Randonnée pédestre : Chalets de la Pendant

A beautiful hike up the mountain of La Pendant. Between alpine meadows and forests, you'll discover some of the ancient viewpoints of the Mer de Glace, and see how the glacier has retreated over the ages.

From the village of Le Lavancher, just outside Chamonix, this hike takes you to a more confidential Mer de Glace observation point than the famous Montenvers: Le Chapeau.

The chalet, which backs onto the mountain, was once next to the glacier and today bears witness to its gradual retreat. Enjoy traditional dishes at the Chalet Restaurant du Chapeau while admiring this impressive landscape.

You'll have a fine view of the Arveyron torrent (the outlet of the Mer de Glace), which is joined by the Chapeau torrent at the waterfall of the same name.

The loop continues towards Tête de Prapators, accessible by a small ladder. From the top of the 1,844-metre-high peak, take time to contemplate the view over the tongue of the Mer de Glace.

You'll then reach the Chalets de la Pendant in the heart of a beautiful alpine landscape, before starting your descent on the Grand Balcon Nord trail.