Opening dates : Winter 2024-2025 -30 november 2024 - 11 may 2025

The Mer de Glace : a giant

Located on the northern slope of the Mont-Blanc massif, the Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France. 
Almost 7 kilometres long and covering an area of about 40 km², it extends from an altitude of 3,900 metres to about 1,500 metres. Its thickness, once impressive, still reaches several hundred meters in places.

The Mer de Glace is a glacier in perpetual motion. Fed by the eternal snows of the surrounding peaks, it advances slowly, at an average speed of 70 meters per year at its center. However, like many Alpine glaciers, it is now suffering the effects of global warming, leading to a significant decline in its mass and extent.

Other activities

Hiking and walks

In winter, two magnificent snowshoe walks are mapped out. The routes are easy to meet, with a duration of about fifteen minutes, and ‘under the viaduct’, lasting about 45 minutes;...

The shop

Don’t forget to visit the Montenvers shop before returning to the valley, where you can buy a souvenir of your excursion to this unique site!

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The Glaciorium

An interpretation centre to answer all the questions that visitors ask themselves when they are faced with a glacier such as the Mer de Glace. The Glaciorium also responds to...

Opening dates : Winter 2024-2025 -30 november 2024 - 11 may 2025

Opening Times

From 15/03/2025 to 11/05/2025

Open every day 10 am – 5 pm
First ascent : 10 am
Last ascent 4.30 pm
Last descent 5 pm
Last departure from Chamonix to visit the ice cave 3 pm

A train every hour or every 30 – or 20 – minutes depending on demand..