Best Chamonix Hikes: Grand Balcon Nord
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On of the most popular Chamonix hikes, the Grand Balcon Nord is a family friendly classic, popular with locals and tourists alike. The mid level traverse of the northern side of the Chamonix valley features spectacular alpine panoramas and vistas of Mont Blanc, the Grand Jorasses and the Dru. The trail begins from Plan de l’Aiguille continues along a fairly easily path to Montenvers.
You can start the Grand Balcon Nord trail from either Montenvers or Plan l’Aiguille. If you read our Complete Guide to visiting Chamonix in September you will know we recommend you start from Plan de l’Aiguille. The trail is a little easier on the legs this way around and in our opinion, has better views.
Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to Plan de l’Aiguille (€50.50 1x adult). We recommend you book your journey beforehand if possible as the lift gets very busy in summer months. From the Plan de l’Aiguille station, follow the zigzag trail down to the Refuge du Plan de l’Aiguille. Be careful not to take either of the paths which head back down to Chamonix.
Top Tip: We took a little detour to Lac Bleu, a crystal clear alpine lake. We even spotted a couple of avalanches high up in the mountains!
After you’ve enjoyed Lac Bleu, return to the way-marked trail for Montenvers, which follows horizontally across the base of the moraines. Follow the rolling trail and enjoy views across the valley towards Le Brevent and the Aiguilles Rouges.
As you get closer to Montenvers and the Mer de Glace, you will reach a junction with the trail to Signal Forbes on your right. Take the trail up to Signal Forbes (2198m). The trail contains a number of steep zigzags however they reward you with stunning panoramas of the Mer de Glace, the Dru and the Grand Montets. It may be tempting to take the less steep path to the left, however it crosses steep gullies and can be dangerous if snow covered. This option is not recommended with children.
From Signal Forbes, follow the trail back down to Montenvers station and the Mer de Glace viewing point.
Fun Fact: Signal Forbes gained its name from Scottish glaciologist Dr Forbes who placed rocks on the glacier and measured their movement, and hence the flow of the glacier, from this point.
On arrival at Montenvers, enjoy the awe inspiring views of the towering rock faces above you. Information points detail some of the famous alpine climbing routes in the area. After soaking up the scenery, take the cable car followed by 480 steps down to the ice caves. Your train ticket back to Chamonix also acts as your entrance ticket to the ice caves (€34 1x adult). Be sure to check out the opening times as the last entrance to the ice caves is usually 3pm.
As you descend, take note of a number of signs indicating the level of the glacier throughout the years. Seeing the extent of the glacial retreat with our own eyes was a hard-hitting moment for us.
Fun fact: The Refuge du Montenvers was built in the 18th century. Tourists in the Victorian era would travel there by mule to walk on the glacier, which used to reach the valley floor.
The Grand Balcon Nord is a family friendly hike and a fantastic day out. However it is always important to be prepared in the mountains.
Interested in more incredible Chamonix hikes? Then be sure to check out our post on the La Junction hiking trail.
We hope you enjoy your time in Chamonix as much as we did. Leave a comment below or get in touch via social media to let us know how you get on!
Safe travels.
Nick and Eve
*Our Grand Balcon post may contain affiliate links, if you click the link and purchase an item through this you won’t pay a penny more, but we get a small commission which…
*Our Chamonix Complete Guide may contain affiliate links, if you click the link and purchase an item through this you won’t pay a penny more, but we get a small commission which…