Chamonix - Compagnie du Mont Blanc

Vallée de

Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Sites and activities guide Summer 2013

compagniedumontblanc.co.uk Tel. +33 (0)4 50 53 22 75 Application iPhone, iPad et Androïd

WELCOME

GETTING AROUND THE CHAMONIX VALLEY

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, the capital of skiing and mountaineering is also the perfect holiday spot for the summer. This small mountain town will seduce you with its multiple facets and recreational activities available to all. The Compagnie du Mont Blanc is pleased to present to you via this guide, the areas and sites where you can practice your favourite sports or simply visit magical places, discover beautiful landscapes and participate in various activities... A mosaic of opportunities awaits, do not hesitate to check them out! The Compagnie du Mont-Blanc

The Chamonix Bus service operates to all the valley’s ski areas. The stops are shown on the plan opposite, along with their distance from the bottom of the ski lifts. During busy periods, buses run every 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the route. Bus timetables and route details are available from the tourist offices and Chamonix Bus sales outlets (tel. 33 (0)4 50 53 05 55). Please note, your pass does not entitle you to free train travel.

Vers Martigny Châtelard Frontière (Valais) Balme Vallorcine

Réseau Chamonix bus : Ligne 1 Ligne 2 Ligne 3 Ligne 5 Ligne 21 Ligne 25 Ligne Vélo 1 Ligne Vélo 2

24 km

Balme (Le Tour / La Vormaine)

18 km

Col des Montets

11 km

Argentière SNCF

8 km

Montroc SNCF Les Grands Montets

Réseau ferroviaire : TER MontBlanc Express Infrastructures : Gares SNCF / Arrêt de Bus Liaisons Routières

Les Chosalets Les Praz SNCF 3,5 km La Flégère Place du Mont-Blanc Planpraz / Brévent Chamonix- Centre / Gare SNCF

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Les Planards Montenvers Mer de Glace

0 km

Les Pèlerins

18 km via le Tunnel du Mont-Blanc

Les Bossons SNCF 4,5 km

Servoz SNCF

14 km

Vers St Gervais Le Fayet / Tramway du Mont-Blanc

Train du Montenvers-Mer de Glace Tramway du Mont-Blanc Map of the valley Brévent-Flégère Balme Grands Montets

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Les Houches

Summer good deals : Cham’Parapente Cham’vtt Chamonix RapidCard The Mont-Blanc MultiPass

Vers Courmayeur

Chamonix Sud

Les Houches SNCF 8 km

Aiguille du Midi Cable car

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Aiguille du Midi (Grépon)

Taconnaz SNCF Les Houches-Centre Bellevue Le Prarion Attention les transports ferroviaires dans la vallée sont en cours de rénovation. Renseignez-vous avant votre départ auprès de la SNCF : 04 50 78 45 79

© Compagnie du Mont-Blanc 2013

Think green Protect the environment! Use the Chamonix Valley public transport. Our ski passes entitle you to free travel on the entire valley Chamonix Bus network. Ask for more information!

Le Savoy

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Useful numbers

Info Compagnie du Mont-Blanc: +33 (0)4 50 53 22 75 Emergency : F rance: 112 - Italie: 118 Switzerland: 144 Weather: +33 (0)8 99 71 02 74 ou 3250 Office de Haute Montagne: +33 (0)4 50 53 22 08

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panorama The main Swiss and Italian summits over 4000 m (Cervin and Mont Rose) and the Aravis (Pointe Percée), Chablais, Genevois, Jura and Chartreuse mountains, are all visible from the Aiguille du Midi, located as it is close to the summit of Mont Blanc and above the Vallée Blanche. N.B. Orientation tables are installed on the summit terraces. Mont Blanc 4810 m Mt Blanc du Tacul 4248 m Mt Maudit 4365 m Grand Capucin 3838 m

Aiguille du Midi 3842 m Refuge Vallot 4362 m

Dôme du Goûter 4304 m Aiguille du Goûter 3863 m

Glacier des Bossons

History FEw FIgures

• 1,500 m2 of galleries and working area. • 22 km of bearing and hauling cables. • 2 cable cars • 1 gondola (in summer) • Journey duration: 20 min. • 3 pylons including one over 70 metres. • 2,747 metres of height difference. • 45 k.p.h. on the 2nd stage. • 600 passengers per hour. • 500,000 visitors per year.

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1909: the Compagnie Française des Funiculaires obtained a concession

for a 3-stage route running along the glacier des Bossons and crossing the Col du Midi (3,660 m). 1911: work began. Interrupted by the war until 1924. 1940: a service line reached the Col du Midi. 1949: the engineer Dino Lora Totino offered to build a single span section from the Plan de l’Aiguille (2,317 m). 1950: an incredible human chain carried a steel cable 1,850 metres long, weighing more than one ton between the Col and the Aiguille du Midi. At the risk of a 9 hour climb down, the cable was unrolled towards the Plan de l’Aiguille. 1955: the second section went into service. 1957: the Vallée Blanche gondola (now called Panoramic Mont-Blanc), ran over the glaciers to link France and Italy. 1966: a lift on a central column was built to reach the summit. 1990: a major renovation. 2008: renovation of the bottom station.

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Walks and Rambles from Plan de l’Aiguille (2 317 m) : 24 Traverse Plan de l’Aiguille-Montenvers: (see route details page 11) 27 Lac Bleu: this easy ramble takes you to a little lake, nestled in a bowl surrounded by rock boulders at the foot of the Chamonix needles. 1 hr return. 28 Chamonix via Blaitière: the itinerary follows the same route as the Montenvers path before taking a left down towards the Blaitière alpine meadows which have recently been rehabilitated and are now exploited again. The path is of no particular difficult if only its length. 2 hrs 30. 29 Chamonix via the Plan du Trois: at first, the path descends between huge slabs of rock, then runs down through the forest to Chamonix, passing under the cable car lines near the arrival point. 2 hrs. 30 Chamonix via Grand Bois: this downhill path offers wonderful views of the glaciers, of Mont Blanc and of the Chamonix needles. 2 hrs.

Paragliding • Take off from the Plan de l’Aiguille (forbidden in July and August). Climbing and mountaineering • Departure for the Chamonix needles from the Plan de l’Aiguille. • Departure for The Mont Blanc and all the classic mountain routes. See details pages 20-21

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Advice to visitors: > If you want to take a break at the Plan d’Aiguille, do it on your way back from your visit to the Aiguille du Midi. > If you plan to visit the Aiguille du Midi and the MontenversMer de Glace on the same day, be in Chamonix early. Start with the Aiguille du Midi, where the early morning light is fabulous. EQUIPMENT > Ensure you have warm clothing and sturdy boots, as it gets very cold, very quickly at an altitude of 3842 m. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sun screen and... camera ! PEOPLE SENSITIVE TO ALTITUDE: CAUTION > For the health and safety of children under 3 years of age, it is not advised to ascend to such an altitude. In general, whatever your age, all ascents are at your own risk. PEAK DAYS > On the busiest days, independent of your transport ticket, you will require a boarding number from the ticket desks marked with the number of the cable car for which you have the right to board, before passing the checkpoint. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure (numbers are displayed on the illuminated panels in front of the station).

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Welcome to the Aiguille du Midi at 3842m. The tour itinerary we suggest below will enable you to make the most of all the curiosities and viewing points at this magical location – enjoy!

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tour itinerary 1 Starting in Chamonix Inside the departure station, the Vertical Café (a café offering food and a boutique in a mountain lounge atmosphere) makes waiting for your cabin an enjoyable experience (embarkation numbers are issued on peak days). 2 On arriving at the Aiguille du Midi

Cross the footbridge that links the North tower where you are with the Central tower opposite you. 3 Access and view of the Géant glacier Take the gantry on your left. Stop to have a look on your left at the access tunnel to the Aiguille du Midi ridge, hewn from the ice, departure point for mountaineers (or skiers in winter) going down the famous Vallée Blanche. 4 Panoramique Mont-Blanc Gondola Then join the departure point of the Panoramique Mont-Blanc gondola. This will carry you above the seracs and crevasses to the Helbronner peak in Italy (not included in the MONT-BLANC MultiPass).

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5 Rébuffat Terrace Continue your tour by heading for the Rébuffat terrace, going under the ice vault and enjoy the impressive view over the glacier. 6 Summit Terrace Retrace your steps and, before the footbridge, take the glazed gantry on your left. After a few metres, take the lift on your right to the summit terrace at 3842 m, from where the view stretches through 360° over the entire Alpine chain (3 €/p, included in the MONT-BLANC MultiPass). 7 The Mont-Blanc wing Take the time to admire behind huge windows one of the routes leading to the rooftop of Europe, with the Tacul, the Mont Maudit and the Mont-Blanc. 8 Mont-Blanc Terrace Next, climb up to the Mont-Blanc terrace to enjoy a peerless view over the roof of Europe and of the climbers setting out to the refuge des Cosmiques.

Breathtaking! The ‘Pas dans le vide’is a technological feat which promises an unforgettable experience ! With more than a thousand metres of nothing beneath your feet inside this glass box. Thrills are guaranteed…

9 Aravis Terrace Retrace your steps by crossing the footbridge in the opposite direction back to the North tower (follow signs for “Chamonix”). Take the glazed staircase on your left and stop at the Aravis terrace to admire the superb view over the Glacier des Bossons, the ascent of the cabin and the whole of the Chamonix valley below. 10 Chamonix Terrace Go back down the stairs heading for the Chamonix terrace, a 2-level terrace near which you will find a choice of places to eat: the cafeteria and the “3842” restaurant (tel. +33 0 40 50 55 82 23). 11 The Waiting Area To end your visit, go back down to the departure point of the cable-car, and discover the retrospective exhibition of the construction of the cable-car, and look at its impressive machinerie.

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Aiguille du Midi timetables and period summer 2013 Period

Last return trip

Last one way

Last return from the top

From 10/06 to 7/07

7:10am

4:30pm

5:00pm

5:30pm

From 8/07 to 25/08

6:30am

5:00pm

5:30pm

6:00pm

The site’s news

From 26/08 to 01/09

7:10am

4:30pm

5:00pm

5:30pm

The Vertical SPACE, an exhibition about extreme mountaineering.

From 02/09 to 22/09

8:10am

3:30pm

5:00pm

5:30pm

The Mont Blanc Wing, which has broad picture windows from where you can admire the 3 Monts (Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc) while staying indoors.

From 23/09 to 3/11

8:30am

3:30pm

4:00pm

4:30pm

The waiting area, where there is an exhibition about the history of how the cable car was built and a viewing window which allows you to see the impressive machinery in motion.

UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS The «Panoramique Mont-Blanc*» is an incredible trip above the glaciers in order to «feast your Return trip : 50 mn

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First departure

* MultiPass Except Panoramique Mont-Blanc

Annual closure from 04/11 until 20/12/2013 Timetables provided for information, more details on compagniedumontblanc.com

REFILL BREAK Vertical Café A cosy place in the departure area with a terrace facing the Aiguille to have a coffee and pastry break whilst waiting for the cable-car, or a refreshing break before your high altitude trip... &+33(0)4 50 54 27 79 Le 3842 m (Restaurant) Experience a lunch in one of Europe’s highest restaurants! The chef offers a selection produce from the Alps. Set menu on the board. Booking strongly recommended. &+33(0)4 50 55 82 23 Summit (Cafétéria) For those with a little less time, the Summit cafeteria offers a varied selection of sandwiches, bruschettas, homemade soups, hot dishes, Pasta Corner...

La buvette du Plan de l’Aiguille

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To keep a souvenir of your visit, simply put the page of this guide into the ticket-stamping machine which will print the date and the name of the place you visited! Vary your visits and collect different stamps.

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 Useful Information

Children accepted: yes up to the summit. Not recommended for children under 3. Elderly accepted: yes unless medical advice for the summit. Disabled access (with wheelchair): yes - maximum 2 wheelchairs per lift (except Helbronner) - Rebuffat Terrace and lift accessible. 1 wheelchair maximum in the “Step over the void” with accompanying person (coming soon). Toilets: Starting station in Chamonix, Plan de l’Aiguille and at the top at the Aiguille. Disabled toilets: yes, at the starting station in Chamonix and at the top at the Aiguille. Parking: payable Grépon parking Lockers/cloakroom: no Picnic room: no Dogs: forbidden Bus lines: 3 - 5 - 21 and Le Mulet Address : 100, Place de l’Aiguille du Midi - 74400 CHAMONIX

Reserve your lift (2€/ pers.) online at compagniedumontblanc.com, or at the counters, or by calling +33 (0)4 50 53 22 75, 7 days or up until the day before your trip according to available spaces.

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he Montenvers  TTrain: facts and figures

• Length of track: 5,141 m • Height difference: 871 m • Speed: 14 à 20 km/h • Journey duration: 20 minutes • Viaduc: 152 m • The track gradient varies between 11 and 22%

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1741: the Englishmen Windham and Pocock were the first to visit the famous “ice-boxes” of the Chamonix Valley, they returned alive to describe for the very first time what they named the Mer de Glace. 1805: Chateaubriand, Alexandre Dumas drew inspiration from it and wrote eulogistic descriptions : “You are in the Arctic Ocean, beyond Greenland or New Zealand, on a polar sea…” 1880: the Grand Hotel du Montenvers was opened. This was the era when visitors were borne up to the site, at an altitude of 1,913 m, by mule or sedan chair. 1892: the project to build a railway up to Montenvers was launched. It provoked fierce opposition amongst the people of Chamonix. 1905: work began. 1908: the line opened as far as “Caillet”. 1909: the steam train reached its terminus, the station at Montenvers, for the first time in what was then a record time of 55 minutes. 1946: a new tourist attraction saw the light of day; a cave was excavated and laid out at the very heart of the glacier. 1954: a world first for a rack railway – the line was electrified. 1960: the gondola down to the Mer de Glace from Montenvers was installed. 1988: the first gondola was replaced. 1993: the line was opened in winter for the first time, thanks to the building of avalanche defences to make the line safe.

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It takes around twenty minutes to climb the 1,000 metres up to the Montenvers-Mer de Glace attraction. Simply hop on board the famous little red cog railway train. Time will stand still, and you’ll enjoy this method of transport of days gone by. The track climbs the mountainside, running through forests and tunnels cut through the rock and over viaducts. You enter the realm of the high mountains, and round the last bend you’ll feel the magic: you’ve arrived at your destination at the foot of the famous Mer de Glace glacier, at an altitude of 1,913 m. A stunning panorama opens out before you, with the glacier below, a clear indication of the climate change that is a sign of our times!

History of the site

Walks and Rambles 21.a A trail on the theme “Make a date at Montenvers”: an easy trail starting at the Grand Hotel du Montenvers with five themes. 1 hr return. 21.b A trail on the theme “Meet the railway”: setting out from the Grand Hotel du Montenvers, the path winds through the larch forest to reach the foot of the viaduct. 45 min return. 22 Le Signal Forbes : trek up to a magnificent view point over the Chamonix Valley, with views over the Mer de Glace on the way, and multiple cairns and rock slabs under the Aiguille de la République (2 hours round trip) 23 Access path to the glacier: starting from the Panoramique bar, the path leads on to the Mer de Glace viewpoint and to the ice cave. 30 min. Return is possible with the telecabin (5 min). 24 Traverse Montenvers-Plan de l’Aiguille: one of Chamonix’s classic rambles not to be missed, in either direction. The footpath, perched above the valley at the foot of the Chamonix needles, offers unrivalled views of the Chamonix valley. 2 hrs 30. Please note, dogs are not allowed on the Aiguille du Midi cable car for the return to Chamonix. 25 Descent to Chamonix via les Mottets: this trail passes by the Mottets refreshment bar (buvette) before continuing through the forest to reach Chamonix via Les Planards. 2 hrs. 26 Descent to Chamonix via Caillet: for a while the path runs alongside the railway before running through the forest to the chalet de Caillet (refreshments) and returns to Chamonix via Les Planards.1 hr 40.

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REFILL BREAK At the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers: stop off to relax and dine at this mountain hotel built in 1880. Sit by the roaring fire and travel back in time, enjoying lunch in the large historic dining room that has seen so many famous faces, or enjoy the view of Les Drus from the sunny terrace. Booking advised on &+33(0)4 50 53 87 70 The Panoramique bar, over the glacier. &+33(0)4 50 53 87 72 Le Buffet de la Gare, at the arrival of the train on site. &+33(0)4 50 55 38 57 See details pages 20-21

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UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS On arriving at the Montenvers Come out of the station onto the terrace that overlooks the final tongue of the glacier and look at the view - the Mer de Glace at your feet, the Drus in front of you, the Grandes Jorasses in the background, the bottom of the vallée Blanche and the Grands Charmoz on your right. Panorama of the Mer de Glace At one end, the terrace of the Panoramique Bar (only open in summer) offers a breathtaking view of the end of the Mer de Glace.

admire the ice sculptures that trace the lives of XIXth century mountain folk. Access : 30 min via the footpath, or 5 min on the telecabin. Please note: 400 steps each way from the top of the telecabin (not accessible in a wheelchair)

Trails and footpaths By means of the theme footpaths, learn about the history of the attraction and the building of the railway in a way that is original, enjoyable and educational.

Crystal Gallery On emerging from the ice cave, go into the crystal gallery on your left. Here you will admire a collection of very fine exhibits from the Mont-Blanc range and learn about the exciting story of the crystal hunters.

Montenvers Grand hôtel-restaurant Take a rest and a break for something to eat on the terrace facing les Drus or by the fire in a magnificently restored room. Take the opportunity to go round the hotel’s free museum which houses a collection of period photographs and artefacts as well as a model railway exhibition.

The Glaciorium Ice cave Hewn from the glacier itself, the ice cave enables A fun and educational exhibition where you’ll learn you to penetrate the innards of the Mer de Glace. about the history and development of the glacier Completely re-excavated every year (because of over the centuries. the movement of the glacier), it enables you to

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Le Glaciorium Not to be missed, this new space dedicated to glaciers. Sign of the climate changes this century, the Montenvers site deserves a space reserved for glaciology. The Mer de Glace, its formation, its history, its future evolutions, this is what you’ll be able to discover in the interactive and educational space. Each summer our glaciologists are on site from 1st June until 22nd September. 13

Music, theatre, nature and literature

er ts Conc logy io c la G s igning -s k boo s Poem

IN THE EVENING

Program information & booking on www.compagniedumontblanc.com

Montenvers timetables and period - summer 2013

Frequency: Every hours or 20-30 minutes, according to demand First departure

Last return trip to visit the Ice cave

Last one way

Last return from the top

From May 1st to July 5th, 2013 8:30am

Departures from 9.00 and 17.30 Optional

3:00pm

4:30pm

5:00pm

(Possible return train at 9:00am and 17.30 depending on demand)

From July 6th to September 1st, 2013 8:00am

5:00pm

6:00pm

6:30pm

From September 2nd to September 15th, 2013 8:30am

Useful advices • If you are planning a trek with children, do not overestimate their ability and chose a suitable itinerary. Check the weather forecast, and take water, cereal bars, hats, sunglasses and sun cream. • The descent to the ice cave is half in a cable-car, and half down steps (about 400). Consider this before going on this visit. • Should you wish to spend a night in the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers, please book online on our website www.compagniedumontblanc.com

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Vintage train ride up followed by dinner and entertainment.

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Departures from 9.00 Optional

3:30pm

5:00pm

5:30pm

(Possible return train at 9:00am and 17.30 depending on demand)

From September 16th to September 29th, 2013 8:30am

Possible train at 9:00am and 5:00pm depending on demand

3:00pm

4:30pm

Annual closure from 30/09 until 18/10/2013 Timetables provided for information, more details on compagniedumontblanc.com

5:00pm

Possible return train at 9:30am depending on demand

Children accepted: yes, from 12 months old. Elderly accepted: yes (difficult grotto access) - 398 steps. Disabled access (in wheelchair with accompanying person): yes - indicate when buying your tickets. No access to the Ice Cave (398 steps). Access to Glaciorium and crystals gallery with accompanying persons. Toilets: Chamonix departure point, at the top in the Hôtel du Montenvers and at arrival point. Disabled toilets: yes, departure and arrival points, and in the Glaciorium during Summer. Parking: yes, free closeby (Parking des Plagnards). Dogs: allowed if held on lead Bus lines: 3 - 5 - 21 - 25 and Le Mulet. Address : 35, Place de la Mer de Glace 74400 CHAMONIX

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Take this rack railway with a unique view of the Chamonix Aiguilles and the Dômes de Miage to reach the Bellevue Plateau and discover some beautiful walks ideal for families. Take the train on, up to Nid d’Aigle for a splendid view of Bionnassay glacier.

UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS At the Bellevue stop, a wide overview on the Bionnassay glacier. The mountaineers departing on their long trek to the summit of Mont Blanc.

 facts and figures • Departure : 590 m • Arrival : 2380 m • 1 11,000 people on average per year make the trip up Mont Blanc, with 75% of these customers in July & August. • Length of track: 12,4 km • Total elevation: Around 1788 metres • Journey duration: 1h15 (Fayet > Nid d’Aigle) • Biggest track gradient: 25 % • Speed: 15 km/h

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History 1904: the works on the site

begin.

1907: on 25th July, the first section up to Col de Voza is inaugurated. 1911: second part up to Bellevue 1912: the line reaches the Nid d’Aigle (“Eagle’s Nest”). 1913: first visitors on the top by train. 1923: opening of the line in winter up to Bellevue (1800m). 1956: the steam engines are replaced with electric ones. 1997 - 2000: the three engines are renovated, one each year.

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32 The banks of the Bionnassay glacier: leaving the Nid d’Aigle, under the north face of the Aiguille de Bionnassay, an easy ramble with perfect views of the glacier. 1 hr 30 return. 33 Col du Tricot: From Bellevue follow a downhill path in the forest before reaching a clearing and then over a Himalayan style bridge over the torrent from the melting Bionassay glacier onwards to the Col du Tricot. Careful on the way up. Duration: 4 hr return trip. 36 Tête de Charme: leaving from the Voza pass, this easy ramble offers excellent views of the Dômes de Miage and the Bionnassay glacier. 2 hrs 30 return. 39 Bionnassay glacier trail: from the Nid d’Aigle, the path runs alongside the glacier and its moraine with a gentle slope. Views out over the ice-falls and crevasses in the foreground and the Col du Tricot in the background. The path then returns to Bellevue (1794 m) along the mountain side. 2h00 return.

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VTT Accepted on the first and last train during a short service and first and last three trains during a long service and / or based on availability. Alpinisme Start of the classical ascent of Mont-Blanc

Anecdote ! Three engines and three names: Anne, Jeanne and Marie... named after the owner of the daughters of Mr Noury, owner of the site, when the engine became electric.

REFILL BREAK St Gervais : Buffet gare &+33(0)4 50 78 09 78 Col de Voza : Le Courant d’Air &+33(0)4 50 54 44 04 L’Apas &+33(0)4 50 54 44 65 Bellevue : Snack &+33(0)6 80 51 66 26 Nid Aigle: Le Refuge &+33(0)4 50 47 76 23 See details pages 20-21

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The trains of the sunset To see the mountain from another angle, see the sun set and rise over the summits, take a ride aboard the Tramway du Mont-Blanc with a mountain guide. He will explain to you the landscapes and will share his love of the peaks. After a good dinner, sleep at the Refuge du Nid d’Aigle, along with alpinists getting ready to climb Mont-Blanc. The next day, after a short hike, come back down on the tramway into the valley, with a head full of memories. Infos on our website compagniedumontblanc.com

MONT DOLENT 3823m AIGUILLE DE TRIOLET 3870 m

Tramway du Mont-Blanc period and timetable - Summer 2013 From Saturday June 15th to Friday July 5th 2013 inclusive and from Monday August 26th to Sunday September 29th 2013 inclusive.

MONT BLANC 4810m

MONT MAUDIT 4465 m MONT-BLANC DU TACUL 4248 m AIGUILLE DU MIDI 3842 M

First départure

DÔME DU GOÛTER 4304m

Glacier du Tour

AIGUILLE DE BIONNASSAY 4052m

Refuge du Goûter 3863m AIGUILLE DU GOÛTER 4304m

Glacier de Taconnaz

Glacier des Bossons

Mer de Glace

Refuge de Tête Rousse 3187m

Glacier de Bionnassay NID D’AIGLE 2380m

CHAMONIX 1035m

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Refuge du Nid d’Aigle 2372m

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MONT LACHAT 2115m

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LES BOSSONS 1012m LES HOUCHES 1010m

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BELLEVUE 1794m

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COL DU TRICOT 2120m

COL DE VOZA 1653m

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Les Bettières

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Bionnassay

MOTIVON 1400m

Seillères

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SAINT-GERVAIS-LES-BAINS 850m

Le Champel

Les Granges Les Vernay

Les Plans Bionnay

First départure

Last return

Departure : Le Fayet - Nid d’Aigle

Le Fayet

8:00am

3:10pm

Le Fayet

7:20am

5:40pm

Saint-Gervais

8:10am

3:20pm

Saint-Gervais

7:30am

5:50pm

Motivon

8:25am

3:35pm

Motivon

7:45am

6:05pm

Col de Voza

8:40am

3:50pm

Col de Voza

8:00am

6:20pm

Bellevue

8:50am

4:00pm

Bellevue

8:10am

6:30pm

Nid d’Aigle

9:10am

4:20pm

Nid d’Aigle

8:30am

6:50pm

Return : Nid d’Aigle - Le Fayet

Return : Nid d’Aigle - Le Fayet PRAR

From Saturday 6th July to Sunday 25th 2013 August inclusive

Last return

Departure : Le Fayet - Nid d’Aigle

Glacier d’Argentière

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This year the legendary little rack railway, which in its creators’ dreams would have one day reached the top of Mont-Blanc, celebrates its century of life. Activities will be taking place all summer long, but in particular on 13th July we invite you to a great open-air concert on the plateau of Col de Voza, with good atmosphere and conviviality on the program!

AIGUILLE D’ARGENTIÈRE 3900m AIGUILLE VERTE 4121m

NC

ON

The 100 years of the Tramway du Mont-Blanc...

AIGUILLE DU CHARDONNET 3824m

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The site’s news

See details pages 20-21

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Tramway du mont-blanc

Nid d’Aigle

9:20am

4:50pm

Nid d’Aigle

8:35am

7:00pm

Bellevue

9:40am

5:10pm

Bellevue

9:00am

7:20pm

Col de Voza

9:50am

5:20pm

Col de Voza

9:10am

7:30pm

Motivon

10:05am

5:35pm

Motivon

9:25am

7:45pm

Saint-Gervais

10:20am

5:50pm

Saint-Gervais

9:40am

8:00pm

Le Fayet

10:30am

6:00pm

Le Fayet

9:50am

8:10pm

Caution : terminus Bellevue until 22 june Timetables provided for information, more details on compagniedumontblanc.com

Childrenaccepted: Col de Voza/Bellevue : from 12 months old. Nid d’aigle : from 24 months old. Elderly accepted: YES Attention Nid d’Aigle difficult access. Disabled access (in wheelchair with accompanying person): Up to the Col de Voza : 2 wheelchairs per train. Toilets: Col de Voza : YES Bellevue : YES Nid Aigle : YES Disabled toilets: Col de Voza : YES Parking: YES Fayet/St Gervais (little) Lockers/cloakroom: No Bookings: YES from 7 days before your trip (in July/ August), free. Picnic room: YES at Bellevue Dogs: allowed if held on lead Address : Le Fayet : 80, Av. de la Gare 74190 LE FAYET Saint-Gervais: 571, Rue du Mont-Lachat 74170 Saint-Gervais

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Sites and areas of the

Compagnie du Mont-Blanc AIGUILLE DU CHARDONNET 3824m

AIGUILLE DU TOUR 3542m

MONT BUET 3096m

LES DRUS 3754m

LA CROIX DE FER 2343m

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Corn Cor ornu Lac Cornu 2276 7 m 3/4 76 2276m

C LOR VAL

11

7

4

Lac Blanc 2352m

Montroc 1360m

IND EX

3

Charamillon haramillon 1850m

10

INE

CHARAMILLON

VALLORCINE 1264m

Index 2396m

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LE S

A AUT

Glacier du Tour our

LE TOUR 1462m

La Flégère 1894m

5

Grotte de Glace

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Plan Praz 2000m

PL A NP

Lac du Brévent 2159m

Montenvers 1913m

21 22 24

23

ARGENTIÈRE 1252m

VENT

9

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6

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Refuge du Goûter 3863m

1

GÈ R FLÉ

2

DÔME DU GOÛTER 4304m

Lognan 1972m 16

S TET MON NDS GRA 18

17

1

BRÉ

25

LES PRAZ 1062 M

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IDI UM LE D UIL AIG

Plan de l’Aiguille 2317m

Glacier des Bossons

28 29

Refuge de Tête Rousse 3187m

Glacier de Bionnassay

30

Parc de loisirs

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NID D’AIGLE 2380m

CHAMONIX 1035m

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Tunnel du Mont-Blanc Accès à Courmayeur 20 min - 24 km


GARE

34 33

BELLEVUE 1794m

NS

SSO

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35 LES BOSSONS 1012m

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COL DE VOZA 1653m

38

LES HOUCHES 1010m

LE BEL

VU E 37

R PRA

ION

TÊTE DE LA CHARME 1865m 36

Vallée de Chamonix Mont-Blanc

sion caption Informations Informations générales - General Information générales - General Information

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Glacier d’Argentière TETS 2 ON Refuge de Lognan DS M 2032m GRAN

19

LE BRÉVENT 2525m

MONT BLANC 4810m

MIQUE MO

PANORA

HA MO AN NIX MONT-BL

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ES NN

GRANDES JORASSES 4208m MONT-BLANC DU TACUL 4248m MONT MAUDIT 4465m

GRANDS MONTETS GR 3275m 32

Refuge Albert 1er 2702m

Les Autannes 2195m

C

Lac de Catogne 1929m 12

AIGUILLE D’ARGENTIÈRE 3900m AIGUILLE VERTE 4121m

MOTIVON 1400m Vers SERVOZ

ANNECY (100km) LYON (220 km) - PARIS (650 km) GENEVE (80 km) LYON ST EXUPERY (170 km)

ST-GERVAIS LE FAYET

SAINT-GERVAISLES-BAINS 850m

Légende des activités - Activities caption- Activities des- sentiers deInformation randonnée - Hiking Légende des sentiers de randonnée - Hiking trails caption Légende des activités caption Légende Légende des sentiers de randonnée - Hiking trails caption Informations générales General Informations générales - General Info Sentiers de niveau moyen Légende des activ Sentiers de niveau moyen Golf / GolfLégende des de niveau moyen MuséeEscalade / Golf trails / Climbing des Musée Cristaux des Cristaux / Crystal / Museum Crystal Museum Chiens tenus Chiens entenus laisse en/ Sentiers laisse Dogs on / Dogs leash on leash sentiers de randonnée - Hiking trailsdescaption Escalade Légende activités Activities caption Légende des/ Climbing sentiers de randonnéeGolf - Hiking caption Téléphérique / Cable car Sentiers de niveau facile Restaurant / Restaurant Téléphérique / Cable car Tennis / Tennis Re Tennis / Tennis Sentiers de niveau moyen G d’escalade / Climbing room GalerieSalle Galerie des Cristaux des Cristaux / Crystal / Gallery Crystal Gallery Chiens interdits / No dogs Chiens interdits / No dogs Sentiers de niveau moyen Salle d’escalade / Climbing room Golf /de Golfenrandonnée / Climbing Escalade / ClimbingLégende Easy difficulty trails desEscalade sentiers - Hiking panoramiques balcon Sentiers panoramiques enSentiers balconpanoramiques en balcon Télécabine / Gondola Sentiers Télécabine / Gondola Snack / Snack Piscine / Swimming-pool

Téléphérique Téléphérique / Cable car / Cable car Restaurant Restaurant / Restaurant / Restaurant ales - General Information Télécabine Télécabine / Gondola / Gondola Snack /Snack Snack / Snack pool Télésiège Télésiège / Chairlift Chairlift Refuge / en Refuge / Refuge Chiens tenusRefuge laisse / Dogs on leash Restaurant // Restaurant Point Snack dePoint vue/ /de Panorama vue / Panorama Hôtel / Hotel Hôtel/ No / Hotel Chiens interdits dogs Snack Table Refuge d’des Table orientation orientation / Orientation table table Loisirs Boutique Boutique / /Shop / Shop Musée Cristaux Crystal/ Orientation Museum leash Grotte de glace Ice cave /d’Refuge ure k park Parking Parking / Car/Cristaux park / Car/park Caisse /Caisse Cash desk / Cash desk Galerie des Crystal Gallery Glaciorium Glaciorium Hôtel Hotel

Sn Point Information Point Information / Information / Information Point Point Piscine / Swimming-pool Te Alpinisme / Alpinism Grotte de glacede / Ice cave/ Ice/cave Grotte glace Alpinisme / Alpinism Tennis // Tennis Salle escalade Climbing room Musée des Cristaux Crystal Museum Sentiers ded’niveau moyen d’escalade / Climbing room panoramiques Salle en balcon Sentiers panoramiques balcon Refuge / Refuge Télésiège / Chairlift Patinoireen/ Ice Rink Sentiers Re Sentiers avec dénivellation Sentiers avec Patinoire / Ice Rink Télésiège / Chairlift P / Mountain Escalier / Stairs / Stairsbike VTT / Mountain bike Glaciorium /dénivellation Glaciorium Glaciorium Glaciorium Sentiers avecGallery dénivellationEscalierVTT Piscine / Swimming-pool Alpinisme / Alpinism Galerie des /Cristaux / Crystal Alpinisme / Alpinism Point de vue / Panorama Hôtel / Hotel Sentiers panoramiques en balcon Point VTT de vue / Panorama Cinéma / Cinema Sentiers Hô Cinéma / Cinema Pa Parapente Accès / Disabled PMR/ /Paragliding Disabled Access Access Gare TERPoint / TER station Gare TER / TER station avec dénivellation Parapente Paragliding Patinoire Information / Information Point Accès PMR / Mountain bike/ Ice Rink Sentiers/avec dénivellation VTT / Mountain bike Table d’ o rientation / Orientation table Luge d’ é té Parc de Loisirs Boutique / Shop Table Parapente d’orientation / Orientation Luge d’été - Parc de Loisirs Bo Ci / Petanque TunnelBoulodrome du Tunnel Mont-Blanc du Mont-Blanc / Mont-Blanc /Boulodrome Mont-Blanc tunnel tunnel Musée Alpin Musée/ Alpine Alpin /Museum Alpine Museum / Petanque Cinéma / Cinema table / Paragliding Escalier / Stairs Parapente / Paragliding Sentiers avec dénivellation Summer sledge - Leisure park Summer sledge - Leisure park Parking / Car park Caisse desk Parking / itinéraires Car park Lu Légende des autorisés -CaM itinéraires VTT autorisés - Mountain Bike -trails captionBike trails caption Légende des itinéraires VTT autorisés Mountain Luge/ d’ été -VTT Parc/ Cash de Loisirs Pointtenus Information / Information Point desstation Cristaux / CrystalLégende Museum desAccès en laisse / Dogs on leash Boulodrome Petanque ntntation table Chiens PMR / Disabled Access GareMusée TER / TER Boutique / Shop Boulodrome / Petanque Su Summer sledgecaption - Leisure park des itinéraires VTTBike autorisés - Mountain Bike trails Escalier / Stairs Galerie Cristaux / Crystal Gallery soon) tunnel Le Pas dans le Vide (A venir/Coming Chiens interdits / No desk dogs Légende des itinérairesLégende VTT autorisés - Mountain trails caption Tunnel du Mont-Blanc / Mont-Blanc Musée Alpindes / Alpine Museum Caisse / Cash JardindePMR des neiges garden Point Point Accès / Disabled venir/Coming soon) Le PasInformation dans le Vide /(AInformation Grotte glace / Ice/ Snow caveAccess L’Espace Vertical / Alpinism Museum Légende des itinéraires VTT autorisés - M Tunnel du/Mont-Blanc Stairs / Alpinism Museum TS Chairlift / TPH Cable car / TC Gondola Glaciorium Glaciorium / Mont-Blanc tunnel Escalier L’Espace/Vertical For more details, ask for the «Plans et tarifs», available in our sales point. Accès PMR / Disabled Access Gare TER / TER station Tunnel du Mont-Blanc / Mont-Blanc tunnel 20Musée Alpin / Alpine Museum 21

LA FLÉGÈRE From the Index, admire the view of the Mer de Glace, the Argentière and le Tour glaciers. Also discover tdiscover superb lakes (Lac Blanc, Lac des Cheserys...) and beautiful hikes on offer in the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve.

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This botanic garden set-up and maintained on the Flégère site by the Chamonix society named “Plantes Magiques” (“Magical Plants”) offers hikers a chance to discover plants species in their natural environment, but foremost to learn about their cosmetic and/or medicinal virtues. This is a trial project this summer but can only evolve towards interactivity in the form of workshops in the future...

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Le Brévent With its southerly exposition overlooking the Mont-Blanc Range, the Brévent is the ideal departure point for classic hikings and easy rambles to various mountain lakes (Lac du Brévent...).

The Flégère botanic/ alpine garden:

BR ÉV

n ts informatio Summer even website on our

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2525 m Enjoy the mountains !

The site’s news

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Brévent-Flègère

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REFILL BREAK

History

facts and figures

• 1 gondola • 2 cable cars • 8 chairlifts (in winter) • 5 skilifts (in winter) • Departure : 1095 m • Top of the area : 2525 m • Around 650 000 passages a year

22

1928: Opening at the Brévent of the first part of the cable-car Chamonix-Planpraz. 1930: Opening of the second part of the cable-car all the way to the Brévent terminal with a system of a unique long cable of 1350m. 1956: Opening of the Flégère cable-car. 1957: Opening of the Flégère area with the opening of the index cable-car, later replaced by a chairlift. 1979: Replacement of the Chamonix-Planpraz cable-car with 6 persons gondolas, later renovated in 1992. 1997: Link by cable-car between Brévent and Flégère, which considerably increases the value of the ski area with more than a dozen new slopes of various levels. 2005: Changing of the old Index cable-car to a 6 persons high-speed chairlift. 2006: Changing of the old Cornu chairlift to a 6 persons high-speed chairlift. 2008: Replacing of the Planpraz cable-car and its start and arrival stations.

At the Brévent: La Bergerie (restaurant) &+33(0)4 50 53 05 42 Located at the arrival of the Planpraz cable-car, La Bergerie welcomes you at 2000m of altitude. On a beautiful sun-terrace facing the Mont-Blanc, the chef offers a flavoursome wood-fire cuisine. Set menus from 18€ and dishes on the menu with regional flavours. La Bergerie is also suitable for the numerous hikers of the Brévent and offers a range of homemade sandwiches to take away. Le Panoramic &+33(0)4 50 53 44 11 Altitude 2000 &+33(0)4 50 53 15 58 At the Flégère: Le Petit Chalet de la Flégère (Vente à Emporter) Entirely renovated this summer, they offer you a varied range of homemade sandwiches and salads. Terrace on the south side facing the Mer de Glace.

An original evening? La Bergerie opens for the first time this year at night! Eagles Dinner-Show: Monday 22nd July 2013 Apéro Concert: Tuesday 20th August 2013 Info and reservations: Marine on 04 50 47 62 65 or 06 27 15 37 98

23

Les Plaques - Ecole d’escalade

6

AIGUILLE DE CHARLANON 2549m Lacs Noirs / Lac Cornu Col Cornu 2276m 2414m

5

AIGUILLE DE LA FLORIA 2888m

AIGUILLE DE LA GLIERE 2852m

AIGUILLE POURRIE 2561m

3/4 L’Index 2396 m

3 E BREV

4

7

NT

Lac Blanc

INDEX

Planpraz 2000 m

1 1

La Flégère 1894 m

Grand Balcon Sud

AZ

Réserve des Aiguilles Rouges

Lacs des Chéserys la Chavanne

8

PL A N PR

Sentier des Gardes

6

la Floria

Petit Balcon Sud

9 E EG FL

CHAMONIX 1035m

RE

31

l’Arve

LES PRAZ 1062m

GARE Montenvers

Les Tines Le Lavancher

Les Bois

Brévent period and timetable - Summer 2013


First Last departure trip Last departure one way Last return departure From June 15th to July 5th, 2013 and From August 26th to September 15th, 2013 8:50am

For Brévent : 4:00pm For Planpraz : 4:30pm

For Brévent : 4:15pm For Planpraz : 4:45pm

From Brévent : 4:45pm From Planpraz : 5:00pm

For Brévent : 5:15 For Planpraz : 5:45

From Brévent : 5:45 From Planpraz : 6:00

From July 6th to August 25th, 2013 8:15am

For Brévent : 5:00 For Planpraz : 5:30

Flégère period and timetable - Summer 2013 From June 15th to July 5th, 2013 and From August 26th to September 15th, 2013 8:15am

For l’Index : 4:00 For la Flégère : 4:30


From l’Index : 4:45 From la Flégère : 5:00


From l’Index : 5:30 From la Flégère : 5:45

Fom July 6th 2013 to August 25th, 2013 8:00am

For l’Index : 4:45 For Flégère : 5:15

Timetables provided for information, more details on compagniedumontblanc.com

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Walks and Rambles From Le Brévent : 1 Planpraz-Flégère traverse: the classic route which follows for the most part the “Great southern balcony” and which can be undertaken in either direction. 2 hrs. 2 Lac du Brévent: from the summit cable car station, a circuit linking the Brévent, the Brévent lake and the Bel-Lachat mountain hut close to the Carlaveyron nature reserve. 2 hrs 30 return. 3 Lac Cornu via the Cornu pass: leaving from Planpraz with its sunny mountain meadows, this ramble offers an extraordinary panorama of the reverse side of the Aiguilles Rouges range, the Fiz chain and the Aravis range. The return trip overlooks Mont Blanc with a variation via the Index, 2396 m, and return to La Flégère. 3 hrs 30 return. 4 Lacs Noirs via the Cornu pass and the Glière pass: from Planpraz, you reach two rock basins with peat covered bottoms (hence the name “black lake”). The Mont Blanc and the Mont Blanc du Tacul are reflected in their shallow waters. 4 hrs return. 5 Descent from Le Brévent to Planpraz: this itinerary, via “La Brèche” or “Breach”, follows the first ski slope to be developed in Chamonix. To follow in the footsteps of history! 1 hr. 6 Small southern balcony: at an altitude of around 1250 m this panoramic path runs mostly through the undergrowth and links Servoz to Argentière. It can be reached easily and quickly from lots of points along the valley. From La Flégère : 4 Lacs Noirs via the Glière pass, return via Planpraz: from the summit of the Index chairlift, this trek offers a permanent view of the Mont-Blanc range. 4 hrs return. 7 Lac Blanc: from the summit of the Index chairlift, this ramble at the foot of the Aiguilles Rouges leads to the only glacial lake in the range. Return to the Flégère by cable car. 2 hrs 30 return. 8 Lacs des Chéserys: this itinerary follows the last part of the Great southern balcony to reach 5 mountain lakes at the foot of the Aiguilles Rouges. Views of the Mer de Glace, the Drus, the Aiguille Verte and the Argentière glacier. 3 hrs return. Parapente Take off from Planpraz (2000 m) at Brévent Take off from l’Index (2396 m) at la Flégère Escalade • Climbing school at Le Brévent, 31 routes 10 minutes from the summit of Le Brévent, Brévent slabs, routes underneath the cable car. • Aiguille du Pouce: 6 routes. Some 40 routes between the Index and the Crochues.

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Lac du Brévent 2159 m 2

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activities on the site BRÉVENT

LE BRÉVENT 2525m

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Brévent-Flégère

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seful  UInformation Children accepted: yes, from 12 months old and from 24 months for the Brévent TPH. Elderly accepted:: yes Disabled access (in wheelchair with accompanying person): yes 1 wheelchair per cable car of Planpraz - 3 wheelchairs at TPH of Brévent - 2 wheelchairs at TPH of La Flégère. Toilets: Brévent : departure of Planpraz and summit. Flégère : departure. Disabled toilets: YES Parking : YES free at la Flégère and payable at Brévent. Lockers/cloakroom: No Bookings: No Picnic room: YES At the arrival of Flegere cable car Dogs: YES Kept on a leash TPH Flégère (Note : not allowed in the nature reserve) TS Index : not allowed). Bus lines: - 1 – 2 – 21 Address: 65 Chemin de la Glacière 74400 ARGENTIERE

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M A

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Bordering Switzerland, this bucolic domain takes advantage of vast high mountain pastures, among the last ones in the valley still being exploited. It is also the ideal domain for mountain biking.

The view of The Mont-Blanc range, Chamonix valley, the Aiguilles Rouges range opposite. Behind, a magnificent viewpoint towards Switzerland. Le Tour glacier. The herds of cows in the mountain pastures.

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2270 m Enjoy the pastures !

UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS DO

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The MTB Spot Two long tracks Mountain bikes find their home in Chamonix on the Balme area. With varied slopes that provide access to all abilities, this summer sport gains more and more followers; Two beautiful tracks, one green and one blue track are open as of last year... Please note this summer (2013) the Vallorcine downhill track will be closed for repairs. VTT

Downhill mountain bike trail CharamillonVallorcine: via the Posettes pass (1997 m). Col de Balme-Charamillon Downhill mountain bike trail: departure 2186 m > Arrival 1856 m.

HistoRY Few figures

1930: First ski lift gives access to the Charamillon pastures. Replaced a few years later with a chairlift

• 2 gondolas • 2 chairlifts • 4 skilifts (in winter) • 1480 m : departure • Top of the area : 2270 m • Around 450 000 passages a year

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1956: The chairlift is transformed into a gondola, new developments mark the true beginning of the Balme area then known as the Tour area. 1986 - 1992: New detachable gondola lift & creation of ski lifts, this is the time of renewal and expansion of the area.

1997: Commissioning of a new Tête de Balme chairlift which opens

up the Vallorcine side and instantly doubles the ski area with three major new pistes.

2000: The gongola departure station is fully renovated. 2004: Construction of the Vallorcine gondola. The Tour area now

becomes the Balme area, accessible from both sides and now easily accessible to nearby Swiss customers.

REFILL BREAK Le Chalet de Charamillon (Take-away) Le Chalet Charamillon offers salads & sandwiches to take away for your hike. Or just choose a tasty snack: fruit tarts, pancakes .... all homemade! Weekend barbeques. Enjoy a relaxing moment in the Jacuzzi® spa, in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif. &+33(0)4 50 54 04 72 Les Ecuries de Charamillon (Restaurant & gite) &+33(0)6 80 88 17 18 See details pages 20-21

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LA CROIX DE FER 2343m

Lac de Catogne 1929m

TÊTE DE BALME 2250m COL DE BALME 2186m

TETE DE CHARAMILLON 2414m Refuge du Col de Balme 2190m

12 12 15

Vers Trient 1300m

1900m

Les Autannes 2195m

Glacier du Tour

13

TANNES LES AU

MARTIGNY - 20km LAUSANNE - 116km GENEVE - 180km

Refuge Albert 1er 2702m

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Charamillon 1850m

AIGUILLETTE DES POSETTES 2201m

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VALLORCINE 1264m

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LE TOUR 1462m

GARE

Zone protégée le Morzay

MONTROC 1360m

Gîte d’Etape


Tour Charamillon - Col de Balme period and timetable - Summer 2013 First Last return trip Last one way Last return departure From June 15th to July 12th, 2013 and From August 26th to September 22nd, 2013 9:00am

For les Autannes : 4:15pm For Charamillon : 4:30pm


From Autannes : 4:45pm From Charamillon : 5:00pm


From Autannes : 5:15pm From Charamillon : 5:30pm

From July 13 to August 25th, 2013 8:30am


9:00am

For Vallorcine : 4:30pm

Last one way

Last return



* Gondola closed between 12:30pm et 1:30pm Timetables provided for information, more details on compagniedumontblanc.com

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• From the top of the Autannes chairlift 10 Col des Posettes : this ramble wanders through the alpine meadows and offers the chance to come across the grazing herds. Return to Charamillon. 2h 11 Aiguillette des Posettes : this elevated itinerary offers incomparable views of the entire Mont-Blanc range as well as the Argentière and Tour glaciers. In the other direction, the views range from Vallorcine to the Bérard small valley. Return via Trélechamps (1417 m), from where a footpath leads back to the Tour car park. 4 hrs. 12 Lac de Catogne : da wild site in Swiss territory from where the views are out onto the Swiss Valais and the Emosson hydro-electric dam. The itinerary goes from the Col de Balme (2186 m) via the Croix de Fer (2343 m) before dropping down to the lake. Return to Charamillon. 3 hrs. 13 Refuge Albert 1er : technical trek in the heart of the Tour glacier (access conditions are depending on the snow cover. Please check before departure). The Albert 1er refuge is the departure point for various routes on the Tour and Chardonnet needles. 2 hrs. • From the top of the Vallorcine telecabin 14 Aiguillette des Posettes : return to Vallorcine via the Montets pass. 2 hrs. 15 Tête de Balme via Charamillon et le télésiège des Autannes : return to Vallorcine on foot or by the telecabin. 3 hrs return. Climbing

Departure for the Tour glacier, the Albert 1er refuge, the Tour and Chardonnet needles.

Vallorcine period and timetable* - Summer 2013 First Last return trip departure From June 29th to September 1st, 2013

Walks and Rambles

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activitIES ON THE site

LES GRANDES AUTANNES 2679m

GRAND CHAVALARD 2899m

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BALME


BALM

seful  UInformation Children accepted: yes from 12 months old Elderly accepted:: yes Disabled access (in wheelchair with accompanying person): yes unless medical advice Toilets: Le Tour, Charamillon (restaurants), Vallorcine Disabled toilets: YES at Charamillon (under restaurant), Vallorcine Parking : YES at Charamillon and Vallorcine Lockers/cloakroom: No Bookings: No Picnic room: YES under restaurant of Charamillon Dogs: YES Kept on a leash Bus lines: 1 (Le Tour) – Bus logo VTT purple for VTT in priority Address : Tour : 226 Chemin des Quiesets 74400 ARGENTIERE Vallorcine : Chef Lieu 74660 VALLORCINE

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AN

For the 50th anniversary of the Grands Montets, discover an exhibition of large format photos of the history and highlights of the site from the bottom station to the top...

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50th Anniversary Exhibition

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Two altitudes with two environments: the Lognan pastures at 1 970 m and the Argentière glacier’s seracs at the 3 275 m summit. A whole universe to discover…

UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS

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ts Summer evenn informatio e it bs on our we

NTETS -MO 3

5m

3 275  m Enjoy the glaciers !

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Grands Montets

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CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC

HistorY Few figures

• 1 gondola (in winter) • 6 chairlifts (in winter) • 2 cable cars • Departure : 1913 m • Top of the area : 3300 m • Around 600 000 passages a year

30

1959: Birth of the ambitious project to link Argentiere with the Aiguille

des Grands Montets 1961: Opening of the first section to the Croix de Lognan. 1963: In December, opening of the second cable car up to the Aiguille des Grands Montets 1968: Construction of the Bochard gondola (with change of gondola in both 1982 and 1996) 1971: Opening of the Marmottons chairlift 1972: End of summer skiing practiced on the site since the 60’s 1978: First edition of the famous «Derby des Grands Montets» 1986: The area expands to the south side of the Pendant with creation of the Retour-Pendant, Plan Roujon & Tabé chairlifts 2003: Opening of the Herse chairlift

The Snow Garden Constructed and maintained by the piste team, at the top of the Grands Montets, this area allows you to walk in a snowy wonderland even in the middle of August ... A refreshing change of scene in the heart of the summer!

The Glacier Cover A tarpaulin covers the bergschrund of the Argentiere glacier to avoid excessive melting during the summer. Now in it’s third year of an effective use! Caution: Do not venture onto the tarpaulin. 31

activities on the site

G

From the Aiguille des Grands Montets: the view of the Mer de Glace, the Chamonix needles, the Mont-Blanc and the Chamonix valley. From the Point de Vue (40 minutes walk from Lognan): the scenery of one of the most spectacular ice falls of the valley. The departure of mountaineers for the Aiguille Verte and the summits of the massif.

Walks and Rambles

AIGUILLE VERTE 4121m LES DROITES 4000m

AIGUILLE DU DRU 3754m

MONT DOLENT 3823m

DENT DU GEANT 4013m

GRANDS MONTETS 3275m

Col des Rachasses

Glacier des Rognons

N DS GR A

BOCHARD 2765m

MON

Glacier d’Argentière

2 TETS

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Combe De la Pendant

Montenvers Le Chapeau 1576m

Lognan 1972m

Ecuries de la Pendant 1778m

Refuge de Lognan 2032m

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ND GR A

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ON SM S TET

Le Lavancher

1

Les Chosalets

Le Planet Le Tour

GARE

Les Grassonnets

Grands Montets cabble car period and timetable - Summer 2013

Frequency : Every 20 min Last departure return trip

Last departure one way

Last return

From June 29th to August 25th, 2013 7:30am

3:50pm

4:30pm

From Gds-Montets : 4:40pm From Lognan : 5:00pm

From August 26th to September 7th, 2013 7:10am

3:50pm

4:30pm

From Gds-Montets : 4:40pm


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Paragliding

Take off from the Grands Montets pass (3220 m).

ARGENTIÈRE 1252m


First departure

16 Le Point de vue : the path leads to the banks of the Argentière glacier from where the view of the ice-fall is very impressive. On your return, take a short detour via the Chaletrefuge. 1 hr 30 return. 17 Le Lavancher via the Pendant Stables : an easy pleasant descent under the mountain larches, through alpine meadows to the little hamlet of Lavancher, untouched by the attacks of time. The trip is also possible on mountain bikes. 1 hr 30. 18 Descent to Argentière via La Rosière: descent path through the forest - in the welcome shade during the afternoons – with a possibility to link the “Small northern balcony” footpath. 1 hr 30. 19 Tête de Prapators via the chalet du Chapeau: a classic trail climbing to the Chapeau (climb: 1 hr 15), followed by a trail with several steep sections up to the tête de Prapators (one section involves the use of a ladder). Circuit: about 3 hrs (returning via the Great northern balcony).

Climbing and mountaineering

Climbing the Petite Verte, departure for the Argentière refuge and all the high peaks in the Argentière basin (Aiguille Verte, the Droites, the Drus).

REFILL BREAK Le Top des Grands Montets (snack cafe) Enjoy the (very) famous croûte of Karim at 3 275m above sea level, with an awesome view of the Mont-Blanc. Buvette du Spot (cafe) &+33(0)4 50 54 10 21 After an effort, time to relax! Finish your hike on a relaxing note, with a stop at the Buvette du Spot! Soft drinks, ice creams, pancakes & homemade sandwiches.

d

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TS

UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS

ine des ma

AN

TE

Grands Montets

Do


DS MON

 Useful Information Children accepted: Lognan : from 18 months old TOP: Unadvised under 3 years old Elderly accepted: yes unless medical advice for the Grands Montets summit Disabled access (in wheelchair with accompanying person): Yes (if accompanied) up to Lognan (beware 15 steps outside in Argentière) Toilets: Argentière, Lognan, Aiguille (dry toilet) Disabled toilets: YES à Lognan Parking: YES free Lockers/cloakroom: No Bookings: No Picnic room: No Dogs: YES Kept on a leash Bus lines: 1 Address : 65 Chemin de la Glacière 74400 ARGENTIERE

33

1937: Opening of the ski lifts on the Col de Voza that links the Col de Voza (TMB stop) and the Prarion plateau. Later dismantled in 2006 following the construction of the new Col de Voza chairlift.

Les Houches www.leshouches-prarion.com

RV AIS

becomes an offical winter sports resort. The cable is renovated in both 1962 and 1992.

O

H

Two lifts to reach the St Gervais - Les Houches area. Many easy walking paths and mountain biking trails in a very nice mountain landscape.

1936: Opening of the Bellevue cable car, the village of Les Houches

LL - BE EVUE

LE S

ts Summer evenn informatio e it bs on our we

N O

PRA RI

1800 m Vivez la détente !

HistoRY

m 00 18

Prarion- Bellevue

UC

H ES

E T-G - SAIN

January 1937: 1st Downhill Ski World Championships on the Les Houches slopes.

1956: Opening of the Chamois ski lift on the Prarion plateau. 1971: Opening of the Prarion gondola 1948 to 1980: 7 editions of the legendary Kandahar on the «Verte des Houches», running continuously for 14 years.

FEW FIGURES

• 1 gondola • 1 cable car • 7 chairlifts (in winter) • 6 skilifts (in winter) • 1 tapis neige (en hiver) • 1 télécorde (en hiver) • Départ des remontées : 990 m • Sommet du domaine : 1900 m • Environ 680 000 passages par an

NEW SUMMER 2013

of artificial snow. Various extensions to this network from 2002 to 2012.

2006: Renovation of Prarion gondola with 8 seater detachable cabins 2007: Opening of the 4 seater Shuss des Dames & Col de Voza

charilifts

2009: Replacement of the Ecole ski lift with a new 4 seater chairlift on the Prarion plateau and addition of a magic carpet.

From 1980 to 2012: Number of Kandahar editions, the 17th held

in 2011-2012. As yet, the calendar for upcoming events on the Verte des Houches is not yet finalised.

REFILL BREAK

Try our new mountain bike track starting at the top of the Prarion gondola (1850m). MTB

This blue track covers 4 km and a total descent of 670m, arriving at Belleface (1180m) before returning to the cable car via the road. Advanced variants are also available along the route. Opening scheduled for mid-July. 34

1986: Opening of the 4-seater Maisonneuve chairlift. 1994: Opening of Kandahar and Crozat 4-seater Lifts 1995: 65 snow cannons are installed over the area for the production

See legends pages 20-21

La chalette à Bellevue &+33(0)6 80 51 66 26 Le Courant d’air au Col de Voza &+33(0)4 50 54 44 04 L’Apas &+33(0)4 50 54 44 65 L’Hôtel du Prarion &+33(0)4 50 54 40 07 La Ferme &+33(0)4 50 90 84 60 35

MONT BLANC 4810m

MONT BLANC DU TACUL 4187m

MONT MAUDIT 4465m

Refuge du Goûter 3863m

AIGUILLE BIONNASSAY 4061m

DOME DU GOUTER 4304m

Refuge de Tête Rousse 3187m Gla cie rd eB

ion

NID D’AIGLE 2380m

MONT LACHAT 2115m

na

activitIES ON THE SITE

ssa

y

Walks and Rambles


BELLEVUE 1794m

AIGUILLE DE TRE LA TETE 3846m DÔMES DE MIAGE 3680m

33

39

34

la Chalette

36

TÊTE DE LA CHARME 1865m

BE LL E

VU E

Prarion 1900m 38

LES HOUCHES 1010m

37

Maison Neuve 1220m

la Griaz les Trabets

PRA

MOTIVON 1400m

RION

rve l’A

SAINT-GERVAIS-LES-BAINS 850m

Gîte d’étape Gîte d’étape


Bellevue cable car periods and timetables - Summer 2013 First departure

Last departure TRIP

Last departure ONE WAY

Last return

From June 15th to July 5th, 2013 and From August 26th to September 29th, 2013 8:00am

5:30pm

5:30pm

5:30pm Paragliding

From July 6th to August 25th, 2013 7:30am

6:00pm

6:00pm

6:00pm

Prarion gondola timetables and periods - Summer 2013 First departure

Last departure TRIP

Last departure ONE WAY

Last return

From June 15th to June 28th, 2013 and from September 2nd to September 15th, 2013 9:00am

5:00pm

5:00pm

5:00pm

5:30pm

5:30pm

From June 29th to September 1st, 2013 8:30am

5:30pm


36

Mont-Lachat: Climbing the foothills of the Mont Blanc, admire the views overlooking the pastures and the valley. A view of the exceptional Bionassay glacier. 2.5 hr 35 Les Crêtes Bellevue > Voza > Prarion. An ideal hike to discover an exceptional panoramic view, easy accessible (using the lifts, paying acces). From the top of the Bellevue gondola follow the dirt road direction Col de Voza which is parallel to the trail tracks once at Col de Voza walk up the facing summit of Prarion, remain on the dirt road, bifurcate to the left towards la Charme for a look down the Montjoie valley. Afetr the farm follow the trail through the pasture towards prarion. 2 hr. 36 Charme pasture trails : Take the bubble lift of Prarion, follow the signs direction Alpage de la Charme. A gentle walk to discover a local pasture ground where once at the farm you can discover their different cheeses. 1 hr. 37 Col de Voza - Maisonneuve: This hike winds up the ski slopes, on nice wide paths to reach the Maisonneuve hamlet. 1 hr. 34

COL DE VOZA 1653m

35

Take off from Prarion, Bellevue and Plateau de la Charme.

RION RA

d

I visite BE

E


P

Prarion- Bellevue

LLEVU

 Useful Information Children accepted: yes, from 6 months old. Elderly accepted: yes unless medical advice. Disabled access (in wheelchair with accompanying person): TC Prarion : YES wheelchair per cable car. TPH Bellevue: NO (steps at the top). Toilets:Departure and arrival of Bellevue Departure and arrival of Prarion. Disabled toilets: Yes arrival of Prarion. Parking : Yes Lockers/cloakroom:NO Bookings: No Picnic room: Yes, 1 at the arrival of Prarion gondola. 1 at the arrival of Bellevue cable car. Dogs: YES Kept on a leash. Bus lines: PRARION : Line 1 – 25 BELLEVUE : Line 1 - 5 – 25 Address: Télécabine du Prarion : 117, place du prarion 74310 Les Houches Téléphérique Bellevue : 61 place de la fruitière 74310 Les Houches

37

GOOD DEALS CHAM’Parapente et CHAM’VTT*

For sporty types…

Mont-blanc multiPass

For the fans of MTB or Paragliding, there is a dedicated pass just for you! Single rate: €17 / day

CHAMONIX RapidCard* Subscribers

CHAMONIX

RapidCard

IN SUMMER per DAY

23 E*

For all your “ discovery” days

PrefeREntial Rates

Where and when

you want No more queuing for tickets

All year round !!

38

GOOD DEALS

*Find out more about the areas of validity & lifts accessibility. Terms & subscription on: www.compagniedumontblanc.com

the practical and economical pass for unlimited visits all summer!! A wealth of benefits:

• Some privileges at the Aiguille du Midi • Reservation free of charge for cable cars • Direct access on boarding without reservation from opening until 9:00 am. • At Leisure parc of Chamonix, 1 descent offered for one luge descent purchased*.

*valid only once during the term of the MONT BLANC MultiPass (06/15/2013 > 09/15/2013)

• Special rates on the tourist train around Chamonix • Free Access to the Bossons chair lift • Jardin des Cimes in Passy : 40% discount NEW • Privileges on Italian side : 50% on Courmayeur ski lifts (Except Funivie Monte Bianco).

• Privileges on swiss side : -10% on the one day summer Verbier Pass NEW

FAMILY Good deal

2 Mu ltiPass adu lts ngster boug ht + 1 Mu ltiPass you

e of charge = one MultiPass fre kids er oth the offered to of the same family within

the limit 4 freebies

Find out more :

compagniedumontblanc.com Tel. +33 (0)4 50 53 22 75 39

Document non contactuel sous réserve d’erreur typographique.

06/2013 - Esope communication © Mario Colonel - JF Hagenmuller - M. Dalmasso - Warren Goldswain - Fotolia K Gafanesch - C Liarotti - Implicite - X

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