Tour Du Mont Blanc Complete Guided
Duration: 9 days, 8 nights
Region: France/ Italy/ Switzerland
Cost per person in EUR: from $ 1265 (6-14 pax)
Tour Code: GAEUR-TDMB-G9
9 Days Guided tour – Carry only your small bag with daily things & picnic
France/ Italy/ Switzerland
Level: Intermediate
Season: Early Jun to Mid September
Embark on a breathtaking 9-day guided trekking tour to explore the majestic Tour du Mont Blanc. This adventure will take you through France, Italy, and Switzerland,
offering unrivaled views of the most beautiful glaciers and peaks of the Alps.
This Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary is crafted to offer a comprehensive, unique, and immersive experience, ensuring that participants witness the grandeur of Mont Blanc in a way that goes beyond the ordinary.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Complete Tour:
Embark on the complete tour of this mythical destination, exploring the iconic regions of France, Italy, and Switzerland.
- Original Route:
Follow an original route that takes an unusual direction, offering a unique and less-traveled path compared to the more popular routes.
- Glacier Spectacle:
Witness the spectacle and awe-inspiring proximity of the large glaciers that adorn the Mont Blanc massif.
- Balconies of Mont Blanc:
Traverse the balconies of Mont Blanc in the Chamonix valley, offering stunning viewpoints of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
- Luggage Transport:
Enjoy the pleasure of a light bag as your luggage is transported every day, allowing you to focus on the joy of hiking without the burden of heavy backpacks.
- Cultural Variations:
Experience cultural variations as you journey through charming villages, alpine meadows, and mountain refuges in different countries.
- Avoiding Popular Paths:
Take advantage of the original route, which includes variations to avoid the most popular paths, providing a more serene and less crowded trekking experience.
- Professional Guidance:
Benefit from the guidance of experienced mountain guide who enhance the journey with their knowledge of the terrain, local culture, and safety protocols. Please note the guide is a French guide who may or may not speak English.
- Challenging Yet Enjoyable:
The trek is designed to be challenging yet enjoyable, catering to both seasoned hikers and those seeking a memorable alpine adventure.
Some Info
1. LEVEL
For good walker. 5 to 7 hours of walking a day, +/- 900 m of altitude difference on average per day. Accessible to children who are good walkers and motivated from the age of 12 (with their parents). Being able to easily walk 12 km (in plain) in 2 hours maximum. If this is not the case, within three weeks before departure we advise you to undertake a little training (2 to 3 times a week): 4 to 5 km of jogging or 2 to 3 hours hiking or biking. Your physical preparation will facilitate your stay and allow you to appreciate it even more.
2. LUGGAGE TRANSFER
You only carry a backpack for the day with the necessary for your hike and the picnic lunch. Your luggage will be transferred by vehicle and be collected at the end of each stage in the hotel. Max 10 kg per luggage per person.
3. ACCOMMODATION
“Classic” ~ 8 nights in dormitory or mulitple room in a gite and refuge or hotel. All accommodation is equipped with hot showers.
“Comfort” ~ 6 nights in a refuge, gite or hotel in a 2-person room; 1 night in a gite in a 6-person room (shared bathroom); 1 night in a refuge in a 4-person dormitory. Reservation by two people.
For the comfort version, sheets are provided in each establishment, towels every evening except at the Mottets refuge.
Itinerary
From Chamonix – Les Houches
We may have to modify the indicated itinerary: either at the level of the organization (problem of overload of the accommodations, duplication of the groups, modification of the state of the ground, landslides, degraded trails, etc.), or directly because of the guide (weather, group level, etc.). These modifications are always made in your interest, for your safety and for a better comfort!
Day 1
Chamonix – Balcony of Mont Blanc – Le Tour / France (LD – O/N Gite) [5.5 hrs, +450m, -950m]
[Stage: Chamonix, Planpraz, Lake Cornu]
Meet 09:30am (SAT) at Flégère cable car station (les Praz de Chamonix).
This day sets the tone for the adventure, taking participants through the balconies of Mont Blanc and showcasing the natural beauty of the region. The stopover lodge offers a warm and welcoming place to rest after a day of exploration.
Day 2
Col de la Balme – Trient / Switzerland (BLD O/N Gite) [5 hrs, +840m, -930m]
[Stage: Balcony of the Posettes, Col de Balme]
This day promises breathtaking views from the Col de Balme (2200m) – French-Swiss Border and a delightful descent into the Swiss mountain scenery. The village of Trient offers a peaceful setting for the evening, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Day 3
Trient – Champex / Switzerland (BLD O/N Gite)
This flexible day accommodates both a more relaxed path through the Bovine mountain pastures and a high-altitude adventure via the Arpette Window (2665m). The decision is made based on conditions and the group’s readiness, ensuring a tailored and enjoyable experience for all participants.
[Bovine route: 6 hrs, +1100m, -750m]
[Arpette route: 6.5hrs; +1300m, -970m]
Day 4
Val Ferret Switzerland – La Fouly / Switzerland (BLD O/N Gite) [5.5 hrs, +600m, -500m]
This day offers a blend of cultural exploration and awe-inspiring natural beauty as participants cross Val Ferret in Switzerland. The villages, traditional architecture, and the presence of glaciers create a memorable and diverse trekking experience.
Day 5
Grand Col Ferret and Val Ferret Italian / Italy (BLD O/N Gite) [6 hrs, +950m, -900m]
[Stage: Bar Meadow Glacier]
This day unfolds with a captivating journey over the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), offering encounters with Hérens cows and showcasing the meeting point of three countries. The trek through Italian Val Ferret adds to the diversity of landscapes and cultural experiences.
Day 6
Mount of Saxony – Monte Bianco – Courmayeur / Italy (BLD O/N Refuge) [6-8 hrs, +500-600m, -500-750m]
This day promises an exceptional balcony crossing, providing breathtaking views of iconic peaks. The optional variant adds an extra element of exploration. The descent to Courmayeur and the subsequent bus transfer offer convenience and a change of scenery for the evening.
[Main Route: 6hrs, +600m, -750m]
[Sapin Pass: 8hrs, +500m, -500m]
Day 7
Col de la Seigne – Le Mottets / France (BLD O/N Alpine refuge)
[Stage: Col de Chécroui, Mont Fortin]
This day unfolds with an ascent via the glacial lake of Miage, leading to the Col de la Seigne. The optional detour through the large southern balcony of Mont Blanc offers a unique perspective of the massif. The day is filled with scenic beauty and exploration, creating lasting memories for the trekkers.
[Main Route: 6 hrs, +850m, -650m]
[By Col de Chécroui: 8 hrs, +450m, -450m]
Day 8
Le Mottets – Les Contamines-Montjoie / France (BLD O/N Hotel) [6 hrs, +850m, -1500m]
[Stage: Col des Fours (2714m), Col du Bonhomme (2300m), Notre Dame de la Gorge]
This day is marked by the exploration of Beaufortin mountain pastures, a challenging ascent to the Col des Fours, and a descent through historical passages. The short transfer adds convenience, allowing participants to reach the charming village of Contamines Montjoies for a well-deserved rest and celebration.
Day 9
Contamines Montjoies – Les Houches / France (BL) [5 hrs, +750m, -800m]
This concluding day features a climb to the Bionnassay glacier, allowing participants to choose between two scenic routes. The descent to Les Houches provides a fitting end to the trek, with the final meeting point at the foot of the Prarion gondola. Participants can reflect on the incredible experiences of the past nine days and celebrate the completion of the journey.
[Champel Route: 5hrs; +750m, -800m]
[Tricot Pass (2120 m) Route: 6.5hrs; +1100m, -1250m]
LAND Price per person in EUR
Tour Code: GAEUR-TDMB-G9
| Departure Dates (Year 2024) | Classic | Comfort |
| 8-16 Jun (FULL), 15-23 Jun (FULL), 24 Aug-1 Sep (Confirmed), 31 Aug – 8 Sep (Confirmed), 7-15 Sep (FULL) | 1,265 | 1,365* |
| 22-30 Jun (FULL), 29 Jun-7 July (FULL), 6-14 July (FULL), 13-21 July (FULL), 20-28 July (Few left), 27 July-4 Aug (FULL), 3-11 Aug (FULL), 10-18 Aug (Confirmed), 17-25 Aug (FULL) | 1,295 | 1,395* |
* Comfort version supplement for a group registration of 2 people
– All comfort version is subject to availability
Note:
– For departure 15 June, 29 June and 17 Aug, is only available in the classic dormitory version.
– For departure 20 July is only available in the comfort version (for a group registration of 2 people, no individual reservation).
Cost includes
LAND Price includes
- Accommodation
- The showers
- Meals (Day 1 Lunch till Day 9 Lunch), snacks
- Luggage transfer & ski lift
- Internal transfer
- Local qualified mountain guide (French guide – may or may not speak English)
- Tourist taxes
- Briefing before departure
Cost excludes
Price excludes
- All airfare & taxes
- All transfers except those mentioned in “includes”
- Drinks
- Visits & Entrance fees
- Personal gears
- Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, phone calls, alcohol, beverages, cigarettes
- Travel Insurance
- Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, landslides, road conditions and any other circumstances beyond our control.
- Single supplement
- Visa and Visa application fees
- All those not mentioned in “the price includes”
More Information
FOOD
Breakfast and dinner are served in the accommodation.
Your guide will prepare the picnic lunch which usually consists of various salads and regional products. Please tell us when you register on any food allergy or special diet; we will do our best to adapt your meals.
GUIDE
A local certified mountain guide.
GROUP
6 to 14 people.
START / END
Start: Saturday 0930hrs at Flegere cable car station (Les Praz de Chamonix)
End: Sunday 1600hrs approximately at the foot of the gondola Prarion aux Les Houches
CONFIRMATION NOTICE
You will receive about two weeks before your departure, a confirmation notice specifying the time and place of the appointment, the name and contact information of the guide and the address of the first accommodation.
Extend your stay
You can extend your trip before or after the trek to Les Houches or Chamonix on request.
If you book a hotel night in the Chamonix Valley, you can ask your hotelier for a guest card, offering free public transport in the Chamonix Valley.
DATES
At your convenience, from mid June to mid September. Go out with friends or family at the dates that suit you. Customisation possible from 6 people. When you book the tour please give us one or two other departure dates in case your 1st choice is not possible. Price may differ from the above cost.
Getting There & Away
By train: SNCF www.voyages-sncf.com
Chamonix train station
Return by Les Houches railway station.
IF YOU ARRIVE BY PLANE
Geneva Airport (GVA) is the closest one.
- Train : Geneva airport -> Chamonix, www.sbb.ch , duration about 3 hrs (not very practical)
- OUIBUS https://www.ouibus.com/
- From Geneva airport to Chamonix ; about 19€ 1- way ; with reservation ; duration 2 hrs
- From Les Houches, Chamonix to Geneva airport direct ; about 19€ 1- way ; with reservation ; duration 2 hrs.
Chamonix bus lines: https://chamonix.montblancbus.com/fr/ligne-de-bus
In Your Luggages
Cancellation Terms
Reviews
Booked the 9D Tour du Mont Blanc hike package with X-Trekkers and it proved to be a memorable and fulfilling experience. CK was prompt in sharing information to help us prepare for the hike and also answering questions we might have. The entire hike was also run very well and we felt safe and looked after throughout. Food and lodgings were also great. We would definitely return to X-trekkers for future hike trips.
- Unforgettable in a good way.
- Martial is an excellent guide. One of the best I’ve met. Totally enjoyed the trek & the company.
- Big thanks to CK for the detailed coordination as always.”
- Best Moments: The wonderful team.
- Least Enjoyed:
- Shivering in one of the supposedly hot but cold shower.
- The blisters from day 1. Would have been good to use anti-blister socks or sock liners.
- Recommendations:
- Must bring slippers for refuge. Not all provide.
- Blister plasters a must
- Finding the Oui bus connection to Chamonix was a mad panic because there were no clear markers or signage. Neither did the bus have the logo printed on it.
Bucket List for Hiking.
The route from Champex to Trient over the Fenetre d’Arpette is quite dangerous at the top. The final climb is over soft snow combs and very loose rocks. Definitely not appropriate for anyone other than expert hikers.
Best Moments: The two days between Trient-Argentiere-Chamonix have the most incredible views.
Least Enjoyed Moments: Final descent into Chamonix. The cable car at Le Flegere was not operating.
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