Based on a series of ancient pathways used by hunters, herdsmen and traders, this classic long distance walk passes through some of the most breathtaking Alpine landscapes, crosses several high mountain passes, takes time out in pretty Alpine meadows and visits a succession of picturesque hamlets and villages. At the height of the summer, the trails are coloured by an abundance of wildflowers and alpine wildlife species, including chamois, ibex, marmot and golden eagle, are at their most visible. Our version of this justifiably popular trek starts out in the Chamonix Valley and crosses first into Italy and then into Switzerland.

This is a classic walking route on good trails. The average distance covered each day is around 15 kilometres (9.5 miles) and there is a fair amount of ascent and descent so this trip is suitable for regular hikers or those with a good level of fitness.

Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley

On the evening before we start our walk we will meet you at your hotel in the Chamonix Valley to brief you on the trip and answer any last minute questions.

Day 2 Chamonix Valley to Les Contamines

We set off from Les Houches, enjoying stunning views of Chamonix Valley as we use the cable car to gain 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 a short climb over another col before heading down through the forests to the small town of Les Contamines. Ascent 700m.

Day 3 Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

Starting along a Roman road we make the long ascent through mountain pastures to the Col du Bonhomme, 2599m. 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. Ascent 1300m.

Day 4 Les Chapieux to Courmayeur

We ease into the day with a short minibus transfer to the valley where cows produce the famous Beaufort cheese; with the opportunity to buy some for a picnic! A steady climb to the Col de la Seigne, 2516m and into Italy with views of the 'other side' of Mont Blanc. From the col we have a gentle descent to the valley past the famous south ridges of the 'Blanc' such as the Peuterey with its impressive jagged skyline. We take the bus down to the ancient Italian town of Courmayeur. Ascent 830m.

Day 5 Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti

We leave the old quarter of Courmayeur and head up the Mont de la Saxe Ridge through pine forests to the Bertone Refuge for a Italian coffee break. Then along the ridge with some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range, before arriving at the Bonatti refuge for a true night in the mountains. The Refuge to which there is no vehicle access, pays homage to the great Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti. Ascent 900m.

Day 6 Rifugio Bonatti to Champex

The day starts with a gentle traverse of the mountainside to the Elena Refuge where we can enjoy a break looking across to Mont Dolent and it's glaciers. We then climb to the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m where we cross the border into Switzerland. Down through meadows to the tiny hamlet of Ferret where we catch a bus to the beautiful lake side village of Champex for the night. Ascent 770m.

Day 7 Champex to Col de la Forclaz

A gentle start down to Champex-d'en-Bas where we begin to climb along the Bovine trail which traverses the mountainside through flower filled pastures. We enjoy a picnic lunch at a rustic refuge with the chance to learn about the famous Swiss fighting cows. Later in the day there are stunning views down to the Roman town of Martigny and the Rhône valley as we walk to the Col de la Forclaz for the night. Ascent 570m.

Day 8 Col de la Forclaz to Argentiere

As we come full circle we head up and over the Col de Balme from where Charles Dickens penned a letter describing the stunning beauty of the mountains. Along the Posettes ridge and down through the forests to the charming hamlet of Tré-la-Champ, and down to the village of Argentiere. Ascent 1070m.

Day 9 Argentiere to Chamonix

From the village we head up through the Nature Reserve to the famous Lac Blanc which provides a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc Massif, with its peaks and glaciers. A final chance to enjoy the flowers of the high mountain and see ibex and chamois, often we can get very close. A cable car from Flégère back down to Chamonix for a well deserved drink and the end of the tour! Ascent 1200m.

Day 10 Departure

Today is departure day.

Prices

£1315 or 1580 Euros includes: 6 nights half board accommodation in a mountain inns and 2 nights half board accommodation in a 2* hotels (based on 2 people sharing) at the start and the end of your trip. The services of a professional mountain leader, their expenses, cable car fees and bus fares.

£1475 or 1770 Euros includes: 7 nights half board accommodation in a 2* hotel, or similar, and one night half board accommodation in a mountain inn. The guide's fees, expenses, trip organisation, cable car fees and bus fares.

£1725 or 2070 Euros includes: the luxury of luggage transfers so you only have to walk with a light rucksac (except to the Bonatti Refuge where vehicle access is not possible). 7 nights half board accommodation in a 2* hotel, or similar, and one night half board accommodation in a mountain inn. The guide's fees, expenses, trip organisation, cable car fees and bus fares.

Not included: flights, insurance, airport transfers, other transport outwith the itinerary, lunches and drinks.

Accommodation

On most nights we have several options of half board accommodation available to us. When enquiring please state which level of comfort and accommodation you would prefer. Prices vary accordingly. Choose from mountain lodges or a variety of hotels where single room supplements maybe available. The above itinerary uses rustic mountain lodgings with dormitory style accommodation. The dormitories are unisex and normally sleep 4 or more people often in non-segregated style bunk rooms. Showers are available each night. Lunches packs can be arranged each night at your accommodation or on some days there will be bakeries, supermarkets or small restaurants available along the route. At the Bonatti Rrefuge it may be necessary to use dormitory style accommodation, though we will aim to book twin rooms. We have suggested you spend a night here because of the wonderful character and history of the building which we think you would enjoy. However, the trip can also be arranged in such a way as to avoid dormitory accommodation.

Insurance

Please note that you must have the appropriate insurance for your chosen activity. You must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the Insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.

Luggage Transportation

Walking the Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged in several different ways. This particular itinerary involves carrying a few basic extra items of clothing and comforts for your overnight stays. It is a very satisfying experience to complete a trip like this, carrying everything you need day by day. However, if you would prefer it is possible to have the luxury of your luggage transported for you to your accommodation each night so you carry a lighter day pack. Please make enquiries for this additional cost.

Please note it does not include the night at the Bonatti Refuge which does not have vehicular access.

Options

There are a number of different options for doing the Tour du Mont Blanc from 3 days walking or more. For example we can factor in rest days. In Courmayeur you can enjoy taking the cable car up to the glacier for stunning close up views of the Mont Blanc range, or you might prefer to spend the day at the luxurious thermal baths at Pre St Didier.

Further Information

Chamonix is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages for further details. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc

Trekking in the Alps