Refuge du Col de Balme stands on the col of the same name, at 2 190 m7 185 ft, and its website (in French) simply places it “France/Switzerland”. Coming from Switzerland, this is where the Tour du Mont Blanc crosses into France.
The refuge
A small refuge of 25 places, with no winter room and no bivouacking nearby.
Before you climb up: you sleep in a dormitory, with duvets and pillows, but a sleeping bag liner is mandatory. Electricity is low-carbon only, so a hot shower depends on the sun. Order your next day’s packed lunch when you arrive in the evening, and cards are charged in Swiss francs.
Contact: +33 6 07 06 16 30 - [email protected]
Refuge Du Col De Balme (2190m), Col De Balme - France
Refuge du Col de Balme (2 190 m7 185 ft) stands at the Col de Balme, between France and Switzerland: this is where the Tour du Mont Blanc enters France when you come from Switzerland. A small 25-place refuge with no winter room, and no bivouac nearby.
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