11.8km ↑↓1100m

In Chamonix prior to starting the Walkers Haute Route a couple of days later, we decided to have a warm-up day walking from our accommodation in Montroc (just above Argentiere in the Chamonix Valley) to Lacs des Chéserys.

There are stunning views up and down the Chamonix valley from both the trail and the lakes themselves, including great views of the big peaks at the back of the Mer de Glace, and of course Mont Blanc itself.

The trail along this part of the Grand Balcon Sud picks up altitude pretty quickly, with the villages of the Chamonix valley dropping away below steadily. Beside the Aiguillette d’Argentiere there are a series of short ladders to navigate up through a set of bluffs; it’s worth starting early to get up the trail before the crowds build as the ladders are a definite bottle-neck!

From Lacs des Chéserys, it’s not too much further to reach Lac Blanc and the Refuge du Lac Blanc, although the crowds there will generally be even worse given the proximity to the Téléphérique de La Flégère.

Our loft apartment in the quiet hamlet of Montroc had great views of the Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc, etc from the balcony.