The Pointe de Balafrasse

Date of walk : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Hike completed with a group of 22 people to the lake without any particular problems, despite the slippery terrain. Only 6 continued the entire route. Caution is required on narrow, vertiginous passages on the left at the start of the ridge, where there is some snow.
Superb view of the Aravis and Mont Blanc.

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Date of walk : Sep 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The trail is marked as difficult by a sign at the bottom, and indeed there are rocks to climb and, as described, several possible routes, probably carved out by streams or countless sheep! The climb is therefore a little more challenging than a well-maintained trail, but without any major difficulties, except on the ridge if you are afraid of heights! Magnificent scenery and a reward at the end of the ridge trail in addition to the view of Lake Geneva: a herd of six ibex!

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Date of walk : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

The description accurately reflects the reality on the ground. The route is easy and well marked. Personally, I walk early in the morning, which makes the climb easier in the cool air and avoids the crowds. This allows you to appreciate the tranquillity of the site, enjoy the wildlife (ibex, bearded vultures, etc.) and take some beautiful photos.

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Date of walk : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Magnificent hike. Easily recognisable route. No real difficulties but some steep sections on rocky scree, walking sticks recommended.
There is an exposed section on the ridge at the summit, so take care if you suffer from vertigo.

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Date of walk : Aug 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful hike, very busy in summer. Lots of ibex and chamois.
And then walking along the ridge, where very few people venture... oh, fantastic!
Thanks for this itinerary.
As noted in a previous comment: overcrowding has created many "false trails", which is a shame as it means the nature isn't preserved... and it makes it difficult to know where you're actually supposed to walk.

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Date of walk : Aug 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful hike that is well worth the effort to reach the summit
I recommend setting off early as the route is very busy due to its easy access at the top of La Colombière
You can see ibexes along the way
Bear in mind that the ridge path once you reach the top is VERY vertiginous and you really need to be sure-footed to follow it
Magnificent landscape

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Date of walk : Jul 25, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The climb up to Lake Peyre is not always well marked and can be difficult in wet weather as it is very slippery.
From the Col de Balafrasse to the Pointe de Balafrasse, the path is very narrow on a ridge and can be dangerous, especially for those prone to vertigo.

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Date of walk : Jun 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A magnificent hike, one of the most beautiful! I go there very often. Be sure to bring walking sticks, as the rocks are quite slippery and they will help you descend more quickly. Every view is breathtaking! The Aravis and Mont Blanc are right in front of you. Be careful if you're afraid of heights once you reach the peak! Ibex and chamois are often around, especially in the late afternoon. Be careful though, as some ibex are quite annoyed by all the people and charge to intimidate them.
Thanks again, Viso Rando, for introducing me to my favourite hike 🥰

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Date of walk : Nov 17, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Route completed on 14 November 2024 after a light snowfall and cold weather.
We crossed the Pointe de Balafrasse in the opposite direction, which allowed us to better navigate the tricky passage between the summit and the Col de Balafrasse. This passage was still snow-covered and required extreme caution. There were many ibex and chamois.
It is regrettable to see the chaos of paths leading up to the lake, created by overuse during the summer.
Trying to follow the trail becomes very difficult. But what a beautiful hike.

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Date of walk : Aug 30, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Route taken with two children aged 7 and 9. Very pleasant picnic by the lake. Steep climb to the pass but not too strenuous. The view from the top is breathtaking and can make you feel dizzy. A few ibexes on the cliffside watched us. Take care on the ridge as the path is very narrow in places. We did it in grey weather so there were few people around, which was a definite plus. We saw lots more ibexes on the way down, some quite low above the Col de la Colombière.

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Date of walk : Aug 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

The hike starts to the left of the Colombière restaurant, on the south side. We didn't go up to the Col de Belafrasse, but only as far as the Lac de Peyre for a picnic. The signs indicate that it takes 1 hour 35 minutes to reach the lake, but families with children tend to take 2 hours 15 minutes. The path is stony and very exposed to the sun, and some parts are quite steep for inexperienced walkers.
Once at the top, the lake is very pretty, but there is no shade.

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Date of walk : Oct 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A magnificent hike, with aerial passages, splendid views and a technical section to reach the Pointe du Midi, where you can stand with your feet in the air!

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Date of walk : Aug 01, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : Yes

Accessible to all visitors up to the lake, so very busy in good weather. Ibexes can be seen along the path. The climb to the pass is quite steep but short. The ridge should be avoided by those who are afraid of heights, especially in windy conditions.

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Date of walk : Aug 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

The crossing between the pass and the peak was also busy.
No particular concerns unless you stray from the path to follow the ridge as closely as possible. In this case, avoid slippery conditions

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Date of walk : Aug 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A very beautiful hike without too many people, despite everything

Lots of ibex on the way there early in the morning
A slightly more vertiginous passage on the ridge, but magnificent views

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