Hiking the Grand Balcon Nord and Lac Bleu in Chamonix
Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Charlotte
The Grand Balcon Nord trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Chamonix, offering sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and Bossons Glacier. But if you’re up for a little adventure, you can make this popular hike even more rewarding with a detour to Lac Bleu, which is a sparkling alpine lake that is hidden beneath towering cliffs. We tackled this route after visiting the Aiguille du Midi summit and ended up with one of our favorite hikes in the region. What made it even more memorable? It took us two tries to get it right. In this post, we’ll cover what to expect along the trail, how to choose your hiking direction, how to get to the trailhead, when to go, what to pack, and why Lac Bleu is absolutely worth the side quest.
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The Grand Balcon Nord: Beauty and Raw Mountain Power
To start our day, we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit first, then descended to Plan de l’Aiguille around 11 AM under clear skies. From the Plan d’Aiguille station, the trail immediately opened up to jaw-dropping views of the Bossons Glacier, the Aiguille du Midi spire, and the jagged peaks across the valley.
The Grand Balcon Nord is a well-maintained trail that traverses the mountainside at a steady grade. While enjoying the trail, you can actually look around and soak in the scenery without worrying about your footing.
The Side Quest to Lac Bleu
About 1.5 km (a little less than a mile) into the Grand Balcon Nord hike, you’ll reach a fork with a small sign pointing uphill toward Lac Bleu. It’s an easy-to-miss turn, so keep your GPS map handy. What makes this lake feel truly “hidden” is that you can’t see it from Plan de l’Aiguille. If we hadn’t had our map, we might never have stumbled across it.
This detour gains (a little bit) of elevation and, in mid-June, required navigating a significant snowfield. The snow was soft but not mushy, and there was no safe way to traverse around it. We followed the established trail and other hikers’ footsteps, being careful not to venture into untouched snow where hidden holes or melted sections might be lurking beneath.
When we finally reached the lake, my jaw was literally on the floor! The water was this deep aquamarine color, and in the windless moment we arrived, the surface was so perfectly reflective it was like a mirror.
You literally couldn’t tell where the water ended and the reflection began. The Aiguille du Midi loomed across the lake, playing peek-a-boo as it dipped in and out of the clouds, like watching a mountain magic trick.
Lac Bleu to Signal Forbes
The route back down to the Grand Balcon Nord (we didn’t loop back the way we came) led us through more snowpack and alongside a babbling glacial stream surrounded by wildflowers.
This felt like a mini adventure within the adventure! Navigating the snow, following the sound of rushing water, and discovering hidden pockets of alpine beauty.
We found ourselves alternating between walking the inclines and trail running the flats and declines. Chamonix is a mecca for trail running, and about half the people we encountered were doing exactly that.
The trail running culture here in Chamonix is infectious! There’s something exhilarating about moving through this landscape with that kind of flow and freedom. Of course, we’d slam on the brakes whenever we spotted little waterfalls gushing out of the mountainside, or when the clouds would part to reveal the valley floor and Chamonix town far below.
But the mountain also reminded us of its raw power. In several spots, we passed areas that had clearly seen recent avalanches or rockfalls. Pine trees were snapped off clean at their bases, as if something massive had rolled down the mountain. Giant boulders sat split in two with fresh, clean fractures, some having landed right in the middle of the trail!
Seeing this evidence of the mountain’s immense forces made us feel both small and more aware of exactly where we were. As we continued toward Montenvers, still moving in and out of clouds that made the hike feel atmospheric and moody, the trail character began to change.
We climbed up a small ridge that switched over to what felt like a boulder field. Not huge boulders, but rocks that dominated the landscape with no vegetation around them. It wasn’t a scramble, thankfully, but there were spots where you had to hop from rock to rock, which could be challenging for people with limited mobility.
The whole area felt like it had been carved by giants, with these weathered stone troll rocks scattered across the mountainside.
The Final Stretch to Montenvers
And then, finally, we could see down into the valley that held the Mer de Glace glacier. It was a sprawling river of ice that looked both ancient and otherworldly from our vantage point.
We ran most of the way back to the Montenvers Train Station from this point, because we had already hiked it on our failed attempt the day before. I personally think that you actually get a better view of the Mer de Glace from up on the trail, in comparison to the view from the actual Mer de Glace Observation Deck!
Reaching Montenvers
Once at Montenvers, you can:
- Ride the cogwheel train back to Chamonix
- Explore the Mer de Glace ice cave and glacier museum (time permitting)
- Grab a snack or drink at the cafe
Don’t miss the train!
| Dates Ranges | Last Train from Montenver Station |
|---|---|
| May 24 – July 4 | 5:00 PM |
| July 5 – August 31 | 5:30 PM |
| Sept 1 – Sept 14 | 5:00 PM |
| Sept 15 – Nov 2 | 4:30 PM |
**** Double-check the current schedule on the Offical Montenvers Website.
Which Direction Should You Hike the Grand Balcon Nord?
The Grand Balcon Nord can be hiked as a point-to-point journey in either direction or as an out-and-back. While all these routes follow the same spectacular trail, your experience will be dramatically different depending on which way you choose to go.
The key decision comes down to whether you want an easier downhill hike with views behind you, or a more challenging uphill journey with the dramatic Mont Blanc massif directly ahead. Your choice will also determine your logistics, starting with either a cable car ride or a cogwheel train, and significantly impact the physical demands of your day.
Hiking from Plan de l’Aiguille → Montenvers (The Easier Direction)
Trail Stats
- Distance: ~7 km one-way + ~1 km detour to Lac Bleu (~4.7 miles total)
- Elevation gain: ~250 m
- Time: 3–4 hours (not including breaks or photo stops)
- Difficulty: Moderate (mostly downhill)
- Pros: Easier, mostly downhill; more accessible for a wider range of fitness levels; perfect if combining with Aiguille du Midi summit visit
- Cons: Most dramatic views are behind you, so you need to turn around often for the best photo opportunities
How to Get to Plan de l’Aiguille
The trail begins at the mid-station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car. You can ride the cable car directly to Plan de l’Aiguille, or visit the summit first (highly recommended), then descend one stop.
Do you need a reservation for the Aiguille du Midi cable car?
Yes! Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially in high season (July–August), even if you’re only going as far as Plan de l’Aiguille. The cable car can book out early, particularly in good weather. You can reserve a time slot online via the Aiguille du Midi Website, then pick up your ticket at the base station, or download your e-ticket to your phone.
Hiking from Montenvers → Plan de l’Aiguille (The More Difficult and More Aesthetic Direction)
Trail Stats
- Distance: ~7 km one-way + ~1 km detour to Lac Bleu (~4.7 miles total)
- Elevation gain: ~600 m ascent (~2,000 ft)
- Time: 4–5 hours (not including breaks or photo stops)
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (you are walking uphill the entire way!)
- Pros: Best views are directly in front of you, and it feels like walking into a postcard as you hike toward the towering Mont Blanc massif
- Cons: Uphill the entire way; requires more fitness and time; more physically demanding
How to Get to MontenverS Station
Take the cogwheel train from Chamonix to Montenvers station. The first train usually departs around 8:30–9:00 AM, so check the current schedule before planning your start time. No reservations are typically required for the train, but arriving early ensures you get the timing you want. The trailhead is easy to find and well-marked from the station.
Why We Hiked the Grand Balcon Nord Twice (And Why Weather Matters)
Our first attempt was from Montenvers to Plan de l’Aiguille, but the weather forecast called for afternoon thunderstorms. I was feeling overly optimistic, while my travel buddy was more nervous. The thunderclouds were already building into massive white, fluffy pillars, and the trail was completely empty. We should have taken this as a warning sign, as this is supposed to be THE most popular trail in Chamonix! After 30 minutes of hiking in eerie silence, the first clap of thunder sent us high-tailing back to the train station. Sure enough, torrential rain hit just as we reached our BnB.
The Best Times to Hike the Grand Balcon Nord
The trail is typically snow-free and fully accessible between late June and mid-September. Earlier in the season (like our mid-June visit), expect significant snowpack, especially on the Lac Bleu side quest. However, keep in mind that visiting later in the season may bring reduced lift and train hours. Start early in the day for clearer skies and a safer weather window. And seriously, check that weather forecast using the Chamonix App!
Who Would Enjoy the Grand Balcon Nord
- Moderate-level hikers who want high rewards without brutal climbs
- Trail runners (you’ll be in good company!)
- Families with teens
- Photography enthusiasts (just be ready to stop frequently)
- Visitors using the Mont Blanc Multipass
You Might Not Enjoy the Grand Balcon Nord If:
- Have unstable knees (the descent is consistent)
- Struggle with altitude (Plan de l’Aiguille is at ~2300 m elevation (7545 ft)
- Are planning to hike in questionable weather
- Have limited mobility (some rock-hopping required near Signal Forbes)
What to Pack for the Grand Balcon Nord
- Hiking shoes or boots with good traction (trail runners work fine for this relatively gentle terrain)
- Layered clothing – the weather in Chamonix can change quickly, even in summer
- Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (the alpine sun is stronger than you might expect)
- Water bottle (bring at least 1-2 liters of water per person)
- I recommend using a hydration bladder for hands-free drinking or an insulated water bottle to keep your water cold on warm days. Both options are perfect for long hikes!
- Small backpack or trail running vest to carry snacks, layers, and camera gear
- We have the Osprey Talon / Osprey Tempest day packs, and a Gregory Jade day pack. All of them are super comfy.
- Camera – you’ll want to capture the spectacular mountain views
- Cash (euros) for rifugios and parking (many don’t accept cards)
- Trail map or AllTrails app (downloaded offline before your hike)
- Light rain jacket or poncho, even on clear days (mountain weather is unpredictable)
- I have a Mammut Rain Jacket that is super lightweight, and packs down to about the size of a large potato.
- Trekking poles (optional, but helpful for the downhill sections)
- While trekking poles are super popular with hikers from Germany and Austria, I don’t tend to use them often, as they’re not really needed for hiking at home in Hawaii. However, they can be helpful on steeper or downhill sections if you prefer extra stability. My personal set came from Costco, and I got them for just $20 USD, which works just fine for most hikes.
Ready To Plan Your Trip To Chamonix?
If it’s your first time in Chamonix, be sure to check out our full Chamonix Travel Guide. If you’re curious about the character of the little villages in the valley, we also have a full guide on Where to Stay in Chamonix. And if you’re here for the hiking, be sure to check out our blog post on our favorite hikes in Chamonix.
