Please note that all distances and timings are approximate. The Tour du Mont Blanc has many variations and your guide will choose the best path on the day according to the weather conditions and the ability of the group. Some days may be made longer or cut short as necessary. There may sometimes be the option to take public transport or a mountain lift if the guide and the group are in agreement. This itinerary is an example of a typical trip.
Day 1 – Arrival Day
Arrival and check-in to your hotel in Chamonix. You can spend the day as you like, exploring the town or buying some last-minute supplies for your trip.
You will meet your guide and other members of the group in the evening at approximately 17:00-18:00 for a briefing about the itinerary, the weather, and conditions. You can check with your guide if you have all the equipment required and ask any questions.
Dinner is not included on this day, you can either dine at the hotel or go and explore the many excellent restaurants in Chamonix town.
Accommodation : Hotel, twin/double rooms.
Day 2 – Les Houches to Les Contamines, via Col de Tricot
We set off from Les Houches, enjoying stunning views of the Chamonix Valley, as we use the cable car to gain a 900m to start the trip. We cross under the Bionnassay glacier and head up to the Col de Tricot, 2120m, before a steep descent to the Miage pastures. From there we have a short climb over another col, before heading down through the forest to the small town of Les Contamines.
Distance: 14km
Ascent: 680m
Descent: 1300m
Time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation : Hotel, twin/double rooms
Day 3 – Les Contamines to Les Chapieux, via Col de Bonhomme
Starting along a Roman road, we make the long ascent through mountain pastures to the Col du Bonhomme, 2469m. We then traverse the hillside to another slightly higher col where ibex can often be seen, before a gentle descent to the lovely hamlet of Les Chapieux, where herds of sheep, goats and cows spend the summer grazing.
Distance: 19km
Ascent: 1340m
Descent: 940m
Time: 8-9 hours
Accommodation : Mountain refuge, shared facilities (twin/double rooms possibly available on request)
Day 4 – Les Chapieux to Val Ferret, via Col de la Seigne
The day will start with an easy walk of about an hour up the valley towards Col de la Seigne (2513m). This is an important mountain pass on the border between France and Italy, with amazing views of Val Veny and the Brenva face of Mont Blanc. The path will lead on to Italy, descending steadily along the valley of Val Veny – we will pass by the restored customs house, La Casermetta, by the Elizabetta refuge and La Visaille where we may either walk down or take the local bus to Courmayeur. Depending on time, we may explore the town of Courmayeur before taking another local bus to Val Ferret where we stay for the night.
Distance: 21km
Ascent: 780m
Descent: 920m
Time: 7 hours
Accommodation : Mountain refuge, shared facilities (twin/double rooms possibly available on request)
Day 5 – Val Ferret to Champex
We start with a long ascent to the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m, perhaps stopping to enjoy a morning coffee along the way. From the top of the pass we cross the border from Italy into Switzerland, surrounded by views of Grand Combin and Mont Dolent, which shares its summit between France, Switzerland and Italy. The change of landscape and scenery between the two sides of Mont Blanc is quick and remarkable, transforming from dramatic rugged terrain to lush alpine pastures. We descend to La Fouly via one of two options; either dropping directly down to the valley floor, or traversing the valley on an undulating trail that brings us back down to a river. Both options bring us back to La Fouly, where we take a bus to the pretty lakeside village of Champex.
Distance: 15km
Ascent: 910m
Descent: 1080 m
Time: 7-8 hours
Accommodation : Hotel, twin/double rooms
Day 6 – Champex to Trient, via the Bovine Trail
Today we cross from Switzerland back into France via a steepish climb along the Bovine trail, a well-named path that traverses the mountains where big Swiss cows graze in flower-filled pastures. We enjoy a picnic lunch at a rustic refuge, with the chance to learn about the famous Swiss fighting cows. Today’s route returns via a stunning trail with far-reaching views of the Rhone Valley that stretch as far as Lake Geneva on a clear day. We hike back down to Col de Forclaz and end the day with a transfer to Argentiere where we will spend the night.
Distance: 15km
Ascent: 825m
Descent: 770m
Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation : Hotel, twin/double rooms
Day 7 – Lac Blanc
On our last day of hiking we follow a winding ridge up to the majestic Lac Blanc. The trail takes us through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve where alpine wildlife such as ibex, chamois, and marmots can often be seen – listen out for the distinctive marmot whistle! We’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch beside the crystal clear waters of Lac Blanc, maybe treating ourselves to a slice of homemade tart from the refuge! From here you can see right across the valley and have panoramic views of the entire Mont Blanc mountain range. We then hike down to the mid-station at La Flégère and take the cable car to the village of Les Praz. From here you can either take the bus into Chamonix or stroll the flat path alongside the river. Our last night is spent in Chamonix, dinner is not included so you can choose from the town’s many excellent restaurants for your celebratory meal.
Distance: 11km
Ascent: 1140m
Descent: 630m
Time: 6-7 hours
Accommodation : Hotel, twin/double rooms
Day 8 – Leaving day
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and say goodbye to your fellow hikers before checking out of the hotel. The trip package ends after breakfast. If you wish to stay on in Chamonix to relax or explore more of the valley, please contact us to arrange additional accommodation.
Total distance covered over the 6 days trekking : 90km
Total ascent over 6 days trekking: 6560m
Total descent over 6 days trekking: 6570m
