This stage takes us back to the Chamonix Valley, crossing from Switzerland back to France. The distance is 15km and should take about 6 hours. The first part of the hike, from Trient to Col de Balme is all uphill, a distance of 5.5km and an ascent of 900km.
After a skimpy breakfast at the L'Auberge de Mont Blanc, we dropped off our bags for transport and start getting ready to walk out the door. Almost all the hikers are doing the same. Everyone is heading south on the main paved road. At le Peuty, about 1km away, there is a campsite, toilets and an information board. Some hikers are being dropped off by taxis or vans. They may have been staying at Forclaz because they couldn't find accommodations at Trient.
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| Hikers heading out in the early morning light |
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| The Refuge du Peuty, providing basic accommodations |
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| Yurt-type tents providing sleeping quarters for hikers |
Right after le Peuty we start our ascent up the mountain. It's a long section of zig-zags and never seem to end. We met other hikers, young and old, from all over the world. We met mountain-bikers coming down from the other direction. We passed through some beautiful wooded areas and rewarded with views of mountains and valleys. It is our last glimpse of Switzerland.
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| Doris crossing the Nant Noir |
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| Start of uphill climb |
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| Views of mountain peaks |
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| Trail going through open meadows |
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| Mountain biker coming down the other direction |
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| View of the valley behind us in Switzerland |
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| Approaching the hut at Col de Balme |
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| Snow-capped mountains and valley in Switzerland |
The hut starts to look bigger as we approach Col de Balme. When we reached the hut we saw many people stopping to rest. Some are gazing into the Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc itself. It was a clear day and we could see Mont Blanc clearly. This is also where the Swiss border ends and the French border begins. We ran into many hikers that we've meeting the last few days. We greeted each and chatted and talk about our experience. There is a sense of accomplishment because we are so near to the end of the hike.
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| Stone marking the border between Switzerland and France |
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| Looking at Mont Blanc from a distant |
Finally it's time for our descent into Argentiere. We were supposed to descend from Col de Balme to Col des Posettes, then to Aiguillete des Posettes. Then more descent to Tré-le-Champ and finally down to Argentiere. A total distance of another 9.5km.
However, we have had enough hiking for the day. The climb up Col de Balme was tiring. So we decided to walk slight below Col de Balme and take the ski-lift part way down. Then we take a cable car down to the town of Le Tour. From there we took a bus to Argentiere. This probably saved us about 4 hours. Our bodies are tired. We need to save some energy for the last 2 days.
Checking into the 4-star Hotel les Grands Montets was a renewed feeling. It is a luxurious hotel, better than any we've stayed so far. Our balcony faces Mont Blanc. We are near a ski-lift so this must be a popular area in the winter. After a quick shower we were ready for a nap.
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| Town of Argentiere |
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| View of Mont Blanc from the balcony |
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| Beautiful Hotel les Grands Montets |
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