Are you looking for a getaway in the Alps? Discover the essential activities in Chamonix for families, couples or lonely people! The Aiguille du Midi is above all an adventure on the largest glaciers in metropolitan France. For an unmissable view, discover without further delay what awaits you there!
THE AIGUILLE DU MIDI IN CHAMONIX: WHAT YOU MUST SEE AT ANY COST!
First of all, you should know that the name Aiguille du Midi comes not from the cable car, but from Mont-Blanc. Indeed, the rays of sunlight appear at noon at its summit, which itself is the highest peak of the glacier. To a certain extent, the Aiguille du Midi points in the right direction!
If you take the cable car, you should know that it carries all adventurous travelers fond of big thrills as breathtaking panoramas. This one is particularly known to reach a height of 3,842 meters!
WHO IS AT THE ORIGIN OF THE AIGUILLE DU MIDI?
It is probably worth recalling that reaching such a peak is not something that everyone can do without being a professional mountaineer. This is why the cable car was built from 1909 to 1927, only to be finally abandoned by holidaymakers and the State during the Second World War.
It was not until 1951 that work resumed and spread over 4 years before the Aiguille du Midi cable car was built. In 1949, the cable car is known all over the world, because it is a real technological jewel, considered as the highest and longest in the world with its 3 kilometers of wires.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE AIGUILLE DU MIDI?
Once you reach its summit, you will enjoy an exceptional panoramic view and a point of view that you will not find anywhere else. You can see not only Chamonix, but also Switzerland and the Aosta Valley of Italy. It is not for nothing that the Aiguille du Midi is one of the largest peaks of Mont-Blanc!
If you take its cable car, you can see Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Aravis, the Chablais, the Jura and so on. So many mountains that are more than 4000 meters high and known all over the world!
If you wish to relax, you can enjoy a 360° view in one of the restaurants at its top. Not to mention that an elevator has been connecting the two floors since 2015, allowing you to climb up to 3,842 meters above sea level! You can enjoy a meal in the restaurant “3 842” with Savoyard specialties in an exceptional and unique setting in France.
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU GET TO THE TOP?
Another attraction: a glass platform from floor to ceiling for those who love big thrills. The feeling of being above the mountain is enough to make you dizzy!
If you are a fan of museums, you will not be disappointed, as you can discover the highest museum in the world in honor of the mountaineer Rebuffat and so many others. You can relive their Mont Blanc climbs, sometimes in extreme conditions.
HOW TO GET TO THE AIGUILLE DU MIDI ?
You can’t go there any other way than by taking the cable car. The latter is only accessible for part of the year, so it is good to get information so you won’t be disappointed once you get there!
CABLE CAR PERIOD
We recommend arriving early if you want to avoid traffic once on site. Not to mention that you will have to face competition, as the restaurant is beset by all travelers, both at noon and in the evening. The cable car’s schedules are rigid to control the number of passengers and travelers at the top of the peak of the Aiguille du Midi. We recommend that you get up early – for those staying in Chamonix, leave early, as the hotels are not only a few meters from the start!
You can only come to the top of a peak in the second part of the year. The proposed dates are as follows:
- From July 4 to August 24, from 6:30 am to 6 pm;
- From August 25 to September 2, from 7:10 am to 5:30 pm;
- From September 3 to 23, from 8:10 am to 5:30 pm;
- From 24 September to 4 November from 8.10 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
The Aiguille du Midi cable car closes from 5 November to 14 December inclusive. Note that you can make your reservation online for the first two dates, from July to September.
CABLE CAR RATES & SCHEDULES
To make it easier for travelers to pay, prices include a visit to the top of the Aiguille du Midi – except for services such as the restaurant or gift shop. A lot of packages are possible, namely:
- The adult ticket: 49,50€ from Chamonix-Aiguille to Aiguille du Midi ;
- The adult round trip: 61.50€ from Chamonix-Aiguille to Aiguille du Midi ;
- The children’s ticket (for 5-14 year old): 42,10€ from Chamonix-Aiguille to Aiguille du Midi ;
- The round trip for children (for 5-14 years old): 52,30€ from Chamonix-Aiguille to Aiguille du Midi.
WHERE CAN YOU REST?
Once you have completed your exploration of the Aiguille du Midi, you can visit the Hotel Le Morgane, known for its accessibility and modernity. Ideally located, it allows you to enjoy all the sightseeing tours of the year in the surrounding area.
Not to mention that it is the best possible meeting point, as you quickly return from your expedition to warm up in your room or in the restaurant « Le Comptoir des Alpes ». You can come and eat there for lunch and dinner, with typical regional dishes.
Also, take advantage of our special offers for your all-inclusive stays in the mountains.
Practical INFORMATION
Both legs of the round trip are free of charge for children under 5 years old, but the visit is not recommended. Indeed, children under 3 years old are not allowed to visit the Aiguille du Midi.
The duration of the visit depends a lot on the number of visitors. Its total duration if you do the whole route is estimated between 2 and 3 hours, and double on busy days.
Be careful when departing from the Chamonix to Aiguille du Midi cable car. Consult the day before and the very day the timetable table to avoid wasting time on site.
Don’t forget to dress warmly, as you arrive in the middle of the winter season! Not to mention that at the top of the Aiguille du Midi, the temperatures are colder than if you were in Chamonix because of the altitude. Even if you don’t ski, get sunscreen and sunglasses!
