Chamonix is most commonly known as a famous winter destination, especially since the first Winter Olympics were held in this charming town in 1924. But summer is also a season you should not miss in Chamonix. There are several exciting activities to explore the city and its surroundings during this time of the year.
So let us show you some of the best Mont Blanc hiking routes around Chamonix this summer!
![A panoramic shot of the Mont Blanc massif reflecting on the placid surface of Lac Blanc during a summer sunset]( "A panoramic shot of the Mont Blanc massif")
The glassy sunset reflections of Mont Blanc on the lake
What to do in Chamonix in Summer?
Summer is the perfect time to visit Chamonix if you like hiking and want to go on some great walks in the alps. Besides, if you are a digital nomad in the French Alps, there is no better time to savour the big outdoors than now! There are many paths to choose from, which will take you to different parts of Mont Blanc. However, one of the most popular walks that you should not miss here is the Lac Blanc Walk in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve.
Lac Blanc is an alpine lake located at an altitude of 2352m and gives you amazing panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif surrounded by beautiful alpine colours. Watching the sunrise and sunset from this special place is a mesmerising experience you will keep talking about long after.
Even during the summer months, you can find snow near the lake. Wildlife species like the ibex, chamois, marmots and deers might even cross your path on your way up there. If you want to enjoy the serenity and atmosphere of the area, look for a quiet spot near the lake and sit down with your family and friends to have a picnic.
Alternatively, you can head down to the refuge located by Lac Blanc to buy drinks, snacks and a meal. Lac Blanc is also the perfect spot for photographers who are lucky to shoot some amazing pictures of the lake water reflecting the mountains.
How to get to Lac Blanc?
A day trip to Lac Blanc takes an average of four to five hours including hiking up to the lake, exploring the alpine surroundings, spending some time there and coming back down again.
![A hiker hiking around the edges of the beautiful Lac des Cheserys, with the lake reflecting the snowy mountains around on its quiet surface.]( "A hiker hiking around the edges of the beautiful Lac des Cheserys")
En-route the Lac Blanc hike, Lac des Cheserys
There are three main routes you can take to hike up to Lac Blanc. But no matter which trail you pursue, the view will be scenic.
The highest starting point among the three trails is located at 2525m and can be accessed by the chairlift. This trail is recommended for experienced and fit walkers only as it has very slippery grounds with lots of ups and downs.
If you’re looking for an easier track to Lac Blanc, start at Le Flégère mid-station at 1913m. This path has a climb of approximately 500m that you have to conquer but is rather straightforward for the rest of the way. You can also take a slight detour to Lac Cheserys, which is a more scenic route and an easier track to walk on.
Accept a challenge and take the Trè-le-Champ trail to turn your trip into a full-day adventure. This track will lead you through an open forest and provides two routes to choose from – Aiguillette d'Argentière, which goes past a climbing crag and is recommended for experienced climbers, or Chalets des Cheserys, which is easier.
Even though summer is the best period for hiking to Lac Blanc, it is recommended to check with the Office du Haute Montagne and the staff at the chairlift before you go as some paths might be closed due to various weather conditions.
What can you do at Lac Blanc?
To keep the environmental balance intact, it is not permitted to swim at the lake, but you can enjoy fishing if you have a licence with you. Also, if you want to experience the lake at night, then you can stay in the refuge Lac Blanc and see the stars light up the night sky. The only thing is, you need to book well in advance and the accommodation is adequate only for an overnight stay, with minimal facilities.
Around Lac Blanc
The magnificence of the Mont Blanc can be captured from several hiking trails in addition to the one around the famous Lac Blanc. Those who want to go for an easier route or are first-time hikers on the towering Aiguilles (the peaks) of the Mont Blanc Massif, can try the hike around Lac des Cheserys or Lac Noir.
Meanwhile, those who wish to go on longer hikes in Mont Blanc will find the Bossons Glacier (13.5 km from Lac Blanc), supposedly the biggest ice fall in Europe, and Aiguille Verte (8.2 km from Lac Blanc), the most prominent peak of the massif, perfect as a continuation of their hike from Lac Blanc.
Altogether, Lac Blanc is a highly-recommended place to go if you love hiking, especially with your little furry friend by your side and want to reward yourself with scenic views of the alps. The serenity of the area is bound to take your breath away and you will be able to admire Mont Blanc in its full majesty from up there.
![A dog sitting comfortably in the garden of Happy.Rental's pet-friendly vacation rental Chalet du Golf near La Flégère ski lift]( "Pet-friendly Chalet du Golf (ID 3302) near La Flégère ski lift")
Pet-friendly Chalet du Golf (ID 3302) near La Flégère ski lift
Needless to say, because of the high altitude, the weather conditions may vary drastically on your hike for which you should be equipped with the right hiking shoes, water bottles, jackets (in places like Aiguille du Midi, temperatures may drop to -10 degrees even in the peak of summer) and, of course, necessary accessories like sunglasses to protect you from the bright sun!
Nederlands
Deutsch
Italiano
Español
Français
The glassy sunset reflections of Mont Blanc on the lake 
En-route the Lac Blanc hike, Lac des Cheserys
Pet-friendly Chalet du Golf (ID 3302) near La Flégère ski lift 
