Founded in 1933 by Georges Orset, a high-mountain guide from Saint-Gervais, the Refuge du Nid d'Aigle established itself from the outset as an essential stop on the normal route up Mont Blanc. The building houses mountaineers and staff in its dormitories, while the ground floor holds a catering service. It has become a landmark of the local mountains.
In 2002, a fire destroyed the building entirely. It was rebuilt in 2006 on its current site, in timber architecture blended into the landscape and resistant to avalanches and rockfall. Today it spans two levels and 242.8 m². In 2026, a new chapter opens as Fabien Demolis takes over the refuge.
Not accessible by road, the Nid d'Aigle is reached on foot or by the Tramway du Mont-Blanc, of which it marks the final stop. Located in the commune of Saint-Gervais in the Mont Blanc Massif, it is one of the three refuges on the normal route linking the valley to the summit.
Starting point of the normal route, the spa town is two hours' walk downhill or about an hour by the Tramway du Mont-Blanc.
The next stage for mountaineers heading for the roof of Europe. The Refuge du Goûter, at 3,835 metres, is reached in four and a half to five hours' walk.
At 4,808 metres, the roof of Europe. The Nid d'Aigle is the first stage of the ascent — from here, mountaineers reach the Goûter before setting off for the summit the following morning.