Les Écuries de Charamillon
Last updated: 23 December 2025
Popular on-mountain restaurant at Charamillon (Le Tour) with a big terrace, Savoyard dishes and panoramic views. Great for lunch and sunny après stops in peak season. Seasonal and weather-dependent—check opening hours (and lift times if relevant) before you go.
Key takeaways
- Best for: on-mountain lunch, sunny terrace après.
- Vibe: classic mountain restaurant with panoramic views.
- Location: Le Tour (Argentière).
- Map: Open in Google Maps.
Full guide
A slope-side refuge and restaurant at 1,950 m on the Balme ski area. Accessible via a short walk from the Charamillon lift, it offers hearty alpine meals and a sunny deck with stunning Mont-Blanc views. In winter it’s a popular lunch stop for skiers seeking an authentic mountain experience.
Authentic Alpine Refuge Experience
Les Écuries de Charamillon offers a delightful blend of a mountain restaurant and a hikers’ refuge. Nestled on a high alpine pasture just above the top of the Charamillon gondola (in the Le Tour ski domain), it’s removed from the bustle of the main ski pistes – giving it a tranquil, almost secret vibe. In winter, skiers often take a short off-piste detour or a 10-minute walk from the lift to reach it ; in summer, hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail pass right by. The building itself is a converted old stable (hence “Écuries”), exuding rustic charm with stone walls, cowbells hanging from beams, and hearty wooden furniture. Inside, a central fireplace casts warmth, and there are just a few communal tables – it feels intimate and cozy, especially if the weather outside is snowy or chilly. The refuge also offers overnight lodging for a handful of people, so you might encounter trekkers settling in for the night in the adjacent dormitory. The ambiance is familial and convivial: the staff treat guests like old friends, and often the owner-chef will come out to chat or offer genepi to finish the meal. If you dine on the deck on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views over the entire Chamonix Valley and of Mont Blanc itself in the distance . Eating at Les Écuries feels like a true alpine experience – you’re not just another customer, but a guest in a mountain hideaway.
Hearty Cuisine & Unique Offerings
The menu at Les Écuries de Charamillon is focused on traditional alpine recipes and generous portions, perfect for refueling. Expect dishes like tartiflette (potato bake with reblochon cheese and bacon), bubbling cheese fondue, and croûte savoyarde similar to those at La Crèmerie. They also serve daily specials which could include stews, roast meats or fresh pasta – all cooked from scratch in their small kitchen. One highlight often mentioned is their homemade blueberry pie and other desserts, which taste even better at altitude after a big meal. Prices are reasonable given the location and the portion sizes; many consider it a great value compared to larger on-piste restaurants. Being a refuge, they also cater to overnight guests with set menus for half-board (dinner and breakfast), which are wholesome and plentiful. During the day, a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine on the terrace is a treat, and they have a selection of wines and beers to accompany lunch. Given its refuge status, don’t expect a vast menu, but what they do, they do well – authentic flavors of the region, hearty ingredients like local cheeses and sausages, and bread delivered from the valley each morning by the staff (sometimes via the lift or snowshoe!). Dining here is as much about the ambiance as the food, but you’ll leave satisfied on both counts.
Practical Information
Les Écuries de Charamillon is accessible in winter by taking the Charamillon gondola from Le Tour, then walking ~10 minutes uphill (or skiing a short offshoot if you know the way). In summer, it’s reachable via hiking trails from Le Tour or as part of the Tour du Mont Blanc route. Because of its location, it’s open seasonally: generally mid- December through April for winter, and mid-June through September for summer (exact dates vary with lift operations ). Reservations are recommended for lunch in winter because seating is limited – you can call ahead the same morning via phone. Also, if planning to stay overnight (it has around 19 beds in dormitory style ), booking in advance is essential via phone or the refuge booking system . Phone number is +33 4 50 54 17 07 . Day visitors should note that there’s no quick ski-in/out like a typical restaurant; you’ll be committing a bit of time to get here and back. However, many skiers incorporate it into their day as a long lunch break because it’s so special. Dress warmly as getting there may involve wading through snow. They accept cash and often cards, but it’s wise to have cash just in case (refuges sometimes have connectivity issues). After lunch or an overnight, you’ll descend back to the lift (or ski down to Le Tour if snow permits). Les Écuries also hosts private group events or fondue nights, sometimes partnering with the lift company for evening access – something to inquire about if you have a special occasion. Overall, if you crave that genuine mountain refuge atmosphere combined with a good Savoyard meal, Les Écuries de Charamillon is a must-visit.
| Website: | Charamillon.fr |
| Phone: | +33 4 50 54 17 07 |
| Location: | Alpage Charamillon (near top of Charamillon lift), Le Tour |
Practical info
- Address: Charamillon, Le Tour, 74400 Argentière (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc), France
- Phone: +33 4 50 54 17 07
- Website: https://www.charamillon.com/
- Google Maps: Open map
Private transfer from Geneva
If you’re heading out for après in Le Tour (Argentière), a pre-booked ride keeps it simple—especially for late finishes or snowy nights. See Geneva to Argentière Transfer for private transfer options.
FAQ
Where is Les Écuries de Charamillon?
Les Écuries de Charamillon is in Le Tour (Argentière). Address: Charamillon, Le Tour, 74400 Argentière (Chamonix-Mont-Blanc), France. Use the Google Maps link in this guide for turn-by-turn directions.
Is Les Écuries de Charamillon good for après-ski?
Yes. Les Écuries de Charamillon is a popular après-ski option in Le Tour (Argentière). Expect a classic mountain restaurant with panoramic views vibe and it can get busy straight after the lifts close in peak season.
Do I need to book?
For drinks only, walk-ins are often fine. If you want a table for food (or you’re a group in peak winter weeks), booking ahead is recommended.
