Discover the Mer de Glace glacier on the Montenvers train

You can reach the Montenvers site and the Mer de Glace at an altitude of 1913 metres by taking the emblematic red train. The Montenvers station, in the centre of Chamonix, has been providing connections since 1909. Operated by the Compagnie du Mont Blanc, the Montenvers railway has undergone many improvements since its creation. But its rack-and-pinion system remains the same, to the delight of lovers of authenticity and historical heritage.

Today, only three cogwheel trains are still in operation in France. These funicular trains allow you to travel on gradients of more than nine per cent. The Montenvers - Mer de glace railway is a short five-kilometre network built along the slopes of the Aiguilles de Chamonix.

The terminus of the Montenvers line is home to a brasserie offering spectacular panoramic views of some of Chamonix's peaks: the summit of the Drus at 3754 metres, the Grandes Jorasses at 4205 metres and the Aiguille du Grépon at 3482 metres.

Make the most of this unique experience if you're staying in Mont Blanc country! During the summer season, there are a number of hikes on offer, including one up to the Plan de l'Aiguille before returning down to the valley on foot.

The Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France. Seven kilometres long and two hundred metres thick, it forms what is also known as the "Vallée Blanche". Its gradual and inevitable melting leaves behind a beautiful historic landscape that you can appreciate from the panoramic terrace.

The other attraction of the Montenvers site and the Mer de Glace glacier is undoubtedly the man-made ice grotto. Located at the heart of the glacier, it houses an original collection of ice sculptures carved each summer.

To get to the Ice Grotto, you have to take the gondola lift and then the long path to the entrance. Until the site and gondola are modified, we advise against this activity with children or people whose mobility or health does not allow them to climb the 580 steps.

Created in 2012, the Glaciorum is a presentation centre dedicated to the history of the Montenvers site, its inhabitants, the Mer de glace glacier and its future. This interactive educational centre is open every day during the summer months.