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Haute-Savoie (French Alps)Téléphérique de l'Aiguille du Midi The Téléphérique de l'Aiguille du Midi is a cable car that goes from Chamonix in the French Alps to the Aiguille du Midi summit. It is popular with both tourist and alpinists as it offers great views and good access to the Mont Blanc. The Téléphérique de l'Aiguille du Midi runs in two stages, Chamonix to Plan de l'Aiguille and Plan de l'Aiguille to Aiguille du Midi. Each takes about 10 minutes and cars run every 10-30 minutes depending on the season and demand. Total climb is 9,236 ft - Chamonix at 3,369 ft to Aiguille du Midi at 12,605 ft, the highest in the world. The base station is near the center of Chamonix. There is nearby parking and then follow the signs on foot. The first stage, Chamonix to Plan de l'Aiguille climbs 3,369 ft to 7,602 ft and passes two pliers, causing slight sway and a roller coaster moment. At Plan de l'Aiguille there is a small restaurant and hiking trails. Lac Bleu is a nice short hike. It's possible to hike back down to Chamonix in little over two hours. At the summit are restaurant, souvenir shop, viewing platform, small museum and access to the Vallée Blanche ski run. You can also access the Vallée Blanche Aerial Tramway that connects the Aiguille du Midi and the Pointe Helbronner, it passes over the Vallée Blanche and the Glacier du Geant. Also at the summit is an elevator, €3 per person that takes you to the highest point at the summit and offers panoramic viewing. If you're not sure how high you'd like to go, you can one way or half way tickets and then purchase a continuing ticket higher up. But its cheapest to buy a round trip. Closes for maintenance in November to middle of December. For more information on hours and tickets see the Compagnie du Mont Blanc web site. Follow @jeffsteiner
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