Refuge Albert Premier, Le Tour
A beautiful walk up to a refuge that acts as a summer stop for climbers, hikers and alpinists
There are two ways to approach this beautifully renovated refuge. The steep path that skirts its way alongside the Le Tour Glacier, or via the chairlift to the top of the Le Tour ski area and making a long mellow traverse.
The Albert Premier refuge was built in 1959. It is the starting refuge on the classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt and can sleep over 130 people comfortably. It has been refurbished in recent years and now has a very modern internal decor with a roaring fire for those cold summer nights.
Situated at 2,702m, it is a hefty 1,300m above the small town of Le Tour and is a serious undertaking and not to be underestimated.
What to bring
The route can be found on IGN3036 map. Chamonix and the Mont Blanc Massif
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
See all Sights & Sites-
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
Take a packed lunch and lots of water if you are starting from the car park. This hike ends at the Albert Premier Hut and here they offer everything from cold drinks and snacks to a hot meal and a warm bed.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Restaurant Refuge de la Flégère (winter only)
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.
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Le Comptoir de Plan Praz Restaurant and Café
The Comptoir’s menu features a variety of hot and cold dishes, from sandwiches to delicious soups. All to be enjoyed with a lovely view of the mountains.
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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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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.
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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.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe Day Hikes in Chamonix
Suitable for all abilities and tailored to your group. A perfect way to experience the mountains.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Classic Haute Route Trek
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.
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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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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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Guided off-piste 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.
Directions
From the car park at Le Tour it's three hours to the refuge.
Cross the grassy field heading towards the left bank of the Le Tour glacier and take the steep trail up the obvious couloir. From here the path crosses back and forth through the bushy rock face and eventually comes out on to the moraine bank near a water control building. From here the path follows the moraine ridge until it eventually reaches the refuge. (This path is often loose and requires a good level of fitness. It also involves some exposed sections and is not for the faint of heart.)
From the top of the chair lift at Le Tour it's about 90 minutes.
After departing the chairlift take an immediate right and follow the high traverse path that will lead you around the hill side and almost level with the refuge. This path joins the top half of the other route just below the refuge.
Neither of these routes are suitable for push chairs, however the high trail from the chairlift is perfectly fine for children.
