Visit Mont Blanc: full guide

Visiting Mont-Blanc is a great dose of pure air in the heart of the Alps. Follow the guide for an unforgettable stay!

Visit The Mont Blanc massif is a must. Indeed, this block is made of colossal granite and is part of the Alps chain that the Alps share France , Italy and Switzerland . It houses the Mont Blanc, a true king of the mountainous chain, which peaks at 4,809 meters.

In addition to this majestic mountain, other mythical places take part in the massif such as the Bossons glacier, the Glace Sea or the famous needles of Chamonix . The Maudit Mountain, Tré la Tête and the sublime needle of Bionnassay also compose exceptional panoramas.

Mont-Blanc is an iconic destination for mountaineering and mountain sports. Skiing, sleigh, paragliding, biking, mountain biking... The hard one, finally, will be to choose between all these activities when you visit Mont Blanc.

To help you select them, here is a complete guide prepared for you by Wanderlix. Get your stuff ready, wrap your suitcase and it's gone!

The Mont Blanc in a few words

Visiting Mont-Blanc is going to a 400 km2 territory shared between three countries. The massif can be explored in Haute-Savoie and Savoie, France, Aosta Valley (Italy) and in canton of Valais (Switzerland).

Compared to other mountain ranges, the Mont Blanc mountain range is almost uninhabited. The altitude and the presence of glaciers explain the low human occupation: the Mont Blanc, we pass, but we do not stay there.

This is probably what makes the beauty of the place and adds to the secret charm typical of the massif. High mountain atmosphere guaranteed!

In addition to the cable cars, such as the iconic Aiguille du Midi, sportsmen from all over Europe can go through this sublime rocky promontory in a multitude of ways. From hiking trails to prestigious climbing paths to take-off areas dedicated to paragliding or mountain bike trails...

Whether you decide to go on site in summer, winter or mid-season, you have dozens of ways to visit Mont Blanc. To help you decide, here are some selected by Wanderlix.

1. Hiking

Hiking? It is an evidence for who wishes, one day, to come to visit the Mont Blanc in any relaxed way. What is certain is that you will have no difficulty finding your happiness there: prestigious hiking trails await you in the massif.

On the Chamonix side, the various avenues of access to the summit of Mont-Blanc require a walk of approach: hikers can therefore easily get closer to the summit.

On the Saint-Gervais side, you can try the climb of the Prarion, which separates the village from the Mont-Blanc, and then link through the loop of Bionnassay. The most motivated will be able to arrive at the famous Nid d’Aigle, the terminus of the Tramway du Mont-Blanc!

Practical information:

• Modalities: Panels showing hiking trails are scattered throughout the towns and hamlets adjacent to the massif;
• At what price: Access to trails is completely free. Only imperative: own a robust backpack and good walking shoes.

2. Hiking skiing

Wow... The Vallée Blanche, in winter, becomes the paradise for mountaineers and hikers on seal skins. This glacial valley is located in the heart of the massif.

The Vallé Blanche offers two extraordinary high mountain routes, dominated by the stunning needle of the Midi. To survey them, the techniques of altitude progression are essential... just like the presence of a high mountain guide, in fact.

Our advice? Go from the Midi needle for a ski descent to Montenvers or even to Chamonix. I can't.

Practical information:

• Modalities: Head to the Chamonix or Saint-Gervais Guide Office. They will tell you the right niche depending on your availability... and theirs. Sometimes you have to take long in advance to hope that you can participate in the session;
• At what price: The presence of a guide is invoiced 200€ on average a day as part of a ski-alpinism outing. The equipment, it, can be rented in station for a few dozen euros per day.

3. Paragliding

Wow! What sensations, the free flight in paragliding: the wind that ingles your face, the adrenaline that takes you every turn, the sumptuous panoramas...

Visiting Mont Blanc while flying is certainly one of the best ways to do so. Don't you think? To make you wrong, offer a tandem paragliding baptism.

From your sadette, you will have the opportunity to admire the Alps. If your monitor allows, you can even take commands and drive yourself.

Practical information:

• Modalities: Book your flight with companies offering paragliding flights. Only in Chamonix and Saint-Gervais, about ten companies offer this service;
• At what price: Count on average 60€ to 150€ per person depending on the desired flight duration.

4. Horse

The horse is great: and in Mont Blanc, it’s demented! In the mountains, hiking trails are countless. Hikers, cyclists and... horseback riding enthusiasts understood it well.

Small and large are seduced by a horse ride. Animals are accustomed to human presence and offer the opportunity not (too) to get tired.

To enjoy it, reserve a framed getaway well before you go to the spot: many visitors want to try. And all will not have the opportunity given the offer...

Practical information:

• Modalities: Haras (who offer it) ski joëring in winter) offer horses to visit Mont Blanc. Located on both sides of the massif, they will allow a smooth discovery of this activity;
• At what price: One 50 euros enough per person for one half day of initiation.

5. Sled dogs

Photo credit: Facebook – Savoie Mont Blanc

Tickets/activities related to:

Chamonix

Mont-Blanc horse

What is greater, softer and more endearing than a husky? A sled husky, pardi! These emblematic dogs from the North are able to pull a sled on kilometres and gather in hierarchical packs.

Visiting Mont Blanc in winter without visiting them would be a sacrilege, especially if there is snow. The courses normally dedicated to snowshoe hikes and Nordic ski enthusiasts turn into a circuit for these hairballs.

Opt for an initiation in the Chamonix valley when it has its beautiful white coat!

Practical information:

• Modalities: After a brief initiation, you will be given a trail of four dogs. Under the aegis of a seasoned monitor, you will slip into the middle of the forest;
• At what price: Count one 60 euros per person One hour.

6. ATV

Pure sensations, all-terrain bike. The mountain bike is absolutely advised to visit Mont Blanc: you can go everywhere! Les Houches, for example.

This pretty town located on the foothills of the Alps Giant is home to ski lifts that can accommodate mountain bikers. Another advantage is to test the electric mountain bike.

The latter includes a battery and an engine. Even more need to pedal back and admire the unique panoramas on Mont Blanc: not bad?

Practical information:

• Modalities: If you rent, a deposit will be requested in addition to your payment;
• At what price: The rental amounts to 50€ par day depending on the selected model.

7. Mountaineering

Yes! The first companies of the high mountain guides were created here in 1821 in Chamonix. The practice of mountaineering is for some squarely born in the Mont Blanc massif.

Its ascension is the first that is documented with rigor of the modern era. Nearly 250 years later, the tracks are countless and allow a large number of climbers to visit Mont Blanc.

Of course, the high mountain does not improvise: the presence of a seasoned guide is indispensable. On two days, you can try to climb the Normal Road or the Three Mounts and crowd the roof of Europe. Gare au mal d’altitude !

Practical information:

• Modalities: Visit the company of the guides of Chamonix or Saint-Gervais. They will inform you about the organization of this unforgettable air trip;
• At what price: A race two days costs 400€. In addition, if you do not own it, count the additional rental of the necessary equipment.

8. Cable

The cable car is indispensable in the mountains to connect its highest points with the valley below. Take the Midi needle, for example.

From the top of its 3 842 meters of altitude, it is the highest of the Cham’ (Chamonix) hands. The cable car avoids a rather physical denial of nearly 3,000 metres! Once at the top, what views of the Ice Sea, the White Valley and the surrounding mountains...

Visiting the Mont-Blanc by cable car is the assurance that you can enjoy sublime panoramas safely. You will have understood: an experience to be missed under no pretext.

Practical information:

• Modalities: Book on the official website of the municipality of Chamonix your return trip. And don’t forget to carry category IV glasses (for glacier) and warm clothes;
• At what price: 65€ are to be expected to make the return trip between Chamonix and the Midi needle. For less than fourteen years and seniors, accounts for about ten euros less.

9. ULM

Photo credit: Shutterstock – GoPro

Tickets/activities related to:

Chamonix

Mont-Blanc ULM

The ULM is on the plane what the unlicensed vehicle is on the car. A useful compromise to enjoy the pleasures of driving without losing years to pass his degrees!

The ULM is a kind of deltaplane equipped with an engine that allows clouds to be split at all times. Visiting the Mont-Blanc in ULM, it is combining the use to the pleasant while contemplating stupid landscapes while enjoying an unforgettable moment of hope.

Aerodromes are located on both sides of the massif. Offer (or offer...) a tandem flight with a seasoned pilot to admire it... like a royal eagle!

Practical information:

• Modalities: It is necessary to book your two-seater flight beforehand: you are recommended the Sallanches aerodrome, with a competent team;
• At what price: Count 135€ for a flight 45 minutes.

10. Helicopter

The helicopter was invented, in principle, by Leonardo d’ Vinci himself. Well, he actually worked only a few centuries later, but who cares?

Certainly not you: you will fly over the Mont Blanc massif in a screaming helicopter. If it is not necessary to specify that you will not pilot it yourself, know that you will enjoy a comfortable ride.

This AS350 helicopter takes you from the airport Megève for a 30-minute getaway. The Megève valley, the Bionnassay glacier, the Goûter needle and the Mont-Blanc massif are unveiling as you progress aerially: majestic, right?

Practical information:

• Modalities: Go to Megève airport... or directly to their website to book your flight;
• At what price: Planned 200€ by person and by half hour Flight.

11. Montgolfière

Praz-sur-Arly is a cute commune. Typically high-savoyarde, this commune with the edges of Megève is known for the beauty of its surrounding landscapes.

You also have the opportunity to take height and initiate yourself to a very spectacular experience: the balloon!

On the route des Belles, outside the village, the airline Alpes Montgolfière offers flights during the four seasons of the year. A 360-degree panorama on the Mont Blanc country awaits you at almost 2,500 meters above sea level.

Practical information:

• Modalities: Visit Praz-sur-Arly to learn all about this exceptional activity;
• At what price: The rates are of €260 by passenger or 1 440€ par Private hot air balloon for six people.

12. Planeur

A pure aesthetic. The glider allows to take the time of an initiation flight for a bird with a professional pilot.

Interest? The lack of engine and therefore noise. The sublime panoramas and the impression of being one with the sky. And the sensations, of extraordinary intensity. Test without further delay!

Practical information:

• Modalities: Most of the time, aerodromes are located around Lake Geneva. But the performances allow us to reach without problems the most beautiful massif in Europe;
• At what price: Rates vary depending on the season; a few hundred euros will allow you to pass several hours in the air.