My family and I are looking to visit Mont. Blanc in early October.
I was wondering how long it takes to travel up the mountain in a gondola and down on the other side of the mountain to Italy, then back again. Is it possible to do it in a day?
My other question is about how many days should we spend in Chamonix. Our current plan is to spend a day there and then a day on the mountain. Is it worth it to spend a day in Chamonix, is there anything to do other than the mountain?
Thank you.
Raymond,
I've not visited Chamonix yet, but we plan to be there next month, so have done some research.
I've read that many people do go up to Aiguille du Midi, then continue on to Helbronner Pointe in a day.
According to this website, it takes about 20 minutes to reach the Aiguille du Midi, then another 30 minutes to travel to Helbronner, via the Mont Blanc Panoramic cable car: http://www.chamonet.com/sights/aiguille-du-midi-chamonix-main-town-668504
Here are some helpful links:
I don''t know if the Panoramic Mont Blanc cable car runs in October, but you can check timetables here:http://www.chamonix.com/aiguille-du-midi-timetables-and-rates,180,en.html
I'm sure others will chime in with more information for you.
Enjoy your trip!
Last May, I spent two nights on the outskirts of Chamonix--I was driving. Our arrival the first day did not allow us enough time to use the combo ticket which includes the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi then back down the mountain and walk/drive to the cogwheel train that takes you to the cable car that drops you off at the 450 steps down to the glacier. In other words, there's a lot to do in one day. By the way, the combo ticket also includes one ride on the luge which is by the cogwheel train. We opted to enjoy the whole experience the next day. After I arrived at Aiguille du Midi, I took the 30 minute, 4 person Mont Blanc Panoramic cable car to Helbronner. It's a slow ride so that you can take in the beauty of the alps. It was amazing. However, since I wanted to spend time at the Helbronner station and then eventually return to the bottom of the mountain to get to the glacier, I did not take the cable car down to Italy. Everything I did that day was amazing and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Since I was there in May, the cable cars on the other side of the mountain were not open. Hiking in the area is very mountainous and our one, full day there seemed to be enough.
The very touristy ski town of Chamonix is just that--very touristy with lots of shops wanting your Euros. I did not stay in Chamonix and was so glad I didn't. If you would like to know where I stayed, send me a personal message.
Raymond,
There are actually two gondolas to reach the top of the Aguille du Midi, and the trip takes about 20 minutes or so. One important point to mention is that the Aguille is at 12K feet+ so if you've ever experienced any altitude related issues, that could be a problem.
It is possible to make the trip to Italy and back in a day, but unfortunately that won't be possible in your case. From the Aguille du Midi, you'd first have to take the Panoramic Mont Blanc across the glacier to Pointe Helbronner, and then the Monte Bianco down to the Courmayeur area. According to the current schedules, the last run of the season of the Panoramic Mont Blanc is 25 September, so it won't be operating in early October. You'll have to be satisfied with your trip to the Aguille du Midi.
I'd suggest adding at least a day in Chamonix as there are many other sightseeing options in the area. You could for example take the Montenvers Mer de Glace train and have a look at the glacier, do some Paragliding (as the participants of The Amazing Race did this season), do some hiking on the many trails in the area, etc. THIS website should provide some ideas.
Thank you so much for your responses. This is all great information, definitely a lot to talk over with the family.
My husband and I will be in the French Rivera on Friday. May 13 in nice area. We are flying out on Sunday morning may 25th in Paris. Is there enough time for use to go to Mont Blanc?
