Tour du Mont Blanc: Chamonix and Courmayeur

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Day 1: Chamonix

Welcome to the alpine town of Chamonix, which sits on the banks for the river l’Arve just 6km from Chamonix and is noted for its year-round popularity amongst outdoor enthusiasts.

• Accommodation: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast

Day 2: Chamonix – Tré le Champ to Planpraz via Lac Blanc | 5-6h

Begin the day with a short bus transfer to Tré le Champ before hiking up to Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Sud. Timber steps and metal ladders lead to the high point of the day, and if blessed with good weather you’ll be treated to fantastic and uninterrupted views across the Vallée de l’Arve. Optionally, shorten the day by taking a cable car down the the valley floor at la Flégère, or continue on to Planpraz where a cable car ride takes you into Chamonix.

• Walking for the day: 13.5km, 5-6h ↑1,270m ↓685m (easier option by cable car: 8km, 4-5h ↑945m ↓490m)
• Accommodation: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast

Day 3: Chamonix – Planpraz to Les Houches – Train to Chamonix | 5-6h

From Planpraz continue on to Le Brévent, considered one of the greatest viewpoints from which to admire Mont Blanc. The descent into Les Houches is steep and challenging, but also heavily rewarding thanks to its unforgettable views. From Les Houches, a short trip on the Mont Blanc Express brings you back to Chamonix.

• Walking for the day: 12.2km, 5-6h ↑521m ↓1,545m
• Accommodation: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast

Day 4: Mer de Glace loop walk | 6-7h

Hike along forested trails with views across Chamonix valley as you approach Europe’s second longest glacier, Mer de Glace. As well as incredible views over the glacier itself, there are also optional attractions such as the Glaciorium, an exhibit dedicated to glaciology and the Ice Grotto, a man-made cave cut into the glacier. Stop in for refreshments on the way back down at Rocher des Mottets, or alternatively, take the Montenvers railway back down to Chamonix.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 6-7h, ↑1,030m ↓1,040m
• Accommodation: Vallée Blanche or similar, bed & breakfast

Day 5: Bus to Courmayeur

Take today at your own pace and enjoy the morning in Chamonix before catching a bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Courmayeur in Italy, where you have the day free to explore the town.

• Accommodation: Hotel Croux or similar, bed & breakfast

Day 6: La Visaille (Val Veny) – Courmayeur | 5-6h

Start the day with a local bus to La Visaille before making your way to Lac Combal, a glacial lake fed by Glacier de Miage which makes its way into the valley. Gain some elevation on the path to Col Chécrouit, hiking a balcony which offers magnificent views across to the snow-covered peaks on the opposite side of the valley. There is the option to shorten the day by taking the Dolonne cable car down into Courmayeur.

• Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h ↑800m ↓1,270m
• Accommodation: Hotel Croux or similar, bed & breakfast

Please note: In low season a private transfer will be required between Courmayeur and La Visaille.

Day 7: Courmayeur – Rifugio Bonatti – Courmayeur | 8-9h

Considered one of the highlights of the TMB, today’s route rivals in beauty that of Val Veny, from the grassy slopes high up Monte de la Saxe. Take in views towards Col de la Seigne and the Grandes Jorasses as a challenging hike takes you across Col Sapin (2,436m) to the high point of Pas-entre-deux-Sauts (2,524m) before descending towards Rifugio Bonatti. A local bus ride from Val Ferret takes you back to Courmayeur.

• Walking for the day: 16km, 8-9h ↑1,600m ↓1,135m
• Accommodation: Hotel Croux or similar, bed & breakfast

Please note: In low season a private transfer will be required between Val Ferret and Courmayeur.

Day 8: Departure or extra nights

As Courmayeur is a great place to spend some extra time, with lots of local walks and attractions to explore, we recommend taking some extra nights here to relax after your trip.

Click to view default hotels

• Vallée Blanche
• Hotel Croux

Accommodations are subject to availability. In the event of a particular accommodation being fully booked for your chosen dates, we aim replace it with an accommodation of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.