Best of Tour du Mont Blanc: Lac Blanc

On the north side of Chamonix, take the gondola to La Flégère, skipping more than 700 meters of ascent on foot. The path to Lac Blanc is way-marked. Start ascending towards the north, passing the tiny Lac de la Flégère after roughly half an hour. From here the terrain is less developed and there's a good chance to spot Ibex from close up. After an our and a half walk you'll reach Refuge du lac Blanc where you can grab a bite and a drink. Lac Blanc is behind the hut and is a must-visit, with epic views across the Mont Blanc Massif. The route bends to the east and passes Lac de Chéserys. When you reach the ridge line from where you can see the valley, stay on the level path keeping the same altitude. After a couple of kilometers, the trail starts descending and ends up in zigzags to the road (across you see a car park). Turn right and follow the road to Tré-le-Champ Haut. From here, descend to the village of Les Frasserands where you will stay for the night in the lovely Gîte Le Moulin.

Go back uphill to Tré-le-Champ Haut. Do not follow yesterday's route, but take the path straight across the road. The path rises gradually at first. At the fork, keep right and zigzag up briefly before the path straightens out again. The hardest part of the hike is half an hour further at the Aiguille d'Argentière. Three ladders take you up the escarpment from where you continue to the trail junction you past yesterday called La Tête Aux Vent. Turn left and descend in a southwesterly direction. Keep descending to La Flégère where you take the gondola back to Chamonix.