Lac Blanc, a hidden gem high above Chamonix

Lac Blanc is world-famous for its turquoise hues and its perfect reflection of Mont Blanc. This incredible body of water is accessible via a number of different routes, all of which start in the Chamonix valley. So if you want to get to Lac Blanc, you'll need to stay in Chamonix.

When you say path, you mean hike. Lac Blanc is only accessible on foot, so you'll need to be brave and pack your rucksack for this hike. Don't forget to bring suitable footwear, as many of the paths are in the wild and therefore not maintained. What's more, part of Lac Blanc is sometimes snow-covered all year round. Needless to say, temperatures plummet around this stretch of water. It's a good idea to bring a warm jumper.

If you're a brave hiker, you can choose the longer route from the Index chairlift. This route will take you around five hours, or even longer if you like to photograph the best views, so make sure you set off early enough to enjoy the scenery without having to rush. Once you've passed the chairlift, simply follow the small path on the right, which leads to Lac du Fouet. This short route will take you to the Combe des Crochues, then to a rocky spur that you'll have to walk around.

This rocky mass marks the boundary of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, in which Lac Blanc is located. Once you've passed this point, simply continue on the much more challenging route from La Flégère, the directions for which follow.

The best-known and easiest way is to take the Flégère cable car in Chamonix. This means of transport will save you an extra 2h30 of hiking compared with the Index trail. If you have young children, or are not keen on long walks, this is still the most suitable hike...

By taking the cable car, you can already enjoy breathtaking scenery as you gently ascend to the heights. Needless to say, once you're up there, the panorama is even more incredible.

Once on the heights, all you have to do is follow a stony track, widely signposted "Lac Blanc". The path is fairly flat and sunny. If you decide to do this hike, in summer or winter, remember to bring a few water bottles and a cap to avoid sunstroke. The absence of trees makes this trail ideal for photographing the surroundings. On a clear day, you're likely to get an eyeful.

You'll be able to see the Mont-Blanc massif, as well as the Aiguilles rouges. In fact, the difference between these two landscapes is more than visible. Once you've passed this quiet section, you'll reach a slightly more complicated route. The gradient is steeper, and the track can be slippery at times.

Along the way, you'll be able to spot a number of glaciers, including the Mer de Glace, some of which have been there for centuries. Take the opportunity to capture this moment in time, as glaciers are very rare in France. What's more, with global warming, some of them could well disappear in the next few years.

After the glaciers, you'll also be able to see a number of small lakes, known as the Chéserys lakes. Although they are much smaller than the famous Lac Blanc, their presence is no less admirable. On a clear day, you can admire the reflections of each landscape in these small pools of water.

Finally, after more than two hours' walking, you'll arrive at Lac Blanc. Its turquoise water contrasts immediately with the almost barren landscape and the omnipresent rock. Although the water is icy and therefore difficult to swim in, all you have to do is enjoy the marvellous landscape and take the time to take some beautiful, well-framed photographs.

Further on, you'll also find the Refuge du Lac, where you can enjoy a drink and a meal to refuel before the descent. From June to September, you can also spend a night for a small fee of €50 in this refuge nestling in a little corner of paradise.