Réserve Naturelle des Contamines-Montjoie Day Hike from Passy
Just 25 minutes by car from Passy's village centre, the Réserve Naturelle Nationale des Contamines-Montjoie protects one of the largest expanses of unspoiled high-alpine terrain in the northern Alps. Glaciers, marmot colonies, ibex on rocky ridges and flower-carpeted meadows await on trails that feel a world away from the Mont Blanc tourist circuit.
The Classic Route: Nant Borrant to La Balme
The well-marked trail from the Nant Borrant refuge (1,459 m) climbs steadily through larch forest before opening onto the Plan de la Balme plateau at around 1,706 m, where the Bon Nant torrent braids across flat meadows beneath the Dômes de Miage glacier.
Marmots whistle from every boulder field and, in late summer, the meadows are thick with gentians, arnicas and Alpine asters. The round trip is 10 km with 450 m of ascent — manageable for fit walkers in three to four hours.
Wildlife & Best Timing
Ibex are reliably spotted on the rocky shoulders above La Balme between June and September; bring binoculars. The reserve is also a key staging post for migrating raptors in September, and golden eagles nest in the upper cirques.
Snow can linger on the upper section until mid-June, so late June through September is the sweet spot. The Nant Borrant refuge serves hot lunches and simple dinners — book ahead on summer weekends.
More of Passy
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Passy →
