Step Into the Void

Perched 3842 meters high atop Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix stands what is supposedly Europe’s highest attraction: a five-sided glass box made out of three layers of 12mm-thick glass bound together by the strongest of steel that overlooks a nerve-wracking precipice – indeed, the closest piece of ground from the box is a treacherous mountain cliff 1035 below. For a few minutes, visitors have the impression of standing into the void in what is essentially a transparent box, created for the sole purpose of admiring the unobstructed 360° view of the Alps valley (far, far) below, the mighty Mont-Blanc on the left, Europe’s highest mountain, as well as other peaks of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. Glass floor, windows, and ceiling offer an intimate and extraordinary panorama, perhaps the best in all the Alps.
On the practical side: parts of the observatory are outdoors and exposed to the cold mountain air, so make sure to bring enough layers. Sunscreen is also essential, as the sun is much harsher at almost 4,000 meters high.

Practical Info

The only way to get to Step Into The Void is by going up the Aiguille du Midi cable car. Terminal is located in Chamonix itself on place de l'aiguille du Midi. There is ample parking behind the terminal along Route Blanche. The terminal itself is also within walking distance from the village.