The Mer de Glace natural site comes from the Leschaux and Géant glaciers. The Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France: 7 km long, 40 km2 in area, 200 m thick, altitude 1913 m.
Immerse yourself in the high mountain atmosphere of the place, contemplating the Drus (3754m), and the Grandes Jorasses (4208m), mythical peaks which have seen so many mountaineers shine in their faces.
1741, the English Windham and Pocock, ignoring local supersitions, visited as pioneers the famous “glacières” of the Chamonix valley, then considered to be dens of demons. Despite dire predictions, they came down alive and described for the first time what they called the Sea of Ice.
1880, the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers was inaugurated, this was the time when mules and sedan chairs hoisted the first tourists to the site, at an altitude of 1913m.
1892, the project to build a railway to reach Montenvers was launched. It arouses fierce opposition from the Chamoniards who fear the alteration of their valley and who want to protect the employment of guides and mule drivers.
1908, on August 9 the line opened to the place called “Caillet”.
1741, the English Windham and Pocock, ignoring local supersitions, visited as pioneers the famous “glacières” of the Chamonix valley, then considered to be dens of demons. Despite dire predictions, they came down alive and described for the first time what they called the Sea of Ice.
1880, the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers was inaugurated, this was the time when mules and sedan chairs hoisted the first tourists to the site, at an altitude of 1913m.
1892, the project to build a railway to reach Montenvers was launched. It arouses fierce opposition from the Chamoniards who fear the alteration of their valley and who want to protect the employment of guides and mule drivers.
1908, on August 9 the line opened to the place called “Caillet”.
Visit
Individual visit services
- Unguided individual tours permanently
Group visit services
- Unguided group tours permanently
- Guided group tours on request
Opening
Opening hours from January 01 to December 31, 2024 | |
---|---|
Monday | Open |
Tuesday | Open |
Wednesday | Open |
Thursday | Open |
Friday | Open |
Saturday | Open |
Sunday | Open |
Prices
Further information) :
Child rate: from 4 to 15 years old
Linked offers
On the spot…