Mer de Glace 2025Mer de Glace 2025
©Mer de Glace 2025|©CDT74

Sea of Ice

  1. Home – I’m preparing
  2. Our destination
  3. Highly White
  4. Mythical in Haute-Savoie (winter)
  5. Sea of Ice
Journey to the heart of France's largest glacier

Majestic and mythical, the Mer de Glace has fascinated visitors for centuries. Shaped by the Leschaux and Géant glaciers, it is 7km long, 40km² in area and up to 200 metres thick. Perched at an altitude of 1913 metres, it offers a spectacular immersion in the world of high mountains.

Not to be missed A striking glacial landscape

From the Montenvers site, the Mer de Glace unfurls its majesty in the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif. This glacier, the largest in France, winds its way between rock faces and legendary peaks such as Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses. The atmosphere is almost unreal: icy silence, changing light, raw nature that commands respect. Faced with this white immensity, you feel a rare emotion, a mixture of vertigo and wonder. Whether you’re simply curious or a mountain lover, the Mer de Glace leaves a lasting impression on the mind and invites contemplation.

Train du Montenvers Ecriteau Mer de GlaceTrain du Montenvers Ecriteau Mer de Glace
©Train du Montenvers Ecriteau Mer de Glace|©OTChamonix
Montenvers train view of the Mer de GlaceMontenvers train view of the Mer de Glace
©Montenvers train view of the Mer de Glace|©OTChamonix

      I've decided I'm coming!

      Ready for an unforgettable stay in Haute-Savoie? Dive into a summer holiday combining discovery, adventure and relaxation in the heart of an unspoilt region. Haute-Savoie awaits you, between nature and culture, for a summer 100% outdoors.

      Montenvers train viaductMontenvers train viaduct
      ©Montenvers train viaduct

        Experience A journey to the heart of Alpine history

        The Montenvers site is closely linked to the history of mountaineering and mountain tourism. As early as 1741, two British explorers ventured onto this frozen sea, paving the way for generations of visitors. In the 19th century, access was by mule or sedan chair. In 1908, the famous cog railway was inaugurated, giving everyone privileged access to this high altitude setting. Even today, the Mer de Glace remains a living place of transmission, where natural discovery and memories of the great alpine expeditions are intertwined.

        to discover too Discover the legendary tours of Haute-Savoie

        Montenvers trainMontenvers train
        ©Montenvers train |©OTValléedeChamonix
        Montenvers train
        Paccard FoundryPaccard Foundry
        ©Paccard Foundry|© Agence Like This
        Paccard Museum
        Cachat spring in EvianSource Cachat at Evian1000x700 1
        ©Cachat spring in Evian|©CDT Haute-Savoie Mont-Blanc
        Source Cachat
        The Château D'Annecy MuseumThe Château D'Annecy Museum
        ©The Château D'Annecy Museum |© Gilles Piel
        Annecy Castle
        Santa's hamletSanta's hamlet
        ©Santa's hamlet|©Millo Moravski
        Santa’s hamlet
        Mont Blanc tramwayMont Blanc tramway
        ©Mont Blanc tramway|©BernardTartinville
        Mont Blanc tramway
        Desert From Platé to FlaineDesert From Platé to Flaine
        ©Desert From Platé to Flaine|©Daniel Durand
        Platé Desert
        MontenversMontenvers
        ©Montenvers|©OT Chamonix
        Montenvers train
        Mechanical Music MuseumMechanical Music Museum
        ©Mechanical Music Museum|©Les Gets Tourisme
        Mechanical Music Museum
        Plateau Des GlieresPlateau Des Glieres
        ©Plateau Des Glieres|©CD74
        Plateau des Glières
        Palais Lumière Hôtel De VillePalais Lumière Hôtel De Ville
        ©Palais Lumière Hôtel De Ville|©Ville d'Evian
        Palais Lumière
        Aiguille du MidiAiguille du Midi
        ©Aiguille du Midi|©OTChamonixMontBlanc
        Aiguille du Midi & cable car