Opening dates : Summer 2025 - 24 may to 2 november

Discover the Montenvers Mer de Glace

Discover Montenvers Mer de Glace: A Must-See in Chamonix

Located in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, the Montenvers Mer de Glace is one of the most breathtaking sites in the Chamonix Valley. Just a 20-minute ride from Chamonix aboard the iconic Montenvers cogwheel train, this spectacular viewpoint draws thousands of visitors each year to witness the legendary Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France.

Montenvers Mer de Glace: A Journey into the Heart of the Alps

At an altitude of 1,913 meters, the Montenvers station offers stunning panoramic views of the Mer de Glace, a 7-kilometer-long and 200-meter-wide glacier. Surrounded by towering peaks like the Drus, the Grandes Jorasses, and the Aiguilles de Chamonix, this natural wonder provides a unique look at the beauty and vulnerability of alpine glaciers.

The site features several must-see attractions:

  • The Ice Cave, carved into the glacier each year
  • The Glaciorium, a museum exploring the science of glaciers
  • The historic Montenvers Hotel, for a night above the Mer de Glace
  • Scenic hiking trails during the summer season

A Unique Experience in the French Alps

Whether you’re a mountain enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply a curious traveler, visiting the Montenvers Mer de Glace is an unforgettable highlight of any trip to Chamonix. Open year-round, this iconic site invites you to discover the grandeur and fragility of one of Europe’s most famous glaciers.

Plan your visit to Montenvers Mer de Glace today and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the French Alps up close

Other news

29 August 1879: First ascent of the Petit Dru

On 29 August 1879, the Petit Dru (3,730 m) was conquered! It was a feat that would go down in the annals of mountaineering. Jean Esteril Charlet Stratton, Proper Payot

Discover the Montenvers Mer de Glace

Discover Montenvers Mer de Glace: A Must-See in Chamonix Located in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, the Montenvers Mer de Glace is one of the most breathtaking sites

200 years ago… Victor Hugo discovered Montenvers

In 1825, Victor Hugo, just 23 years old, discovered Montenvert (as it was spelt at the time) and the Mer de Glace. (August 16th 1825) To carry out his excursion

Opening dates : Summer 2025 - 24 may to 2 november

Les petits prix du mercredi

Durant 4 mercredis – 17 et 24 septembre et 8 et 15 octobre – profitez de -30%* sur votre billet aller-retour train pour le train du Montenvers.

Une occasion unique de vivre une expérience inoubliable tout au long du spectaculaire trajet et face à la majestueuse Mer de Glace et aux sommets mythiques des Alpes.


Opening hours

From 15/09/2025 to 02/11/2025
Open every day from 8.30 to 4.30 pm

 
 

Last ascent

 4.00 pm

Last descent

4.30 pm

Last departure from Chamonix
to visit the ice cave

2.30 pm

A train every hour or every 30 – or 20 – minutes depending on demand.
Departure 9.00 am optional – depending on numbers

Closure of the ice cave from September 29.
Gondola lift closed from 29/09 to 18/10.