Tour du Mont Blanc, Stage 9: from Argentière to Chamonix, the grand balcony facing Mont Blanc

The ninth stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a visual spectacle, a panoramic apotheosis. Starting from Argentière, the trail ascends to one of the most famous Alpine viewpoints, the Grand Balcon Sud. The entire day unfolds against a grandiose backdrop: the Mer de Glace, the Drus, the Grandes Jorasses, and the summit of Mont Blanc itself. This is the stage many hikers eagerly anticipate, a constant face-to-face with granite giants. For us at Grand Angle, this day represents the quintessence of a trek in France, combining moderate effort with breathtaking views. It is a visual reward after more than a week of walking, an invitation to contemplation before completing the loop.

• Main route: the Grand Balcon Sud to La Flégère
• The Lac Blanc variant: a jewel worth the effort
• Geology and landscapes: a dialogue between two massifs
• Arrival in Chamonix: in the heart of the mountaineering capital
• Experience the TMB finale with Grand Angle

Main route: the Grand Balcon Sud to La Flégère

This stage is one of the most beautiful on the route, with relatively moderate effort if using the lifts. Walking the entire trail is about 15 km with nearly 1200 m of ascent. The most common option is to reach the trailhead at altitude.

The climb to the balcony trail

From Argentière, a forested climb, sometimes steep, leads to the main trail. However, many hikers, including those in our self-guided groups, choose to descend to the village of Les Praz to take the La Flégère cable car. This option saves a significant climb and allows direct access to the panoramic trail, ready to enjoy the spectacle.

From La Flégère to Planpraz

The trail between La Flégère (1877 m) and Planpraz (2000 m), the Grand Balcon Sud, is relatively flat and easy, winding along the mountainside. Each turn, each step, offers a new perspective on the Mont Blanc range. The trail is wide and well-marked, allowing hikers to walk while admiring the landscape without technical difficulty. It is a perfect route for a family hike in the Alps, provided the distances are managed well.

The Lac Blanc variant: a jewel worth the effort

For hikers seeking a photographic goal and an extra challenge, the ascent to Lac Blanc (2352 m) is a prime option. It is one of the most famous TMB variants, but also one of the most demanding on this side of the trail.

A more technical trail

From La Flégère or via a trail ascending from Argentière through the Chéserys, the climb to Lac Blanc adds about 500 meters of ascent. The Chéserys route includes several metal ladders (the Échelles des Chéserys), which require a sure foot and no fear of heights. The effort is rewarded by arrival at the lake, whose calm waters perfectly reflect the Mont Blanc range. A refuge allows a rest in this exceptional setting before descending back to La Flégère to rejoin the main trail.

Geology and landscapes: a dialogue between two massifs

This stage offers a unique geology lesson. Hikers walk in the Aiguilles Rouges massif, mainly composed of metamorphic rocks (gneiss). Directly opposite, across the valley, rises the Mont Blanc massif, a granite batholith. This contrast explains the difference in relief: rounded red peaks underfoot, sharp gray granite needles across the valley. The view also plunges down to the Mer de Glace, highlighting the glacier's scale and its role in shaping the Chamonix valley.

Arrival in Chamonix: in the heart of the mountaineering capital

From Planpraz, the descent to Chamonix (1035 m) can be done on foot via a forest trail or by taking the Brévent cable car. Arriving in Chamonix marks an important psychological milestone. The city buzzes with energy from mountaineers from around the world. It is an opportunity to celebrate the journey and the sense of having accomplished something remarkable.

Continue exploring the TMB stage by stage

• TMB - Stage 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie
• TMB - Stage 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux
• TMB - Stage 3: Les Chapieux to Elisabetta Refuge
• TMB - Stage 4: Elisabetta Refuge to Courmayeur
• TMB - Stage 5: Courmayeur to La Fouly
• TMB - Stage 6: La Fouly to Champex
• TMB - Stage 7: Champex to Col de la Forclaz
• TMB - Stage 8: Col de la Forclaz to Argentière
• TMB - Stage 9: Argentière to Chamonix
• TMB - Stage 10: Chamonix to Les Houches

See all TMB stages ➜

Experience the TMB finale with Grand Angle

This balcony stage is a highlight of our various trips, whether the 10-day guided TMB or its 12-day self-guided version. Depending on the formula, we adapt the itinerary so everyone can enjoy the spectacle at their own pace. Arrival in Chamonix is not quite the end of the adventure for those wishing to complete the full tour. One final stage remains to return to the starting point. To learn all the details and choose the Mont Blanc massif trek that suits you, contact our advisors, whose expertise in the field is your best ally.