french-alps-guided-tour-in-hotel

Guided groups

Hiking

lvl. 3
Comfort
Essential
Itinérant circuit
Réf : E302
9 days from 2020 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A classic multi-day mountain hike in comfort

  • France, Italy, and Switzerland: explore three alpine cultures.

  • Hike to Lac Blanc  included.

Circling the Mt. Blanc Range means hiking as close as possible to this legendary alpine giant without actually climbing. Every day, enjoy so many new discoveries as you explore the different sides, cultures, and landscapes of the range: first through France, and then Italy and Switzerland. The well-marked trails and circuits are trade and communications that have been used, in some cases, since Antiquity. This is hands down one of the world's major and most classic multi-day mountain hikes!

Reservation

Departure Return Price including VAT Departure status  
From 17 July 2022 to 25 July 2022 2020 € Confirmed Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 14 August 2022 to 22 August 2022 2150 € Complete Optional additional places ? Get in touch Inquire
From 08 September 2022 to 16 September 2022 2075 € Complete Optional additional places ? Get in touch Inquire
From 07 July 2023 to 15 July 2023 2075 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 14 July 2023 to 22 July 2023 2075 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 21 July 2023 to 29 July 2023 2075 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 04 August 2023 to 12 August 2023 2075 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 08 September 2023 to 16 September 2023 2075 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
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Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.

Duration : 9 days
Luggage transfers : Just a light day bag on your back
Lodging : Hotel, Guest house
Guiding : French, english speaking, mountain leader (UIMLA certified)
Group : From 5 to 12 participants

Day by day

Day 1

Arrival day in Chamonix

Lodging : hotel.
Pick up at Geneva airport with a shared taxi. Arrival in Chamonix, a very typical and historical town in the Alps. Settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through Chamonix's quaint cobblestone streets, and relax before embarking on what will be a truly amazing through-hike.
Day 2

Chamonix – La Flégère – Lac Chéserys and Lac Blanc - Argentière

Ascent : 400m to 550 m. Descent : 950m to 1100m. Hiking : 5 h 30.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Meet at 09:00 at your hotel with your guide and the taxi. Transfer to les Praz de Chamonix. A lift will takes you up to La Flégère where starts the hike. You get perfect views all day on glaciers and summits on the other side of the valley. We follow the balcony trail to Cheserys Lakes, all known for reflecting in their clear blue waters some of the Alps' most famous peaks. The itinerary continue to the beautiful Lake Blanc (2352m). The descent is done more in forest but always on these beautiful paths in balcony. Descent to Argentiere.
Day 3

Argentière – Les Frettes –Balme pass - Trient

Ascent : 1000 m. Descent : 1200 m. Hiking : 6 h 30.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Short bus transfer to Tre-le-Champ. A long but magnificent climb in the forest, then on the easy ridges of Frettes to reach, in the heart of the mountain pastures, the aiguillette des Posettes (2201 m). The panorama on the glaciers of the Mont-Blanc massif are impressive. Descent on the Posettes pass (1997 m) and last efforts to reach the plan des Reines, summit of our stage of the day. At the top of the Balme pass (2191m), enjoy a breathtaking view of Chamonix and the valley below, as well as a spectacular panorama including Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace (glacier) and the Glacier d'Argentière. (2191 m), then we will start the final descent to Trient (1300 m).

Day 4

Trient – Col de la Forclaz – Bovine - Champex

Ascent : 900 m. Descent : 750 m. Hiking : 5 h.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Climb to the La Forclaz pass and hike to the Bovine mountain pastures (1987 m) where you get amazing views on the Rhône valley and Swiss Valais. We hike through famous Swiss moutain pastures and their cows producing some of the most famous cheese of the Alps. We then reach Champex, a charming village along a lake.
Day 5

Champex – Ferret – Grand Col ferret – Arnuva - Courmayeur

Ascent : 950 m. Descent : 800 m. Hiking : 5 h 30.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Morning transfer to the small hamlet of Ferret (1700 m). We go up the Swiss Ferret valley to the alpine pastures of La Peule (2071 m), and then reach the famous Ferret pass (2537 m), border between Switzerland and Italy, which offers a unique panorama on the Grandes Jorasses and the Dolent mountain. Descent, in front of the Pré-de-Bar and Triolet glaciers, to Arnuva then transfer by bus to the small Italian town of Courmayeur (1226 m), the Italian Alps capital.
Day 6

Courmayeur – Col de la Seigne – Ville des Glaciers –Les Chapieux/Bourg St Maurice

Ascent : 900 m. Descent : 750 m. Hiking : 5 h 30.
Lodgings : guest house or hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
On the way to the Aiguille des Glaciers, hike up through a nice alpine meadow to col La Seigne (2516 m) where you reach the french-italian border. Stunning point of view on legendary summits as Mont-Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peutrey, Grandes Jorasses...  Last stage of the day hiking down through alpine meadows leading to the typical hamlet of Les Chapieux. Depending on the availability at Les Chapieux, we may have a 25' transfer takes you to Bourg-Saint-Maurice to find an hotel.
Day 7

Les Chapieux/Bourg St Maurice – Col du Bonhomme – Les Contamines-Montjoies

Ascent : 950 m. Descent : 1300 m. Hiking : 6 h 30.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
From the hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m), we cross alpine pastures. The ascent to the Croix-du-Bonhomme pass (2433 m) offers a spectacular view on the Mont Pourri (3779 m). The path marks the limit between the Mont Blanc range and the Beaufortain mountains. The descent passes by the Bonhomme pass (2329 m). Gradual descent to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge by a Roman path, ancestral path used by the peddlers to connect the alpine valleys. Short transfer to Contamines-Montjoie.
Day 8

Les Contamines-Montjoies – Col du Tricot – Bellevue – Les Houches - Chamonix

Ascent : 1250 m. Descent : 600 m. Hiking : 6 h 30.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.

For this last day hiking, we go around the Truc mountain (1811 m) to reach the bucolic chalets of Miage (1559 m). Then, we climb by a steeper path to the Tricot pass (2120 m). Time for a break to enjoy the panorama of the Val Montjoie, and we reach Bellevue (1780 m) by a beautiful traverse hike that leads us under the Bionnassay glacier. Once at Bellevue, we will be amazed by the high peaks that rise above us, at the foot of the normal ascent route of Mont Blanc! Descent by cable car to Les Houches and short transfer by a local shuttle to Chamonix.

Day 9

End of the tour – Chamonix - Geneva

Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Chamonix before taking the transfer back to Geneva airport.

Pricing

Pricing

The price includes / does not include


Included in the price

  • French, english speaking trekking leader (UIMLA certified) from day 2 to day 8 and from 4 to 14 participants,
  • Shared taxi from Geneva to Chamonix (day 1) and from Chamonix to Geneva (day 9)
  • Accommodations as described in double/twin rooms (in some cases in triple or quadruple rooms when accommodations lack double room availability).
  • Meals : 8 breakfasts, 6 diners (dinner not included in Chamonix on day 1 and day 8), 7 pack-lunches
  • Energetic snacks for the week,
  • A welcome drink,
  • Luggage transfer every night,
  • Cable-cars and transfers as described on the itinerary

Prices do not include :

  • Transportation to Geneva (or the meeting point at the start of the trip) and from Geneva (or the point where the trip officially ends),
  • Any single room (requested or for a odd number of people),
  • Dinner first day and last day in Chamonix,
  • Drinks and personal expenses,
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance,
  • For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing.
  • Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list


Spending and other expenses during your trip :

  • Tickets to any visit
  • Drinks and tips

During your trip

Our team

This trip is guided by a French - English speaking - UIMLA certified mountain leader from 4 to 12 participants. Specialists of the Tour du Mont Blanc, he will guide you on "their" trails through this region. Your guide will speak English...but don't be afraid if they speak as a French ;-)

All these transfers are included in the tour such as :

  • J 1 : shared taxi from Geneva to Chamonix at your arrival,
  • J 2 : shuttle bus from Chamonix to les Praz-de-Chamonix ; lift from les-Praz-de-Chamonix to La Flégère,
  • J 3 : shuttle bus from Argentière to Tré-le-Champ,
  • J 5 : private transfer from Champex to Ferret ; shuttle bus from Arnuva to Courmayeur,
  • J 6 : shuttle bus from Courmayeur to La Visaille ; private transfer from Les Chapieux to Bourg-St-Maurice (if needed),
  • J 7 : private transfer from Bourg-St-Maurice to Les Chapieux (if needed) ; transfer from Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge to Les Contamines-Montjoies,
  • J 8 : Cable-car from Bellevue to Les Houches ; shuttle bus from Les Houches to Chamonix,
  • J 9 : shared taxi from Chamonix to Geneva.

Lodging

- Mainly mountain huts and hotels. Mountain huts traditionally offer "dormitory". We've selected mountain huts offering rooms. But a mountain hut is still not a hotel. All rooms are not "double" and might be "shared rooms" up to four people depending on availability. Lavatory and shower are also often outside of the room shared with others. We will book the best-smallest room available on each accommodation depending on what's available when you book.

Note: odd number of people are considered with a triple room. Single room always depends on availibility and is with a supplement.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.
- Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations.
- Lunches are pack-lunches either prepared by your guide or the accommodation.

Luggage transfer

Baggage transfers included: you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night.

Currencies

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

 

Access

Access

By Air: The best airport for the Chamonix valley is Geneva. From here you can catch a shuttle or a train.
fel free to ask more information about this to your MontBlanc Experience Specialist.

Required before leaving

Formalities

Please check with your embassy.

Location specific formalities

Please check with your ambasade

Health

Vaccinations

Required vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • A broad-spectrum antibiotic.
  • An antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal tablets, an intestinal antibiotic, and an antiemetic (for nausea or vomiting).
  •  Cough medicine (in tablet or pill form).
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips, non-stick bandages, and an elastic bandage.
  • An antiseptic.
  • A phlebotonic.
  • Sunscreen and a burn cream.
  • Eye drops.
  • Other: tweezers, scissors, 2 or 3 safety pins, a tick remover, a pair of latex gloves, sleeping pills (mild) and/or earplugs, any personal medication. See the paragraph on “Health” for indications on specific medications for altitude sickness, malaria, etc.
  • Iodine or other similar tablets to purify water.

Gear list

Hiking equipment list

  • Daypack about 30 litres
  • Hiking boots and mountain socks
  • Shorts and hiking trousers
  • T-shirts
  • Thermal baselayer shirts (1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof overtrousers
  • One pair of gloves
  • Sunhat and warm hat
  • Sunglasses (category 3)
  • Sun protection and lipstick
  • Water bottles 2 litres
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Travel / duffle bag
  • Washbag and toiletries
  • Head torch
  • Basic first aid kit and own medicines
  • Sleeping bag liner (in case of mountain huts overnight)
  • Travel clothes
  • Travel shoes
  • Ear plugs

Note : the weight of your daypack shouldn't be over 8kg and your main baggage should be under 15kg (for  luggage transfers).

- A raincoat

- A headlamp

- Hiking poles (not mandatory yet highly recommended early in the season)

- A water flask

Shoes and technical equipment

- light shoes, featuring high breathability, with a good grip on various

grounds

- waterproof high cut hiking shoes, with a sole with a good grip (Vibram or

Contagrip)

Sleeping

- a sleeping liner

Luggage

A hiking backpack with large slings and adjustable back structure, 30 to

40L, to carry your equipment for the day.

Miscellaneous

- A spare pair of shoelaces

- A toilet bag and a towel (microfiber : light and fast drying)

- A tracksuit or something casual for the night

- Hiking socks

- spare items of clothing

- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it if needed

- (Baby) wipes

- A pocketknife

- A few plastic bags to protect your belongings

- A needle and thread

- A secure handbag, to constantly keep with you, with your papers, money,

proof of insurance and assistance.

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Allibert Trekking keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation (ATT-ATR).

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.