Montenvers - Mer de Glace

After getting back to the valley from my hike to La Jonction, it was still relatively early so I took the bus to the village of Chamonix and tried to go the Aiguille du Midi, using the ropeway. Unfortunately, it was full for the rest of the day. So instead, I took the train to Montenvers to have a look at the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), France’s largest glacier (7km long, 200 m thick). The Ice Cave had already closed when I got there however.

Above, the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges on the other side.

Above, train track.

Above, Aiguille du Dru.

Above, the gondola to go to the Ice Cave.

Above, instead of taking the gondola, I took the trail down to the Ice Cave to have a look at the Glacier from up close. There are markers on this trail showing how high the Mer de Glace used to be (almost at the level of the train station when it was built).

Above, the path to the Ice Cave, closed when I got there.

Above, the train station in Chamonix (right next to the standard train station).

Above, view of the Mont Blanc from the valley.