Our guide to visiting Mont-Blanc

At 4,810 metres, the summit of Mont Blanc is known as the “roof of Europe“. It overlooks a large and fertile mountain region between Switzerland, Italy and France. In summer as well as in winter, it is a place where it is a pleasant place to stay and recharge one’s batteries, but also to attempt some sporting achievements. Between town and nature, tourism and traditions, visiting Mont Blanc allows you to combine authenticity, heritage and fresh air. In this guide, discover the must-do’s in the Chamonix valley as well as all the activities we recommend while visiting Mont-Blanc with your family, your partner or your friends!

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: the ideal destination for mountaineering, climbing and hiking

Mont Blanc is the main tourist attraction in the Brévent region. With its many valleys and breathtaking views, it is a must-see destination for nature and adventure lovers from all over the world. With its picturesque landscapes and natural areas, Europe’s highest peak is particularly popular with fans of mountaineering, hiking and climbing. The rocky massif is covered with thick layers of snow and ice. It is quite possible to achieve the feat of climbing Mont Blanc with the expertise of an experienced mountain guide. Take time to visit Mont Blanc and its surrounding villages, which are very authentic and welcoming.

As far as hiking is concerned, you will easily find what you are looking for. The Mont-Blanc massif is home to prestigious hiking trails for walkers of all levels. On the Chamonix side, the access routes require an approach walk to easily get closer to the summit. On the Saint-Gervais side, the ascent of the Prarion with the Bionnassay loop allows you to reach the famous Nid d’Aigle, the final stop of the Mont-Blanc Tramway!

Visiting Mont-Blanc: the must-sees

The Vallée Blanche in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has a lot to offer. If you want to visit Mont-Blanc properly, you can’t miss the following natural sites:

• Les cheminées des fées (“fairy chimneys”): Resulting from erosion, these are large columns carved naturally into the rock by rain, sun exposure, and the wind.
• The Mer de Glace glacier: A 7-kilometre-long and 400-metre-wide glacier, the Mer de Glace is simply an exceptionally majestic sight.
• The Mont-Blanc esplanade: On the shores of Lake Neuchâtel, this is a terrace that offers a sumptuous view of the lake, complemented by numerous statues by legendary artists.
• The Aiguille du Midi: An essential tourist attraction during a visit of Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi cable car gives you access to skiing, mountain biking and hiking activities, and even higher to a breathtaking view of the valley with its altitude of 3,842 metres.
• The Mont-Blanc Tramway: This cogwheel train takes you up to an altitude of 2,300 metres, making it possible to go half way up Mont Blanc while enjoying breathtaking views.
• The Lac Blanc: With a panoramic view of the north side of Mont-Blanc, the route to this lake is suitable for family walks.
• The Merlet animal park: Discover a wide variety of animal species in their natural habitat, such as ibex, marmots and deer that are typical of this region.
• The Emosson dam: A closely monitored site, it is home to dinosaur footprints over 230 million years old, with a total of almost 800 footprints.
• The Bossons glacier: This glacier in the French Alps runs from the summit of Mont Blanc and looks like a waterfall made of ice. You can admire it more closely by taking a ski-lift.

What to do in the Mont-Blanc massif?

Visiting Mont Blanc is also an opportunity to try out new activities to discover the valley from different angles and create unique memories with the people who accompany you. Among the main activities available in both summer and winter are:

• Paragliding: Enjoy the unique sensations of paragliding with sumptuous panoramas at every turn. Treat yourself to a tandem paragliding experience and admire the Alps from the sky.
• Horse-riding: There are countless hiking trails around Mont Blanc, and horseback riding trails as well. Book a supervised tour to discover the valley with your family.
• Dogsledding: The huskies are trained and gathered in hierarchical packs, and you will be able to enjoy being pulled around by our furry friends for a unique tour of the Chamonix valley.
• Mountain biking: A mountain bike is ideal for visiting Les Houches, a pretty village in the foothills of the Alpine Giant. This village also has ski lifts and you can try out electric mountain biking to enjoy the scenery without getting too tired.
• Powered paragliding: A kind of hang-glider equipped with a motor, you will fly through the clouds at full speed and contemplate the splendid landscapes on both sides of the massif. Like a golden eagle!
• Helicopter tours: Visiting Mont-Blanc in a state-of-the-art helicopter can be done from the Megève altiport to admire the Megève valley, the Bionnassay glacier, the Aiguille du Goûter and the Mont-Blanc massif.
• Hot air balloon rides: In Praz-sur-Arly, a very nice and typical Haute-Savoie village, you will have the opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Mont-Blanc region and take off at an altitude of almost 2,500 metres.
• Glider ride: Last but not least, turn into a bird for an introductory flight with a professional pilot to visit Mont Blanc from the air, all without the noise of an engine to disturb the peace and quiet. Within your reach are sublime panoramas and intense sensations.