The Mont Blanc Balconies in 3 days

The Balcons du Mont Blanc offer a unique alpine immersion, combining balcony trails, off-trail sections, and the iconic lakes of the Aiguilles Rouges. Over three days, this itinerary reveals a wilder, more mineral mountain environment, far from the crowds. Overlooking the Mont Blanc range, the Lac Blanc and Bellachat huts offer an authentic experience, facing the most beautiful panoramas of the massif. This hike is ideal for walkers already accustomed to sustained effort, looking to experience a short but intense raid. Between lakes, glacial landscapes, and panoramic ridgelines, this trip guarantees three days filled with alpine emоtions.

Duration

3 days

Destination

Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Period

Summer

Difficulty

Beginner

Program

The day before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais
Meeting with the guide at 6:30 p.m. at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office.

Day 1 – Exploration in the Aiguilles Rouges (Lac Blanc hut, 2352 m)
Early morning departure from the chalet of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve at the Col des Montets. After a steady ascent, we leave the trail to reach the first lake of the day. Continuing off-trail, from lake to lake in an increasingly mineral landscape, we reach the comfortable Lac Blanc hut at 2352 m, where the view over the Mont Blanc range is truly spectacular.
Elevation gain 1050 m / Elevation loss 100 m – Actual walking time: 5 hours

Day 2 – The Black Lakes and Lac Cornu (Bellachat hut)
We follow a balcony trail to reach an airy col and discover the Black Lakes. We then head to the summit of Le Brévent by cable car from Plan Praz. After a short detour via Lac du Brévent, we reach the traditional Bellachat hut at 2136 m, facing the Bossons Glacier and Mont Blanc.
Elevation gain 700 m / Elevation loss 100 m – Actual walking time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Day 3 – Ascent of the Aiguillette des Houches
Before the descent through alpine pastures and forests to the village of Les Houches, we follow the narrow ridge of the Aiguillette des Houches, marking the boundary of the Carlaveyron Nature Reserve. A magical 360° view!
Elevation gain 200 m / Elevation loss 1400 m – Walking time: 5 hours

The guides may adjust the program according to the weather, mountain conditions, and the participants’ skill level.

Photo gallery

Details

Nestled in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges, the Balcons du Mont Blanc offer a unique off-trail alpine hike, weaving between hanging lakes, granite boulder fields, and glacial panoramas. The route unfolds in a mineral atmosphere typical of this metamorphic massif, alternating slabs, moraines, and airy ridgelines.
The Lac Blanc and Bellachat huts allow you to admire, at dusk, one of the finest spectacles in the Alps: Mont Blanc illuminated by the colors of evening.
Varied, immersive, and wild, this traverse is a concentrated taste of high mountain terrain accessible to strong hikers.

Dates

Possible dates on request for pre-formed groups, subject to hut availability.

Registration and payment

Only once the dates have been confirmed:
Using the registration form dated and signed, accompanied by a 40% deposit and the amount for the optional insurance. The balance must be paid 60 days before departure.

Supervision and participants

Maximum of 10 participants per guide. You will be supervised by a state-certified mountain leader.

Physical and technical level

Pour un marcheur en bonne condition physique, ne présentant pas de contre-indication médicale à la marche en montagne avec portage de sac. Idéal pour une première expérience de la randonnée itinérante. Entre 4 à 6h de marche par jour sur sentiers. Passage sur pierriers ou névés selon l’enneigement.

You will carry your personal gear and picnic lunches for 3 days; the backpack weight should not exceed 8 kg (including water). Do not hesitate to contact us if you are unsure about the required level.

Prices

Private trip rates

1 participant : 1500€
2 participants : 885€ par personne
3 participants : 680€ par personne
4 participants : 575€ par personne
5 participants : 530€ par personne
6 participants : 485€ par personne
7 participants : 455€ par personne
8 participants : 440€ par personne
9 participants : 420€ par personne
10 participants : 405€ par personne

The price includes

Supervision by a mountain guide
2 ½ pensions en refuge
3 pique-niques
Le téléphérique de Plan Praz au Brévent
Le transfert en train

The price does not include

Les boissons et extras en refuges
Transportation to the starting point
Equipment rental (backpack, trekking poles, etc.)
Everything not listed under “the price includes”

Insurance

Repatriation

Having “assistance–repatriation” insurance is mandatory to take part in our trips: it must cover you in high mountains for search and rescue by helicopter. If you do not have “assistance–repatriation” insurance, we can provide one at a rate of €5/day.

Cancellation

We also offer optional “cancellation” insurance at a rate of €12/day. This insurance does not take into account the sporting nature of our trips. It must be purchased at the time of registration to take effect. As a reminder, the cancellation insurance covers you from the moment you register until the day of your course, in case something happens and you are unable to attend. We apply cancellation fees as specified on our registration form and in our terms of sale. These fees may be reimbursed by the cancellation insurance if your reason for cancelling is covered.

If you pay by credit card, feel free to check the insurance included with it.

As a reminder, in the event of cancellation you must file your claim with the insurer within 5 days of the accident or reason for cancelling, otherwise it will not be valid (then check whether the reason for cancellation is covered).

Insurance fees are non-refundable.

Equipment list

Clothing and personal equipment

Hiking boots with high ankle support and a lugged sole (low-cut shoes that do not protect the ankle are not suitable).
hiking socks
1 pair of shorts + 1 pair of hiking trousers
T-shirts (advice: avoid cotton and choose breathable synthetic fabrics with quick-drying properties).
1 fleece
1 waterproof windproof jacket with hood, Gore-Tex–type (breathable), waterproof and windproof (+ waterproof overtrousers depending on the forecast conditions).
Cap or bucket hat / sunglasses (category 3 minimum) / sunscreen / sun protection lip balm
Warm hat or headband, and fleece gloves / buff

Other accessories

Comfortable backpack with a hip belt and a good carrying system (30–35 L maximum).
Water bottle or hydration system (choose lightweight bottles or sturdy plastic bottles).
Knife / spoon / cup
Snacks: dried fruit (sweet/savoury), cereal bars, etc.
Sleeping bag liner (blankets are provided in the huts).
Mini toiletry kit: soap, shampoo sample, small lightweight towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, tissues, cleansing wipes.
Plastic bags for rubbish or to protect your gear.
Headlamp + fresh batteries
2 trekking poles (telescopic).
Flip-flops or lightweight sandals for the hut.

Pharmacie personnelle

Earplugs (foam type).
Special blister plasters (Compeed-type) / assorted wound dressings / Elastoplast-style elastic bandage / disinfectant alcohol wipes
Medication for pain and fever (aspirin or paracetamol) / digestive issues / anti-inflammatory drugs
Personal medication and a list of allergies or contraindications

Other

Valid identity card or passport less than 10 years old
Cash for drinks and other extras in the huts
Copy of your personal insurance covering hiking activities (insurer name, policy number, procedure and emergency contact number) if you have not opted for the insurance offered.

Rendez-vous

You will meet the guides the day before departure at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office (43 rue du Mont Blanc, 74170 Saint-Gervais), located inside the tourist office in the village center, at 6:30 p.m. Please let us know if you cannot attend; the briefing can be done by phone.

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