Walk: Chamonix to Trient

From the main train station in Chamonix (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc) head along the large Avenue Michel Croz into town, but soon turn right onto Rue Whymper. Follow this road as it gradually takes you out of central Chamonix, over the Arveyron River, and through the suburb of les Praz de Chamonix.

After les Praz, you’ll cross the River Arve and from here your route follows pleasant, undulating footpaths through wooded slopes, which are part of the “Petit Balcon Sud”, a scenic trail from Chamonix to Argentière. A few minutes after crossing the Arve you’ll pass Le Paradis Des Praz restaurant, a relaxed spot in the forest.

There are various paths and junctions, so watch carefully on your map for the right junction to Argentière.

From Argentière, the route takes you initially eastwards, to begin a zig-zagging ascent of the side of the valley, with grand views of the Glacier d’Argentière. Up on the hillside the trail takes a small section of the Petit Balcon Nord scenic route, before dropping to the small village and ski resort of Le Tour.

From Le Tour, the ascent really gets going; it's a long slog uphill on a large track, with the Télécabine de Charamillon (gondola) whirring temptingly overhead. About halfway up, close to the halfway station of the gondola, you’ll pass Les Écuries de Charamillon restaurant (www.les-ecuries-de-charamillon.fr). 

Your main objective however is the Col de Balme pass, where you’ll cross into Switzerland. You’ll also find the spectacularly located Refuge du Col de Balme (www.refugeducoldebalme.com) where refreshments are available, along with amazing views back to the Mont Blanc Massif. You’ll likely share the pass with many hikers coming the other direction on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

The descent to Trient begins on a relatively easy gradient, in a beautiful hanging valley untouched by ski lifts. After reaching the treeline, the track heads downhill more steeply on a long stretch of downhill zig-zags, bottoming out some 400m below in the Trient valley. It’s then a pleasant final stretch through the farmland of Le Peuty before reaching the small village of Trient.