Bellevue Cable Car Les Houches - red and white cable car during daytime
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Bellevue Cable Car Les Houches

4.4
·788 reviews·Les Houches, France

Ascend to breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc via the Bellevue Cable Car, a hiker's gateway to alpine trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
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Bellevue Cable Car Les Houches - red and white cable car during daytime

Bellevue Cable Car Les Houches

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ascend to breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc via the Bellevue Cable Car, a hiker's gateway to alpine trails.

4.4
(788 reviews)

"The views at the top were superb as it was a nice and sunny day."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets Early

Consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid potentially long queues at the ticket window.

🚶‍♀️ Save Your Energy

Take the cable car up to save 2+ hours of ascending effort for your hikes.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Mont Blanc Views

Panoramic Mont Blanc Views

Top of the Bellevue Cable Car

Breathtaking vistas of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountain range await. A must-see on a clear day!

Reddit
Effortless Ascent for Hikers

Effortless Ascent for Hikers

Bellevue Cable Car Station

Skip hours of strenuous climbing and start your hiking adventures from the top, refreshed and ready.

Reddit
Scenic Forest Walks

Scenic Forest Walks

From the top of the cable car

Enjoy beautiful forest trails and tracks from the summit, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Queues for the Bellevue Cable Car

To maximize your time and enjoy the stunning views, consider purchasing your tickets in advance or arriving early, especially during peak season. Some visitors report long queues for both tickets and the cable car itself. Reddit

Cable Car: A Smart Start for Hikers

The Bellevue cable car is a game-changer for hikers, saving significant time and effort. It's highly recommended for starting hikes like the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), allowing you to begin your trek refreshed. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better views
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny afternoons
Why
Clear skies for stunning vistas
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Time saved via cable cars

🎟️ Buy Tickets Early

Consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid potentially long queues at the ticket window. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Save Your Energy

Take the cable car up to save 2+ hours of ascending effort for your hikes. Reddit

reddit.com

Bellevue cable car Les Houches

reddit.com

TMB 2025 Trip plan.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Ride

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the cable car for free! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The views are absolutely stunning, so have your camera ready! Reddit

reddit.com

Should I even be going to Chamonix? (No experience)

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets Early

Consider purchasing tickets in advance to avoid potentially long queues at the ticket window. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Save Your Energy

Take the cable car up to save 2+ hours of ascending effort for your hikes. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Ride

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the cable car for free! Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The views are absolutely stunning, so have your camera ready! Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(788 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Bellevue Cable Car for its breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc and its immense value in saving hikers significant time and effort. The easy access to scenic trails and the dog-friendly policy are also highlighted as major positives. Some minor drawbacks include potential queues for tickets and the cable car itself during peak times.

"On a July Thursday, we had to queue for maybe 20 minutes at most. There was no queue for us at the ticket window. Apparently that can also have a long queue.
The views at the top were superb as it was a nice and sunny day."

Vijay Joshi

"Well, this is 18.5 euros single ride and only took about 10 minutes. Most riders are hikers. Will save them at least 2 hours effort of ascending (2,600ft). We took it to start our 10 days TMB hiking from Les Houches. Well worth the money."

Zhong Shang

"Amazing landscapes and views of Mont Blanc and whole mountain range. Not crazy about cable cars but worth for the stunning scenery."

Cathy Melly

What People Like

Spectacular Mont Blanc views
Saves hiking time
Dog-friendly ride

What People Dislike

Potential queues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bellevue Cable Car is located in Les Houches, a village near Chamonix. You can reach Les Houches by car, bus, or train from Chamonix. The cable car station is well-signposted within the village. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available near the Bellevue Cable Car station in Les Houches. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season to secure a spot. Reddit

Absolutely! Buses and trains frequently run between Chamonix and Les Houches, making it easy to access the cable car via public transport. Reddit

The journey from Chamonix to Les Houches by car or bus usually takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A single ride on the Bellevue Cable Car costs approximately 18.5 euros. It's a worthwhile investment for the time and effort saved, especially for hikers. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned in all sources, it's often possible to purchase tickets online for popular attractions. Checking the official website or local tourist information is recommended to avoid queues. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase single ride tickets for pedestrians or use your ski pass if you're skiing in the area. Dogs can also ride for free. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit. Reddit

Reservations are generally not required for the Bellevue Cable Car, but purchasing tickets in advance or arriving early is advised to avoid queues, especially during peak times. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

At the top, you'll find incredible panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps. It's also a fantastic starting point for numerous hiking trails and forest walks. Reddit

Yes, the Bellevue Cable Car is a popular access point for many hiking trails, including sections of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB). The trails cater to various fitness levels. Reddit

Absolutely! Even if you're not a hiker, the cable car is worth the ride for the spectacular scenery and the opportunity to enjoy the mountain air. Pedestrian tickets are available. Reddit

Yes, dogs are allowed on the Bellevue Cable Car free of charge, provided they are well-behaved. Reddit

The views from the cable car and at the top are superb, offering stunning panoramas of Mont Blanc and the entire mountain range. It's especially beautiful on a clear, sunny day. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bellevue Cable Car is a fantastic option for families. It offers a thrilling ride with incredible views without the exhaustion of a long hike. Kids will love the journey up and the chance to explore the mountain environment safely. Reddit

From the top, there are gentle forest walks suitable for little legs, allowing families to enjoy the alpine scenery without strenuous effort. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, and ensure children are supervised at all times. Dogs are also welcome, so the whole family can enjoy the adventure together! Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While the cable car has a cost (around 18.5 euros for a single ride), consider it an investment in saving time and energy for your hiking adventures. For those on a tighter budget, focusing on the views and shorter, accessible walks from the top can still offer immense value. Reddit

Compare the cost to the potential savings on time and the physical exertion avoided, especially if you're planning to tackle longer treks like the TMB. Packing your own food and water will also help keep costs down once you're at the summit. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Bellevue Cable Car: A Hiker's Best Friend

For anyone planning to hike in the Chamonix valley, the Bellevue Cable Car is an essential piece of kit. It dramatically reduces the effort required to reach higher altitudes, making challenging routes more accessible. Many hikers use it as a starting point for the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), saving themselves hours of arduous ascent. This allows them to conserve energy for the main part of their trek and enjoy the journey more fully. Reddit

Beyond the TMB, the area around the Bellevue summit offers a network of well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle forest walk or a more demanding mountain path, the cable car provides convenient access to a stunning alpine environment. The time saved by taking the cable car is often cited as being at least two hours of climbing, making it a highly recommended option for maximizing your hiking time. Reddit

Remember that while the cable car saves time, it's still important to be prepared for mountain conditions. Always check the weather forecast, wear appropriate footwear, and carry water and snacks. The Bellevue Cable Car is more than just transport; it's an enabler of incredible alpine experiences. Reddit

Capturing the Majesty: Photography at Bellevue

The Bellevue Cable Car area is a photographer's paradise, offering unparalleled views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding French Alps. On a clear day, the panoramic vistas are simply breathtaking, providing ample opportunities for stunning landscape shots. The cable car itself, ascending the mountainside, can also make for dramatic photographic subjects. Reddit

When visiting, aim for the 'golden hours' – early morning or late afternoon – for the most dramatic lighting. The soft, warm light can accentuate the textures of the mountains and create beautiful shadows. Don't forget to capture the scale by including elements like the cable car cabins or distant hikers in your shots. The journey on the cable car also offers unique perspectives as you ascend, so keep your camera ready. Reddit

Beyond the grand vistas, explore the alpine meadows and forests near the summit for more intimate nature photography. Look for wildflowers, interesting rock formations, or the play of light through the trees. The Bellevue Cable Car provides easy access to these diverse photographic opportunities, making it a rewarding destination for both amateur and professional photographers. Reddit

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