Walk 6006 - Col de Balme to Le Tour

   
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This is an good walk with some uphill effort required. The views along the valley towards Chamonix are first rate and you have the bonus of seeing some of Switzerland's higher peaks.

Take the Télécabine from Le Tour to Chalet de Charamillon and continue on the connecting Télésiege des Autannes to its mountain terminus. After alighting take the clear track north to the Col De Balme with its stone-built refuge. Note the boundary stones that mark the frontier between Switzerland and France. From the refuge take the clear path northwest to the summit of the Tête de Balme (2321 m.). From here the grand views in all directions most notably towards Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges.

Return to the Refuge at Cole de Balme and take the clear path that descends southwest to Chalet de Charamillon. You are now on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Ahead there is a grand panorama of the Arve Valley and its surrounding mountains. To continue the descent take the path to Le Tour. This drops, steeply in places, with the Télécabine on your left. On arrival in Le Tour do allow time for some exploration as this is a pretty village with many interesting buildings.

Things to consider - Despite the low-level nature of this walk, do chose a day with good visibility as the views from the Tête de Balme are excellent. In poor weather there is very little natural shelter.

Suggested Maps

	Carte de Randonnées "Sheet A1 - Pays due Mont-Blanc" published by Rando Editions. 1:50000 scale - Sheet A1
	Map of Mountain Footpaths in Summer - 1:40000 - Published by the Office de Tourisme
	IGN Carte de Randonnée - Chamonix - Massif de Mont Blanc - 1:25000 Sheet 3630OT