Lac Bleu

Lac Bleu is a small mountain lake in the Mont Blanc massif, sitting at 2,299 metres above sea level in the commune of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (Haute-Savoie). It lies at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi, hemmed in by huge granite boulders, with clear water that stands out against the surrounding green alpine slopes.

How do you get to Lac Bleu?

The easiest approach is to take the Plan de l'Aiguille cable car, which arrives at 2,233 metres, and continue on foot for around 15 minutes along an easy path. This is the option most visitors choose, including families and anyone who wants to see a genuine alpine lake without committing to a long climb.

The alternative is to walk up directly from the Chamonix valley without using the cable car. That route takes roughly 6 hours and involves about 1,300 metres of elevation gain, so it suits hikers who are prepared for a full day out in high-mountain terrain.

What will you see at the lake?

Lac Bleu is a small, intimate body of water tucked into a rocky hollow among massive boulders. Despite its modest size, it makes an impression thanks to its strikingly clear water and the raw high-altitude scenery around it.

From the lake and along the approach path, you get views of some of the Mont Blanc massif's best-known rock spires — the Aiguille du Grépon, La Blaitière and the Grands Charmoz — as well as the Aiguilles Rouges range on the opposite side of the Chamonix valley. That combination of an easy walk and a genuine high-mountain panorama is a big part of why the short route from Plan de l'Aiguille is so popular with cable-car visitors.

When is the best time to visit?

The lake and the paths leading to it are only accessible seasonally, broadly from mid-June to early November; outside that window, high-altitude conditions such as snow and ice can make the approach difficult or impossible. It's worth checking the current Plan de l'Aiguille cable car schedule before your visit, since it determines the most convenient way to reach the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to hike from Chamonix to reach Lac Bleu? No — most visitors take the cable car up to Plan de l'Aiguille and then walk about 15 minutes to the lake. A full hike up from the valley floor is possible, but it is considerably longer and more demanding.

How high up is Lac Bleu? The lake sits at 2,299 metres above sea level, just above the Plan de l'Aiguille cable car station at 2,233 metres.

Is the route suitable for families with children? The short walk from the cable car station is easy and often recommended as a family outing. The full ascent from Chamonix, on the other hand, is a demanding full-day mountain hike.

What views can you see from the lake? From around Lac Bleu you can see the distinctive rock spires of the Aiguille du Grépon, La Blaitière and the Grands Charmoz in the Mont Blanc massif, as well as the Aiguilles Rouges range across the valley.