Aiguille du Midi – where the Alps meet the sky
Aiguille du Midi (3,842 meters above sea level) is a peak in the French Alps, located in the Mont Blanc massif, south of Chamonix. From the summit you can admire a breathtaking view of the Alps.
It is accessible by cable car from Chamonix. The cable car, built in 1955, was once the highest in the world, and remains an impressive feat of engineering.
The lower station of the cable car is located south of Chamonix, at an altitude of 1,035 meters. The upper station is located at an altitude of 3,810 meters, just below the summit. The cable car ride takes approximately 20 minutes, and offers stunning views of the Alps along the way.
Once at the summit, visitors can explore the various viewing platforms, which offer panoramic views of Mont Blanc, the Alps, and the Chamonix valley. There is also a restaurant, cafe, and souvenir shop at the summit.
A visit to Aiguille du Midi is a must-do for any visitor to Chamonix. The breathtaking views and the unique experience of riding the cable car make it an unforgettable experience.
The lower station is located south of the center of Chamonix at an elevation of 1035 meters above sea level. The end station is at an elevation of 3810 meters above sea level, from where you can take a cable car even higher to a platform near the summit, with a panoramic view of Mont Blanc, the Alps, and the Chamonix valley. The cable car operates year-round (excluding technical breaks). The ascent to Aiguille du Midi is done in two stages, with a transfer at Plan de l’Aiguille at an elevation of 2309 meters above sea level, and it takes 20 minutes. On the second segment, the cable is not supported by any intermediate structure. There is no time limit for your stay at the top.
How much does it cost to go up the Aiguille du Midi?
- Adults (15 to 64 years) – Round trip from 55,00€ to 75€ , one-way 55€
- Children and seniors (5-14 and 64+ years old) – Round trip from 55,00€ to 64€ , one-way 46,80€
- Family/Tribu (2 adults+2 children) – only round trip for 232,60€
Opening hours:
- Opening 08:10
- Last departure for a round trip 15:00
- Last departure for a single way 16:00
- Last return trip 16:30
- Frequency of cable car every 15 mn or 30 mn depending on traffic
If you want to have enough time to enjoy the views from several terraces, visit souvenir shops, cafes, or restaurants, you should plan to stay at the summit for at least 2-3 hours.
A unique attraction – for people who are not afraid of heights – is the so-called “step into the void”, Le Pas dans le Vide.
The Aiguille du Midi Skywalk is a tourist attraction opened to the public on 21st of December 2013 and can be accessed for free.
Three glass walls, the glass floor and glass ceiling panels, allow the visitor a unique experience enhanced by 1000 meters of boundless air directly under their feet, in total safety! Look around and admire the highest peaks in Western Europe, and view the Bossons Glacier – with the greatest descent in Europe (4810m – 1440m), from a stunning perspective!
The Aiguille du Midi Complex – Restaurants and Services
At the Southern Peak, you can find a cafe and snack bar that operate year-round. During the summer, the “3842” Bistro is also in operation. Situated at an elevation of 3,842 meters, it stands as one of the highest dining establishments globally, offering an array of gourmet and regional dishes.
The Aiguille du Midi boasts its own postal stamp and mailbox. Postcards and stamps can be obtained at the gift shop, which remains open throughout the year.
At the cable car’s departure and arrival point, there is a Historical Exhibition that recounts the station’s fascinating story. The lift system’s machinery is also visible through transparent windows.
The Central Pinnacle is encircled by a panoramic walkway that links the Rebuffat Terrace with the Mont Blanc Terrace. From these vantage points, visitors can revel in breathtaking vistas of the Geant and Bossons glaciers.
The Aiguille du Midi is a truly awe-inspiring place. It’s a reminder of the beauty and power of nature, and it’s a place where you can feel truly alive. It offers stunning views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps, as well as a variety of activities and attractions.
