View across Chamonix town toward the Mont Blanc massif, with alpine buildings in the foreground and snow-covered peaks and glacier behind.

Mont Blanc & the Upper Arve – High Alpine Glaciers, Valleys, and Mountain Passes

A high Alpine valley system of glaciers, steep slopes, and narrow river corridors beneath the Mont Blanc Massif

Mont Blanc & the Upper Arve is a high Alpine area in eastern France centred on the upper River Arve and the Mont Blanc Massif. Walking routes cross the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve and the Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve, follow long-distance routes including the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route, and link places such as Chamonix, Argentière, Les Houches, Servoz, Vallorcine, and Le Tour across glacial valleys, forested slopes, and high mountain passes.

Much of the terrain is steep and uneven underfoot. Valley sections use tracks, minor roads, and riverside paths that allow steady movement along the Arve corridor. Higher routes follow mountain trails, rocky paths, and alpine meadows with sustained ascents to cols and ridgelines. Gradients are often continuous and elevation gain is significant.

The landscape shifts between sub-areas. Around Chamonix and Argentière, the valley is narrow and enclosed by high peaks and glaciers descending from the Mont Blanc Massif. West toward Servoz and Les Houches, slopes are forested with broader valley sections. Toward Vallorcine and the Swiss border, terrain becomes more remote, with high passes and open upland ground.

Settlements are concentrated along the valley floor, creating linear access points connected by transport and path networks, while upper slopes and side valleys remain sparsely settled.

Trails and Routes Through Mont Blanc & the Upper Arve

Tour du Mont Blanc

A long-distance circular route encircling the Mont Blanc Massif via high passes and mountain trails through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Haute Route

A high-level Alpine route linking Chamonix with Zermatt using passes, alpine paths, and mountain terrain.

Valley and balcony paths

Local riverside and mid-slope trails linking villages along the Arve and providing lower-level alternatives to high mountain routes.

Nature reserve trails

Waymarked paths within protected slopes and forests above the valley floor.

Walking Character

Glaciated peaks and high mountain walls
Narrow valleys and steep slopes
Rocky alpine paths and forest tracks
Sustained climbs to high passes
Settlements concentrated along the valley floor
Predominantly high-altitude and mountainous

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Mont Blanc & the Upper Arve located?

The area lies in Haute-Savoie in eastern France, bordering Switzerland and Italy around the Mont Blanc Massif.

What defines walking here?

High Alpine terrain with major elevation change, glacial scenery, and long-distance mountain routes.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Tour du Mont Blanc and the Haute Route both pass through the area.

Is the terrain steep?

Often. Many routes involve sustained climbs and rocky surfaces with significant elevation gain.

When is the best time to visit?

Late June to September offers the most reliable access to high passes. Snow can remain on higher ground into early summer and return early in autumn.