Col de Balme, Chamonix

2195 m

  return trail 10.5 km  3 h   ▲346 m   ▼707 m
*family- friendly variant (8 km 2 h)

Le Tour - Col de Balme - Le Tour

Moderate* hike in Chamonix.

An ideal choice for families and beginners, this hike showcases the beauty of Chamonix Valley.
Take in the majestic Mont Blanc massif, the sprawling valley, and even the peaks of the Swiss Alps. 

Your adventure starts in Le Tour! This charming village serves as your launchpad for a fantastic hike.

Take a scenic gondola ride up to the Domaine de Tour, 

From there, embark on a delightful walk along a wide path towards the Col de Balme. As you stroll, keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent mountain scenery.

Reach your destination, Col de Balme a scenic mountain pass marking the border between France and Switzerland.
At the Refuge Col de Balme you can buy some food and drinks (credit cards aren't an option here- bring cash instead )

Way back: go back the way you came. 

This allows you to enjoy the landscapes
from a different perspective.
Just bypass the gondola station at Domaine de Tour and continue on foot downhill until you reach Le Tour Gondola Lift Station once again but if you're feeling tired, save your legs and ride the gondola.

*YOU CAN MAKE THIS HIKE SHORTER with 1 hour (2 km), by taking the Télécabine Le Tour Col de Balme back to Le Tour

Destination points:
Hiking up:

❶ Télécabine Le Tour Col de Balme
❷ Domaine du Tour (upper Télécabine station)
❸ Col de Balme
Hiking back:
❹ Télécabine Le Tour Col de Balme

How to get to Le Tour

What you should know

Moderate* - this trail is considered moderate due to its distance, but the terrain itself is not too difficult 

Hiking from Le Tour to Col de Balme is a fantastic option for those who want stunning views without a super strenuous climb. It's also a great choice for families with children.