The Grand Balcon Nord is one of the most celebrated day hikes in the Chamonix Valley. It is short enough to complete in half a day yet rich enough in scenery to stand alongside the valley’s most famous outings. For visitors with only a few days in Chamonix, this trail is a must.
Trail Profile
- Distance: 6 km (3.72 miles)
- Total Ascent: 353 m (1158 ft)
- Total Descent: 745 m (2444 ft)
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Lowest Elevation: 1920 m (6299 ft) at Montenvers
- Highest Elevation: 2300 m (7546 ft) at Plan d’Aiguille
- Time: 2.5–3 hours
- Season: June–October
The hike begins at Plan d’Aiguille, the mid‑station of the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and finishes at Montenvers, where the rack‑and‑pinion train returns you to Chamonix.
Choosing Your Direction
The trail can be walked in either direction. Most hikers choose Plan d’Aiguille to Montenvers because the elevation gain is gentler. Walking in reverse from Montenvers to Plan d’Aiguille offers slightly better views of Mont Blanc, but the climb is steeper and more demanding.
From Plan d’Aiguille, you descend gently to the Refuge Plan d’Aiguille before traversing the balcony path. Mont Blanc remains visible behind you, so it is worth turning around at intervals to admire the dome.
Pre‑Trek Side Trip: Aiguille du Midi
The Aiguille du Midi cable car is one of the most dramatic vertical ascents in the world. It lifts passengers from 1,035 m in Chamonix to 3,842 m at the summit.
- Experience: Panoramic views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
- Duration: 1.5–2 hours at the top.
- Cost: €80–90, with discounts if booked online three days in advance.
- Tip: Dress warmly even in summer.
The Aiguille du Midi is touristy and expensive, but the panorama is astounding. Incorporating this visit before the Grand Balcon Nord hike makes for a longer day but adds unforgettable value.
Pre‑Trek Side Trip: Panoramic Cable Car
From the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, the Panoramic Cable Car crosses the Glacier du Géant to Pointe Helbronner in Italy.
- Distance: 5 km across crevasses and seracs.
- Duration: 50 minutes each way.
- Cost: Adult €125.50, Child €106.70, Family pass €389.10.
- Availability: Weather dependent, cannot be booked in advance.
This gondola ride is exceptional, but you must decide on the day whether conditions allow. If you include both the Aiguille du Midi and the Panoramic, start early—an 8 am departure is recommended to ensure time for the hike and the Montenvers train.
Practical Tips
- Season: June–October is best. Snow lingers outside these months.
- Tickets: The Mont Blanc Multi‑Pass combines Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers train, and glacier entry, offering better value.
- Timing: If including side trips, start early. The last Montenvers train departs around 16:30.
- Clothing: Even in summer, carry warm layers for high altitudes.
Section One Recap – Plan d’Aiguille to Refuge Plan d’Aiguille
The hike begins at Plan d’Aiguille, reached either by cable car or by a steep climb from Chamonix. The climb is steep: 6 km with 1,300 m of ascent, taking 2–3 hours. Adding this to the balcony trail makes for a demanding day. From the cable car station, you descend gently to the Refuge Plan d’Aiguille, a hut with unrivalled views of Mont Blanc. This first section is short, about ten minutes, but sets the tone: alpine air, sweeping panoramas, and the sense of being perched above the valley. A short detour leads to Lac Bleu, a small alpine lake. It is optional, as the main trail offers more dramatic scenery.
The Balcony Traverse
From the refuge, the trail stretches out as a balcony path. The sign indicates 2 hours 30 minutes to Montenvers, which is accurate for most walkers. The terrain is undulating, with gentle ups and downs, but never taxing. This is the kind of walking that allows you to look up, take in the scenery, and enjoy the rhythm of the trail.
Mont Blanc remains behind you, so it is worth turning back at intervals to admire the dome. Ahead, the jagged Aiguille du Dru rises like a spire, while the valley floor lies far below.
Optional Detour – Alpages de Blaitière
Midway along the balcony, you have a choice. Those who skipped the Aiguille du Midi earlier may have time to descend to Alpages de Blaitière. This alpine homestead is run by Carine and Thomas, who produce goat and sheep cheese, wool, and soap.
It is a 45‑minute descent, and few tourists venture here. You can enjoy lunch, buy fresh products, and experience authentic alpine life. From here, you can either climb back to the trail or continue all the way down to Chamonix.
Les Grosses Pierres – The Big Stones
Back on the main path, you pass Les Grosses Pierres. The trail is well signposted, and you never feel lost. At this point, you see the first sign for Signal Forbes, the viewpoint above the Mer de Glace.
There is also a sign for “Sous le Signal,” a lower route to Montenvers. This path is delicate and exposed, and not recommended. The main route is safer and more rewarding.
Autumn Colours
In October, the few trees along the trail blaze with colour. Their reds and yellows contrast with the grey rock and white glacier, adding bursts of brightness to the landscape.
Climb to Signal Forbes
At the junction, take the recommended path to Signal Forbes. The signpost itself indicates “Itinéraire conseillé,” meaning “recommended route.” The climb takes 20–30 minutes, built with large flat boulders forming a natural stairway.
This is the hardest part of the Grand Balcon Nord, but it is short. The path is steady, with switchbacks easing the gradient. Along the way, the Aiguille du Dru dominates the skyline, its spire soaring above the massif.
Signal Forbes – The Glacier Panorama
At the top, the Signal Forbes signpost marks the viewpoint. Do not stop here. Behind the signpost, a well‑worn unmarked path leads to the true viewpoint.
Here, the Mer de Glace reveals itself in full. Unlike the limited view from Montenvers, where the glacier curves out of sight, Signal Forbes offers the complete perspective. The glacier snakes down from Mont Blanc, fractured by crevasses, its surface gleaming.
This is the finest vantage point in Chamonix. Those who only take the train to Montenvers miss this full panorama.
Descent to Montenvers
From Signal Forbes, the trail descends steeply in switchbacks. The sign indicates 35 minutes, but nimble walkers often manage 20. The views remain spectacular, with repeated glimpses of the Dru and the glacier.
At the bottom lies Montenvers, the official end of the Grand Balcon Nord.
Montenvers – End of the Trail
Montenvers is more than a station. It includes:
- Refuge Hotel Montenvers: A charming place to stay overnight, with food and drinks available for day hikers.
- Montenvers Train Station: The rack‑and‑pinion railway descends to Chamonix.
- Gondola to the Ice Cave: A short ride leads directly to the glacier grotto.
- Crystal Museum and Glaciorium: Exhibits on alpine geology and glaciology.
After a long day, many hikers simply relax at the hotel terrace, enjoying a drink while gazing at the glacier.
Post‑Trek Side Trip – Mer de Glace Ice Cave
The gondola now descends directly to the ice cave, eliminating the old staircase. Inside, the walls of blue ice shimmer.
- Cost: Included in the Multi‑Pass or around €50 for train, gondola, and grotto.
- Timing: Last departure to the cave is around 3 pm.
- Season: Open all year except October.
Visiting the cave adds time and energy to an already long day. If you have included the Aiguille du Midi and Panoramic gondola, you may prefer to skip it. Families often prioritise the cave, while seasoned hikers focus on the balcony trail and high viewpoints.
The Montenvers Train – Return to Chamonix
The Montenvers Train is one of Chamonix’s treasures. Built in 1908, it replaced the mule track and remains the valley’s second most popular attraction after the Aiguille du Midi.
- Route: 5.1 km of track, ascending 900 m.
- Duration: 20 minutes each way.
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes.
- Last Train: 16:30 or 17:00 depending on season.
For hikers, the train is the perfect finale. The crimson carriages wind through forests and cliffs, descending gently into Chamonix.
Practical Advice for the Second Section
- Signal Forbes: Always take the recommended path. The lower “delicate” route is not worth the risk.
- Timing: Allow 2.5 hours from Refuge Plan d’Aiguille to Montenvers, plus 30 minutes for Signal Forbes.
- Detours: Alpages de Blaitière offers authenticity, but adds time.
- Train: Check the last departure online before setting out. Missing it means a two‑hour forest walk back to Chamonix.
- Multi‑Pass: The best value ticket, covering Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers train, and glacier entry.
Full Day Itinerary – Combining All Highlights
For those who want to combine everything, here is a suggested itinerary:
- 8:00 am – Cable car to Aiguille du Midi.
- 9:00 am – Explore summit platforms.
- 10:00 am – Optional Panoramic gondola to Italy.
- 12:00 pm – Return to Plan d’Aiguille.
- 12:30 pm – Begin Grand Balcon Nord hike.
- 1:30 pm – Reach Les Grosses Pierres.
- 2:00 pm – Climb to Signal Forbes.
- 2:30 pm – Enjoy glacier viewpoint.
- 3:00 pm – Descend to Montenvers.
- 3:30 pm – Optional gondola to ice cave.
- 4:30 pm – Train back to Chamonix.
This schedule requires an early start but allows you to experience the valley’s three greatest attractions in one day.
The second section of the Grand Balcon Nord is where the hike reaches its climax. The balcony traverse is gentle and scenic, the climb to Signal Forbes is short but rewarding, and the glacier view is unmatched. The descent to Montenvers completes the journey with alpine drama, and the train ride back to Chamonix provides a fitting close.
It is a trail that locals still rate highly, even after years of living in Chamonix. For visitors, it is not optional. It is the essence of the valley: Mont Blanc, glaciers, alpine drama, and authentic experiences all woven into one unforgettable day.
