Notable Chamonix Mont Blanc

Les emplois replissent votre poche, les aventures replissent votre ame. une fois par an allez dans un endroit ou vous n’etes jamais alle auparavant – Dalai Lama

Jobs fill your pocket, adventures fill your soul. Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before – Dalai Lama

Mont Blanc, without any doubt, is majestic. It has the company of the hermit-like mountain peaks of the French Alps and the mythical Vallee Blanche. When any traveller visits it, he/she is left awestruck. While I was in the vicinity of Mont Blanc I was speechless in its company. And a random thought crossed my mind. Does Mont Blanc know how royal and beautiful it looks? Does it wish to see itself and realize why everyone is knocked down by its exceptional aura?

The notable hike to Le Lac Blanc gave me the answer to this! Let me take you there today.

Le Lac Blanc Hike & Le Lac Blanc

Le Lac Blanc (White Lake) is an alpine lake situated at 2352m altitude,  amidst the snow-clad mountain peaks of Mont  Blanc Massif and the Alpine greenery of the slopes. Throughout the year the lake has the company of shiny white unspoiled snow, hence the name! To visit it one has to undertake the most famous, notable hike in Chamonix. One can have a memorable day hiking up to and then relaxing at the serene lake, only to return back to the valley with contentment.

La Flegere, situated at 1877m, is the starting point for the trail to the lake. Facing south and looking onto Mont Blanc, it provides perfect picturesque views. A cable car from the village Le Praz which is situated to North East of Chamonix takes you to La Flegere. This cable car journey cruises smoothly above the Chamonix Gold Club. You can reach Le Praz from Chamonix via free bus service.

One can start the hike to the lake from La Flegere itself or else take a chair lift to L’Index point (2595m). The jingling jangling bells tied around the necks of the grazing cows on the slope attract your attention as you cruise up! Don’t forget to greet them with a ” Moo” 🙂 Somewhere you may spot the herd of the woolly, chubby mountain sheep bleating. All this will be punctuated by passing through or just above the thin sheet of clouds!

It takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach the lake from L’Index. The trail is marked and never has a dull moment as it is filled with pretty sights of the Chamonix Valley, surrounding alpine forests, macho French Alps, the dramatic canvas of blue skies with drifting clouds, and wild animals like marmots, Ibex, chamois, and wild deer! A word of caution though… the trail is rocky and rough in places. Better wear a good pair of shoes, layer well, carry enough sunlight protection, some light snacks, and water.

Once at the site of the lake, you will discover that it is a set of two sections of the lake. Both are equally tranquil and reflective. The atmosphere around the lake is meditative which is bestowed by the stillness of the surroundings and the stoic presence of the mountains.

On a sunny day with clear skies, one gets to see the breathtaking reflection of Mont Blanc in the crystal clear and still waters of the lake.

You may decide to stay back to watch the spectacular sunset fire up the mountain peaks and starry night from the humble refuge at the lake. Be an early bird the next day and catch the enthralling sight of the sunrise chasing the dark of the night away.  

I leave you here marvelling at this notable Le Lac Blanc only to pick you up on Monday, the last day at Chamonix!

This post is part of the #BlogchatterA2Z challenge2022

Click here for posts so far in the “Exploring l’Hexagone” series