The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most spectacular treks in Europe. We hike 165km through France, Switzerland and Italy, across five major passes, staying along the way in comfortable hotels and traditional auberges. We walk among breathtaking mountain scenery on the flanks of Mont Blanc, with views of some of the Alps’ most dramatic peaks.
Itinerary
[+] Detailed Itinerary
1
Join tour Geneva Airport
Arriving at Geneva Airport we transfer in just over an hour to our accommodation in Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley: there are spectacular views of the Mont Blanc range. Chamonix town centre is a short bus ride from Les Houches. There will be a short briefing by our Tour Leader about the week ahead, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Standard Hotel
2
Les Houches – Lac Blanc – Argentiere
After breakfast we take a local bus for 25 minutes from Les Houches to Les Praz (1065m) and then take the Flegere cable car up to 1900m. From here we hike through open countryside for 1.5-2 hours to Lac Blanc (2352m). There are incredible views of the whole Mont Blanc range, including the Grandes Jorasses, Aiguille Vert and Le Dru. We then follow a beautiful path through the forest to Argentiere (1244m). You will have your main baggage delivered to the hotel tonight.
Approx distance 12.5miles/19km, Ascent 550m, Descent 1110m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3
Argentiere – Col de Balme – La Forclaz (Switzerland)
From the hotel we walk through Old Argentiere and hike up to the Col des Posettes (1997m) for superb views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. From here, we traverse to the Col de Balme (2191m) and look directly into Switzerland. We then descend through open country with views of glaciers to Trient (1297m) and then on to La Forclaz (1526m) where we spend the night. You will have your main baggage delivered to the hotel tonight.
Approx distance 11miles/16.5km, Ascent 980m, Descent 894m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4
La Forclaz – Bovine Route – Champex
We hike along the ‘Bovine Route’ to Champex (1486m). The route winds its way through meadows, forests and open country with views of the great Sion Valley and the mountains of Verbier. There are no great ascents today and we arrive at the auberge set in a pretty forest. We are 1km from Champex Lake where you can head to for a sundowner. You will not have access to your main luggage tonight.
Approx distance 9miles/13.5km, Ascent 540m, Descent 600m
Overnight Basic Auberge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Champex – La Fouly
From here it is a gentle 5-6 hour trek to La Fouly (1600m) along the Val Ferret. We start our walk descending from Champex following the river along a pretty valley covered in trees to Praz-de-Fort. We then ascend in similar surroundings with wonderful views of Mt Dolent and the South Face of the Mont Blanc range. You will not have access to your main luggage tonight.
Approx distance 12.5miles/19km, Ascent 540m, Descent 440m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6
La Fouly – Grand Col Ferrett – La Palud, Courmayeur (Italy)
We continue from La Fouly along the Val Ferret and cross the impressive Grand Col Ferret (2537m). From here, the descent is slightly steeper but rewards us with outstanding views of two of the Alps most iconic mountains – Le Grandes Jorasses and Mont Blanc. We stay at La Palud (1350m), 3 km from Courmayeur and you will have your main baggage delivered to the hotel tonight. Hiking time is about 7-8 hours in total.
Approx distance 18miles/27km, Ascent 830m, Descent 1170m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
7
Rest day in Courmayeur
Courmayeur is one of Italy’s premier ski resorts and is full of pretty shops, cafés and restaurants. Close by, there is the hot spring spa at Pre St Didier, the Helbronner cable car and plenty of other walking oportunities.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
8
Courmayeur – Val Veny – Col de la Seigne – Les Chapieux
We take 2 public buses (approx 10 and 20 minutes each) and travel to Val Veny under the spectacular South Face and ridges of Mont Blanc. We trek along a wide glacial valley surrounded by glaciers and high peaks to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) which marks the border between France and Italy. We then descend to Les Chapieux (1549m). Today is quite a long day, although it is not steep. Hiking time is approximately 7 hours in total. You will not have access to your luggage tonight, so you will want to pack accordingly.
Approx distance 16 km, Ascent 860m, Descent 967m
Overnight Basic Auberge
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9
Les Chapieux – Col du Bonhomme - Les Contamines
We make a steep ascent above Les Chapieux through marmot country and on through open meadows to more barren scenery. We cross 2 cols (2479m and 2329m) in wild surroundings with fabulous Alpine Flowers and marmots, weasels and chamois. We then head down through open country and a narrowing valley. Our destination is Les Contamines (1167m) – a pretty ski village with an interesting church. We will stay approximately 2 km beyond the village of Les Contamines. Once again, there will be no access to your main luggage tonight. Hiking time is approximately 8 hours.
Approx distance 13miles/19.5km Ascent 850m, Descent 1320m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10
Les Contamines – Les Houches
We ascend thought pretty forests and meadows to the Chalets du Truc perched under the great west-face of the Mont Blanc range. There is a small peak we can climb before descending to the Chalet de Miage at 1559m. We then make a steep and tough climb to the Col du Tricot (2120m) and then on towards the plateau above Les Houches. This is a fitting end to our trek with the most outstanding views of the Chamonix Valley, the Chamonix Aiguilles and the Mont Blanc massif. We descend quickly by cable car and head to our hotel in Les Houches and are reunited with our luggage. The hotel has a pool and a nice garden with great views of the Chamonix Aiguilles. Hiking time is about 7 hours.
Approx distance 12miles/18km, Ascent 1160m, Descent 650m
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
11
Free day in the Chamonix Valley
Today you can take a 2-hour walk with the leader, along the Petit Balcon Sud, to Chamonix in time to visit the traditional Saturday market. Alternatively, you can take a 15-minute bus ride from Les Houches to Chamonix, relax in the hotel’s swimming pool or take part in some optional activities. Activities include a ride up the spectacular cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3842m for arguably the finest view in the Alps. At this height you are among the great Alpine peaks and glaciers with unimpeded views from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn almost 100km away. Other activities include rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting and visiting Chamonix’s Alpine museum. There will be a ‘farewell meal’ in the evening.
Overnight Standard Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast
12
Les Houches – Geneva
Transfer to Geneva Airport where our tour ends.
Included meals: Breakfast
