Croix de Fer literally translates to Iron Cross. It is a very large icon cross mounted on a rocky view point near the Tete de Balme summit and the Refuge Col de Balme right across the border in Switzerland. The cross has the year 1984 written on it which we assume is the year it was manufactured and mounted.

The Croix de Fer offers really great views in all directions. Towards the north it looks down into the Trient valley and beyond towards Martigny. To the west it looks out towards Loriaz and the Mont Buet summit. To the south it looks towards the Aiguillette des Posettes and into the Chamonix Valley.

The Croix de Fer is easiest reached in summer by using the Charamillon gondola from Le Tour followed by the Autannes chairlift. From there it is a short walk to the Refuge Col de Balme and from the refuge it is roughly 1.5km and 140 vertical meters up to reach the Croix de Fer. The cross sits on a rocky ridge and the trail is a bit technical with some large rocky steps. Its nothing too crazy but it should not be attempted with snow or in wet weather.