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Glacier · Chamonix, Auvérnia-Ródano-Alpes
Montenvers – Mer de Glace
Rack railway, in operation since 1909, that climbs from Chamonix to the Montenvers at 1,913 meters, with views of the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, and a cave carved into the ice.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Montenvers – Mer de Glace
The Chemin de fer du Montenvers is a rack railway opened in 1909. It climbs 5.1 km from a station next to the Gare de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc up to the Montenvers, at 1,913 meters, in about 20 minutes.
Up there is the viewpoint for the Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in France, about 7 km long. The view includes the Aiguille du Dru and the Grandes Jorasses. Panels show how far the ice reached in the past: the glacier has lost a lot of thickness since the 19th century.
A cable car descends from the Montenvers to near the ice, and from there steps lead to the Grotte de Glace, a grotto cut each year inside the glacier. The Glaciorium, an interactive space, explains how glaciers form.
On site there is a restaurant, a bar and a historic mountain refuge/hotel. Trails also start from the Montenvers, such as the Grand Balcon Nord to the Plan de l'Aiguille.
The train has maintenance closures for part of the year, usually in November and early December. Check dates before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the train, cable car and the grotto.
Best time
In the morning, to have more time and shorter lines. It also operates in winter, when the landscape is covered in snow. Maintenance closures usually occur in November: check.
How to get there
The Montenvers train station is next to the Gare de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, linked by a footbridge.
Tip
There are hundreds of steps to the grotto after the cable car; those with limited mobility can stay at the viewpoint. Bring a coat: inside the grotto and near the ice it's cold even in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Montenvers – Mer de Glace
How long does the train to Montenvers take?
About 20 minutes from Chamonix to the viewpoint at 1,913 meters.
Can you go inside the glacier?
Yes, at the Grotte de Glace, a cave carved each year into the ice. A cable car and stairs lead down to it.
Does the excursion operate in winter?
It operates for much of the winter, but there are maintenance pauses, usually in November. Check the dates.
How much time should you allow?
2 to 3 hours for the complete outing.