MONTENVERS - SEA OF ICE
2024
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This Chamonix-Mont-Blanc establishment offers a fantastic journey to the heart of one of Europe's largest glaciers.
For over 110 years, the Montenvers-Mer de Glace train has been offering a fantastic journey to the heart of the famous glacier that has made the Chamonix valley so famous! With a surface area of 40 km2 (7 km long, 200 m thick), this glacier is one of the largest in Europe, despite the fact that it has become one of the symbols of global warming, losing almost 40 m a year in length and up to 4 m in thickness. Since the 19th century, the whole world has been coming here to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the towering peaks of the Drus and Grandes Jorasses. The mythical red Montenvers rack-and-pinion train has been taking passengers to the foot of the Mer de Glace (1,913 m) since 1908! Today, the journey takes around 20 minutes from the fully renovated station, and it's possible to return by gondola. Once you've arrived at the Montenvers station, you'll have the chance to take a look at the ice grotto carved out of the glacier, which is reshaped every year. Be warned: from the station, you'll have to climb no fewer than 398 steps to reach the cave entrance! Also worth a visit: the Mont Blanc massif crystal gallery, the Glaciorium (a fabulous space dedicated to glaciology) and the Temple de la Nature, remnant of the first Montenvers refuge. The Montenvers site is a must-see in the Chamonix valley, and its emblematic little red cogwheel train is a wonderful experience in itself!
Further information
Opening time and information on MONTENVERS - SEA OF ICE
Closed in October. October: annual work; ice cave closed from October to mid-December and depending on weather conditions, please enquire. Low season: open daily from 10am to 4pm. High season: open daily from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Open daily from mid-March to the end of September. Free for children under 4. Adults: €38.50. Children (aged 5 to 14): €32.70. Family package: €119.30. Restaurant. Gift store. Allow 2h to 3h total visit.
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