Refuge de la Balme

We had lunch at Refuge La Balme during our hike around Mont Blanc. The welcome was rather cold — the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed by the number of hikers. The portions were generous and the food was decent, but the prices were quite high. I understand that being in the mountains comes with supply challenges. That said, it's definitely appreciated to be able to enjoy a homemade meal in the middle of a long hiking day. So we can't really complain, but the flavors just weren't quite there.

7 months ago

Stopped here just for breakfast. The staff were incredibly friendly. Picked up a few T-shirts and enjoyed a freshly made sandwich — the bread was absolutely delicious — along with a great latte. Don’t expect anything fancy or extraordinary; it's a mountain refuge, and that's part of its charm.

9 months ago

I loved the organizational logistics. You dropped your gear in a large, clean, organized shed behind the shower area. From there you took a plastic caddy and used it to transport whatever you needed for the night. It meant a clean, tidy dorm area. I was told that it helps reduce bed bug transfer. The food was above average. The staff was friendly and highly engaging. The location is beautiful and it’s a great spot if you are hiking to Les Chapieux or beyond the next day. It cuts out mileage and a large portion of elevation from Les Contamines.

10 months ago