16 m away
Lac Blanc from La Flegere
Hike to Lac Blanc from La Flegere on one of Chamonix's most famous hikes!
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.6 km
- Ascent
- 566 m
- Descent
- 566 m
A stunning segment of the TMB following the Grand Balcon Sud trail.
Hiking Difficult
This section of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc route mostly follows the Grand Balcon Sud trail, in and of itself a popular local hike. Since this segment begins at the top of La Flegere lift and ends at the top of Le Brevent, it provides a number of interesting possibilities.
One, you can use either lift to access the TMB route, allowing you to either begin or end your circumnavigation from either end of this segment. Two, the lifts also allow you easy egress off the route, if you need to bail out. Three, if you want to head into the town of Chamonix to take a break and recharge or refuel during your hike, you could also use the lifts to do just that. And finally, four, you could use the lifts to hike this segment as a one-way day hike, going in either direction.
However you choose to tackle this segment of the TMB, this portion of the Grand Balcon Sud Trail is an absolutely stunning hike! Running across the mountainside at or just above treeline, the vistas of the surrounding mountains, and especially the Mont Blanc, are to die for! Towards the end of the segment, the trail makes a hard push uphill to the top of the ridge, and from there, the views only proceed to get better and better!
Along this hike, you’ll cross innumerable other trails, and some of those cross trails, which sometimes share a stretch with the Grand Balcon Sud, are some of the top day hikes in the Chamonix Valley. Most notably, Lac Cornu and Les Lacs Noirs are both fantastic destinations, and are worth considering for potential side trips. Both of these side trips would add significant mileage and elevation gain, so if you’re serious about making a side trip, be sure to plan accordingly, and perhaps even adding an extra stop for the night along this section.
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.
16 m away
Hike to Lac Blanc from La Flegere on one of Chamonix's most famous hikes!
Difficult Hiking
2.1 km away
A short loop on one of the best sections of the Petit Balcon Sud trail.
Moderate Hiking
3.5 km away
The easiest hike in Chamonix.
Easy Hiking
3.6 km away
A classic loop around the Chamonix Valley.
Moderate Hiking
3.8 km away
Escape the crowds at Lac Blanc by hiking to Lac Cornu instead.
Severe Hiking
4 km away
A tough hike which starts in forests and then brings you out into spectacular, open mountainous terrain.
Moderate Hiking
4 km away
A must-do visit to an ice cave carved in the Mer de Glace glacier.
Easy Hiking
4.1 km away
A short and pleasant hike up to a picturesque little mountain hut.
Moderate Hiking
4.9 km away
Day 1: A gentle downhill day on the sun-kissed south-facing slopes of the Brévent peak.
Moderate Hiking
4.9 km away
Circumnavigate the iconic Mont Blanc massif on this epic multi-day route.
Severe Hiking
6 routes · Hiking
14 routes · Hiking
5 routes · Hiking
12 routes · Hiking