Chalet de la Balme dessous
The place
Unstaffed alpine chalet located at 1350 m in the Balme valley, on the western side of the Lauzière massif (Savoie, municipality of Argentine), below the Chalet de la Balme - dessus (1895 m). A notable position halfway up the climb toward the Aiguille de Balme and the high mountain pastures. A basic building, freely accessible, a rustic stopover for hikers transitioning between the valley and the high pastures. A mid-mountain forest setting: spruce, beech, larch, and hedgerowed meadows typical of the foothills of the Lauzière-Grand Arc massif. Emblematic wildlife: chamois, roe deer, wild boar, red squirrel, red kite, golden eagle at altitude. Classic access via the Montchabert forest road from Argentine — currently closed to traffic above a certain point due to a landslide, allow for a longer approach on foot. Positioned on the fringe of the major routes linking the Maurienne to the Tarentaise via the Lauzière.
Getting there
Balme valley from Argentine (Montchabert forest road, closed at certain points). Below the Chalet de la Balme - dessus (1895 m).
The setting
Balme valley (Lauzière, Argentine), western side of the massif.
