Refuge du Col de Balme

Refuge du Col de Balme sits at 2,191m on the col between the Mont-Blanc and Chamonix valleys in Haute-Savoie. Approach from Le Tour (Vallée de Chamonix) in 2–2.5 hours via the GR5, climbing steadily through alpine pasture. The col itself sits on the Franco-Swiss border; the refuge is on the French side. In summer, you can also reach it from Vallorcine via the Gd Col de Balme (3 hours). Winter access is possible but requires avalanche awareness.
The refuge offers 30 beds split across dormitory rooms and a few private doubles. Half-board is standard; meals are straightforward mountain food. Water comes from the col spring. The hut has no electricity and uses gas heating, so showers are cold. The season runs June through September; in settled weather, caretakers sometimes open in May. This is a working base for Mont-Blanc approach routes and a transit point on the Tour du Mont-Blanc.
Book direct by phone during season. Summer weekends fill quickly—contact 2–3 weeks ahead for July and August. The hut is quieter in June and September. Staff speak French and some English. Expect a rustic setup: bring a sleeping bag liner if sensitive to thin blankets.