Opening dates : Summer 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

The Mer de Glace : a giant

Located on the northern slope of the Mont-Blanc massif, the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France. 
Almost 7 kilometres long and covering an area of about 40 km², it extends from an altitude of 3,900 metres to about 1,500 metres. Its thickness, once impressive, still reaches several hundred meters in places.

The Mer de Glace is a glacier in perpetual motion. Fed by the eternal snows of the surrounding peaks, it advances slowly, at an average speed of 70 meters per year at its center. However, like many Alpine glaciers, it is now suffering the effects of global warming, leading to a significant decline in its mass and extent.

Other activities

The Restaurant du Montenvers

LEGENDARY LUNCH FACING THE DRUS In the heart of the mythical Refuge du Montenvers, let yourself be carried away by the authenticity of a high-altitude restaurant. Enjoy lunch on the...

The Temple of Nature

In 1779, Lord Blair, an English gentleman, finds himself caught in a storm in the Montenvers. The shelter under the stone was so uncomfortable that he had a hut built...

The Glaciorium

An interpretation centre to answer all the questions that visitors ask themselves when they are faced with a glacier such as the Mer de Glace. The Glaciorium also responds to...

Opening dates : Summer 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

Wednesday 15th July

 Train service is running as usual today

During the summer season until 30 August, the service will run daily from 8.00 am to 5.30 pm. 

  • 1st departure at 8.00am
  • Last ascent : 5.00 pm
  • Last descent : 5.30 pm

  • A train every hour or every 30 – or 20 – minutes depending on demand. 
  • NB: Last departure for visiting the ice cave at 3.30 pm