Travel Plan
Aiguille du Midi

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · CHAMONIX

Aiguille du Midi

A cable car to 3,842 metres, face to face with Mont Blanc, and a glass box over the void.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Paid
Best time
Early morning · clear days, Jun–Sep
Area
Cable car

A cable car to 3,842 m with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the glass 'Step into the Void'.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Téléphérique de l'Aiguille du Midi, 100 Place de l'Aiguille du Midi, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

  • Cable car: The lift station is a 5–10 minute walk from Chamonix centre. Two sections climb via Plan de l'Aiguille in about 20 minutes.
  • Train: Mont-Blanc Express trains reach Chamonix from Saint-Gervais; from Geneva airport take a shuttle bus (about 1h15).
  • Parking: Paid car parks are next to the lift station.

The story of the Aiguille du Midi

The Aiguille du Midi cable car opened in 1955 and was for years the highest in the world. It climbs about 2,800 metres from Chamonix to a rocky needle at 3,842 metres, where a lift inside the rock leads to the summit terrace.

From the top you see Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe at about 4,806 metres, and the glaciers of the Vallée Blanche. In 2013 "Step into the Void" was added: a glass box hanging over a 1,000-metre drop.

Best time to visit

Best season

June to September for the best weather; the lift also runs in winter for skiers and views.

Best time of day

Take one of the first cabins in the morning, before clouds build up.

Check the weather

Look at the summit webcams before buying: if the top is in cloud, wait for another day.

Tips before you go

  • Check the weather webcams before going, book online, and bring warm clothes even in summer.
  • It is very cold at the top even in summer: bring a warm jacket, gloves and sunglasses.
  • Altitude can make you dizzy; move slowly and do not go up if you have heart problems.

Best hotels near the Aiguille du Midi

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix

Historic 5-star hotel in the town centre, facing the mountains.

See prices

Le Hameau Albert 1er

Family-run luxury chalets with a Michelin-starred restaurant.

See prices

Grand Hôtel des Alpes

Belle Époque hotel on the main street, close to the lifts.

See prices
All hotels near the Aiguille du Midi

What's around the Aiguille du Midi

  • Panoramic Mont-BlancGondola across the glaciers to Pointe Helbronner on the Italian border (summer).
  • Plan de l'AiguilleMid-station where the Grand Balcon Nord trail to Montenvers starts.
  • Chamonix centreShops, cafés and the river Arve at the foot of the lift.
  • Vallée BlancheA famous off-piste ski route for experienced skiers with a guide.

Questions travellers ask

How high is the Aiguille du Midi?

3,842 metres above sea level.

Do I need to book?

Booking a time slot online is strongly recommended in summer to avoid long waits.

Is it safe for children?

Children are allowed, but the altitude is high; very young children are not advised to go up.

More in Chamonix

Montenvers & Mer de Glace

Montenvers & Mer de Glace

Read the guide
Lac Blanc

Lac Blanc

Read the guide
Lacs des Chéserys

Lacs des Chéserys

Read the guide
Le Brévent

Le Brévent

Read the guide
Back to the Chamonix guide
Travel Plan · Aiguille du Midi Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure