Croix de Fer de Balme, Le Tour
A challenging but rewarding hike through the grazing pastures up to a remote viewpoint
This route takes you through the high altitude grazing pastures of the Col de Balme and along a vertiginous ridge up to a pinnacle that looks out over both the Chamonix valley and over the back into Switzerland.
This route takes you through the high altitude grazing pastures of the Col de Balme and along a vertiginous ridge up to a pinnacle that looks out over both the Chamonix valley and over the back into Switzerland.
Starting from Le Tour car park you can either hike up from the bottom following the trail behind the lift station, or skip the first bit and hop on a gondola followed by a chairlift.
At the top of the chairlift turn left and follow the stony track towards the Col de Balme. You’ll see the grey stone building of the Refuge de Balme on your right and the Swiss border lies just beyond.
Don’t be tempted to follow the trails to the right or left, carry straight on towards the Croix de Fer. When you reach a fork in the path, bear right to follow a narrow ridge that climbs higher and higher all the way to the Croix de Fer at 2,343m. You’ll need steady feet and a head for heights, as there are some sheer drops to the side and the occasional bit of scrambling required to get past a few rocky sections. It’s a very fun path though and the scenery along the way is breathtaking.
Once you’re at the top you can perch on what feels like the top of the world and take in the sweeping view of Valais and the Col de Forclaz over in Switzerland and the Rhone Valley. "Croix de Fer" translates as iron cross, and this is exactly what you'll find at the summit; a cross dated 1984.
The route back can either be by the same way you came up or you can make a circuit of it by looping round the cow fields. Descend the ridge and when you reach the Col de Balme follow the Plan des Reines towards Autanne. This will take you round in a big circle through beautiful pastures to reach the top station of the gondola. You can now either take the gondola back down, or follow the hiking trail that juts off from the left on the first bend of the 4x4 track.
We’ve given the distances and timings as if you’ve walked the whole route, obviously it will be significantly less if you use the lift system in either or both directions.
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What to bring
Hiking poles might be useful for the lower parts of the hike, but put them away once you get to the ridge as they'll just be in the way and may even trip you up. It can be chilly up at Le Tour, it is one of the windiest parts of the valley, so bring extra layers that you can take on and off as needed.
What to see
As well as views of both the French and Swiss Alps, you'll probably also come across herds of gentle cows grazing in the mountains. If you're lucky you might see wildlife such as marmots or ibex.
Sights in Chamonix
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, 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 with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
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
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
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Maison de Barberine museum
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
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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La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
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.
Where to lunch
There is a large restaurant at the top of the Charamillon cable car but it is canteen style and not very appealing. For a more authentic Savoyard experience you should try the Refuge de Balme, known to locals as the "dragon lady hut" due to the unique approach to customer service that the owner has!
The food and the views make up for it though and her rudeness can actually be quite entertaining...
Restaurants in Chamonix
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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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, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
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Mer de Glace glacier trek
Strap on your crampons for a scenic stomp across the frosty wasteland known as the Mer de Glace.
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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.
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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.
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Introductory Tandem Paraglide
Realise man's oldest dream and discover the simple pleasure of a tandem paragliding-flight. The best way to discover Chamonix Valley and Mont-Blanc massif
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
