The Col des Montets is a big mountain pass between Vallorcine and Argentiere. On on side the Chamonix Valley ends and on the other the valley of Vallorcine begins. The D2506 main road runs through the Col des Montets. The col is a major starting point for trails that travel up the Aiguille Rouges and there is a large information center present to help visitors learn more about the flora and fauna of the Aiguilles Rouge natural reserve. There is also a small cafe with some indoor and outdoor seating as part of the information center. There is a large parking area on the side of the col on the right side when approaching the col from the Chamonix Valley.
The Col des Montets is a popular starting point for trails going up to Lac Blanc. We got a detailed trail description for a long trail that visits Lac Blanc, the Lacs Noirs and Lac Cornu and then descends down to Chamonix using the Planpraz gondola. For people looking for something shorter and simpler, there are trails heading north in the direction of Le Buet and Vallorcine which are absolutely lovely. Going south brings you to Tre-le-Champ and Argentiere. There is also a short Botanical themed loop walk that starts and ends at the information center at the Col des Montets.
Linked Trails & Points of Interest
These are the trails and points of interests linked to this Mountain Pass
9
Our Rating
Exceptional
Trail:
A tough but beautiful trail that takes you from the Col des Montets upto Lac Blanc and from there you traverse the Aiguilles Rouges and visit Lacs Noirs and Lac Cornu

Length
16.45km

When to Go
End Jun - End Sep

Hiking Time
7.0 - 12.0 Hours

Elevation +
+1552m / -1011m

Kids
15+ Years old

Running Time
4.0 - 6.0 Hours

Technical Difficulty
Very Difficult (5/5)

Dogs
No Dogs

Nearest Town
Chamonix
Location & Map
Below you will the location of this point of interest on the map. You can click the button to show the nearby trails and points of interests that are listed above on the same map. Another option is to visit our complete interactive map that shows everything that is listed on our website.
Longitude:
6.9236
Latitude:
46.0039