200 m away
Grand Balcon Nord
Packed with incredible views—likely the best bang-for-your-buck hike in Chamonix!
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.2 km
- Ascent
- 186 m
- Descent
- 587 m
Plan L'aiguille -> Valley voie Gare des Glaciers
Aiguille du Midi
Chamonix
Picturesque does not do this route any justice.
Hiking Difficult
- Distance
- 9.3 km
- Ascent
- 275 m
- Descent
- 1.5 km
- Duration
- 2-3 hrs
- Low Point
- 1 km
- High Point
- 2.4 km
- Gradient
- 17˚
Starting at Plan L'aiguille you venture downwards down to the hill following the yellow markers. These will later on change into painted dots on the rocks.
Description
After a short traversal you will start to climb towards the trail of 'The Grand Mulets'. From this point onwards you will traverse to the old second lift station that will have some history boards. These will prove to be entertaining during your lunch break before descending back to the valley.
The descent is very straight forward and will lead you to the Tunnel du Mont Blanc. This trail lends itself very well to trail runners.
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
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Alpine
- Wildlife
- Historical
- Picturesque
- Wild flowers
Similar routes nearby
2.8 km away
La Jonction
A famous hike which was the starting point for Jacques Balmat and Michel Paccard when they made the first ascent of Mont Blanc in 1786.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 1.3 km
- Descent
- 1.3 km
3 km away
Buvette de la Floria
A short and pleasant hike up to a picturesque little mountain hut.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 8.5 km
- Ascent
- 364 m
- Descent
- 364 m
3.4 km away
Les Bois
The easiest hike in Chamonix.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 5.6 km
- Ascent
- 56 m
- Descent
- 56 m
3.5 km away
Petit Balcon Loop
A classic loop around the Chamonix Valley.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 21 km
- Ascent
- 702 m
- Descent
- 702 m
4.4 km away
Grotte de Glace
A must-do visit to an ice cave carved in the Mer de Glace glacier.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.2 km
- Ascent
- 225 m
- Descent
- 225 m
4.7 km away
Petit Balcon Sud Loop
A short loop on one of the best sections of the Petit Balcon Sud trail.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 7.7 km
- Ascent
- 235 m
- Descent
- 235 m
4.8 km away
Lac Cornu from Planpraz
Escape the crowds at Lac Blanc by hiking to Lac Cornu instead.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 7.5 km
- Ascent
- 538 m
- Descent
- 538 m
5 km away
Tour du Mont Blanc: Merlet to Bellevue
While one of the less interesting sections of the TMB, this stretch still offers a few hidden trail gems.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 13 km
- Ascent
- 1 km
- Descent
- 723 m
5.3 km away
Tour du Mont Blanc: Brévent to Merlet
Day 1: A gentle downhill day on the sun-kissed south-facing slopes of the Brévent peak.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5 km
- Ascent
- 7 m
- Descent
- 998 m
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Guidebooks in this area
14 routes · Hiking
Hike the World-Renowned Tour du Mont Blanc Route
5 routes · Hiking
Selected Hikes with the Best Views of Mont Blanc
12 routes · Hiking
Let Chamonix Blow Your Mind with These Must-Do Hikes
10 routes · Hiking
Top 10 Trails of 2021: Greg Heil's Best Hikes of the Year
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