This is the tallest peak in Western Europe, at 4,810 meters above sea level. The view was from l'Aguille du Midi, which is a mountain outpost placed on a peak that has an excellent view of the Graian Alps. Mont Blanc is a peak shared by both the Italians and the French, as the border passes directly on top of the peak.

Mont Blanc was first ascended on 1786, and according to the Wiki of the mountain, "[Mont Blanc] is ascended by an average 20,000 mountaineer-tourists each year and could be considered an easy, yet long, ascent for someone who is well trained and used to the altitude. This impression is reinforced by the fact that from l'Aiguille du Midi (where the cable car stops), Mont Blanc seems quite close, being merely 1,000 m (3,300 ft) higher. "

Truth be told, Mont Blanc does seem relatively close to where the cable car line ends. However, life at 4 kilometers in the air is very dangerous due to the deceptively thin air, and the constant threat of hostile weather. Folks do get into accidents and die on the ascent to Mont Blanc.

Tread lightly.

Panoramic Stitch of several photos.
October 4, 2008
Chamonix-Mont Blanc
France