The Aiguillette des Houches hike starts at the Merlet animal park parking lot. The parking lots P1 and P2 are reserved for visitors with reduced mobility. Hikers can park in P3.

The Aiguillette des Houches is an exceptionally beautiful and rather difficult hike, offering some of the best views of the Mont-Blanc massif. During our visit on a sunny Sunday in August, the trail was fortunately not too busy. The hike begins with a steep ascent through the forest, with some slightly more technically demanding sections. Exposed passages are secured by chains, but you need to be sure-footed. Almost from the start, we regularly enjoy beautiful views of the impressive Mont-Blanc massif.

After around two hours, we reach the Bellachat hut. On the refuge’s sunny terrace, we enjoy the magnificent panoramic view while sipping a refreshing drink. We continue our way through the Carlaveyron plateau, a natural amphitheater shaped by glaciers. The combination of humidity and altitude here gives rise to a particularly rich and rare flora. We finally reach the Aiguilette des Houches. It is worth walking a little further along the ridge to take in the breathtaking views. That’s exactly what we do and also enjoy our lunch there.

The descent is steep at first, then passes the ancient ruins of the Chailloux chalets. Finally, the last section descends through the forest to the parking lot.