Refuge de Bel-Lachat walks

Beautiful walk facing the Mont Blanc massif, with a permanent view of the massif and glaciers.

This first stage of the long route starts gently, facing the Mont Blanc massif, and ends at the hamlet of Le Tour. The climb to Col de Balme offers superb views of the Glacier du Tour. You will cross the French-Swiss border on the first day, just before arriving at the refuge. From Col de Balme, you can also admire the Emosson lakes.

This legendary route connecting these two resorts renowned for skiing and mountaineering is very demanding. It requires excellent physical condition. You will hike through spectacular scenery, starting at the foot of Mont Blanc and ending opposite the Matterhorn. You will pass numerous peaks over 4,000 metres high, such as the Weisshorn and the Dent Blanche d'Hérens.

This sixth stage of the GTA GR®5, which is shared with the GR® TMB, takes place in the Mont Blanc massif and then the Beaufortain massif. From Les Houches, the route follows the Maison Neuve chairlift and reaches the Terrain chalets before climbing up to the Col de Voza. The GR®5 descends due south along a wide path towards the Refuge du Fioux and then reaches the hamlet of Bionnassay. It crosses the Torrent de Bionnassay valley and turns sharply westwards before reaching the hamlet of Champel. From there, the path heads south to reach La Gruvaz, from where it descends westwards into the Bon Nant stream, which it crosses to run along the left bank towards the south. It returns to the right bank, passes through Les Contamines-Montjoie following the stream’s axis due south, and goes past the remarkable chapel of Notre-Dame de la Gorge. Continuing to follow the Bon Stream valley, the GR®5 climbs to a natural bridge and crosses a gorge at the Pont Romain de la Téna to reach the Refuge de la Balme.

This 1st stage of the Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) is possibly the toughest but the adrenaline is pumping and short-cuts are not on the agenda. Let's do it! The TMB is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France.

The Tour Mont Blanc (TMB) is a classic long-distance footpath that goes around Mont Blanc, passing from France into Italy and through Switzerland before returning to France. These 11 stages are one way of doing it but you can make your own version of the TMB. The classic route begins and ends in Les Houches and takes an anticlockwise direction around Mont Blanc and the adjacent peaks. There is a total of 164 km (102 miles) walking these 11 routes and a positive height gain of over 10,000m. Certainly a challenging adventure but well worth the effort. Let's do it! ⚠️ This route passes through nature reserves. Please respect the regulations in force. See practical information.

A lovely downhill hike leading from the restaurant near the Plan de l’Aiguille cable car to Montenvers station, with a return journey by train to Chamonix station.

First stage of the Aiguilles Rouges tour. This stage begins with a forest climb with views of Mont Blanc and the Bossons glacier. Continuing with a panoramic hike over the Passy reserve, we pass Lac de Pormenaz and arrive at Refuge de Moëde Anterne which overlooks the Mont Blanc mountain range.

Climb up the rocks for panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Please note: technical and exposed sections.

A hike for those who want to enjoy the high mountains without too much elevation gain. It's ideal for children aged 8-10, to help them appreciate the mountains. You'll enjoy a panoramic view of the Mont Blanc range from the Chamonix side.