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Mer de Glace
The Mer de Glace is one of the special attractions in the Chamonix valley. It is the largest glacier in France, 7kms long and 200m deep. In the winter, thousands of skiers follow the glacier down to the Montenvers Railway station after skiing the famous "Vallee Blanche".
The Montenvers Railway
The Montenvers Railwaywas the first custom built tourist attraction in the valley. It started operating in 1908. Plan de l'Aiguille
The funicular railway departs from Chamonix and makes its way up the sides of the Aiguilles de Chamonix to an altitude of 1913 m.
The station at Montenvers has a cafe and a restaurant from where there are spectacular views of some of the most prestigious peaks in Chamonix. Les Drus (3754m), Les Grands Jorasses (4205m) and the Aiguille du Grepon (3482m). The station is poised on a rocky ridge overlooking the Mer de Glace glacier.
Take the cable car from the station on to the glacier to visit the Ice Grotto (see below). View the animal museum and an exhibition of beautiful mountain crystals found in the region.
In summer there are great alpine walks to theand the valley floor.
Click here for information about the Montenvers Train opening times in Winter and in Summer and for Prices.
The Ice Grotto
A small cable-car allows visitors to descend from the train station onto the Mer de Glace glacier where they can enter a man made ice grotto.A collection of ice sculptures and caves are inside under the glacier.
The grotto has to be dug out every summer since the glaciers are moving about 70m every year. In the winter the Grotto is replaced by a small ice museum.
The Montenvers Hotel was built in 1880 and is still receiving Mer de Glace guests. It has a rustic charm and aims to combine the authentic values of a traditional refuge with the services of a comfortable hotel and restaurant. The Montenvers Railway is open all year round - except 15 Nov to 15 Dec
For reservations and Information
35, place de la Mer de Glace
Chamonix 74400
33(0)4 50 53 12 54