Le Brévent
Ascend to Le Brévent for unparalleled panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the French Alps. Explore hiking trails and enjoy mountain dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Le Brévent
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to Le Brévent for unparalleled panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the French Alps. Explore hiking trails and enjoy mountain dining.
"Breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range, a fantastic alternative to Aiguille du Midi!"
Book tickets in advance
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your cable car tickets ahead of your visit. :admission_tickets:
Dress in layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for temperature changes with versatile clothing. :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mont Blanc Views
Summit of Le Brévent
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding Alps. A true feast for the eyes!
Le Panoramique Restaurant
Top station of Le Brévent cable car
Enjoy hearty mountain fare with an unparalleled backdrop of Mont Blanc. Perfect for a midday refuel.
Hike to La Flégère
Connecting trail from Le Brévent
A scenic medium-difficulty hike offering continuous stunning views, linking two incredible viewpoints.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Weather Watch & What to Pack
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book tickets in advance
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your cable car tickets ahead of your visit. :admission_tickets:
Dress in layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for temperature changes with versatile clothing. :cloud:
Wear comfortable shoes
Essential for exploring the summit and any hiking you plan to do. :athletic_shoe:
Check the weather
Visibility can be poor in fog or clouds. A clear day is crucial for the best views. :sunbehindcloud:
Le Brévent cable car/gondola to Chamonix
Tips
from all over the internet
Book tickets in advance
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your cable car tickets ahead of your visit. :admission_tickets:
Dress in layers
Mountain weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for temperature changes with versatile clothing. :cloud:
Wear comfortable shoes
Essential for exploring the summit and any hiking you plan to do. :athletic_shoe:
Check the weather
Visibility can be poor in fog or clouds. A clear day is crucial for the best views. :sunbehindcloud:
Consider a multi-day pass
If you plan to use multiple local ski lifts, a 4-day pass can offer great value. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Le Brévent for its absolutely breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range, often calling it an excellent alternative to the Aiguille du Midi. The hiking opportunities and the dining experience with a view are also frequently highlighted as major positives. Some find the cable car journey itself to be an engineering marvel.
"This was great, fantastic views, really enjoyed the trip. We bought a 4 day advance ticket from tourist office for all local ski lifts for best value. We also walked on the path to the next ski lift La Paz, a medium challenging walk also with amazing views."
andy austin
"We’ve never had much luck with the Aiguille du Midi, either poor weather with no visibility or fully booked on the clear days.
This lift proved to be an excellent alternative, with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range.
From the summit, you don’t just get the Mont Blanc panorama but also, on a clear day you can see all the way to the Chartreuse near Grenoble and Chambéry.
It’s not as high as the Aiguille du Midi (only 2525m), but it’s still a fantastic experience and well worth the trip.
There are auberges at both stops for food or drinks, and watching the paragliders take off adds to the atmosphere."
Harry M
"Amazing experience we had to book the time slot to visit Mt Brevent the cable car was something else amazing engineering skills and design to carry people up to areas that are totally unreachable to most. Best Day for a long time"
Daniel Carrigan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Le Brévent cable car station is easily accessible from Chamonix town center. You can walk there in about 15-20 minutes or take a local bus. The station is well-signposted and a popular starting point for many visitors.
While you can drive to Chamonix, parking directly at the Le Brévent cable car base station can be limited. It's often recommended to use public transport or walk from your accommodation in Chamonix.
Yes, it's possible to hike up to Le Brévent, especially if you are doing the Tour du Mont Blanc. However, be aware that it's a strenuous climb and requires good fitness.
The most common and convenient way to reach the summit is by taking the Le Brévent cable car from Chamonix. The journey offers spectacular views as you ascend.
Chamonix has an efficient local bus system that can take you to various points, including areas near the Le Brévent cable car. Check local schedules for the most convenient routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at the base of the Le Brévent cable car in Chamonix. For potential savings and to avoid queues, consider buying them in advance online or from the tourist office.
No, there are no ticket sales available at the summit or mid-stations of Le Brévent. All tickets must be purchased at the base station before ascending.
Operating hours vary seasonally and can be affected by weather. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the ticket office for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Typically, round-trip tickets are the standard offering for the Le Brévent cable car. If you plan to hike down, you might be able to purchase a one-way ticket, but confirm this at the ticket office.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot, especially during peak season, is highly recommended to guarantee your ascent and avoid long waits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you'll find incredible panoramic views of Mont Blanc, hiking trails, a restaurant (Le Panoramique), and opportunities to watch paragliders. It's a great spot for photography and relaxation.
Yes, Le Brévent offers several hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. The hike to La Flégère is particularly popular for its continuous views.
Le Brévent summit is at an altitude of 2525 meters (8284 feet). This makes it a fantastic viewpoint, though not as high as the Aiguille du Midi.
Absolutely! Le Brévent offers some of the most spectacular and unobstructed views of the entire Mont Blanc massif. It's a prime location for appreciating its grandeur.
Yes, families can enjoy Le Brévent. The cable car ride is an adventure, and there are accessible viewing platforms. Shorter, easier walks are also available.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are auberges (inns/restaurants) at both the top station and the mid-station of the Le Brévent cable car, offering food and drinks with stunning views.
Le Panoramique offers hearty mountain cuisine, perfect for warming up after being in the cold. Expect dishes like soups, stews, and other comforting meals.
Picnic tables are available at the top, allowing you to enjoy your own food with an incredible mountain backdrop. It's a great option for budget-conscious visitors.
As with most mountain-top restaurants, prices can be higher than in the valley. However, many find the experience and the views well worth the cost.
While specific menus can vary, mountain restaurants often have some vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check the menu upon arrival or inquire with the staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
The viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points. Look for spots near the restaurant and along the main trails for iconic shots of Mont Blanc.
Drone usage is often restricted in national parks and sensitive mountain areas. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. :noentrysign:
The primary subject is the majestic Mont Blanc range. Also, capture the cable car itself, paragliders in action, and the unique alpine flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as well as dressing everyone in layers, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. The restaurant at the top offers a good spot for a family meal with a view, or you can opt for a picnic. Shorter, easier walks are available, making it accessible for families with younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the cable car ticket is a significant expense, the unparalleled views and hiking opportunities offer immense value. Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and the hiking trails, which are free once you've reached the summit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the cable cars themselves, the paragliders launching from the slopes, and the unique alpine flora. The viewing platforms offer excellent vantage points, but exploring the nearby trails can lead to even more unique compositions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Le Brévent Cable Car Experience
It's important to note that the cable car operates in two stages. You'll take one gondola from the base station to the mid-station, and then transfer to a second, larger cable car for the final leg to the summit. This design allows for access to different levels of the mountain and facilitates the connection to other areas like La Flégère.
Pro-tip: If you're hiking down and wish to use the cable car to descend, be aware that passes are typically scanned on the way up. While you might not be scanned on the way down, it's always best to confirm policies at the ticket office.
Hiking and Trails at Le Brévent
For those seeking a less strenuous experience, there are also gentler paths around the summit area, perfect for a leisurely stroll and soaking in the alpine atmosphere. These shorter walks allow visitors to appreciate the mountain environment without requiring significant physical exertion.
Key takeaway: The trails at Le Brévent are designed to maximize your enjoyment of the mountain landscape. Whether you're an avid hiker or prefer a casual walk, there's an option for everyone to experience the grandeur of the Alps.
Culinary Delights with a View
Beyond Le Panoramique, there are other auberges at both the summit and mid-stations that provide food and drinks. These establishments offer a welcome respite from the elements and a chance to relax while taking in the scenery. For those on a tighter budget or who prefer to pack their own provisions, picnic tables are available, allowing you to enjoy your packed lunch with an extraordinary view.
Insider tip: While the food quality is generally good, expect mountain-top prices. However, most visitors agree that the unique dining experience and the magnificent views justify the cost.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit