Based in a cottage that is actually just over the border in Switzerland.
Having been built in 1877, the accommodation is pretty basic.
Col de Balme refuge (2190m), Massif du Mont-Blanc
Privately run, traditional refuge offering half board accommodation
The refuge is open from mid-June until mid-September.
The restaurant is open for non-guests to purchase drinks, snacks and lunches.
There are outdoor tables on a grassy plateau overlooking the Trient valley, a popular lunch stop for hikers and mountain bikers.
Accommodation is on a half-board basis only, including evening meal, bed and breakfast. Duvet and bedding are provided but they ask yo bring a liner to go under the duvet.
Showers are not included in the price but are available for a small extra charge, although as they are heated by solar power they can't guarantee it will be hot.
Please enquire directly with the refuge for this season's prices and its opening and closing dates.
Directions
You can access the refuge using the Charamillon gondola from the bottom of the Le Tour resort, followed by the Les Autannes chair lift. Buses run regularly to Le Tour from the centre of Chamonix. Please see bus timetables here.
Things to do nearby
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Tandem paragliding
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime with these qualified tandem paragliding specialists - All year round
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.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the Vallée Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. 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.
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Photography workshop - "L'Art du Regard"
Inspiring half-day in nature, led by an award-winning photographer
Join an award-winning photographer for a half-day course focused on improving your observation, exploring light, and developing your photographic eye. This workshop is suitable for all levels, ages, and equipment types.
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Tandem Paragliding
Soar above the Alps: tandem paragliding adventures for every age and skill level
Discover the unforgettable sensation of flying high above the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc valley on a tandem paragliding adventure. Whether it’s your first time in the air or you’re craving an adrenaline-fuelled experience, each flight is designed to showcase the Alps from their most spectacular angle.
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Cinema VOX
English films and digital 3D equipped
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.
Restaurants nearby
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Le Mayen Restaurant
Traditional alpine cuisine served in a restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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Fœhn Restaurant
Mountain café at the top of the Flégère gondola for eat-in or take away
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Central hotel with a stylish restaurant and bar popular with locals and holidaymakers alike
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Good value sourdough pizza in the Neapolitan tradition, take away or delivered
Using high-quality ingredients and traditional methods, these pizzas are made with a sourdough crust prepared from mother yeast, two flours, sea salt, water and extra virgin olive oil, then left to rise for at least 72 hours for light, easy digestion. They use San Marzano and Yellow Datterini tomatoes and the freshest fior di latte mozzarella. With sustainability in mind, only a couple of organic meat options are offered, keeping the menu thoughtful and delicious.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
American cuisine, craft beers, cocktails, and homemade baked goods
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, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors, offering generous portions, warm hospitality, and a menu that consistently delivers hearty, satisfying flavours after a day on the mountain or during a relaxed evening out.
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Family-style restaurant ideally located next to the Savoy nursery ski area
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
Sights nearby
Sights in Chamonix
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Summer lifts giving you access to the Swiss border, hiking and MTB trails
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
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Maison de Barberine museum
Museum dedicated to life in the valley from ancient times to present day
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
Just over the border to Switzerland you can journey up to the Emosson Dam
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam.
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Aiguille Rouge nature reserve
Walk amongst this protected natural area and enjoy beautiful scenery in the summer
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
CLOSED SUMMER 2025 Head up to get great views of the Argentière glacier
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Cable car and chairlift giving access to lots of great hiking trails and Via Ferrata
In summer the cable car at Flégère and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Lifts/Pistes nearby
Ski Lifts/Areas & Skipass Offices in Chamonix
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Vallorcine Ski Pass Office
Part of the Le Tour ski area situated close to the Swiss boarder
This ticket office is situated at the base of the Vallorcine cable car and is just a minutes walk from the train station.
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Vallorcine Foyer de Ski de Fond (Cross-country Skiing)
Cross-country ski trails in and around Vallorcine
Vallorcine offers 8km of marked cross-country ski trails, suitable for beginners and intermediates. The circuit loops round from Vallorcine to Le Buet, meaning that you can start from either village, both of which are easily accessible by train.
Read more about Vallorcine Foyer de Ski de Fond (Cross-country Skiing)
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Le Tour Ski Pass Office
Lift pass office situated at the bottom of the Le Tour / Balme ski area
The Le Tour ski area is at the end of the valley, towards the Swiss border, and is easily accessed by bus or car, with plenty of parking.
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Vormaine Beginner Ski Area & Lifts, Le Tour
Le Tour Beginner ski area and lift pass office
Nestled just off to the right of the main gondola at Le Tour is La Vormaine ski area, a beginner's ski area with four lifts.
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Grands Montets Ski Area & Lifts, Argentière
Access to the wonderful ski area situated a couple of minutes' walk from Argentière town centre
Les Grands Montets cable car (otherwise known as GM) is located an easy walk from Argentière town centre and is also on the main bus line, as well as being very near to Argentière train station.
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Argentiere Foyer de Ski de Fond (cross-country skiing)
Cross-country ski trails in & around Argentiere
The Argentiere ski de fond trails weave through the pine woods and the small hamlets of Les Choselets and Les Grassonets.
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Towns nearby
Towns & Villages in Chamonix
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Vallorcine 
Vallorcine
A pretty little village close to the Swiss border with gondola access to Le Balme area
Vallorcine is a small, relatively quiet French village at the eastern end of the Chamonix Valley, just a few kilometres from the Swiss border.
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Le Tour 
Le Tour
A typical Savoyard village nestled at the far end of the Chamonix Valley
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.
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Argentière 
Argentière
A traditional village located at the foot of the famous Grands Montets ski area
Argentière 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.
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Les Praz 
Les Praz
A beautiful village with access to the ski lifts and a challenging golf course
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.
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Chamonix Mont Blanc (Main Town) 
Chamonix Mont Blanc (Main Town)
The bustling, main resort town in the Chamonix Valley nestled at the foot of 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.
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Les Bossons 
Les Bossons
A growing village situated under its own glacier with a train station and post office
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.
