Page 203 - Lonely Planet France’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

HIKING CHAMONIX

Chamonix boasts 350km of spectacular high-altitude trails, many reached by cable
car. In June and July there’s enough light to walk until at least 9pm. Here are a few
recommended walks to get you started.
» Lac Blanc From the top of Les Praz l’Index Téléphérique (www.
compagniedumontblanc.co.uk; adult/child one-way from Les Praz €23/19.60; hDec-Apr & Jun-
Sep) or at La Flégère (%04 50 53 22 75; www.compagniedumontblanc.co.uk; 35 rte des Tines;
adult/child from Les Praz €13/11.70; h8.45am-4pm Dec-Apr & Jun-Sep), the line’s midway
point, gentle 1¼- to two-hour trails lead to 2352m Lac Blanc, a turquoise-coloured
lake ensnared by mountains. Stargazers can overnight at the Refuge du Lac Blanc
(%04 50 53 49 14; refugedulacblanc@gmail.com; dm incl half board €55; hmid-Jun–Sep), a
wooden chalet favoured by photographers for its top-of-Europe Mont Blanc views.
» Grand Balcon Sud This easygoing trail skirts the western side of the valley, stays
at around 2000m and commands a terrific view of Mont Blanc. Reach it on foot
from behind Le Brévent’s télécabine station.
» Grand Balcon Nord Routes starting from the Plan de l’Aiguille include the ALPS, JURA & RHÔNE VALLEY 17 ALPINE ADvENTuRE
challenging Grand Balcon Nord, which takes you to the dazzling Mer de Glace, from
where you can walk or take the Montenvers (p200) train down to Chamonix.

The Drive » From Chamonix, The trails weaving into Mouflier, Centre Village;
take the E25/N205 southeast the nearby valleys of Parc h8.30am-7.30pm daily Dec-
17km through the Mont National de la Vanoise are Apr & Jun-Aug, 9am-noon &
Blanc Tunnel into Italy. From a hiker’s dream. For more 2-6pm Mon-Fri low season) for
the Aosta/Courmayeur exit, of a challenge, play among details on family-friendly
continue 31km southwest back the peaks at neighbouring activities, from donkey
towards France along the SS26.
Once across the border, follow La Daille’s two via ferrata trekking to farm visits.
the D1090 and D84 southwest, (fixed-rope routes). The Drive » Prepare for a
then the D902 southeast for a Mountain biking (VTT) dizzying climb as you leave Val
total of 40km into Val d’Isère. is big in Val, especially d’Isère, steeply switchbacking
since the resort hosted 17km up the D902 to Col de
stages of the UCI World l’Iseran.
4 val d’Isère Cup in 2012. Five lifts
This world-renowned, offer cyclists access to 16
end-of-the-valley resort downhill routes, seven 5 Col de l’Iseran
is home to the gargan- endurance runs and two No doubt about it, you’re
tuan Espace Killy (www. cross-country circuits. really far above sea level
espacekilly.com) skiing area, Bike rental is available at here! Indeed, the D902
named after French triple local sport shops. Bureau over Col de l’Iseran
Olympic gold medallist des Guides (%03 77 08 09 (2770m) is the highest
Jean-Claude Killy. Even 76; www.guides-montagne- paved through road in
in July, you can ski the valdisere.com) arranges Europe. Meteorological
Pisaillas Glacier above guided hiking, mountain conditions at the summit
town, though many sum- biking, canyoning and are notoriously fickle –
mer visitors also come to rock-climbing excursions. witness the Tour de France
hike, mountain bike and Visit the tourist office stage that was supposed
enjoy off-season hotel (%04 79 06 06 60; www. to pass through here on
discounts. valdisere.com; place Jacques 8 July 1996 but had to be

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