The Col du Bonhomme

Whilst the infamous Col du Fours turned out to be a bit of an anti climax (for the life of me I couldn't figure out where either it's reputation or grading on the map came from) it didn't really detract from what was a fabulous day out on a Tour du Mont Blanc variant.
It was a 10 hour day starting at 1150m and making our way over cols at 2440m and 2665m before arriving at Les Mottets for the night at 1850m.
We caught the first bus of the day from the apartment to the end of the line at Les Contamines (25 minute journey British readers for the sum of €1.50) and then made our way up the Nant valley stopping for coffee and chat with the warden at the Balme Refuge before climbing steeply to the Croix de Bonhomme and then onto the fabulously positioned refuge with its astounding view of the Beaufortain mountains for a lazy lunch. The views were wonderful, as was the, wait for it.....free cake for guides :)
From here it was over the wild looking Col du Fours - and down the far easier than described path to la Ville des Glaciers, all the while looking at the wonderfully named Glacier des Glaciers and our refuge for the night at the head of the valley, the converted old fort of Mottets. I've not stayed here before, but the great food, fantastic mix of accomodation and friendly welcome mean I'll definitely be back.

Extras - we've had a few Ibex recently so thought I'd let a cute Marmot have a turn.