The Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc
Views to Mont Dolent
This is the best of the famous classic walk of the Alps passing through three countries and three cultures. We meet in Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of the world, and begin a journey of discovery which takes in the history, culture, folklore and wildlife of the mountains. From remote farms and refuges, to ancient Roman towns and beautiful lakeside mountain villages - it's all there on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
This great new trip picks out the best of the daily stages and links them by short vehicle transfers. Our route will tackle several major pass crossings, such as the Col de Bonhomme, and the Col de la Seigne. As a grand finale, we have also included the superb day-hike to Lac Blanc regarded by many as one of the best day walks in the world! It provides stunning views across the Chamonix Valley to Mont Blanc. For those with limited time, this one-week version of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers superb trekking in France, Italy and Switzerland, as well as a wealth of unforgettable Alpine experiences.
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTM 5 | Sun 12 September 10 | Sun 19 September 10 | £895 or 1030 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix Valley
We meet at the group chalet at Yeti Lodge in Argentiere, just outside Chamonix. Lying beneath the stunning north face of Mont Blanc, the views are amazing from the start! Before dinner, you will meet your trip leader to have an informal chat about the days ahead and have the chance to check out your clothing and gear and to decide if you will need to pick up any further items of equipment, before setting out in the morning.
Day 2 Col de Tricot to Les Contamines
We transfer to Les Houches (20 mins) and begin our trip by taking the cablecar which eliminates the need to walk through a ski area and provides an excellent start to the trek. On arrival we have views to the Bionassay Glacier with the Aiguille de Bionassay towering above. Crossing the torrent via a fine new suspension bridge, we climb to the Col de Tricot. Ahead lies the bulk of the Dome de Miage and below us is the idyllic summer hamlet of the Chalet de Miage. After a welcome drink at the Chalet de Miage, a relatively short climb and easy descent takes us into the colourful village of Les Contamines. Ascent 700m.
Day 3 Col de Bonhomme to Les Chapieux
A leisurely wander by the river to Notre Dame de la Gorge is our start for today. Leaving the river our route then climbs steeply, following the ‘paved’ Roman road thought to have been a route taken by Hannibal. Our next stop is at the refuge at Le Balme, a good place to contemplate the climb to the Col du Bonhomme. This is a long, steady climb and the pass itself often has snow patches early in the season. At 2469 metres this is considerably higher than the Col de Tricot, but once reached the climbing is over for the day, as we traverse round to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme before dropping gently down to Les Chapieux. Ascent 1300m
Day 4 Courmayeur via the Col de la Seigne
A section of road takes us out of Les Chapieux towards the refuge Le Mottet, which doubles as a donkey and mule sanctuary. Many of these animals earn their keep by transporting the baggage of the less energetic to our next high point, at the Col de la Seigne 2513m. This is a significant col on the border between France and Italy and gives superlative views of the Brenva face of Mont Blanc. An easy descent takes us past the Elizabetta Refuge and down into the head of the Val Veny, under the awesome ridge of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey. We then take the local bus and descend to the vibrant town and mountaineering centre of Courmayeur. Ascent 970m
Day 5 Grand Col Ferret to La Fouly
We set off on the long climb to the Grand Col Ferret at 2537m. From this pass, there are views of the snow-capped Grand Combin 4090m and also Mont Dolent, the summit of which is shared by France, Switzerland and Italy. Beyond the pass, we have entered Switzerland and the terrain is very different, less rugged, as we descend to La Fouly. Here we catch a local bus to our overnight halt in the beautiful lakeside Swiss village of Champex. Ascent 870m
Day 6 Champex to Trient
Today we have two options and your guide will make a decision on the best route for the group. The climb up to the pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette 2670m is one of the most demanding days of the tour, but there are compensations. On reaching the rocky col the spectacular view across the Trient Glacier to its seracs and crevasses is quite breathtaking. Ascent 1180m. Alternatively, we take the beautiful Bovine trail through the high meadows where the famous Swiss fighting cows spend the summer months. After a steep ascent to the meadows we hope to stop at the farm for coffee and a chance to chat with the cowherder. We overnight in Argentiere. Ascent 570m
Day 7 Lac Blanc
Today’s walk is an excellent finale to the Tour du Mont Blanc with spectacular views across to the main Mont Blanc range. We take the path up through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve to reach the start of our ridge walk which will lead us upwards to Lac Blanc. En route we often see ibex, chamois, and marmots. It really can be a great chance to get up close to some of the alpine wildlife. At Lac Blanc itself there is an opportunity to visit the Refuge and indulge in some home made tart and a coffee! We then descend to the mid-station at La Flegere and descend to Chamonix by cable car before returning to Argentiere. Ascent 900m
Day 8 Depart Argentiere
Today is departure day, services end after breakfast.
Price
Included: The guiding services of a fully qualified International Mountain Leader, hotel or gîte accommodation for 7 nights, all meals, transfers and cable cars involved in the itinerary and the services of a baggage vehicle and driver.
Not included: Travel Insurance, airport transfers, snack food, transfers and cable cars which are not part of the itinerary, personal expenses – beer, souvenirs etc. We are happy to advise on the best options for airport transfers and flights.
Accommodation
During this trip, you will start and finish the trek at the very comfortable Yeti Lodge, in Argentiere, near Chamonix. Offering stunning views of Mont Blanc, facilities include Hot Tubs, Saunas, free WIFI, in-house computers and secure parking. On the trek, you will spend four nights in comfortable hotels, chalets or gites with all bedding provided. All accommodation is in twin or non-segregated triple rooms (not dormitory), with shared bathrooms. Single rooms are not available for this trip.
Luggage
On each trekking day, there will be vehicle support to carry your luggage to the next overnight stop. To make things efficient during the luggage transfer process, and to prevent any losses, please keep luggage to a minimum. IE: A day sac whilst walking and one bag labelled clearly to transfer.
Spending money
You will need to allow approximately 10 - 15 euros per day for snacks and you should also make an allowance for drinks, including bottled water. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available every night. We estimate that approximately 200 - 250 euros should cover all your personal expenses. Please note that a part of the route is in Switzerland and you should consider taking a small quantity of Swiss francs. These are particularly useful at Geneva Airport.
Minimum numbers
This trip will run once a minimum number of 4 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 10 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.
Further Information
Chamonix is easily reached by airport transfer, car, train and bus from Geneva airport. It is a drive of approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. More information on how to reach Chamonix at www.chamonix.com Please do not hesitate to get in touch to chat through the details. Once you have booked we will send you a list of suggested equipment and clothing for the trek.
Please note that this trip is run in association with KE Adventure Travel
