Mont Joly

  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, Mt Blanc, Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, North along the Ridge, Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia
  • France Alps Mt Blanc Area, Mont Joly, , Walkopedia

Key information: Mont Joly

  • A fine day walk to Mont Joly, the high point of the first ridge to the west of Mont Blanc.  
  • An interesting ascent through natural forest, flower-filled meadows, past old farmsteads, takes you to the high ridge, with its astounding views of the Mont Blanc massif. A demanding scramble gets you to the peak, which enjoys glorious 360˚ views.

Walkopedia rating

  • Walkopedia rating83
  • Beauty32
  • Natural interest15
  • Human interest10
  • Charisma31
  • Negative points5
  • Total rating83
  • Note: Neg: ski area mess; resorts in valleys

Vital Statistics

  • Length: 5-7 hours
  • Maximum Altitude: 2,525m
  • Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
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Mont Joly: North along the Ridge - © William Mackesy

WALK SUMMARY

A fine walk to the best view onto the western flank of the Mont Blanc massif.

Start at the roadhead at the hamlet of Le Planay (circa 1,400m). The well-marked trail climbs steadily (but fairly steeply) through beautiful meadows and natural mixed forest, below cliffs and high ridges.

At the right time of year, you will enjoy a miraculous selection of alpine flowers, including perfect gentians and cluster-headed little orchids.

Your arrival at the ridge will extract a gasp, as the great agglomeration of snowfields, glaciers and vast cliff-faces appears above the grassy ridge-top.

A strenuous climb takes you to the high ridge and the marvels of the all-round view from the pyramidal Mont Joly.

You can retrace your steps or, if you have two cars, circle round to descend the next ridge to the north of your ascent, to the roadhead at Le Planellet.

Other accounts: share your experiences

Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.

Mont Joly: © William Mackesy

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

We have a lot of helpful practical information and tips about this walk, covering everything from the best books and maps, to timing and weather, geting there, possible problems, whether you need a guide and where to find them, and useful websites. This section is only open to members.

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Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.

Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.

Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.

Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk.

Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.

Mont Joly: © William Mackesy

OTHER ACCOUNTS
share your experiences

Add your experiences, suggestions and photos. We would be delighted to receive your writing and ideas (which will be attributed appropriately where published).

Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.

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Mont Joly: © William Mackesy...
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