Settled in at 2,300 meters, Lac Blanc is one of many alpine lakes in Chamonix. It is surrounded by many hiking trails in Aiguille Rouges Nature Reserve, which is 16,000 hectares of bio diverse area northeast of Chamonix Valley. This lake is a favorite summer destination with hikers due to its turquoise color and the grand views of the Mont Blanc massif. Due to its popularity, the area can get pretty crowded on a good day.
There are two ways to reach the lake. The shortest one is from the top of the Flegere lift, or you can take a longer and harder approach that offers amazing views from Col des Montets. You will see less people on the approach using this route, and also you can try to leave earlier to beat the crowd at the lake.
It starts at Chalet d’Accueil de la Réserve. Take the path to the left of the building that rises steeply up to the slope. It traverses the slope and provides a great view of Le Tour until it meets up with the trail that will start from Tré-le-Champ. After this junction there is a great spot to stop and rest with a amazing view of Glacier d'Argentiere. Keep following the trail and slowly the Mont Blanc massif will come into view. Keep an eye on the signs to Lac Blanc and Lac des Cheserys.
Before you know it, Lac de Cherserys will be right in front of you. This is another great place for a short break before a steep climb toward Lac Blanc and the refuge. When you reach a wooden ladder, the lake is just right at the top.
During the summer after the snow has thawed, the lake is a beautiful turquoise color. Be careful when visiting this area in early summer around June because the trail and the lake might still be completely covered with snow. It is always a good idea to check the conditions before heading out.
There is a refuge that sells lunch and drinks and that has a patio that is perfect spot to appreciate the surroundings. To return, you can follow the same trail back to Col des Montets, or you can take the shorter way back down using Flegere lift.
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