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The starting point for this stage is at the Carrefour du Mont Blanc in Chamonix.
(S) From the Mont Blanc roundabout, heading north-east, take the Route du Bouchet (D1506) to the next roundabout. Turn left onto Avenue de la Plage and pass the Air Sports Chamonix building.
(1) After the building, take the path on the right. Return to the Route du Bouchet at the bridge over the Arveyron. Continue north on this road (D1506), leaving it and staying close to the railway line before reaching a tunnel under the railway line.
(2) Turn right and go under the railway line. Turn left at the first intersection. Follow the Chemin des Essartés, then the Route des Lacs. Pass in front of the Tines station and continue on the Chemin de Saint-Roch until you reach another tunnel under the railway line.
(3) Take Chemin des Jorasses after the tunnel and join Chemin du Petit Balcon Sud. Cross the Arve.
(4) Walk along the Petit Balcon Sud path on the right towards Argentière. Arrive at the car parks at Argentière station.
(5) Continue left, heading north, and turn right after the Tourist Office. Cross Argentière via the Village road and pass in front of Saint-Pierre Church.
(6) Then turn right onto Chemin de la Moraine to reach another tunnel under the railway line.
(7) Go through the tunnel and take the Petit Balcon Nord path. Walk until you cross the Le Bisme stream, pass the ski lifts and arrive at the village of Le Tour.
(8) Turn right onto the Charamillon trail and climb up to the Chalet Restaurant de Charamillon.
(9) Continue climbing to the Col de Balme, which marks the French-Swiss border.
(10) Cross over to the Swiss side and quickly reach the Refuge du Col de Balme, your accommodation for the night (E).
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Difficult 
Moderate 
