Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Trip Type: Walking & Trekking
France | 8 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 6,215.00 /Person

Uncover the Alps in all their glory as you spend eight days hiking the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. Following a circuit route from Chamonix in France...

Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Uncover the Alps in all their glory as you spend eight days hiking the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc. Following a circuit route from Chamonix in France, come face to face with dizzying peaks, glittering lakes and rolling pastures, passing through Switzerland and Italy on the way. Each day ends in charming accommodation, and your luggage will be transported for you to lighten the load. With a highly qualified International Mountain Leader as your guide who will not only ensure your safety, but also show you what makes this part of the world so special, you can focus on the gorgeous natural scenery!

Bienvenue! Welcome to France (and the Alps!). Your adventure begins in Chamonix – a small French town with a big reputation. Chamonix played host to the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924, and is one of Europe’s premier destinations for hiking, skiing and snow sports. It’s recommended that you fly into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight at your hotel, where you’ll meet your group and your local leader – a highly qualified International Mountain Leader. They will brief you on what to expect while hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc and provide advice on equipment, which can be hired in Chamonix if required. After, you may like to head into town to get to know your group over dinner, and perhaps sample some of the region’s famous Savoie wine.

It’s time to step out for your first day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, starting off with a short transfer to Les Praz village. From here, you’ll be flying high as you ride a cable car up to La Flegere (1813 m). Not only does this provide unbeatable views of the Mer de Glace glacier and the landscapes you’ll be exploring over the coming week, but also cuts out a difficult and tiring climb. Today’s hike starts on a balcony path and climbs gently towards Lac Blanc (2352 m) – a beautiful lake where reflections of the surrounding peaks can be seen in the mirror-like waters. Your leader will point out the sharp needles of the Aiguille du Dru, Aiguille Verte, Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc, which can all be admired from this incredible vantage point. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the view before heading down through one of the region’s most beautiful trails bordering the Cheserys lakes.

Fuel up over breakfast this morning then take a short transfer over the border to Switzerland. Your leader will guide you on a walk through vibrant forests of pine and larch before emerging to wide open pastures – be sure to have your cameras ready for this gorgeous Swiss scenery! Stop here for lunch among deep green forest, rolling hills and towering mountains. The impressive Grand Combin massif will stay in your sights all day as you walk through to Champex – the lakeside village where you will spend the night.

Board a transfer bound for Val Ferret – the starting point for today’s hike. Start with a steep climb before reaching Col Ferret, where you’ll pause to take in the views of the valley below and the nearby glacier. As you begin your descent, you’ll cross the border into Italy, walking down towards Arnouva. From here, it’s a bus journey to your hotel in the breathtakingly beautiful Courmayeur valley. Here, you’ll see how the culture within this landscape varies over short distances. Join your group for dinner and experience alpine cuisine with an Italian flair.

Start the day with a scenic bus journey up to Visailles (1659 m) – you’ll want to keep your eyes glued to the windows for this one! Hop off at the bottom of the debris-covered Miage glacier and begin your climb to the enchanting Lee Blanche valley, where sheep roam and wildflowers bloom. Hike up to the Seigne pass (2516 m), then cross the border back into France (but don’t forget to look behind you at the south face of Mont Blanc!). Continue your walk down to the remote Les Chapieux, where a private shuttle will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Bourg St Maurice. You can take advantage of the hotel spa to relax before going to a local restaurant specialising in French cuisine for dinner tonight.

Lace up your boots and leave your alpine lodge behind as you embark on a steep ascent towards the Col Du Bonhomme mountain pass. This section can be challenging but the views from the top make every step worth it. Hike on to the refuge at the Croix du Bonhomme and take some time out for lunch, soaking in more marvellous views of the Mont Blanc massif. Next up is a steep descent through a shady gorge fringed with pine forests, leading to an ancient Roman road. Follow the road to the pretty little chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and finish up in the town of Contamines, where you’ll stay for the evening.

Today marks your final day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, but there’s still plenty of sights to see. Kicking off from Contamines, hike to the inviting hamlets of Gruvaz, Champel and Bionnassay – home to a Baroque style 17th-century chapel. Follow a path that leads out to the Col de Voza – a historic pass that was one of the first used by travellers to reach the Chamonix valley. From here, you’ll take a cable car down the slopes to Les Houches, where you’ll hop on a bus and return to Chamonix. The streets of Chamonix are lined with excellent restaurants, so you may like to celebrate your massive accomplishment over dinner with your group this evening.

Your hiking adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’re staying on in Chamonix, there’s plenty of shops, museums and restaurants worth exploring. Another option is to take a cable car up to the peak of Aiguille du Midi. Sitting at 3842 m, there’s no better spot to take in views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. If you need help booking additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent.

Meals
7 Breakfast(s), 6 Lunch(s), 6 Dinner(s)

Transport
On Foot , Cable Car , Public Bus , Private Vehicle

Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)

Included Activities
  • Daily luggage transfer (1 piece per person) max 9kg, packed in a soft bag.
  • La Flegere cable car ride
  • Mer de Glace & Lac Blanc guided hike
  • Bovine guided hike
  • Col Ferret guided hike
  • Lée Blanche valley guided hike
  • Seigne pass hike
  • Mountian refuge overnight stay
  • Col Du Bonhomme & Croix du Bonhomme guided hike
  • Hamlets of Gruvaz
  • Champel and Bionnassay guided hike
  • Voza pass hike
  • Bellevue gondola ride
  • Spend a week of hiking to the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, lakes, glaciers and mountain pastures – the Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most iconic and beautiful long-distance treks.
  • Sit back, relax and enjoy the view! Comfortable and clean hotels and lodges are included each night, offering hearty meals and truly magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.
  • Soak up the beautiful scenery of the French and Swiss Alps with a likeminded small group of travellers by your side – every day brings a new gorgeous landscape! Think mountains, cable cars, vast green landscapes and (hopefully) clear skies.
  • Focus on the hiking and the scenery, while someone else worries about the logistics. With an experienced and highly qualified International Mountain Leader by your side every step of the way, you can rest assured you’re in safe hands.
  • This is a hiking trip and some of the sections are demanding. You must be fit and in good health to join this trip. Please carefully read descriptions of all hikes in the day to day itinerary. If need be, please start preparing for this trip physically 4 to 6 weeks prior to your departure. Be sure to bring the appropriate gear required for alpine hikes. See the ‘Packing’ section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail. Luggage transfer included is for 1 piece of luggage per person with a strict weight restriction of 9 kg and packed in a soft bag/duffle bag or a rucksack. This trip visits points over 2500 m, where there is a risk of being affected by Acute Mountain Sickness. Please be aware of the symptoms and let your leader know if you or any of your fellow travellers experience any. This is a point-to-point walking trip, allowing you to access remote and beautiful parts of the alps. However, this also means once you start a day’s walk, there’s no turning back – so be prepared! On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15 kg (33 lb). Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. You'll also need a day pack to carry water and a camera for daytrips.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

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Price: NZD 7,045.00

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Price: NZD 6,790.00

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Price: NZD 6,525.00

Price: NZD 6,525.00

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Price: NZD 6,525.00

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Price: NZD 6,465.00

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Price: NZD 6,710.00

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Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
ZFXB
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Chamonix, France
Trip Finishes:
Chamonix, France
Countries Visited:
France
Italy
Switzerland
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Booking Enquiry

Destination Details
France | 8 Days | 1 - 12 People