Bellachat refuge (2152m), Massif du Mont-Blanc
Simple accommodation with an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc
This small but easily accessible refuge has some of the best views of Mont Blanc on offer in the Chamonix valley.
The accommodation is simple, with an outside toilet and no hot showers.
There are three dormitories of six, 10 and 12 beds; bedding is included but for hygiene reasons you must provide your own sheet or sleeping bag liner.
Be warned that the beds in the dormitory are side by side.
The refuge offers half-board, B&B or bed only accommodation; a lunch-snack menu is served during the day and the sunny terrace is a popular refreshment stop for passing hikers. The cuisine is typical alpine food such as homemade soups, seasonal salads, local cheeses, cured meats, blueberry tarts and so on.
The refuge is open from June to September. Please enquire directly with the refuge for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
Jump to
Directions
The refuge can be accessed by taking the Brรฉvent cable car from the centre of Chamonix and then walking on foot for approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively there is a trail from the Merlet animal park in Les Houches.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
See all Things To Do in Chamonix-
Vallee Blanche Off-Piste Ski Guiding
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), Ski and Snowboard Instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.
-
Teresa Kaufman Outdoor Photography Classes
'The best photo class you will ever take', is Teresa's bold strapline for her unique photo walk classes, which take place in the incredible outdoors of the Chamonix Valley and offer an opportunity to photograph the major mountains and viewpoints.
-
Cinema VOX
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
-
Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley onย foot.
-
Tandem Paragliding
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
-
Guided off-piste Vallรฉe Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism.ย Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
See all Restaurants in Chamonix-
Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
-
Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, itโs a favourite with both locals and visitors.
-
La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
-
Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
-
The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
-
La Fruitiรจre Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is situated in La Folie Douce Hotel.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
See all Sights in Chamonix-
Le Brรฉvent, Chamonix - Town
Brรฉvent is the closest summer lift to the centre of Chamonix and its impressive rocky summit rises to 2,525m above sea level.
-
Parc de Merlet
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
-
Les Bossons glacier
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
-
Espace Tairraz Crystal Museum
Discover the minerals from the Mont Blanc Valley, famous throughout the world, and learn more about the art of mountaineering.
-
Maison de la Memoire et du Patrimoine, Chamonix- Centre
This museum houses exhibits of Chamonix's past.ย
-
Alpine Museum
The museum is currently closed for renovations
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
See all Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix-
Brรฉvent Ski Area & Lifts
The Brรฉvent gondola delivers efficient high-speed access to the ski area, from the centre of Chamonix town - almost.
-
Aiguille du Midi Ski Pass Office
The Aiguille du Midi summits at a height of 3,842m and is the starting point for the famous Vallรฉe Blanche off-piste route. There is a dedicated lift pass office here which can sell you tickets not only for the Midi but also any of the other lifts in the valley.
-
Montenvers Ski Pass Office
This ticket office not only sells tickets for the Montenvers train but also all other lift passes for the area that Compagnie du Mont Blanc cover.
-
Chamonix Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
The Chamonix cross-country ski trails are easily accessed from the centre of town and are located near to the sports centre.
-
Planards beginner ski area and lifts
Les Planards is very much a family and beginner area, with nursery slopes and other fun activities on offer. Situated just beside the Montenvers Train station it's easily accessible.
-
Les Houches Foyer de Ski de Fond (Cross-country Skiing)
Les Houches has 2 cross-country ski areas, both of which are free to use.
Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
See all Towns & Villages in Chamonix-
Les Bossons
Les Bossons is a sleepy little village just a five-minute drive from the centre Chamonix on the road to Les Houches. It is fairly spread out and consists mainly of chalet-style properties and is popular with families due to its school.
-
Chamonix Mont Blanc
Chamonix is a lively market town known as both a world-class ski resort and mountaineering destination. Consequently, it is bustling with activity, in both the winter and summer seasons. Situated in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Chamonix is bordered by Switzerland and Italy and dominated by the incredible Aiguilles de Chamonix mountain chain which peaks at the top of Mont Blanc (4,810m) - the highest in Western Europe.
-
Les Houches
Les Houches is one of the largest towns in the Chamonix Valley, spreading over 8km from Vaudagne and the Col de Voza at one end, towards the bottom of the Taconnaz glacier and the Merlet Animal park at the other.
-
Les Praz
Les Praz is a small picturesque village on the outskirts of Chamonix. The village is surrounded by forests and streams making it an idyllic mountain hideaway and a popular place to live. You will find many chalet-style properties in this area. It is also home to a number of good bars and restaurants.
-
Argentiรจre
Argentiรจre is a picturesque village within the Chamonix Valley and is just a short 10-minute car journey from Chamonix town. This charming village has been less affected by wealthy tourists and ex-patriots from various countries who have chosen to make their living in the mountains. It therefore retains a lot of authentic French charm and has a beautiful unspoilt high street with patisseries, boulangeries and wine bars.
-
Le Tour
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix Valley in the Domaine de la Balme area. Take a stroll around the back streets to see some of the classically Alpine-style houses and the church dome. Look up to see the glaciers reaching down towards you, which are really impressive even in the height of summer.