Visit Chamonix’s ‘Mer de Glace’ by Montenvers Railway

The historical town of Chamonix has been established since the eighteenth century, so hundreds of years of visitors can assure you that it’s a beautiful and fascinating resort to visit.

These days, the town is a stunning combination of traditional charm and modern accessibility for a huge range of people to enjoy. Part of the appeal of the town is how easy the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix is for holiday makers.

Is Chamonix Just for Skiers?

As a town, it has a lot to offer. With a variety of slopes difficulties, and ski schools for beginners, this is the perfect family destination. As well as snow sports, it’s important not to overlook what this town actually contains! Set in the midst of jaw-dropping mountains, you could spend a day just trying to take in the immense beauty around you, and still be stunned.

Mer de Glace

One attraction that I always recommend to those going to Chamonix is the Mer de Glace, which directly translates to ‘Sea of Ice’. Spanning 7 kilometres, this is one of the biggest glaciers in Europe. The glacier is accessible summer and winter thanks to the Montenvers Railway, which coincidentally is how Chamonix became a popular destination back in the day!

The journey itself is an adventure. The red, traditional train takes about twenty minutes to reach the Mer de Glace, nearly 2000 metres high. Enjoy the breath taking panoramic views at lunch in one of the various spots on the mountain.

The Ice Cave

The glacier contains a man made ice cave which is an absolute must-see for visitors. A small cable car will take you down the descent from the station to the cave, from which there are around 400 steps, but it is an enjoyable walk with lots to look at and plenty of fresh air to fill your lungs.

During the summer, the cave is also home to the Glacorium, which is an exhibition displaying educational and interactive information about glaciers. This is a great opportunity to learn a little about the environment around you, not only for kids but for adults too.

Eating at the Glacier

The restaurant at the glacier is legendary. Named after the railway, the Restaurant Grand Hotel du Montenvers offers traditional, local cuisine and an incredible view to go with it.

How to Get to Chamonix

Travellers are smart to visit this gorgeous Alpine resort! It only takes an hour and 5 minutes to get from Geneva to Chamonix, so it’s an ideal location for people who don’t want to spend hours travelling. With Shuttle Direct, you can pre-book transfers for a quick, comfortable and hassle-free journey to your resort. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport, in your pre-booked transport of choice – whether a car or and minibus with extra room for luggage. Flights from UK to Geneva range from around £60-£90 in peak season.

Author Plate

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable ski transfers from Geneva to Chamonix, Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.