The primary goal of this loop trail is to explore the many view points around the Tete de Balme summit at the far north-eastern end of the Chamonix Valley. We used the Charamillon gondola and the Autannes chair lift from Le Tour to easily reach altitude fast. We then visit the nearby Refuge de Col de Balme on the border with Switzerland. This is a very nice place for a snack before moving on. The next destination is the main event: the Croix de Fer. A rocky crest with an iron cross mounted on the summit with pretty amazing views into Switzerland and all around in all directions. We then head back to the main trail and descend to the Chalets de Catogne. These are a number of farm houses set in a beautiful pasture below the rocky peaks that you just descended from. From there we move back up towards the south side and the views into the Chamonix Valley. We then take a nice flattish trail that takes us back to the Refuge Col de Balme and from there we can make our way back to the Autannes lift and take the gondola down to  Le Tour.

Along the route you will have the opportunity to add the Tete de Balme summit and L'Arolette to the route. These are two grassy dome summits close to each other and not too far from the Croix de Fer. You can either add these at the start of the trail and do them after visiting the Refuge de Col de Balme or you could add them after you make your way up from the Chalets de Catogne. You could climb up to the top of the Tete de Balme chairlift and then a short trail will take you to the Tete de Balme. The views will not be dramatically different from the ones you will enjoy from the Croix de Fer and the rest of this trail so they are definitely optional. It is also possible to further extend this trail by adding the Aiguillettes des Posettes and the Alpage de Balme and taking the gondola down from the mid station. The Aiguillettes des Posettes is definitely very beautiful and could be a great add on if you have the stamina.