Mer de Glace: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Geneva: Guided Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

1. From Geneva: Guided Day Trip to Chamonix and Mont-Blanc

Visit the site of the first Winter Olympics. In Chamonix, experience majestic scenery on a drive through the Arve Valley and from the 12,605-foot viewing platform on Europe’s highest mountain. This day tour begins in Geneva with a drive across the French border through the glacier-fed Arve Valley. At Chamonix, marvel at the splendid backdrop of the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges. You’ll take the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi, which was the world’s highest cable car ride when it was launched in 1955. Enjoy breathtaking panoramas of this Alpine wonderland, with views into France, Switzerland, and Italy. Lunch will be at your leisure. You will also have the chance to ride the astonishing Montenvers rack railway to the Mer de Glace glacier. The journey on this electric train covers 3 miles of beautiful mountainous scenery before arriving at the longest glacier in France. Spend the day as you please. Wander by foot to discover the town’s many delights, such as Parc Loisir, Musée Alpin, Lac Gaillands or Atelier Les Racines. Chamonix is the world capital for outdoor activities: mountaineering, alpinism, hiking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding, trail running, and skiing.

Chamonix, Aiguille du Midi & Mer de Glace Full-Day Trip

2. Chamonix, Aiguille du Midi & Mer de Glace Full-Day Trip

Feast your eyes on dramatic landscapes as you travel by coach through the scenic Arve Valley to Chamonix. Chamonix’s position at the foot of Europe’s highest peak, Mont-Blanc, makes it one of the most popular mountain villages in the area. On this full-day trip from Geneva, you’ll have access to Aiguille du Midi, a rocky 3,842-meter peak close to Mont Blanc. Take a ride up on the most famous cable car in the world, (please note this cable car is currently under maintenance, your tour will feature an alternative cable car or activity). This high mountain site, equipped for your comfort and safety, offers a 360-degree panorama taking in the majestic Mont-Blanc as well as the whole of its massif. In addition, you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the major peaks of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps. The Aiguille du Midi comprises the Piton Nord, the Piton Central with the Mont-Blanc gallery, and the Mont-Blanc terrace with its unforgettable view of Mont-Blanc. Take a charming little red train from Chamonix to the Montenvers site and the world famous Mer de Glace glacier. The Montenvers site is surrounded by the magnificent summits of les Drus, les Grandes Jorasses, and les Grands Charmoz. Learn about the largest French glacier and nature in the Alpine environment at exhibits here.

From Geneva: Chamonix, Mont Blanc & Ice Cave Guided Day Tour

3. From Geneva: Chamonix, Mont Blanc & Ice Cave Guided Day Tour

On this guided day tour from Geneva, experience the stunning landscapes the French Alps have to offer. Immerse yourself in the scenic atmosphere and cultural charm of the mountain village Chamonix. During the tour, board a unique cogwheel train to visit France's largest glacier. Begin your tour in Geneva, where you'll meet your guide and board the bus bound for Chamonix. This historic French village, once a medieval priory, serves as a gateway to one of the high peaks of Europe, the Aiguille du Midi. Embark on a cable car ride to ascend to the peak. From the top of the peak of Aiguille du Midi, marvel at the breath-taking views at 3,842m. Nearby, spot Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses. Glimpse the Matterhorn standing proudly in the distance. Next, descend once more to the village of Chamonix for some free time in this picturesque alpine destination. Peruse local shops and restaurants for their local specialties. You'll have about an hour and a half of free time before re-joining your guide for the afternoon. Your tour continues with a stroll to the train station, admiring historical landmarks of Chamonix as you go. Then, embark a historical cogwheel train and ascend 1900m (6,300ft) to take in the spectacular view of the Mer de Glace, or "Sea of Ice." Gaze in wonder at France's largest glacier. At the Mer de Glace, choose between the enticing opportunity to visit the glacier's ice caves or to hike down the 550 stairs to the glacier itself. Whether you explore the frozen halls of the ice caves, or trek up and down the stairs to the glacier, let yourself be amazed by this natural phenomenon. Finally, board the train to return to Chamonix. If you wish to buy a souvenir, take a few minutes to do so before climbing aboard the bus to return to Geneva. Relax on your ride home and conclude your tour when you arrive in Geneva.

From Geneva: Self-Guided Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Excursion

4. From Geneva: Self-Guided Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Excursion

Travel through the picturesque Arve Valley from Geneva to Chamonix, explore the famous village of Chamonix, and marvel at the alpine views. The resort experienced its first growth spurt in the Victorian era, hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924 and has emerged as the capital of all-mountain skiing. The steep-sided valley, with its glaciers and rocky spires, is where snow-sports and mountaineering meet. The busy town is a popular destination for day trippers. Find shopping designer brands and fashionable mountain brands in the many boutiques. Sample local products such as cheese, meats and fresh honey.

From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour

5. From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour

After an early morning pick-up from your Geneva hotel by private vehicle, your day trip starts with a scenic 1.5-hour drive across the Swiss-French border and through the beautiful Arve Valley to Chamonix, located at the base of magnificent Mont Blanc, the tallest peak in Western Europe at 15,780 feet (4,800 meters). You'll arrive early to beat the crowds.  Transfer to a cable car and ride to the summit of Aiguille du Midi, a mountain in the Mont Blanc massif, on the world's highest vertical-ascent cable car, taking you from 3,395 feet to 12,605 feet (1,035 meters to 3,842 meters) in 20 minutes. Reach the top of the staggeringly beautiful Alpine peak and be amazed by panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. On a clear day, you may even see the Matterhorn, the iconic Swiss peak. Get cozy on a terrace or balcony at the Aiguille du Midi summit to admire the scenery and watch skiers zooming down toward the glacier. There's also a cafe, where you can have a hot chocolate or enjoy a light snack. Take the cable car back down the mountain to the gorgeous Alpine town of Chamonix, where you'll enjoy a lunch in a nice restaurant (if option selected). After lunch, board the Montenvers Railway for a scenic train ride (optional) through the mountains to Montenvers. Enjoy fantastic views of the Mer de Glace, a massive glacier surrounded by the towering summits of Les Drus, Les Grandes Jorasses and Les Grands Charmoz. Afterwards you'll be taken back to your Geneva hotel to conclude your private Mont Blanc and Chamonix day trip. The day trip will follow an amended itinerary. Instead of Aiguille du Midi, you will be taken to Plan de L'Aiguille (Middle stop of Aiguille du Midi) and the cable car of Brevant, which takes you up to an impressive 2,525 meters with unbeatable views out across to Mont Blanc and the valley’s mountain range.

Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour

6. Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour

Explore the stunning alpine scenery of Chamonix in the French Alps. Throughout a 1.5-hour drive, be impressed with amazing views over the motorway as you travel through a valley surrounded by the Alps. Chamonix is a picturesque town, and the most famous mountain resort in France. Mon-Blanc towers above this town, and if you look to the sky from anywhere in the city you are bound to see it. From Chamonix, enjoy a bus ride to the third-most-visited mountain location in the world. You can book just transportation, or choose to include the multi-pass which works both for the cable car and the mountain train on the day: Cable car Aiguille du Midi Ride up the cable car and discover spectacular panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps at 3,842 meters. On a clear day, you may even see the Mattherhorn, the famous Swiss peak and icon of Switzerland. Mer de Glace Mountain Train Board the charming red cog railway up to Montenvers to enjoy fabulous views of Mer de Glace. This magnificent glacier is 7 kilometers long, and averages just under a mile wide. Surrounded by the impressive summits of Les Drus, Les Grandes Jorasses and Les Grands Charmoz, the Montenvers site is a natural living witness of the climate change of this era.

Geneva Private Day Trip to Mont Blanc glacier and 3860m Top

7. Geneva Private Day Trip to Mont Blanc glacier and 3860m Top

Door to door Private tour from your Hotel lobby in Geneva. Travell in serenity aboard an air-conditioned Suv or Mini van through the valleys and mountains of the French alps after crossing the border into France, discover the always snowy Mont Blanc as you arrive to Chamonix. Various activities are waiting for you in Chamonix, choose the best ones suitable for your schedule or interest! If you are not afraid of heights and you want to feel like on the top of the world, choose a cable car ride onto Aiguille du midi, which stands 3862m above ground! Visit a real glacier until you can, get a glacier train ride to Montenvers and look out over the glaciers of Mer the Glace, and walk inside in one of its ice caves! Those who wish to have a leisure day in Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, can enjoy a glass of wine, a fine meal a lunch at one of Chamonix’s traditional restaurants. After filled up with new memories, you will be transferred back to your Hotel in comfort.

Chamonix: Private Guided Visit Mer de Glace 1/2 day

8. Chamonix: Private Guided Visit Mer de Glace 1/2 day

Don't miss this guided tour of the Mer de Glace, a unique experience, accompanied by a fascinating guide, in the heart of breathtaking landscapes! From the city center of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, take the famous Montenvers cogwheel train to reach the iconic Mer de Glace, the largest glacier in the French Alps. Throughout this ascent, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Chamonix Valley and immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Mont-Blanc Massif, surrounded by renowned peaks such as the Drus and the Grandes Jorasses. The exploration begins! Upon arrival at the Montenvers station, at an altitude of 1,913 meters, you'll encounter the majestic Mer de Glace. Nestled amidst the mountains, in an idyllic valley for nature lovers, you'll embark on a guided tour of the Mer de Glace with an experienced and captivating guide. Passionate about this rich and complex environment, they will guide you through its secrets, delving into its history, evolution over time, and the challenges it faces today. Its name suits it well! Impressive in its entire length, it serves as the ideal terrain for numerous adventures and explorations. You'll also dive into captivating stories of mountaineers who have taken on incredible challenges in the heart of this world. In the crystal gallery, you'll identify those hidden treasures shimmering, safely nestled within the mountains. Your guide will enchant you with anecdotes about them! Then, depending on the opening conditions, you'll have the opportunity to continue your guided tour of the Mer de Glace by exploring the Ice Cave. You'll find yourself deep within the abyss of this giant. After a twenty-minute walk, you'll discover impressive formations of sculpted ice with blue hues. It's an immersion to experience at least once in a lifetime! You'll witness the majesty and power of the Mer de Glace, as well as the fragility of nature. If you wish to delve even deeper into this exploration close to the mountains, you can combine this tour with a visit to the Mythical Aiguille du Midi with your guide. It's also possible to approach the Mer de Glace with an expert glaciologist. For a sportive day in this privileged environment, discover our Aiguille du Midi, Balcony Hike, and Mer de Glace outing. Credit photos: Morgane Raylat

Other Sightseeing Options in Mer de Glace

Want to discover all there is to do in Mer de Glace? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Mer de Glace

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 575 reviews

Very well organized trip, everything went according to plan and we slso had spare time to enjoy Chamonix. Chris, our guide, was attentive to everyone's needs and made sure we all had a memorable experience.

Was a vwry nice experinced despite the rain, and not able to ride the cable cars.. the guide and the drivers were very friendly, guide was so informative and always attentive. Highly reccommended.

Unreal experience ! I would definitely recommend the full package with cable/ train experience. Best New Year celebrations to date ! Chris the guide was superb ! Just a perfect day ! Thank you :)

We had a great tour! My family enjoyed to the max! Thank you, team♥️.

Magnifique ! Je conseille à tout le monde de le faire !