After being discovered in 1740, the Mer de Glace or the ‘Sea of Ice’ has become a major tourist draw and one of the most visited natural sites in the world. The 7 metre long, 200 metre deep Mer de Glace is also the largest glacier in France....more
After being discovered in 1740, the Mer de Glace or the ‘Sea of Ice’ has become a major tourist draw and one of the most visited natural sites in the world. The 7 metre long, 200 metre deep Mer de Glace is also the largest glacier in France. It is accessible by the Montenvers train which leaves from the center of Chamonix Town. This train ride on its own is quite a unique experience that is enjoyed by many. It takes about 20 minutes to climb up to the glacier on the popular little red railway train. While here, tourists must make it a point to also visit the Ice Grotto or Cave. This made-made grotto is accessible by a small cable-car that can be taken from the train station. This impressive ice cave enables tourists to go right into the heart of the glacier via 300-odd steps. Here, visitors will find ice sculptures, carvings and caves, including the Gallery of Crystals, which houses a collection of crystal specimens; the finest in the Mont Blanc Massif.
Ticket rates for the train, and entrance to the ice cave varies
Opening hours vary according to the season. The Ice Cave and gondola are closed for 2 periods each year, once in autumn and once in spring,
Around 3 hours or more
Adults, young adults, families, children
The Mer de Glace, the Ice Cave, the Glaciorum and the Montenvers Train
Since Muslims visiting the town of Chamonix will not be able to find prayer facilities, they will have to offer their prayers in the hotel room, when possible. There will be plenty of space for them to pray outdoors when visiting the Mer de Glace, but it will be quite uncomfortable to pray on snow and ice.
Finding Halal food in Chamonix will prove to be a problem, as there are no known Halal restaurants in the area. Muslim visitors will have to dine on vegetarian and seafood dishes at one of the local restaurants, after making sure the items they order do not contain any non-Halal ingredients.
350 Chemin du Pied du Grepon, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Site du Lac des Gaillands, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Prayer times for Chamonix-Mont-Blan..