Le Brévent is a must if you want to visit the Massif du Mont Blanc and the breathtaking vistas of Chamonix.
Le Brévent during summer
The Brévent is the excellent starting point for classic hikes and leisurely rambles to numerous mountain lakes (Lac du Brévent, Lac Cornu), thanks to its southern exposure and views of the Mont-Blanc Range.
With a panorama that extends from Bellevue at one end via Mont Blanc, the Aiguille du Midi, Les Drus, Grand Montets, and up to Col du Balme at the other, this is a fantastic opportunity to observe the entire valley of Chamonix. There is also a good view of the Mont Blanc route leading to La Flégère and beyond.
Before going to the plateau, you should check the weather and be aware that it will be much chillier there.
Le Brévent may be reached through at least two routes. One involves ascending the mountain 400–600 meters, while the other uses the lift from Chamonix to Planpraz. If you choose the second choice, you won’t encounter many steps or a steep walking path from the ground level to Restaurant Le Panoramic.
The vistas are breathtaking in fine weather, particularly across the valley to Mont Blanc and the Aiguille du Midi. Both the restaurant on the middle level and the excellent café at the peak provide lovely views. When reaching the summit, keep an eye out for BASE jumpers who practically fall from the top before activating their parachute; they are undoubtedly insane but fascinating to see.
The ideal location for paragliding
Paragliding at the Planpraz station is a must-do activity! This is the location to try paragliding if you ever want to! The local instructors will take you on a “once in a lifetime” paragliding flight (tandem) above the Chamonix valley.
But, if you are not into paragliding, you can just watch paragliders taking off from Planpraz.
Le Brévent and La Flégère during winter
These regions of Le Brévent and La Flégère were isolated for a long time until the Liaison cable car was introduced in 1997, connecting them to form a single, more prominent space. A cable car runs from the village of Les Praz to Flégère, and a gondola connects Brévent and Chamonix town.
This ski area of Chamonix provides the most sunshine of any in the entire valley, as well as breathtaking vistas of Mont-Blanc and the neighboring peaks. Together, the two sections include 32 pistes of varying degrees of difficulty.
The Flégère slopes may be preferred if you are on a family skiing vacation because of its more accessible and friendly terrain.
The Brévent and Flégère off-piste ski slopes, which are popular among the locals, provide fantastic off-piste skiing terrain, including steep couloirs and unexpectedly accessible natural bowls. As with all off-piste riding, you need to be prepared and knowledgeable.
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