Plan de l'Aiguille to Montenvers-Mer de Glace (Grand Balcon Nord) in France

We took the gondola lift up to the top of the French Alps to see Mont Blanc. The name of the lift is Aiguille du Midi. This is the top. Here is a view of what we saw. It was breathtaking. We could walk around the building to see all sides. The only peak we could not see was Mont Blanc on this day because of the clouds.

Then we rode down one stop to Plan de l'Aiguille which is about halfway. There the trail began. There is a nice cafe here and signs to point the way. It was still snowy here because it was June but we decided we could do it.

Here you can see the lift lines on the left.

This well used trail rises but mostly falls starting in the alpine  elevation.

It feels like we are on top of the mountains.

I loved all the different plants of many colors.

Some parts were covered with loose rocks and boulders to step around.

The views were stunning along the ridge.

Here you can see the steep snow covered trail we crossed.

Next the trail got steep as it wound up to the top to Le Signal for the best views. We saw some creature up here called a chamois. Its a goat like animal.

Here is the top. The next part was hardest as we switchbacked our way back down to the train at Montenvers and Mer de Glace. This is a receding glacier. We ate our lunch with the glacier view behind us. Then we rode the train back down to Chamonix. This was an awesome way to end our hiking the alps vacation.