Mer de Glace
Chamonix, France
France's longest glacier flows down from the Mont Blanc massif, reached by the little red rack railway from Chamonix to Montenvers. Bring a warm layer, as it is cold at the terrace even in summer.
The Mer de Glace is the largest glacier in France: around 7 km long and up to 200 m thick. English travellers were the first to describe it, in 1741, and gave it the name "Sea of Ice". The Montenvers viewpoint lies at 1,913 m; the rack railway from Chamonix takes about 20 minutes to get there and has run since 1908. From the viewing terrace you can see, among others, the Drus (3,754 m) and the Grandes Jorasses (4,208 m). Markers along the descent to the ice cave show the level of the ice in 1990, 2000 and 2010 and make the glacier's retreat visible.
The way to the ice cave involves several hundred steps; since February 2024 there has also been a new gondola lift (as of October 2026). It is cold in the cave even in summer, so bring a warm jacket. Allow at least two hours, or three to four with the cave and museum. Early trains before 10 am are usually less crowded.
- Nearest town
- Chamonix, France
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.9319, 6.9228
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Mer de GlaceCampsite2 km from Mer de Glace · 150 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping du Glacier D'ArgentiereCampsite5 km from Mer de GlaceTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Les ArollesCampsite5 km from Mer de GlaceTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Les MarmottesCampsite7 km from Mer de GlaceTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsNo dogsWi-Fi
- Les 2 GlaciersCampsite7 km from Mer de GlaceTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Les CimesCampsite7 km from Mer de GlaceTentsCaravansElectricityShowersDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Mer de Glace?
Mer de Glace is in Chamonix, France, at GPS 45.9319, 6.9228. It is about 16 km from Courmayeur.
Can you camp near Mer de Glace?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Mer de Glace, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 55 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Mer de Glace?
Places worth a stop nearby: Aiguille du Midi (7 km), Great St Bernard Hospice (20 km), Grande Dixence Dam (41 km) and Earth Pyramids of Euseigne (47 km).
When is the best time to visit Mer de Glace?
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)