On June 7th, we took the cable car up to the Aiguilled du Midi to admire the spectacular view - then rode down to the Plan de l'Aiguille from where we hiked to the Mer de Glace: an amazing hike. We took the train down to the village frmom Montenvers but one can also hike down.

Check out the photos posted to the event (Lausanne). Karin

If you drive through Chamonix up into the higher Vallorcine valley it is very nice (many hikes starting from here, including up to mountain tops with nice views) with a lot fewer tourists in my experience.

Daniel, there are so many amazing hikes in that area. as Mark said, Vallorcine is amazing. Or even before Chamonix, you can hike from Sallanches or Passy with incredible Mont Blanc views. There are also many hikes from Chamonix itself.

Assuming you don't want to buy a guide book, you can get very good advice from the local tourist information offices in any of these areas. In order to pick the right route, think about how many hours you want to hike for? How much climbing you want to do? Are you fit? Do you prefer to be on a very easy trail or can you handle something more challenging? Give this info to the local tourist advisor and they'll help you pick a suitable route. Enjoy :-)

I like the ones where you can hike to a hut for lunch. Two good ones are from the top of the Flegere or Index lift to Lac Blanc Refuge (Index is easier), or from the top of the Brevent lift to Refuge Bellachat, and then down to the valley floor. You've missed the lifts for this year though I think.

Hi guys 

Thank you for all the advice.

We did the Plan de l'Aiguille to the Mer de Glace, which was one of the best hikes of my life REALLY Really amazing. Highly recomended.

some pics below

Daniel