Mer de Glace Ice Cave
Step inside a living glacier at Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, accessed by a scenic train and cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Mer de Glace Ice Cave
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step inside a living glacier at Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier, accessed by a scenic train and cable car.
"An amazing, don't miss adventure: walking not just on, but IN a glacier!"
Book tickets in advance
Save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Wear sturdy shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain. Comfort is key! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Ice Cave
Mer de Glace
Step inside a glacier! Explore shimmering ice walls and sculptures carved anew each year.
Montenvers Cogwheel Train
Chamonix to Montenvers
A breathtaking 20-minute ride offering panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Glacier Views
Montenvers viewpoint
Marvel at the vast 'Sea of Ice' glacier, a stark reminder of nature's power and climate change.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book tickets in advance
Save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Wear sturdy shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain. Comfort is key! :athletic_shoe:
Dress in layers
It's cooler inside the cave, even in summer. A light jacket is recommended. :cloud:
Allow ample time
Factor in train, cable car, and walking time. The whole trip can take 2-3 hours. :clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book tickets in advance
Save time and guarantee entry, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Wear sturdy shoes
Lots of steps and uneven terrain. Comfort is key! :athletic_shoe:
Dress in layers
It's cooler inside the cave, even in summer. A light jacket is recommended. :cloud:
Allow ample time
Factor in train, cable car, and walking time. The whole trip can take 2-3 hours. :clock:
Be mindful of climate change
The glacier is melting rapidly. Appreciate its beauty and the need for conservation. :earth_americas:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique experience of walking inside a glacier and the scenic cogwheel train ride. The stunning alpine views and the ethereal beauty of the ice cave are consistently praised. However, some find the number of steps challenging, and concerns about the glacier's rapid melting due to climate change are frequently mentioned.
"An amazing, don’t miss adventure. You star with a ride from the train station up the mountain on a cog railway. Then a cable car takes you to a landing where you walk down to the cave, carved fresh each year, out of the glacier. Walk through, enjoy the shimmering ice walls and ceiling. Not just walking on a glacier but IN a glacier. Lots of little signs with glacier trivia inside, too."
Rick
"Came on a Friday morning to avoid a big crowd. There's only one way down and one way in and out, and the walkway isn't very wide - so this is best enjoyed when it's not packed with people. It wasn't very cold inside in June, unless you intend to stay long then a light jacket would do. 10-15 mins was sufficient to walk through even with kids, or you can stay longer to cool off from the summer heat. Worth the experience if you are already coming up here, and also there's not much else to do if you're not hiking. Do note that the metal stairs down to the cave from the gondola station might not be suitable for people with accessibility difficulties or vertigo."
HauGeng AuYeong
"To visit the ice cave, you first take a scenic train ride up the mountain from Chamonix station – the views are stunning. After arriving at Montenvers, you descend on foot and continue by cable car down to the glacier. Walking through the ice cave is a unique and impressive experience, especially when you consider the age of the ice. It does make you wonder whether the large number of visitors contributes to the melting… 🙄
The cave itself isn’t very large – it takes about 15 minutes to walk through. Along the way, there are some interesting information panels and photo opportunities.
Crowds can vary a lot depending on the weather. We went up on a less sunny day, and the number of visitors was very manageable, which made the experience more relaxed.
For us, the visit was included with our multipass, which made it well worth it. However, I overheard some people who seemed disappointed – probably because they paid for a single ticket and expected more for the price."
Hans Wanrooy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is to take the Montenvers cogwheel train from Chamonix town center. The scenic 20-minute ride offers stunning views. From the Montenvers station, you'll take a cable car down to the glacier, followed by a walk to the ice cave. 
No, private vehicles cannot access the Mer de Glace directly. The recommended access is via the Montenvers train from Chamonix.
Yes, Mer de Glace is a popular day trip from Geneva. You can take a bus or train to Chamonix and then proceed to the Montenvers train.
The Montenvers train is a historic cogwheel railway that ascends the mountain. It's known for its spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
After the cable car, there are approximately 580 steps down to the ice cave. Be prepared for the climb back up!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times for the Mer de Glace ice cave vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, as they can change.
Ticket prices typically include the round-trip Montenvers train, cable car, and access to the ice cave. Prices can vary, so check the official website or purchase tickets at the Chamonix station.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets on the day at the Chamonix station, but buying in advance is recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
The ice cave is typically open during the summer months and into autumn. It is carved anew each year, and its accessibility can be affected by glacier movement and weather conditions.
Some visitors mention that the visit was included with a multipass, which can offer good value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside the ice cave, you'll find stunning ice sculptures and shimmering walls carved directly into the glacier. There are also informational panels about the glacier's history and climate change.
It is cooler inside the ice cave than outside, but not extremely cold, especially in summer. A light jacket is usually sufficient.
Most visitors spend about 10-15 minutes walking through the ice cave itself. The entire excursion, including travel time, can take 2-3 hours.
The journey involves a train, cable car, and many steps. The metal stairs down to the cave may not be suitable for those with accessibility difficulties or vertigo.
The views from Montenvers are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Mer de Glace glacier, the Aiguille du Midi, and the surrounding Mont Blanc massif.
📸 📸 Photography
The train ride itself offers incredible photo opportunities. The viewpoints at Montenvers provide sweeping glacier panoramas, and the ice cave interiors are unique for capturing shimmering ice formations.
It can be challenging due to the low light conditions. Using a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can help capture the best shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in national parks and sensitive natural areas like this. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Experiment with higher ISO settings and a wider aperture to capture detail in the low light. Consider shooting in RAW format for more editing flexibility.
While generally permitted, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that could damage the ice formations or disturb the environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are many steps, the experience is generally manageable for most children, especially if they are used to walking. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, as options at the higher stations can be limited or pricey. The cool temperature inside the cave can be a welcome relief on a hot summer day. Ensure children wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Visiting on a weekday morning can help avoid peak crowds and potentially offer a more relaxed experience. If you're already in Chamonix and have a day to spare, the journey itself is a significant part of the experience, offering incredible scenery that adds value to the ticket price.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The viewpoints at Montenvers provide sweeping panoramas of the glacier and surrounding peaks, ideal for capturing the scale of the landscape. Inside the ice cave, low light conditions can be challenging but rewarding. Experiment with higher ISO settings and wider apertures to capture the ethereal blue hues of the ice.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to the Ice
+1Upon arrival at Montenvers station, you're greeted by breathtaking panoramas of the 'Sea of Ice' glacier. From here, a cable car descends further towards the glacier's edge. The final leg of the journey involves walking down a series of steps, which can be numerous and steep, to reach the entrance of the ice cave. This multi-stage access ensures that the experience feels like a true exploration.
+1It's important to note that the number of steps can change annually due to the glacier's movement and melt. Visitors with mobility issues or vertigo should be aware of these challenges. The entire process, from boarding the train to reaching the cave, typically takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip, allowing time to soak in the views and explore the cave.
Inside the Mer de Glace Ice Cave
Along the pathways, you'll find informational panels that offer insights into the glacier's history, its formation, and the significant impact of climate change. These displays serve as a poignant reminder of the glacier's rapid retreat, with markers showing how much it has melted over the decades.
While the ice cave offers a refreshing escape from summer heat, it's advisable to wear layers, as temperatures can be cooler inside. The experience is often described as awe-inspiring and a must-do for anyone visiting the Chamonix region, offering a tangible connection to the power and fragility of nature.
Climate Change and the Glacier
+1Many visitors express a sense of awe mixed with concern, recognizing that each visit offers a chance to witness the glacier's grandeur while also acknowledging its vulnerability. The ongoing melt means that the ice cave's appearance and accessibility can change year to year, making each visit a unique experience.
This awareness encourages a deeper appreciation for the natural world and highlights the importance of conservation efforts. The Mer de Glace serves as a powerful educational tool, prompting reflection on our planet's environmental challenges and the need for collective action.
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