Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
Argentière glacier hike
Get a close up look at the glacier towering above Argentière
A lift-accessed high altitude hike above 2,000m, with some of Chamonix's most picturesque views of the valley.
This walk takes you to a spectacular viewpoint over the ice falls of the Argentiere glacier at 2,338m altitude. Advancing at an average speed of one metre per day, this is a truly impressive glacier.
Jump to
What to bring
IGN3630 map is recommended
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
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Municipal library
The main central library for Chamonix which houses the occasional exhibition and lectures.
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Mer de Glace and Montenvers cog railway
No trip to Chamonix should be complete without a visit to the legendary Mer de Glace, the longest and arguably the most impressive glacier in the Chamonix valley. It is also the largest glacier in France.
Where to lunch
The Chalet-Refuge de Lognan is en route and serves good simple food.
Restaurants in Argentiere
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Plan Joran Restaurant and Café
You will find a takeaway bar and a self-service restaurant in this magnificent wooden chalet at the bottom of the Tabé chairlift.
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La Table de Plan Joran Restaurant
Have a bite to eat in this lovely restaurant that can only be accessed on skis.
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Argentero Restaurant
Right on the edge of the Lognan piste in Grands Montets, this restaurant with it's a large sunny terrace and chic interior is the perfect spot for lunch or après drinks during a day on the mountain.
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Aux Dix Vins Restaurant
Situated on the main road, here you'll be delighted to find great quality home-cooked food.
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Le Stone Bar and Restaurant
This restaurant serves salads, starters, pastas and pizzas, as well as steak and veal dishes.
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La Cremerie du Glacier Restaurant
Open in summer and winter, this charming restaurant serves all the traditional Savoyard dishes including farçon, fondues, omelettes, gratins and croutes.
What to do
Things To Do in Argentiere
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Helicopter Flights
Take to the skies with Evolution 2. The most exciting and beautiful way to see the breathtaking views - you are guaranteed to leave with memories of a lifetime!
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
Directions
THE LIFTS AT GRANDS MONTETS ARE CLOSED SUMMER 2025 FOR REBUILDING
Directions for when the cable car reopens in 2026:
Having taken the Grand Montets cable car up to the Croix de Lognan, follow the EDF track that passes underneath the Herse chairlift (open winter only) to the sub-glacial water supply galleries above the Chalet-Refuge de Lognan (where incidentally they serve some truly delicious home-made tarts!).
From here you have two options to reach the view point; either continue up the ski run where the gradient is more gentle and the terrain underfoot is easier, or take the steep path along the top of the moraine, which undoubtedly has better views but is more difficult.
Return by the same route.
