When someone mentions "the alps," what comes to mind? Epic, jagged peaks? Grassy meadows filled with wildflowers, or glimmering alpine lakes? Well, this one hike to Lac Blanc in the French Alps seems to capture all of it and more.

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Sitting high above the Chamonix Valley, Lac Blanc is one of the most iconic alpine lakes in the French Alps. On clear days, its turquoise water creates a perfect mirror, reflecting Mont Blanc and the gorgeous peaks that surround it. You’ll notice that my photos show our experience of hiking underneath cloudy skies that obstructed some of the mountaintop views, unfortunately. But hey, all the more reason to hike this trail all over again!

There are a few different approach options for reaching Lac Blanc, but for this guide, I'm sharing the easiest and (in my opinion) the best route for an enjoyable half-day hike. Thanks to convenient gondola and chairlift access, this breathtaking hike can be condensed into an accessible out-and-back trail starting at the top of the L’Index chairlift.

After visiting Chamonix in multiple seasons (we're a little bit obsessed with the French Alps), I can confidently say that the Lac Blanc hike remains my very top experience in the area. Don't skip this one! Below, I've broken down everything you need to know for hiking to Lac Blanc, including step-by-step directions, essential tips, the best time to visit, and what to expect along the way. Let's go!

Table of Contents

Introduction
Quick Planning Guide
Where is Lac Blanc?
Hiking Map
Getting to the Trailhead
Step-by-Step Hike Description
Optional Trail Extensions
Best Time to Visit Lac Blanc
Photography Highlights
Essential Gear
FAQ
Final Thoughts

📍Lac Blanc - Quick Planning Guide

⬌ Distance: 6.1 km / 3.8 mi (out-and-back)
⏱ Time Needed: 2–4 hours
⛰ Elevation Gain: around 350m / 1000ft (for the entire out-and-back hike)
⭐ Difficulty: Easy to moderate (rocky, uneven sections but not technical)
🗺 Trailhead: Top of L’Index chairlift (via Flégère gondola out of Les Praz)
🌿 Best Time to Hike: June to September
🍴 Where to Eat: Refuge du Lac Blanc (basic meals + drinks)

Where is Lac Blanc?

Lac Blanc is tucked within the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, directly facing the Mont Blanc massif. This stunning alpine lake is located above the villages of Argentière and Les Praz in the Chamonix Valley of the French Alps. From its shores, you’ll catch jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace glacier, and the dramatic Aiguille du Midi peaks.

Lac Blanc Hiking Map

Save this custom route map on AllTrails to keep on-hand during your hike.

Getting to the Trailhead

By Car

Drive to Les Praz, just outside central Chamonix, and park at the Flégère gondola station. Parking fills up quickly in summer, so arrive early to snag a spot. The parking lot at the gondola station is free and open year-round.

By Public Transport

Take a Chamonix bus or the Mont Blanc Express train to Les Praz. From there, it’s a short walk to the Flégère lift station.

*Lower basin at Lac Blanc, with clouds obstructing the view of the peaks*

Hike Description (the Best Route to Lac Blanc)

The best route is always subjective, of course. Don’t get me wrong - I enjoy a good challenge as much as anyone. But I also appreciate being able to savor the journey without completely exhausting myself before reaching the main viewpoint.

That’s why (in my opinion) this route is the ideal choice for getting to Lac Blanc, while avoiding the grueling, all-uphill climb required by some alternative options.

Segment 1: The Lifts

Lift Access Overview

Take the Flégère gondola up from Les Praz
From the upper station of Flégère, walk right around the corner to get on the L’Index chairlift
The trail begins at the top of L’Index chairlift

For the specific hiking route to Lac Blanc, first you'll take two lifts up into the stunning alpine terrain. For convenience, you can purchase a combined ticket for both lifts in advance. The ticket cost is €24 per adult for the entire round-trip journey.

First: the Flégère gondola which takes you part of the way up. Next: you'll hop directly onto the L’Index chairlift, which takes you up to a jaw-dropping elevation of roughly 2400m (7874ft). From here, you'll start the trek out to Lac Blanc.

>> Be sure to check the schedules for the gondola + chairlift in advance, as these lifts are seasonal and only run during daylight hours. Typically, both are up and running between early June to late September, from 8:30am - 4:30pm.

Segment 2: Top of L’Index to the Trail

After you step off the L’Index chairlift at the very top, you'll head directly to your right to begin your trek. Follow the well-marked trail across open alpine terrain - signs will point you in the direction of Lac Blanc.

From those very first steps, you’ll experience sweeping panoramic views across the valley. During your walk out to the lake, Mont Blanc will be at your back - be sure to turn around once in a while to check out the view!

Overall, the rocky path is very easy to follow and has seemingly endless photo opportunities along the way.

Segment 3: Arriving at Lac Blanc

The trail weaves through scree fields and ridges with constant (yet fairly gentle) ascents and descents. Over the course of your trek, you’ll gain about 350 meters of elevation before arriving at Lac Blanc.

The lake, with its two gorgeous side-by-side basins, is framed by the Mont Blanc massif, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the Alps. The lower lake tends to be busier, while the upper lake offers a bit more solitude and has the most gorgeous turquoise color.

Don’t forget to pop into the Refuge du Lac Blanc for a little snack break, which sits directly above the lakes. Pro tip: make sure you have Euros on you! They only accept cash at the refuge.

Segment 4: the Return Trail

Simply retrace your steps on the same trail for a straightforward return to the top of the L’Index chairlift, and then descent the chairlift + gondola just as you started.

Optional Trail Extensions

Lacs des Chéserys + Lac Blanc: For a longer (8-9 km) and more varied route, descend via the Lacs des Chéserys trail and reconnect with the Flégère gondola. This longer trek means you will be skipping the L'Index chairlift section of your descent. Along the way, you’ll pass smaller alpine lakes with equally stunning reflections. Here’s a custom AllTrails map to save for your hike!
Tour du Mont Blanc Connection: Hikers looking for more of a challenge or extended journey can link Lac Blanc to sections of the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trail.

Best Time to Visit Lac Blanc

Season: The ideal window for this hike is between June to September, when the Flégère gondola and L’Index chair lift are both running. This is when the trails are typically going to be clear of snow, all of the lifts are running up the mountain, and the refuge is open for that much-needed coffee or local charcuterie platter (yes, a necessity).
Time of Day: If you want the lake mostly to yourself, aim for an early start. Arriving in the morning means you beat the midday rush and get to enjoy the stillness of the mountains. A non-negotiable for the most peaceful experience: try to catch the gondola and chairlift right when they first open for the day.
Conditions: Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable. Even on a sunny day, the temperature at the lake can be a lot cooler than in Chamonix valley. Always pack an extra layer and keep an eye on the clouds. If there's a late winter, some of the higher sections of the path might require a bit of careful footwork until mid-summer.

Photography Highlights at Lac Blanc

Lac Blanc Shoreline: Capture the surrounding mountain reflections in the crystal-clear water.
Upper Basin: Walk away from the crowds at the lower lake for slightly quieter and equally stunning photo-ops.
Golden Hour: Early morning or late afternoon light adds tons of drama to the landscape.

*Lac Blanc on a blue sky day (stock image)*

Essential Gear

Shoes: Wear sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes for rocky terrain. I was really glad I wore my full hiking boots instead of just trail runners! The ankle support was definitely appreciated - these are my all-time favorite Danner hiking boots.

Pack: Carry water, snacks, sun protection, and extra layers like a wind-resistant and waterproof warm jacket. You really never know what mother nature is going to do!
Navigation: Trails are well-marked, but having a GPS app like AllTrails with the pre-downloaded route map is ideal.
Extras: Snow patches may linger, so trekking poles are never a bad idea to help with stability.

FAQ

Q: When is the absolute best time to hike this trail?
A: Summer through very early fall is ideal, when the weather is more stable and snow is less likely to be an issue. Early mornings (right when the gondola opens) are great for avoiding crowds, particularly on weekdays. For our hike in mid-July, we were the very first ones on the gondola right in the middle of the week, and had the trail almost entirely to ourselves!

Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Sadly no, dogs are not allowed on this trail, because it sits in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. Since this is a protected natural area, dogs are strictly prohibited. :(

Q: Do I need a permit to hike here?
A: Nope! Permits are not required, this area is free to hike. But you will obviously need to pay for the gondola/chairlift access.

Q: Can I swim in Lac Blanc?
A: Swimming in Lac Blanc is not allowed. Again with the protected nature reserve rules, restrictions are in place to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Instead, plan to swim once you get down off the mountain!

Final Tips for the Lac Blanc Hike

The Lac Blanc hike from the top of the L’Index chairlift is one of the most rewarding alpine hikes in the Chamonix Valley. With minimal effort (thanks to lift access), you’ll get to enjoy some of the most breathtaking views in the Alps in just a short and sweet day hike.

Standing by the vibrant waters of Lac Blanc, with the Mont Blanc massif rising in the background, genuinely felt like something out of a dream. Want to experience it yourself? Start mapping out your trip to the French Alps - and seriously, don't skip this epic hike.

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Hiking to Beautiful Lac Blanc in Chamonix (the Best Route + Map)

Hiking to Beautiful Lac Blanc in Chamonix (the Best Route + Map)