Opening dates : Summer 2025 - 24 may to 2 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 bar des glaciers

Would you like to cool off after a descent of the Vallée Blanche or regain your strength after a long hike?The Bar des Glaciers is a must-see break before heading...

The Cave

Dive into the heart of the glacier and discover an ephemeral work of art.An ephemeral work of art that the Claret family has been maintaining and renewing for 3 generations...

The shop

Don’t forget to visit the Montenvers shop before returning to the valley, where you can buy a souvenir of your excursion to this unique site!

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Opening dates : Summer 2025 - 24 may to 2 november

Horaires d'ouverture

Du 1er au 14 septembre

Ouverture tous les jours de 8h30 à 17h00
Départ du 1er train : 8h30
Dernière montée : 16h30
Dernière descente : 17h00
Dernier départ de Chamonix pour visiter la grotte de glace : 15h00.

Un train toutes les heures ou toutes les 30, ou 20 minutes, selon affluence.
Départ 9h00 optionnel – selon affluence

Accès suspendu momentanément aux fauteuils roulants PMR
En raison d’un problème technique affectant les rampes d’accès dans le train du Montenvers : l’embarquement des fauteuils roulants (manuels et électriques) est temporairement suspendu jusqu’à nouvel ordre.

Saturday 21st June

The Montenvers train celebrates music

🪘Musical entertainment at Chamonix station from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.: Batucada komandobidon
🎸Musical entertainment at Montenvers, on the Panoramic terrace, from 3:30 to 6:15 p.m.: live music by Marco Klarck and batucada komandobidon
👉 Fête de la musique special offer: Take advantage of the free train from 3:20 p.m. to Montenvers (last train at 5:30 p.m. and last train back at 7:00 p.m. from Montenvers).

Opening hours

From 01/09/2025 to 14/09/2025
Open every day from 8.30 to 5.00 pm

 
 

Last ascent

 4.30 pm

Last descent

5.00 pm

Last departure from Chamonix
to visit the ice cave

3.00 pm

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

Access temporarily suspended for wheelchairs
Due to a technical problem affecting the access ramps on the Montenvers train, boarding for wheelchairs (manual and electric) is temporarily suspended until further notice.