer questions from visitors to the Chamonix Mer de Glace, in particular related to the climate and the environment and on the impact of climate change on the mountain.
You will learn a lot about the delicate balance of ice and how everyone can contribute to the preservation of the environment. The total visit (including the visit to the cave and the trips) lasts an average of 2 to 3 hours. However, note that the visit time can be doubled during periods of high traffic.
Finally, the site of Montenvers will also appeal to gourmets who will enjoy local culinary specialties in a panoramic restaurant located at an altitude of 1,200 meters. Sensations guaranteed! To eat, you can have a traditional Savoyard meal at the Restaurant du Refuge du Montenvers or opt for fast food at the Bar des Glaciers.
How do I get to the Chamonix Ice Cave?
By the little train
To visit the Chamonix Ice Cave, know that the Montenvers Valley is accessible by a small train from the Montenvers site. Operating every day of the year since 1908, the Petit Train du Montenvers is a red cog train that uses a traditional railway and is, on its own, really worth a visit. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Mer de Glace itself, but also of Drus and the Grandes Jorasses.
Hop on this train in Chamonix (not far from the Refuge des Aiglons) and pass through rock-cut tunnels, viaducts, and mountainside passages to reach Montenvers-Mer de Glace. This funicular train leaves from Chamonix and climbs along the peaks of the valley to an altitude of 1,913 meters. The trip takes about 20 minutes, at a speed of 14 to 20 km/h. From there, a pulsed cable car allows you to directly reach the stairs leading to the Chamonix Ice Cave.
The Chamonix Ice Cave train station is located on the rocky edge, which allows you to overlook the Mer de Glace Glacier. There you will find a museum of alpine fauna as well as a magnificent exhibition on mountain crystals that are found in the region.
By road
Unless you prefer to borrow the footpath ? So get ready to go down (but especially to go up!) 550 steps. But don't worry: the show is worth it and the climb will take you 20 to 30 minutes maximum.
For walkers, there are also several hikes to access the Sea glacier including the crossing Montenvers - Plan de l'Aiguille via the large North Balcony, or the descent to Chamonix through Les Planards or the village of Les Bois. You will thus discover the Chamonix valley as a whole! In summer, do not hesitate to leave the train station to enjoy the beautiful walks to the Plan de l'Aiguille, to go back down on foot into the valley.
What else can you do in the Chamonix Valley?
La Chamonix Ice Cave is a must, but it is not the only treasure in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley. You will be able to access the Aiguille du Midi, a place to see at least once in a lifetime. In 20 to 30 minutes, you will be transported to an altitude of 3,842 meters, in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif. Find your way around thanks to Plan de l'Aiguille in the center of the landscapes of the mythical Vallée Blanche.
In addition to visiting the Ice Cave in Chamonix, discover other Glaciers in France With the Blossons Glacier. This focal point in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Valley is the highest ice fall in the Alps (3,630 meters in altitude), with snow from the peaks of Mont-Blanc, Mont-Maudit and Mont-Blanc du Tacul.
The hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons welcomes you to Chamonix
To fully enjoy the treasures of the Alps, nothing beats a stay in one of the many hotels in Chamonix. Our Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons welcomes you all year round: it is located a stone's throw from ski areas, hiking trails and means of transport to reach the most exceptional sites such as the Chamonix Ice Cave.
Authentic and designed to provide you with all the comfort you dream of for your holidays in the mountains, our rooms are perfect for an escape stay as a couple, with family or with friends. Take advantage of our many services to recharge your batteries and leave daily worries aside for a delicious meal or a spa session.
