Col de Balme Hike
Le Tour and Col de Balme, France
Above Le Tour, the walk towards Col de Balme passes through Alpine pasture to the border between France and Switzerland. Views stretch back along the Chamonix valley and across surrounding peaks, with a more open, grassy character than the rocky slopes around Lac Blanc. The Charamillon gondola can shorten the ascent during its summer operating season. Check the trail, weather and lift timetable before setting out, and leave enough time to return before the final descent.