The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the most renowned walking trail in the Alps that runs 180km (112 miles) around the Mont Blanc, starting and finishing in Chamonix. This is the highest peak of Europe rising at 4807 m and a must do for all mountain hikers.This famous and mythical Alpine trek takes place in surroundings of outstanding beauty close to the glaciers and offers a real adventure for trekking lovers in 3 countries : France, Italy and Switzerland. You are likely to see marmots, ibex and other wild life and be delighted by the fairy-tale like villages.
Itinerary:
Day 1. Chamonix - Bionassay
Meeting point at 9.15am sharp, at the train station in Chamonix, fully equipped with your walking kit. For the first picnic, it is great if every hiker brings a food specialty from his mother country or region so that the walk starts with successful cultural exchanges. Leave for the South Petit Balcon with a breathtaking view over all the Mont Blanc needles, which you will soon learn to name. Reach Les Houches to board the Bellevue Cable Car. So, we leave the busy Valley of Chamonix for the quiet Valley of Bionnassay, situated at the foot of the Aiguille du Goûter and of the normal path to the Mont Blanc Overnight stay in Bionnassay at the far end of the Contamines Montjoie Valley.
Elevation: +500 / -1130m; Length - 14 km/9 miles; Walking time - 5h 30
Day 2. Bionassay - Nant Borrand
After an easy start, you will climb up through forests and clearings and follow a track right above the Gruvaz Gorges. You will leave behind the V shape valley formed by the river and enter the glacial U shape valley of the Miage Alpages (High pasture at 1,559m or 5,114ft). Extra energy will be needed to reach the peaceful Plateau du Truc (1,740m or 5,708ft) before walking down to Les Contamines-Montjoie. You will follow the track to the famous Baroque style church of Notre Dame de la George. Then, using the antique Roman path, you will arrive at the Nant Borrant chalet, where you will spend the night. (Dormitory with 8 people sharing).
Note: As the chalet is within the Contamines Montjoie National Park, vehicles are only permitted before 7.00am and after 7.00pm. Therefore, your bags will be delivered at 7.30pm.
Elevation: +970/-830m; Length - 18km/11 miles; Walking time - 6h 15
Day 3. Nant Borrant – Ville des Glaciers
Here, the climbing begins! An initial ascent brings you to the Balme alpine pastures. You will then head towards the first pass of the day, the Col du Bonhomme at 2,329m (7,641ft). A traverse to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme at 2,479m (8,133m) finishes the climbing. All that's left now is a grassy walk downhill to the hamlet of Les Chapieux, where you will spend the night.
Elevation: +1020/-930m; Length - 12km/7.5 miles; Walking time - 5h 30
Day 4. Ville des Glaciers – Val Veny
Today, the Italian border will be crossed at the Col de la Seigne, 2,516m (8,255ft), where the Mont Blanc shows its wildest face. You will descent towards Val Veni with the huge Glacier du Miage blocking the whole valley, prominent to your left. Take a small detour to see the Miage Lake, jammed between the moraine and the glacier.
By hiking down the small valley, discover the most prestigious and mythical paths of the Mont Blanc, with the Peuterey, Brouillard and Innominata ridges. Overnight stay at the Monte Bianco Moutain Hut.
Note: As the hut runs a “first come, first served” policy, you might have to sleep in Lavachey. Allow a small fee for the bus transfer (not included).
Elevation +1080/-990m; Length - 18km/11.2 miles Walking time - 6h
Day 5. Val Veny – Courmayeur – Val Ferret
Short visit of Courmayeur where you might want to have a nice cappuccino. An ascent among the sparse larch trees will be rewarded, weather permitted, by the most amazing view on the Dent du Geant and the Grandes Jorasses. The perfect spot to take a well-deserved nap! Hike down towards le Val Ferret and Lavachey, where you will spend the night.
Elevation +880/-880m; Length - 17km/10.5 miles; Walking time - 5h 45
Day 6. Val Ferret – La Fouly
Follow the path on a traverse of the hillside, before beginning the stiff climb to Grand Col Ferret (2,537m or 8,323ft) and discover the Glacier of Pre de Bar, flowing down from Mont Dolent on the border of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Overnight in La Fouly.
Elevation +990/-1040m; Length - 18km/11 miles; Walking time -6h 15
Day 7. La Fouly - Champex
A very laid-back day in the peaceful Swiss Valais, where you will have time to wander around in search of beautiful wooden attics. The only difficulty of the day will be the hike to reach the picturesque lake of Champex, where you might feel like taking a nap. Easy walk to Val D’Arpette, where you will spend the night.
Note: according to availabilities, you might be able to sleep in the Champex Valley.
Elevation gain +630/-600m; Length - 17 km/10.5 miles; Walking time - 4h 45
Day 8. Champex – Col de la Forclaz
fter a short downhill, start ascending, slowly and then more steeply, towards the Alpages de Bovine (1,987m – 6,519ft) where you will discover an aerial view above the Rhone Valley, Martigny, Le Valais and the Dents Blanches. The climb will terminate at the Collet Portalo (2,049m – 6,712ft) before heading down through larch trees towards the Col de la Forclaz (1,526m – 5,006ft)
Elevation +760/-860m; Length - 13 km/8 miles; Walking time - 4h 45
Day 9. Col de la Forclaz / Trient - Aiguille Verte
After hiking along Bisse de Trient, (Rock water canal), you will follow the path up to the Bergeries des Grands (2,113m – 6,932ft), right above the Trient Glacier. Then, the itinerary brings you back to France and the Chamonix Valley, at the Col de Balme (2,191m – 7,188ft), where you will enjoy once again the Chamonix side view of the Mont Blanc. The way down will bring more amazing views of the Tour Glacier and the Aiguille Verte. Overnight stay at the Tour village, at the bottom of the Glacier.
Elevation +900/-1050m; Length - 17 km/10.5 miles; Walking time - 6h 15
Day 10. Le Tour – Chamonix
This last stage marks the Balcony of the Red Needles. We reach the Montets pass and then our route climbs up to one of the Chésérys lakes (2133 m), for a last siesta away from the crowds of the Lac Blanc. We finish the hike, always in balcony, in a grandiose setting, facing the Aiguille Verte and the Drus. Arrival at the train station of Chamonix is scheduled for around 5.00 p.m.
Elevation +830/-1160m; Length - 15 km/9.3 miles; Walking time - 6h 15
Practical information: Walking Level: 3, which means 6 hours of walking per day with 600 to 800 m of elevation gain. You are in a good physical shape and practice sports regularly (several hours per week ). Some stages can be shortened taking the bus (extra cost) or the baggage taxi. A guarantee which covers “Search and Rescue” expenses is highly recommended. Accommodation is in mountain huts with dormitories comprising between 4 and 30 beds and include the half board (dinner + breakfast).
Caution: At the begininng of the season (until beginning of july), because of late snow coverage, conditions can be more difficult. Choose this period if you have mountain experience.
Luggage transport is included in this package.
We ask you to have one bag per person not too large (60 cm maximum), whose weight does not exceed 10 kg.
Contact us for recommended equipment & accommodation for the night preceding or following the trek.
comfort option supplement (double or triple rooms with shower): on request (subject to availability)(paid on top of « mini-dormitories » option ); extra nights: on request
Verified