At 2,965m, the Aiguille du Belvédère is the highest peak in the Aiguilles Rouges and offers a superb viewpoint of the Mont Blanc Massif. For climbers, the beautiful South-East face is the primary interest. Standing 300 meters high with steep, compact, and high-quality rock, it hosts several routes, including two Piola lines that I particularly enjoy: Baisers Orageux and especially Mariage de la terre et du vent.

The routes are equipped, but you must “climb” between the bolts. Descent is by rappelling down the routes.

The large central ledge breaks the continuity slightly but provides a chance to catch your breath before tackling the second half of the face.

Approach: The fastest way is to take the Flégère gondola followed by the Index chairlift. Follow the path toward Lac Blanc before heading directly up toward the base of the face, clearly visible from the lake. The final section often holds snow well into the season, so pack light crampons and an ice axe. Allow about 2 hours from the Index. Note that this is also a classic ski touring itinerary. For the return, descend to Lac Blanc and hike directly to La Flégère via the Tour du Pays du Mont Blanc trail (GRP).

Given the approach, the rappels, and the return hike, you need to be fast to complete a route and return before the Flégère gondola closes. Otherwise, you have options: hike down to the parking lot (800m descent on a good path) or sleep at the Flégère refuge. This allows for a second day of climbing on the Belvédère or surrounding peaks like the Aiguilles Crochues, Tour des Crochues, or Glière.