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Mer de Glace
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The Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice) is the largest glacier in France, stretching approximately seven kilometers in length, located on the northern slopes of the Mont Blanc massif in the Savoy Alps. It is formed by the confluence of the Tacul and Leschaux glaciers and reaches a thickness of up to 200 meters. Since 1909, the glacier has been accessible to tourists via the Montenvers rack railway from Chamonix, making it one of the most visited natural landmarks in the region. Each year, an artificial ice cave is carved into the glacier to provide visitors with a view of the ice's interior. However, due to global warming, the glacier is melting rapidly, having lost more than two kilometers in length and over 100 meters in thickness since 1850. This retreat is now vividly documented through informative signs along the stairs leading down to the glacier.
- Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
- Top sights: Tête de Trélaporte · Aiguille de la République · Aiguille des Grands Charmoz
- Nearby: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -6 | -3 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 5 | -1 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 107 | 77 | 94 | 74 | 117 | 105 | 103 | 105 | 76 | 86 | 94 | 110 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Mer de Glace is approximately 7 kilometers long.
- The maximum thickness of the ice is around 200 meters.
- The Montenvers railway was opened in 1909.
- The glacier has lost over 2 kilometers in length since 1850.
- The surface area of the glacier is about 32 square kilometers.
- Approximately 350,000 people visit the site each year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mer de Glace (9)
Aiguille des Grands Charmoz
Mountain in the Mont Blanc area, known for its distinctive shape.
Grotte de glace
Ice cave carved into the glacier, rebuilt each year.
Le Signal Forbes
Viewpoint overlooking the Mer de Glace and surrounding peaks.
Le Grand Chalet
Ruins of a former mountain inn above Chamonix.
Temple de la Nature🏛 museum
Museum on the natural history of the Alps and the glacier.
Glaciorium🏛 museum
Museum with exhibitions on glaciology and climate change.
Musée de l'Hôtel du Montenvers🏛 museum
Museum in the historic hotel, showing the history of tourism.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Mer de Glace from Chamonix?
What is the Grotte de Glace?
Is access to the ice cave barrier-free?
How much time should I plan for the visit?
What else is there to see at the top besides the cave?
Mer de Glace: where is it located?
Mer de Glace: what is there to see?
Mer de Glace: when is the best time to visit?
Mer de Glace: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
