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 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 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 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 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

In May and June, take advantage of our great deals

30% off on your return ticket and the ice cave excursion on selected Mondays and Wednesdays in June

Opening hours From 05/23 to 07/03

Wednesday 10 June: The ice cave will open at 10.45 am instead of 10.00 am due to maintenance work.

 

Open every day 8:30 am – 5.00 pm

Last ascent : 4.30 pm
Last descent : 5.00 pm

1st departure at 8.30am. 9.00am train optional (depending on numbers)
A train every hour or every 30 – or 20 – minutes depending on demand.

NB:

Last departure from Chamonix to visit the ice cave : 3.00 pm