Opening dates : Summer 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

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 of planks and dry stones, with an inscription above the door: “Blair’s Hospital – Utile Dulci”. Goethe spent a night there in November 1779!
Blair’s dilapidated cabin was soon too small. Marc Théodore Bourrit was in charge of organizing the construction of a more resistant building, to serve as a hospice and observatory for amateurs and scholars.

With a unique octagonal piece, the Temple of Nature is considered to be the oldest refuge in the Alps.Today, as a museum, the Temple of Nature is a place steeped in history that is not to be missed during your excursion.

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 panorama

Contemplate! Smile! Self-indulge! Capture! When you arrive at Montenvers, after 20 minutes of a timeless journey, offering superb views of the Chamonix valley and the Aiguilles Rouges massif, you will...

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...

Opening dates : Summer 2026 - 01 june to 01 november

Friday 17th July

Train services are running normally.

Gondola and ice cave are openned.

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