Chamonix Alpines

Some Alpine plants below Plan de Aiguille (2317M/7601feet) seen on our walk down to the Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille (2233M/7326feet) for lunch.  It was mid-June and we had to traverse some snowy patches on the trail. The middle station for the trip to the top of the Aiguille du Midi is at Plan de Aiguille. From the top of Aiguille du Midi you can take a cable car over glaciers to Italy or get some photos of Mont Blanc if it is clear.

Bridge of Death at Aiguille du Midi

Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille - refreshments and beds for the night

We had lunch at the Refuge, two of us each had a large wooden platter with cured meats, cheeses, potatoes and a salad in the center, the youngest had a large salad. We also had good beer, good bread and excellent views of Chamonix.

Wheat beer with spices, excellent

Earlier in the day as we were heading towards the top of Aiguille du Midi, we saw the Refuge receiving supplies by helicopter.

Potentilla aurea - Golden Cinquefoil

Silene acaulis - Moss Campion

Alpines on the way down to/ up from the Mer de Glace (glacier). They carve out a tunnel in the glacier each year, you can see the tunnels from previous years downstream.

 

Alpine Moon Daisy - Leucanthemopsis alpina

Field Mouse-ear - Cerastium arvense

Alpines above the Glacier Exhibit at Montenvers (1913M/6276 feet). The Glacier exhibit was included with the price of the Montenvers Cog Railway train and was very interesting, worth seeing.

Alpines at Le Brevent (2525M/8284feet), 2 cable cars are required to get there. All the mountain transportation was included in the 2 day Multipass, it was a good deal and all Chamonix Valley bus and train (if there is no strike) travel is free with the card you receive from the hotel.

View from top of Brevent cable car

Gentiana

Primula

Alpine Catchfly - Lychnis alpina