Les Ecuries de Charamillon, translated as the Stables of the Charamillon, is a refuge and restaurant located very near to the Charamillon mid-station above the hamlet Le Tour on the Balme Mountain. They are open in summer from mid June to mid September corresponding to the opening dates of the Charamillon gondola which departs at Le Tour. They are also open in winter as part of the Le Tour ski domain.
The refuge comprises several buildings. They have a nice indoor restaurant with a nice outdoor terrace facing the view down the mountain and across to the Aiguillette des Posettes. They pride themselves on the use of local produce and a menu which they put together each year. The refuge has a total capacity of 19 beds divided over 4 sections of 4 and a section for 3 people. They recommend you bring your own sleeping bag liner.
The easiest access to Les Ecuries de Charamillon is via the Charamillon gondola which is located a few hundred meters from the refuge. There are many trails you can take around the area. We got a detailed description for a trail that includes the magnificent Aiguillette des Posettes and the Tete de Balme summit. Another very popular option is the trail to the Refuge Albert 1er along side of the Glacier du Tour.
Linked Trails & Points of Interest
These are the trails and points of interests linked to this refuge
9
Our Rating
Exceptional
Loop Trail:
A great discovery loop of the Aiguillette des Posettes and the Montagne de Balme above Le Tour on the north-eastern end of the Chamonix Valley
Length
14.52km
When to Go
Mid Jun - Start Oct
Hiking Time
4.0 - 6.0 Hours
Elevation +
+1171m / -1171m
Kids
15+ Years old
Running Time
2.0 - 3.0 Hours
Technical Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
Dogs
No Dogs
Nearest Town
Chamonix
9
Our Rating
Exceptional
Trail:
This route takes you from the village of Le Tour to the high altitude refuge Albert 1er, right next to the Glacier du Tour
Length
9.31km
When to Go
Start Jul - End Sep
Hiking Time
3.0 - 5.0 Hours
Elevation +
+862m / -862m
Kids
7+ Years old
Running Time
1.5 - 2.5 Hours
Technical Difficulty
Easy (2/5)
Dogs
Dogs Allowed
Nearest Town
Chamonix
Location & Map
Below you will the location of this point of interest on the map. You can click the button to show the nearby trails and points of interests that are listed above on the same map. Another option is to visit our complete interactive map that shows everything that is listed on our website.
Longitude:
6.9588
Latitude:
46.0156