Le Buet to Refuge de la Pierre à Berard
Beautiful walk filled with wildlife along the Berard river from the village of Le Buet
This walk leads you along the Vallon de Berard to the Refuge de la Pierre à Berard where you can enjoy stunning views back towards Le Buet.
The start point is in the village of Le Buet which is just down from Vallorcine. The path starts opposite the train station car park before the Hotel Le Buet. It leads through the nursery lifts in this area. The beginning of the hike is fairly steep in parts but once it opens out into the valley it's a pretty shallow ascent.
The large waterfall complete with viewing station and small café (open only in the peak summer season) is only 10 minutes from the the start. A lot of families hike up to this part and just beyond to enjoy lazy summer picnics by the river.
There are no deviations from the path, so once you are on it you can't really go wrong. It leads along the river through the forest and then out into the valley. You'll cross plenty of streams, especially in May and early June when the snow is still melting. There are often plenty of ibexs around as well as marmots. The ibexs are used to people and will move out of your way, but they should be approached with caution.
The walk to the refuge takes approximately two hours and about the same amount of time back.
For a detailed map, we recommend a 'Carte Sentiers' from the tourist office and has details of all routes in the valley.
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What to bring
Plenty of water, snacks and a picnic if the refuge is close or you don't intend to hike all the way there.
IGN3630 map is recommended.
What to see
Plenty of ibexs and marmots, although the second are pretty reclusive so can be hard to spot… basically they'll hear you coming before you're even aware they were there.
Sights in Chamonix
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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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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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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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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
At the refuge Pierre à Berard when it is open.
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Fœhn Restaurant
Takeaway spot at the heart of Flégère ski resort - perfect for a quick bite to eat or a coffee.
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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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La Piazza Restaurant
Italian restaurant next to the Savoy nursery ski area with an outdoor terrace and fantastic views.
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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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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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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5-Day Mont Blanc Training Course & Ascent
This two to three training course is followed by a three-day ascent and is for people with a high level of fitness. An unforgettable experience, to reach the summit will test the skills you have learnt along the way.
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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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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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Teresa Kaufman Walks for Women
A spoonful of curiosity, a pinch of empowerment – and you’ve got the recipe for a great afternoon. Join these outings exclusively for groups of women, led by local mountain climber, tour guide and photographer Teresa Kaufman.
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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.
