I am considering driving from Milan to Chamonix on July 9 . I would like to spend from July 9 to July 12 visit the town of Chamonix, ride the gondola up the Mont Blanc, and visit Annecy.
What would be your suggested itinerary to to maximize the site seeing in those three days? How long does it take to go up the peak?
Do you know of any local pass to go up the Mont Blanc?
Thank you!
Hannah
There is a multipass available that is worthwhile if you plan on taking several lifts in the Chamonix area, including Aiguille du Midi (up to view Mont Blanc): https://www.chamonix.com/multipass-summer-pass,79,en.html
Keep your itinerary open and wake up early each day so you can check the online cameras for Aiguille du Midi. If it's clear in the morning, head up early! In my opinion, it is not really worth the time to go up unless the weather is good. (Clear days up there are incredible!!) I spent from 10 am until 4 pm up there just enjoying the views last summer. Going up was quick, but there were long lines at the end of the day to get back down.
oh That is a great idea! Thank you so much! Good tips about clear day!
Does it Multi-pass allow us to go up to all the peaks like Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc?
Can these two peaks be done in one day?
Thank you!
Hannah
Hannah,
A few thoughts on Mt. Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi......
The Aiguille is one of the peaks of Mt. Blanc. The ride to the top from Chamonix requires two cable car rides, the first to the mid-point station and then another to the top. You can also take the Mt. Blanc Panoramic which travels above the glacier to Pointe Helbronner in Italy. Another cable car at Pt. Helbronner goes down to Courmayeur, Italy.
One important point to mention is that the visitor centre on top of the Aiguillle is at about 12,600 feet, so the altitude can be an issue for some people, especially if staying there for several hours. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of altitude sickness, as it can be very serious. If you have any health issues, you may wish to ask your Doctor about this.
And also, there is no form of public transportation up to the actual summit of Mont Blanc - for that you need serious equipment and mountaineering experience.
