Aiguilletteis des Posettes hike

Start this hike from Le Buet train station and walk along the wide track of the old coaching road, “Chemin des Diligences” beside a stream, taking a gentle and pretty half-hour ascent to the Col des Montets. The peaks of the Aiguilles de Chamonix are framed perfectly here at the highest point of the valley floor.

From the Col des Montets, continue in the same direction, walking down through the nature trail for ten minutes before reaching the car park at Tre-le-Champ.

Head left at the end of the car park, upwards and away from the road, following signs to Aiguilletteis des Posettes. The hike winds quite steeply through the larch forest for about 40 minutes before emerging from the treeline to give a fine panorama over the valley.

Just above the treeline there’s a junction – take the left-hand path, signed to Aiguilletteis des Posettes. From here, the path winds over a fragrant mix of juniper, blueberry and rhododendrons, around rocks and past small ponds. The trail has a wonderful open, airy feel and the views just get better and better as you rise higher above the valley on an easy gradient.

The summit of Aiguilletteis des Posettes itself is a great place for a picnic with plenty of room and 360 degrees of magnificence in every direction. The Emosson Dam makes a clear landmark to look for in Switzerland, and it’s a great view of Mont Buet, plus you can see the glaciers of Le Tour and Trient clearly on the left side of the valley.

Leave the summit in the same direction, hiking away from Mont Blanc. The path follows a glorious ridge-line that swoops down towards the Col des Possettes, and then turns back, following signs towards the Charamillon lift station. Walk down facing Mont Blanc which is now directly opposite you as you descend via a wide and easy path to the lift.

You can hike down to Le Tour or you can take Charamillon lift down to Le Tour. Once in Le Tour you can catch a bus here to return to Chamonix.