We have been dreaming of getting to Chamonix, France for years. To hike in one of the most beautiful places in the world. It is home to the most prestigious ultramarathon, Mont Blanc and endless miles of trails. A mecca for hikers, trail runners and oddly, or not oddly, for paragliding. We would not be participating in the latter. We were there for all the views, thigh burning trails and to find a refuge tucked away in the mountains. Even early in the morning when we arrived by bus, you can immediately feel the vibe of the town that is predominantly trail runners and hikers. Instead of seeing people strolling along in Gucci and Louis Vuitton, it is Salomon and Arc’teryx. Just the way we like it!

Getting to Chamonix, France

The easiest way to get to Chamonix is to fly into Geneva international and then take the bus to Chamonix. Swiss Tours or Flix Bus will get you to directly to Chamonix and it is only about an hour and forty minutes! The bus stop is just outside the airport and then they drop you off only a couple blocks from the main street in Chamonix. You could also rent a car in Geneva, but you definitely don’t need one when you are in Chamonix. The public transportation is amazing! There is also a benefit from staying in one of the many hotels throughout the region. Find out at the end!

Hiking Lac Blanc Trail in Chamonix, France

There are so many hikes to choose from but if you read about the area, almost all the guides will say this is the hike to do. Especially if your time there only allots one or two hike. This must be one of them. We took the advice of countless blogs and articles, but we did it a bit different than most.

There are different areas or ways to start the trail. You can start right from Chamonix, or you can take a bus or taxi/uber to Les Praz, where the Flégère Gondola is located. This gondola will get you to the Index Chair Lift which at the end will get you to the highest point where you can start the hike. Kevin started in town and made his way to enter the mountain. I did too, but ran to the Flégère Gondola along the paved path. We tried to time it perfectly to where we would meet at the top of the Index chairlift. This really is the best hike in Chamonix. Here are our adventures!

Kevin’s Hike to the top of Index Chairlift and the trailhead to hike Lac Blanc

Kevin’s journey started from town. Past cute coffee shops, through the trees and right up the mountain. The most challenging was as soon as you get above the tree line and hike under the Index Chairlift. At this point you are exposed and hiking up rocky terrain. It is also straight up with little reprieve. Most people focus on the difficulty of elevation gain but don’t forget that going back down can be a different challenge. The journey down is just a continuous downhill for miles, which for some may be hard on the knees. This is a strenuous way to hike to Lac Blanc so make sure you are up for it. You can start from anywhere in town to link up with this hike.

If you plan to do the hike this way: Miles 15 ◆ Elevation Gain 5,066′ ◆ Multiple places to buy water

Kym’s adventure to the top of Index Chairlift and the trailhead to hike Lac Blanc

My journey started at our hotel in Chamonix, where I picked up the path along the stream to Les Praz. You run through the small town for a short time and then right to the Flégère Gondola. The Flégère Gondola will take you to the Index Chair Lift and it is a beautiful journey up the mountain. It was about $45 round trip and you do need to purchase round trip unless you are wanting to run back down the mountain. Your ticket is checked on the way down. One of the best things about Chamonix are the gondolas to start the hike. It makes what would be strenuous hikes more doable and approachable to beginner or seasoned hikers. It does make it busy and this hike is very busy.

If you plan to do the hike this way: Miles 4 ◆ Elevation Gain 700′ ◆ Plus 4 miles round trip to Chamonix

You can see how different each experience is, but if you want to make it a challenge, it can definitely be just that. But for others that are still hoping to see the most beautiful lake in Chamonix, you can.

Hike to Lac Blanc from Index Chairlift

Somehow we actually ended up at the top of the Index Chairlift only 5 minutes apart! For a moment, I was in a haze. Only focused on the surrounding views. Once Kevin got to me we headed towards the trailhead. You will not have any problems finding your way as there are markers throughout. Head towards the Lac Blanc marker and you will be on your way.

With the help of a gondola and chairlift, you still have a short climb to your destination, which wouldn’t be a hike in Chamonix without it. Chamonix is known for hard hikes. The majority, and all the popular ones, will have elevation gain. The trail profile is also something to be aware of. These trails are known for being rocky, which adds just a little challenge to what should be or seems like it should be, an easy hike. Even into the month of July you will have snow patches so remember polls and without a doubt have good hiking shoes.

The rocky terrain is perfect for some animal sightings. You might get lucky and see some Ibex!

There are many incredible things about this hike but the best are the views. There are always views, so make sure to give your legs a rest (especially if you started from town!) and take it all in.

When we finally made it to the lake, we decided to check out the refuge for a snack. The only problem was we learned that it is cash only. You can get a cold beer or soda and a small snack. Next time!

The famous view is the first lake. We have seen hundreds of pictures of this place and heard countless experiences and when we got there it still took our breath away.

The second lake was still gorgeous but better is the later months of summer.

Instead of hiking back to the Index Chairlift, we decided to go to the refuge at the top of the Flégère Gondola. So when you get to the first sign make sure to go left and you will have a 2.25 mile hike.

We both got a snack and drink (this refuge took credit cards and had a lot more options) and I headed back on the gondola and Kevin continued his run back down the mountain.

Did I mention that this is the best hike in Chamonix, because it really is. You arrive with high expectations and they are met. If you have time for one hike, this really should be it. It has everything and at the end, for us, an accomplishment. We made it to a bucket list destination and a bucket list hike to Lac Blanc and it was everything that we hoped for.

Where to Stay in Chamonix, France

One of the first things you should know is that a lot of hotels in the area do not have air conditioning. If it is really hot, opening a window does not help. So make sure if it will be during the warmer months to confirm they have AC. We were there in June, so it would have been nice, but was not needed.

There are so many little towns along the valley that are connected via bus or train, but I would still highly recommend staying in Chamonix. There are countless restaurants (we had one of the best carnitas tacos we have had, which was odd), bars, outdoor gear stores and the pedestrian walk is so much fun. Plus it is more convenient to the bus back to Geneva.

Top Tips for Hiking to Lac Blanc

Purchase a round trip gondola ride at Flégère Gondola.

Have cash on you for a snack at Lac Blanc Refuge (Flégère Gondola refuge takes credit cards)

Good hiking boots or trail running shoes. Trails in Chamonix are known to be rocky. You will see most trail runners with polls. They are a good thing to have and worth the cost of getting light weight ones. It will save a lot of stress on your knees.

Your hotel key will get you free transportation on the buses. Make sure to confirm with your hotel what this all entails but it was amazing being able to take the train or bus for free while we were there!

Let us know how we can help you get to this amazing area!

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