A day on the top of the world at Mont Blanc
In the valley below Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak at 4810m, is the lovely town of Chamonix at 1035m. From here, it is possible to take two cable cars to reach the Aiguilles (French for needles).
Chamonix, France
The first cable car transported us from the town up to Plan de l’aiguille at 2317m. This is higher than the highest peak in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko 2228m.
Plan de l’aiguille at 2317m
We transferred to a different cable car that took us up to Téléphérique de l’aiguille du Midi at 3777m. As it arrived at the station, carefully slotting into a crevice in the mountain, it felt like we were in a James Bond movie.
On our way to Téléphérique de l’aiguille du Midi at 3777m
Coming into the station of Téléphérique de l’aiguille du Midi at 3777m
The whole journey only took 20 minutes and the extreme ascent in altitude left us lightheaded. Just walking up a few stairs to the restaurant was an ordeal. We took a break to acclimatise and then chose a table by the window, ordered some food and took in the amazing view of Chamonix. An airplane flying along the valley below appeared quite tiny. It really brought home how high we were.
Looking down from the restaurant to Chamonix far below us
Once we acclimatised, we ventured outside to absorb the stupendous scenery and took lots of photos from the various viewing platforms. If you have read my post on visiting the Eiffel Tower, you will know that I struggle with heights but eventually I became quite confident and was able to move closer to the railing.
Stunning views across the Alps
Looking up to the L’aiguille du Midi at 3842m
C’est moi enjoying the heights
It is possible to take a panoramic cable car across Glacier du Géant to Pointe Helbronner, where you can continue down to the town of Courmayeur, Italy. Instead, we chose to purchase a ticket for the elevator ride that took us to L’aiguille du Midi at 3842m. This is the highest accessible point in the Alps unless you are a mountaineer.
View from the L’aiguille du Midi at 3842m down to Téléphérique de l’aiguille du Midi at 3777m
Take a panoramic cable car across Glacier du Géant to Pointe Helbronner where you can continue down to the town of Courmayeur, Italy
Several terraces offer amazing views of the roof of Europe. The weather became quite cold and windy but we had come prepared, despite it being mid-summer, and enjoyed the experience.
C’est moi at the highest accessible point in Europe
We were amazed by the many brave mountaineers challenging themselves on the rugged peaks. We explored the ice caves and marvelled at huge icicles.
The Ice Gallery was not to be missed as it has information on the history and engineering feats required to build this amazing structure. Click on the link to find out more:
https://www.chamonix.com/aiguille-du-midi-step-into-the-void,80,en.html
Check out this YouTube video about L’aiguille du Midi:
We returned to Téléphérique de l’aiguille and descended by cable car to the Plan de l’aiguille. Here we ate a late lunch in the sunshine on the terrace, which overlooks the Glacier des Blossons, before eventually taking the final cable car back to Chamonix.
Enjoying lunch on the terrace at Plan de l’aiguille
After a browse about the town, we caught the local bus back to our accommodation in Les Houches where Chris enjoyed a glass of Mont Blanc green beer.
Chris enjoying a glass of Mont Blanc green beer
