Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

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Day 1: Arrival to Les Contamines-Montjoie

Welcome to the traditional alpine village of Les Contamines-Montjoie.  A short warm-up walk is possible depending on your arrival time.

• Accommodation: Hôtel La Gélinotte or similar in Contamines-Montjoie

Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Les Chapieux | 7-8h

Today begins with a transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge. The route then climbs over Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme providing views over Aiguille des Glaciers, before descending into Les Chapieux.

• Walking for the day:  7-8h, ↑1,380m, ↓980m
• Accommodation: Auberge La Nova or similar in Les Chapieux

If accommodation in Les Chapieux isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice (supplemental cost). Depending on availability, the hotel is 2-3-star with breakfast included. Take the bus between Les Chapieux and Bourg-Saint-Maurice and return via the same route the next morning. In low season a private transfer may be required.

Day 3: Les Chapieux – Val Ferret | 7-8h

Today begins with an optional shuttle journey to shorten the morning walk. The route then heads over Col de la Seigne into Italy, providing views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Noire de Peuterey. Descend into Val Ferret and take the bus from La Visaille to Courmayeur. Enjoy some lunch in this iconic mountain town, before catching a bus to Arp Nouvaz, close to the Pré de Bar glacier.

• Walking for the day: 7-8h, ↑1,277m, ↓875m
• Accommodation: Rifugio Elena or similar in Val Ferret

Day 4: Val Ferret – Champex-Lac | 5-6h

Leaving Italy behind, cross Grand Col Ferret, admiring the view over to Grand Combine in the east, before entering Switzerland and the village of La Fouly. A short transfer by local bus brings you to Champex-Lac and from here, a short walk (45mins) takes you to your accommodation.

• Walking for the day: 5-6h, ↑1,009m, ↓945m
• Accommodation: Le Relais Arpette or similar in Champex-Lac

Day 5: Champex-Lac – Vallée du Trient | 7-8h

Today’s route ascends to the highest point of the trip, Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665m), before continuing along the Trient glacier. There is an alternative, shorter itinerary today, which is recommended if the weather is inclement.

• Walking for the day: 7-8h, ↑1,193m, ↓1,351m (full version) or 5-6h, ↑772m, ↓945m (shorter option)
• Accommodation: La Forclaz or similar in Vallée du Trient

Day 6: Vallée du Trient – Le Tour | 5-6h

Return to France via Col de la Balme and enjoy views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. From here, there are two paths to choose from for the descent into Le Tour.

Day 7: Le Tour – Chamonix | 7-8h

Take in the beauty of Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges, before trekking up to Lac Blanc. Natural highlights today include Aiguille Verte, Aiguilles du Dru, Mer de Glace, Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Aiguille du Goûter and of course, Mont Blanc itself. Descend to Chamonix via Le Praz. There is also the option of taking the cable car at La Flégère or the local bus (transfers not included).

Day 8: Departure

Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of days and we would recommend adding extra nights here. There are multiple walks in Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve or you can take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) or the train to Mer de Glace.

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