After an incredible hike around the Matterhorn (read here), it was time to set my sights on another iconic alpine peak. Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the French Alps, stands tall at 4,808 meters. So, with Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and the resort town of Flaine as my base, I set out on a mission. To find the best Mont Blanc view. Easier said than done!
Having just conquered the Matterhorn the day before, I was in the mood for a more relaxed day. Less hiking, more breathtaking views. My plan? Take in Mont Blanc’s beauty from the Aiguille du Midi platform, one of the best vantage points in the region. And with the weather on my side, it seemed like the perfect day for it!
Aiguille du Midi
From the village Chamonix, the cable car takes you to a high mountain platform at 3777m. It’s terraces offer a 360° view of all the French, Swiss and Italian Alps and a lift brings you to the summit terrace at 3,842m. From there you get a clear view of the Mont Blanc. It sounded amazing. Searching for the best Mont Blanc view wasn’t that hard after all.
Well, except I didn’t make it to the top.
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
The Best Mont Blanc View – A Search in Chamonix
Clearly, I wasn’t the only one who thought Friday was the perfect day to visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The town was absolutely buzzing, probably the busiest place I’ve been in a long time. From French locals to European tourists, it felt like everyone had the same idea. After inching through traffic and finally finding a parking spot, I headed straight for the Aiguille du Midi cable car, hoping to get the best Mont Blanc view from its famous platform.
But just as I reached the queue (which wasn’t actually that long), I got the bad news, tickets were completely sold out for the day. With limited numbers allowed up at a time, I had missed my chance to take in one of the most breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from above.
Not exactly the outcome I was hoping for.
Dressed in long pants (because it was supposed to be 4°C at the summit), I now found myself sweating in 32°C heat in town. I wandered through the charming but overcrowded streets of Chamonix, trying to take it all in. While the village was undeniably picturesque, the sheer number of people made it feel a little too chaotic for my liking.
So, I called it. Time to head to my hotel in Flaine and rethink my weekend plans. My search for the best Mont Blanc view wasn’t over yet. Tomorrow, I’ll try again!
Flaine
Flaine is a little ski village but, in summer, known for its hiking and mountain biking activities. And although I have never heard of this town, it was more or less the best offer on accommodation for that weekend. I booked for two nights anyway, thinking I would drive to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for the hikes.
I couldn’t check in until later in the day so, once arriving, I put on my shorts and went straight for the hill. Surely, on top of this hill, I would be able to get a glimpse of the Mont Blanc Mountain.
Flaine hike – day 1
It really was supposed to be a rest day for my legs but at the end I walked straight up a steep hill, following one of the cable car lines. The walk involved walking more through green fields than following a rocky mountain trail, which was different. This area was really stunning. I could picture it as a busy ski spot during winter, and now, during summer, it reminded me of the ‘Sound of Music’ movie. It was very picturesque! Was this the day for the best Mont Blanc View?
I walked up his hill for over one hour, thinking I would reach the top at any time. And get a view of the Mont Blanc. But, the hills tricked me. It was a never ending hill. And so, eventually, I gave up. It was time to go back to the hotel.
Flaine hike – day 2
I had no desire to go as steep as the last few days, so I drove my car to my starting point (the Le Lac) to walk and relax at the Lake Vernant (Lac du Vernant). I even packed my swimming gear.
After reaching the lake within 30min, however, I realised I couldn’t swim in it anyway. So, what’s next? Looking ahead at the top of the mountain, surely from there I would find the best Mont Blanc view? The hill didn’t look too steep, did it?
Maybe a little bit. Although, overall, this hike was still the easiest of them all. And after 1 hour and 40 minutes, at a peak of 2309m, I finally found Mont Blanc.
The view was breathtaking!
Being there, on top of the Tete de Veret Peak, lunch never tasted better. What a great spot to enjoy!
My search was complete and I was happy.
My Chamonix-Mont-Blanc summary
Well, this trip didn’t go exactly as planned, but it was still an incredible adventure. My search for the best Mont Blanc view took a few unexpected turns, but every moment was worth it. The landscape around the French Alps is nothing short of breathtaking, rugged peaks, sweeping valleys, and some of the most stunning mountain views I’ve ever seen.
This trip was also a reminder that travel plans don’t always go as expected. Last-minute changes, unexpected restrictions, things don’t always unfold the way we imagine. But that’s part of the journey, and honestly, sometimes it works out for the better!
And speaking of changes… Italy, here I come! With rain forecasted over the Alps for the next 10 days, it’s time to swap mountain peaks for Italian charm. Let’s see where the road takes me next!
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