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.
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
See all Sights & Sites-
Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Located <1 km away
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.
-
Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
Located 2.7 km away
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.
-
Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentière
Located 3.2 km away
The Plan Joran télécabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.
-
Maison de Barberine museum
Located 5.2 km away
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.
-
VerticAlp funiculars and train, Châtelard
Located 6.5 km away
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.
-
La Flégère, Chamonix - Le Praz
Located 8.4 km away
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
See all Restaurants-
Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
Located in Chamonix
A lovely restaurant located in the Chamonix valley, the Refuge de la Flégère is a true haven for culinary delights in the heart of the mountains.
-
La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
-
Stories & Beer
Located in Chamonix
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
-
Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
Bighorn Bistro opened its doors in 2015 with hopes of becoming a staple in the local and tourist communities with their fresh homemade food, artisanal beers and a friendly service. They did just that.
-
Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
Located in Chamonix
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
See all Activities & Trips-
Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Located in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
-
Tandem Paragliding
Located in Chamonix
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.
-
Classic Haute Route Trek, from Chamonix
Cloud 9 Adventure is a small independent adventure travel company run by Emma Jack. They offer expert guiding services in and around Chamonix Valley and further afield.
-
Vallee Blanche Off-Piste Ski Guiding
Located in Chamonix
Trust this local team of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM), Ski and Snowboard Instructors, all of whom have the highest level of state qualifications.
-
Cinema VOX
Located in Chamonix
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.
-
Teresa Kaufman Outdoor Photography Classes
Located in Chamonix
'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.
Where to stay
Hotels in Chamonix
See all Hotels-
La Folie Douce Hotel
Located in Chamonix
This hotel offers stunning alpine views, a vibrant atmosphere, and thoughtful amenities for families. Enjoy spacious rooms, an outdoor heated pool, yoga, spa treatments, and activities for all ages right at the foot of the ski slopes.
Price: €2,280
-
Le Genepy Aparthotel
Located in Chamonix
In the heart of Chamonix, close to all amenities and within walking distance to the Brevent cable car with views of Mont-Blanc.
-
Chamois Blanc Apartment Residence
Located in Chamonix
Stay in the heart of Chamonix-Sud at Le Chamois Blanc, a charming residence close to shops, the train station and cable car.
-
Pointe Isabelle Hotel
Located in Chamonix
Ideally located, the hotel has 45 spacious, well appointed bedrooms with great views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges mountains.
Price: €2,244
-
La Ginabelle Premium Residence
Located in Chamonix
La Ginabelle offers cosy, alpine-style apartments, just steps from shops, restaurants and mountain adventures.
-
La Chaumiere Mountain Lodge
Located in Chamonix
This mountain lodge enjoys a prime location just metres from the ski bus stop and local train station, with the town centre only a short walk away. Recently refurbished, it now features a smart, modern interior.
Price: €1,471