For intrepid hikers, the Mont Blanc circuit is a bucket list trip that may be Europe’s most indulgent trek. Perhaps it’s because this trip encompasses three countries (France, Italy and Switzerland) and circumnavigates majestic Mont Blanc, with well-marked trails dotted with mountain refuges & chalets that ply walkers with sumptuous meals and camaraderie as you gather with other hikers along the way. With your luggage moved daily, you can walk with a day-pack and enjoy the hike without burden. Stay in charming inns in quaint villages and luxurious hotels with spas and amazing restaurants including Chamonix, Courmayeur and Argentière. You choose the dates – we’ll make it happen.
Chamonix, France
Day 1+10
Les Contamines-Montjoie, France
Day 2
Les Chapieux, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France
Day 3
La Visaille, Aosta Valley, Italy
Day 4
Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy
Day 4+5+6
Grand Col Ferret, Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy
Day 6
Col de la Forclaz, Trient, Switzerland
Day 7
Argentière, Chamonix, France
Day 8+9
| Start any date between June 15 and Sep 15. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
10 km daily average (6 mi) with elevation gains averaging 750 m (2,250 ft)
Opportunities to shorten the hiking distance through alternate routes or taxi transfers
TerrainThis is mountainous terrain and the trails range from wide and easy-going to hilly and rocky paths, sure-footedness is important
CostClassic Accommodation: US $3,250
Single Supplement: US $800
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,850
Single Supplement: US $960
Getting There
You will want to fly into Geneva. You can reach Chamonix by bus directly from the airport in one hour or private transfers are available if you would like to be met on arrival.
Chamonix
In Chamonix, settle in, stroll through the town and get your bearings. We provide recommendations for dinner, from Michelin starred (Albert Premier Restaurant is worth its 2 stars) to local favourites including Poco Loco where craft beer from Brasserie du Mont-Blanc and great casual fare is on offer. Our Area Manager will brief you at a convenient time and provide an orientation to complement the maps and detailed information you will arrive with.
Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie
You will be picked up in the morning and transferred (included) to the village of Les Houches to start your trip. Take a picture under the TMB arches and catch a gondola up to start the first hike up a trail to an enchanting chalet where you can enjoy lunch of fresh salad, omelette, cheese board and chocolate mousse. Stop at the lovely Refuge de Mirage, in fields of wildflowers where horses roaming freely. Make your way down to the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie which boasts the highest nature reserve in France and the only protected area on the Mont Blanc range; marmot, ibex, chamois and ptarmigan are found in the hills above town.
Hike Distances: 13km; +620m/-1075m or 16km; +620m/-1240m
Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux
Walk along an old Roman road that follows Le Bon Nant river into the alpine. Enjoy a morning coffee or hot chocolate at the Refuge La Balme. Fields of wildflowers and dramatic views mark your way to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme where another rustic chalet awaits – an ideal lunch venue with an outstanding view. Your destination is Les Chapieux, a lovely Savoyard village from where you’ll take a short shuttle to Bourg Saint Maurice.
Hike Distance: 14.3km, +1240/-9140m (8.8mi, +3720’/-2730’); or 17.5km, +1311/-910m (10.8mi, +3900’/-2730’).
La Ville des Glaciers to La Visaille and Courmayeur
Take a short shuttle from the hotel to the trail head in La Ville des Glaciers. You’ll walk into Italy today! You’ll climb up to the Col de la Seigne and then descend along an easy going trail to the Elisabetta Refuge for lunch. This chalet boasts a spectacular setting and great food. From here, continue on to La Visaille at the base of the Glacier Miage, the largest glacier in Europe. A short transfer will take you into the centre of Courmayeur, one of the most beautiful alpine villages in Italy.
Hike Distance: 14.8km, +760/-800m (9mi, +2280’/-2400’); or 19.8km, +850/-1130m (12mi, +2550’/-3990’).
Free day in Courmayeur
Take a day to rest in this alpine resort town. Visit the Duca degli Abruzzi Alpine museum that documents the history of mountain guides. Ride the SkyWay Monte Bianco cable car offering views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. You can join a guided glacier walk (additional cost) if you wish. We’ll provide a day hiking option if you would like to climb up to the Refugio Bertone for lunch and locally produced wines; it’s a moderate hike with views of glaciers rolling down from the high peaks near Mont Blanc. We provide suggestions for dinner – there are so many delicious options, it’s not easy to choose!
Courmayeur (Arnouva) to Ferret (Champex)
Start the day with a shuttle (included) to Arnouva and the start of today’s hike. You’ll climb along winding footpaths to the lovely Rifugio Elena (where your morning coffee or hot chocolate awaits) and over the pass of Grand Col Ferret which marks the border between Switzerland and Italy. On the descent, you’ll hear Swiss cowbells and enjoy wildflowers in abundance, passing picture-perfect chalets into the village of Ferret, where you can transfer into Champex-Lac.
Hike Distance: 12km, +790/-880m (7.4mi, +2370’/-2640’).
Champex to Col de la Forclaz
Walk on quiet paths and then trail that climbs up to the alpine. Enjoy lunch at a rustic chalet near the summit and then stroll down to the valley to the Col Forclaz, where you’ll stay at a comfortable inn that has been in the same family for six generations. The unspoiled wilderness makes this a special location to overnight.
Hike Distance: 13.7km, +740/-680m (8.5mi, +2200’/-2040’).
Trient to Argentière
Leaving Switzerland, you transfer to the trail head and climb gradually from the valley into the alpine to the Col de Balme in France. From the col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles, the Mer de Glace and the Argentière glaciers! On the descent, enjoy a lift via gondola to the village of Tour and then continue hiking to Argentière to our comfortable hotel in the center.
Hike Distance: 7km, +860/-340m (4.3mi, +2580’/-1020’).
Add-on: 4.1km, +50/-270m (2.5mi, +150’/-810’).
Argentière (Col de Montets) to Chamonix
A short taxi transfer (included) will take you from the hotel to the trail head at Col de Montets where you will begin today’s walk passing hanging mountain tarns including Chéserys Lakes and spectacular Lac Blanc. If you would like to shorten the hike, take the La Flégère cable car down to the Chamonix valley. From the base of the lift, there is a lovely riverside walk to Chamonix and the completion of your hike.
Hike Distance: 8.4km, +890/-470m (5.2mi, +2670’/-1410’).
Add-on: 3.2km valley floor walk (2mi).
Depart
You might have time to take the famed cable car up to the top of the Aiguille du Midi where you can browse exhibits on the history of mountaineering and the geology of the Mont Blanc massif and of course, take in the view. Depart at your leisure after breakfast.
This 4-star hotel is ideally located in the center of Chamonix, just 100 m from the Aiguille du Midi cable-car. All rooms feature a balcony or terrace to admire the views of the mountains. Amenities include an on-site spa and excellent restaurant.
This 3-star chalet-hotel is located in the centre of town with 19 guest rooms, pleasant garden with views of Mont Joly. There is a bar and great restaurant on site.
Located on the outskirts of town, this 3-star modest inn has comfortable rooms and peaceful setting. Friendly owners. There is an indoor swimming pool. No restaurant at the hotel.
Combining a mix of modern and traditional, this family-run relaxed hotel has warmly decorated rooms with wooden floors. Most of the rooms have balconies and there is a plunge pool, spa with hot tub.
Set in an amphitheater of mountains, this relaxed hotel features bright rooms, some with balconies and lake views. There are tennis courts a fitness center and a great restaurant on site.
First built in 1830, this hotel has been in the same family for six generations and is the gateway to the Haute Vallee du Trient, a vast and unspoilt wilderness and alpine hiking paradise.
This historic property was first built in 1865, when the area was beginning to see mountaineering in the region. We request superior lodge style rooms. There is a great restaurant that serves classic alpine cuisine.
Le Prieuré is a 4* chalet hotel in Chamonix, a departure and return point, a stopover on the way to the summits. The spirit of those who made mountain history reigns here.
This 4-star traditional Savoyard-style inn boast a seasonal heated pool, sauna and jaccuzi. The restaurant La Trabla, a charming restaurant with open fireplace offers gourmet cuisine in a convivial setting with Haute-Savoie specialties.
Located on the outskirts of town, this 3-star modest inn has comfortable rooms and peaceful setting. Friendly owners. There is an indoor swimming pool. No restaurant at the hotel.
Overlooking the Mont Blanc, this 4-star hotel in an alpine chalet offers a spa, sauna, indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a restaurant. Great location in Courmayeur.
Set in an amphitheater of mountains, this relaxed hotel features bright rooms, some with balconies and lake views. There are tennis courts and fitness centre and a great restaurant on site. No A/C. Dinner included.
First built in 1830, this hotel has been in the same family for six generations and is the gateway to the Haute Vallee du Trient, a vast and unspoilt wilderness and alpine hiking paradise. No A/C. Dinner included.
This 4-star chalet-style hotel is Argentière’s best with a prime location boasting superb views of Mont Blanc. The hotel has a traditional alpine décor with contemporary touches.
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