The Haute Route
July 10 2006 Chamonix to Argentiere
Our little party left Chamonix via the Brevent tram which we took to the intermediate station at Planpraz. From here a short walk up a small road led to the Chalet de Planpraz where a sign pointed out the tail to Flegere. The trail generally followed the 6500 foot contour northeast along the west side of the Chamonix valley, below the Aiguilles de Rouges. The trail went through alpine meadows and light forest with great views east to Mont Blanc and down to Chamonix in the valley below. After about an hour we came to the intermediate station of the Flegere-Index tram and took a rest stop before continuing on north, through open alpine meadows, to a trail junction near the Chalet des Cheserys, below Lac Blanc. Here we began our descent to the village of Argentiere 2450 feet below. We reached Argentiere (4100 feet) at 12:40 and stopped for a much deserved beer and hamburger lunch before continuing on toward Col de la Forclaz.
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- At a rest stop on the first stage of our hike of the Haute Route just below Lac Blanc with Mont Blanc in the background. Note the parasail soaring over the Chamonix Valley behind and to my right.
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- Mont Blanc from near the Chalet des Cheserys
