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 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 Panoramic

A moment suspended in front of the Mer de Glace The restaurant Le Panoramique offers a unique experience in the heart of the mountains, with its vast panoramic terrace and...

Hiking and walks

In winter, two magnificent snowshoe walks are mapped out. The routes are easy to meet, with a duration of about fifteen minutes, and ‘under the viaduct’, lasting about 45 minutes;...

Opening dates : Summer 2025 - 24 may to 2 november

Horaires d'ouverture

Du 5 juillet 31 août

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

Un train toutes les heures ou toutes les 30, ou 20 minutes, selon affluence.
1er Départ 8h00 optionnel – selon affluence

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
05/07/2025 to 31/08/2025

 Open every day from 8.00 to 5.30 pm

 

 
 

Last ascent

 5.00 pm

Last descent

5.30 pm

Last departure from Chamonix
to visit the ice cave

3.30 pm

 

A train every hour or every 30 – or 20 – minutes depending on demand.
1st departure 8.00 am optional – depending on numbers