The Lac Blanc hike, located in the Chamonix Valley, offers walkers a breathtaking panorama and a breathtaking view of the Mont Blanc massif. This superb itinerary is accessible from the age of 8-10, which allows for a superb sports day with the family. The path is well signposted and secure. An ideal hike if you are passing through our Chamonix Hotel.
What itinerary should I take?
For the bravest, it is possible to start the Lac Blanc hike from the Index Chairlift. All you have to do is head to the right and go down to Lac du Fouet. The trail leads to Combe des Crochues. The crossing leads to a rocky outcrop that must be bypassed, it is the delimitation of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, where the Lac Blanc is located. The path then joins the one coming from La Flegère and leads to the refuge and the lake.
It is possible to start the hike from the Flegère cable car, thus avoiding a 2.5-hour ascent. From the cable car station, simply go down into the Combe de Chavannes. A track rises near the old stables and passes near Lac de la Flegère (2027m). You must then take the path under Tête Aubuy and join the path coming from Argentière. The path then leads to Lac Blanc in Chamonix.
During the descent, it is advisable to take the trail that leads to Cheserys Lakes (allow about 45 minutes). Be careful, the descent is quite steep despite the steep steps. After having passed the lakes, all you have to do is take the path that leads to the Flegère cable car.
Hiking at Lac Blanc in a few figures
The ascent time during the hike to Lac Blanc lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes for those who choose to take the Flegère cable car, otherwise, it takes an additional 2 hours and 30 minutes. The descent through the Lacs de Chéserys, strongly recommended, takes 2 hours 45 minutes.
In total, the return trip is 7.8 kilometers long with the cable car and 12.3 kilometers without. The cumulative altitude difference is 570m starting from La Flegère and 1560m starting from Les Praz de Chamonix.
It is advisable to take the Flegère cable car, which thus avoids a 2.5 hour ascent without much interest. In terms of price, count €26 for a return adult and €24.70 for a return trip for children between 5 and 14 years old. The trip is free for children under 5. It is possible to buy family packages at €90 (2 adults + 2 young people and 3th, 4th, 5th young person from the same family (free).
Practical information
It is advisable to do this hike between the 1Er June and November 1, depending on snow conditions and ski lift openings. Attention, access to the trail is subject to weather conditions and is closed in case of snow.
For the year 2018, the Flegère cable car is open
- Every day: 8:45am to 5:10pm from February 10 to April 22
- Every day from 8:15am to 5 pm from June 16 to July 13
- Every day from 8 am to 5:45pm from April 14 to August 19
- Every day from 8:15am to 5 pm from August 20 to September 16
- Every day from 9 am to 4:15pm from October 20 to November 4
Hiking in Chamonix is forbidden for picking and dogs. You can find some nice places to eat by the lake, ideal after the effort!
For more information contact the Chamonix High Mountain Office at +33 (0) 4 50 53 22 08 or ask on their website.
