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.
Location
Chamonix
Chamonix, France
Day 1+10
Les Contamines-Montjoie
Les Contamines-Montjoie, France
Day 2
Les Chapieux
Les Chapieux, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France
Day 3
La Visaille
La Visaille, Aosta Valley, Italy
Day 4
Courmayeur
Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy
Day 4+5+6
Grand Col Ferret
Grand Col Ferret, Courmayeur, Aosta Valley, Italy
Day 6
Col de la Forclaz
Col de la Forclaz, Trient, Switzerland
Day 7
Argentière
Argentière, Chamonix, France
Day 8+9
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
9 nights lodging
All breakfasts and 6 dinners
All luggage transfers
Client transfers as noted on itinerary
Detailed route instructions & maps
GPS data
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Comprehensive Tour Details
Any transfer not included on the Trip Itinerary
Particulars
EVENT DATES
Start any date between June 15 and September 15
The best hotels (the ones we use) along this route book up early for July & August departures (the best time to go), we suggest booking with us far in advance.
The best hotels (the ones we use) along this route book up early for July & August departures (the best time to go), we suggest booking with us far in advance.
TOTAL DAYS
10 days / 9 nights with 8 days of hiking
ARRIVE / DEPART
Chamonix (France)
ACTIVITY LEVEL
10km daily average (6mi.) with gains averaging 750m (2250’).
Opportunities to shorten the hiking distance through alternate routes or taxi transfers.
TERRAIN
This is mountainous terrain and the trails range from wide and easy-going to hilly and rocky paths. Surefootness is important.
COST
Classic Accommodation:
US $2,950 pp
Single Supplement:
US $740 pp
Luxe Accommodation:
US $3,450 pp
Single Supplement:
US $860 pp
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us.
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.
1
Day 1
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.
2
Day 2
La Villette (or Col Voza) to Les Contamines-Montjoie
You will be picked up at 9am to be transferred (included) to the village of La Villette to start your first hike up trail to an enchanting chalet where you can enjoy lunch of fresh salad, omelette, cheese board and chocolate mousse. Or, if you prefer a longer option (adding 4km) start from Saint-Gervais-les-Bains where you board a cog-wheel train to ride up to the Col de Voza and then descend to join the regular route. 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.
Hiking Distances: 9.1km, +700/-600m (5.6mi, +2100’/-1800’); or 12.8km, +590/-1075m (8mi, +1770’/-3225’).
3
Day 3
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.
Hiking Distance: 14.3km, +1240/-9140m (8.8mi, +3720’/-2730’); or 17.5km, +1311/-910m (10.8mi, +3900’/-2730’).
4
Day 4
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.
Hiking Distance: 14.8km, +760/-800m (9mi, +2280’/-2400’); or 19.8km, +850/-1130m (12mi, +2550’/-3990’).
5
Day 5
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!
6
Day 6
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.
Hiking Distance: 12km, +790/-880m (7.4mi, +2370’/-2640’).
7
Day 7
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.
Hiking Distance: 13.7km, +740/-680m (8.5mi, +2200’/-2040’).
8
Day 8
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.
Hiking Distance: 7km, +860/-340m (4.3mi, +2580’/-1020’).
Add-on: 4.1km, +50/-270m (2.5mi, +150’/-810’).
9
Day 9
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.
Hiking Distance: 8.4km, +890/-470m (5.2mi, +2670’/-1410’).
Add-on: 3.2km valley floor walk (2mi).
10
Day 10
Departure Day
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.
Classic
Hotel Le Morgane, Chamonix
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.
Hotel Gai Soleil, Les Contamines-Montjoie
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.
Hotel L’Autantic, Bourg Saint-Maurice
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.
Hotel Berthod, Courmayeur
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.
Hotel du Glacier, Champex-Lac
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.
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz, Trient
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.
Hotel de La Couronne, Argentière
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.
Luxe
Hotel Mont-Blanc, Chamonix
This 5-star hotel sits in the center of Chamonix. There’s an elegant French restaurant with an alpine-chic lounge bar and garden seating. Other amenities include a heated outdoor pool, a gym, a hot tub and a spa.
Hotel La Chemenaz, Les Contamines-Montjoie
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.
Hotel L’Autantic (Classic), Bourg Saint-Maurice
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.
Auberge de La Maison, Courmayeur
This luxurious 4-star hotel has been in the same family for three generations with outstanding hospitality. There is a restaurant that features Valle d’Aosta cuisine, a convivial bar, two lounges, spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Hotel du Glacier (Classic), Champex-Lac
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.
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz (Classic), Trient
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.
Hotel les Grands Montets, Argentière
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.
