© Joel Evans
© SeeChamonix.com / Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
Aiguillette des Posettes, Le Tour
A steep trail offering an amazing panorama of the Chamonix valley
This walk situated at the top of the valley offers incomparable views of the entire Mont-Blanc range, as well as the Le Tour and Argentiere glaciers.
The Aiguillette des Posettes sits at the top of the Chamonix valley and offers fantastic views of the entire Mont Blanc Massif and also views towards Mont Buet and into Switzerland. A high point of the Mont Blanc Marathon, this peak sits just above 2,000m and is the penultimate big climb on the marathon circuit.
On a clear day this walk is perfect for a sunset hike. Bring a head torch for the descent and enjoy a beautiful panoramic of Mont Blanc as it turns pink in the evening sun and the street lights of the busy town centre sparkle away miles below.
Worth knowing
If you want to make this hike a bit quicker/easier, you can use the lift system. Take the Charamillon gondola and follow the signposts from the top.
What to bring
IGN3630 map is recommended
Where to lunch
If you walk over to the Col de Balme you can have lunch at the Refuge de Balme, an old stone hiking lodge that sits on the edge of the Franco/Swiss border. They're not open all year round, so check before you leave. There is also the friendly little Café Le Passon in the Le Tour car park, serving snacks and drinks.
Directions
From the Tre le Champs car park just before the Col des Montets, you head north through the woods to the summit. The path is steep and rooty in places but never feels that tough. Follow the sign posts to Aiguillette des Posettes.
You can return via the same path or carry on over the top of the summit and head around to the Le Tour ski area. This variation is longer and will take a couple more hours. You can then descend via the right bank of the small river and return to the car park at Tre Le Champ.
