Aiguille du Dru Mountain

Address: Aiguille du Dru, Mont Blanc Massif (near Chamonix), France

The Aiguille du Dru is a pair of granite summits in the Mont Blanc massif of Haute-Savoie, France, noted for steep, technical climbing. The two main summits are the Grand Dru and the Petit Dru, each rising above 3,700 meters.

The massif is famous for very steep, near-vertical granite faces that present long technical routes and serious alpine challenges; routes include multi-pitch climbs and high-exposure ascents. The faces rise several hundred meters above the surrounding glaciers and valleys and are a focal point for experienced climbers.

The peaks have been the scene of notable climbing history since the late 19th and early 20th centuries and have undergone route changes due to rockfall and ice movements, which have altered some classic lines over time. The alpine climbing community continues to monitor conditions closely.

The Aiguille du Dru stands on the north side of the Mont Blanc massif above the Chamonix valley in Haute-Savoie, France, and is visible from towns and lifts around Chamonix.

• Climbing difficulty: The mountain has two close summits with vertical granite faces frequently exceeding 800 to 1,000 meters, attracting advanced alpinists and technical climbers.
• Visibility and access: Positioned in the Mont Blanc massif, the Dru is most readily seen from the Chamonix valley and from lifts serving the Flégère and Les Praz areas.

What to See#

• Grand Dru: The higher summit of the Dru pair, rising to about 3,754 meters and noted for its steep granite faces that dominate the western Mont Blanc skyline.
• Petit Dru: The slightly lower companion summit at roughly 3,733 meters, forming the twin-peaked profile and offering technical alpine routes.

• Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from Chamonix for the closest, easiest viewpoints of the Dru; arrive early in high season to avoid queues and secure the best photo light.
• If you plan to climb any route on the Drus, hire a certified Chamonix (UIAGM/IFMGA) mountain guide - the peaks are highly technical and subject to rockfall and changing conditions.
• For a dramatic valley-level perspective, view the Drus from Chamonix or the Montenvers/Mer de Glace area rather than expecting easy hiking access to the face itself.