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Lac Blanc from La Flegere

Brévent/Flégère

Chamonix

Hike to Lac Blanc from La Flegere on one of Chamonix's most famous hikes!

Hiking Difficult

Distance
6.6 km
Ascent
566 m
Descent
566 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.9 km
High Point
2.4 km
Gradient
13˚
Lac Blanc from La Flegere Map

Lac Blanc is arguably the most famous non-technical hiking route in Chamonix. "Every hiker coming to Chamonix should make the hike to Lac Blanc, one of the hiking highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc," writes 10adventures.com. "A classic, high-mountain panorama reflects onto a lake surrounded with snow for much of the year. Lac Blanc sits next to a welcoming refuge, and while hiking you will likely see Ibex and marmots in the surrounding nature reserve."

Description

Multiple routes lead to Lac Blanc, but the route mapped here from La Flegere is the easiest, and consequently, the most popular. If you choose to tackle this hike, you’ll be greeted with some of the most jaw-droppingly-beautiful views in Chamonix… but you’ll have to contend with crowds of other hikers at the same time.

The trail to Lac Blanc is clearly marked with red paint and trail signs. The singletrack trail traverses rough, rocky terrain along the way to the lake.

The upper portion of the Lac Blanc hike “has a high alpine, adventurous feel as it winds in and out of the rocks,” according to 10adventures.com. "There is a lot of wildlife on this hike. Listen out for the high whistle of marmots and see if you can spot them – ibex also frequent this area, and eagles."

The scenery at your ultimate destination, Lac Blanc, is simply stunning! Since the lake is situated on the opposite side of the valley from the Mont Blanc massif, this hike and the endpoint at the lake actually provide some of the best views of Mont Blanc from anywhere in the Chamonix Valley! In fact, "the calm clear waters create the perfect mirror image of Mont Blanc and the snowy peaks on the opposite side of the valley," writes Chamonet.com.

If you want to spend as much time as possible savoring this idyllic location, stop at the Refuge du Lac Blanc for lunch and a drink. How fantastic is it to finish an arduous hike and get to enjoy a delicious meal that you didn't have to carry up yourself?!

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between July and October

Features

  • Alpine
  • Wildlife
  • Historical
  • Picturesque
  • Water features

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area