Chamonix Lac Blanc Hiking - Magical French Alps

Lac Blanc (While Lake) is probably one of the most famous hikes in French Alps. There are several routes to reach this beautiful lake at 2,352 meters just above the Chamonix valley on the opposite side of the mighty Mont Blanc; which is the highest mountain of Alps and Europe at 4,810 meters. Even though the altitude is not that high, due to the northern location the mountain stays snow capped entire year. In fact even in June / July the lake stays partially frozen. The turquoise blue glacial water of the Lac Blanc and the surrounding mountain is a treat to watch. Natural beauty at its best.
If one is lucky, they can photograph the reflection of the Mont Blanc on the water during sunset when the snow capped Mont Blanc glitters like a purple diamond with the last ray of the sunlight. Even though the nearby lake Lacs des Chéserys is probably the best location for capturing the perfect Mount Blanc sunset reflection and Milky Way during the right weather condition.
It is not so easy though. On that altitude and at the mountain the weather gets bad after mid day. Even if the weather stays good, it may get windy and that means no reflection. A bit of cloud can give a dramatic view, but that should disappear during night as otherwise there is no MilkyWay shot. Also all these should happen during a dark night with no moon. Otherwise one wouldn't see the MilkyWay due to bring moonlight.
During summer the sunset is around 21:00 and the astronomical twilight finishes around 23:00. Means, one has to go out capturing MilkyWay after 23:00 after the whole day of hike. Then next day probably 5:00 AM sunrise and then walk back to the parking. Overall it may get a very hard weekend.
For me it was not an exception. As I went alone for the video, I had to do self videos. That means, setup the camera, walk around and get back take the camera. With all these I probably ended up walking the route 1.5 times on the same day. But it was fun.
Unfortunately unlike Switzerland, France has massive restriction on flying drones. Almost the whole French Alps is a no fly zone and an illegal flight officially would mean 15,000 EUR fine or 6 months of jail. The whole region has lots of helicopters for rescue and supply to the refuges. So a drone can be a risky business. However, I really doubt a 800 grams plastic drone will cause problems to 5,000 KGs metal helicopter. But that is the reasoning and that is the rule. This region must have been amazing using drone. But looking at all the restrictions and warnings, I stayed away from flying my drone in the region.
However, I am happy with what I could capture as a solo video.

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Filmed using Nikon D850, Sony RX100 VII

https://www.avisekhphotography.com/