french-alps-highlights-of-tour-du-mont-blanc

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 4
Mon Roadbook App
Mountain Inn
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3L1
9 days from 1440 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A classic multi-day mountain hike

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

  • Hike to Lac Blanc included.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

Circling the Mt. Blanc Range means hiking as close as possible to this legendary alpine giant without actually climbing it. 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 are trade and communications routes 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!

Your choice of lodging + Luggage transfer

Mountain Inn From mid-June to late September

Mountain Inn From mid-June to late September

Without luggage transfer From 1440 €* Book / Enquire Devis
With luggage transfer From 1645 €* Book / Enquire Devis

Are you looking for a singular experience with family, friends, colleagues, or a club, organized and led by one of our professional mountain guides?

Travel with a guide

* Price based on 4-person group

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Past questions
Topics
Won H.
Traveler
Itinerary
Am interested in 9 or 10 day Mont Blanc tour in July in comfort. 6 people
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hi, Please contact me directly at [email protected]! I will be very happy to organize the perfect trip for you!
  • VICTOR T.
    Traveler
    Dear Julie M. and Team member,

    We are 2 adults inquiring about the self guided Mont Blank tour with luggage transfer and Hotel availability in late June through July of 2023. We would like the start date anytime between June 28th and July 7th. Are you able to book us a private room with double bed in hotels, Inns/Huts? Is that guaranteed? Is the down payment refundable/what is the cancellation policy? What happens if there's bad weather and trek day gets cancelled?

    Thank you!
    [email protected]mail.com
    323.481.5936
GREG M.
Traveler
Timing and season
Hi - we're looking at starting this trip during the last week of August of this year. Are there specific days that self-guided tours start on, or can we book it to start on any day during the week? Thanks!

Greg Milligan
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hi Greg,
    As you are looking for a self-guided trip you can choose the better date for you.
    For more information on this trip please contact me directly at [email protected]

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 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.

Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 9 days
Luggage transfers : 2 options: with or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Hotel, Mountain Inn
Guiding : self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-June to late September

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in Chamonix !

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.

Getting to the mountain town of Chamonix Mont Blanc is easy by train or shuttle. Once you arrive, 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

From les Houches to les Contamines Montjoie

Distance : 11 km (7 mi.) - Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1250 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

From Chamonix take the Bus to Les Houches and then the Bellevue aerial tram. At the top (1780m), stare in awe at the high peaks looming above as you stand at the foot of the standard route for climbing Mt. Blanc and the trailhead for day 1 of your tour. Start with a traverse to the Bionnassay Glacier. Next, hike through the beautiful alpine meadows that lead up to Col de Tricot Pass (2120m). After a short break to admire the views of Contamines-Montjoie Valley, hike down a steep trail to the quaint rural chalets in Miage (1559m). Finally, contour around Mt. Truc (1811m) and then hike down into the village of Contamines-Montjoie, where you will spend the night.

Please note: it is possible to shorten this hike if you bypass the ascent to Col du Tricot Pass. An alternate route is described in the roadbook.
Day 3

From les Contamines to les Chapieux via Bonhomme pass

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 1250 m. Descent : 950 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

After a short transfer in the morning to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210m), take the time to visit the renowned baroque church that marks start of the Roman road, the historic trade route used to travel from one mountain valley to another. The steady climb to Col du Bonhomme Pass (2329m) presents a beautiful section of hiking along the far southern end of the range. The trail marks the boundary between the Mt. Blanc Range and the Beaufortain Mountains. The ascent continues to Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433m), which offers spectacular views of Mt. Pourri (3779m). On the descent, hike through alpine pastures to the small hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m), typical of the area, where you will spend the night.

Day 4

From les Chapieux to Courmayeur

Distance : From 15 to 25 km (10 to 16 mi). - Ascent : From 750 to 1250 m. Descent : From 850 to 1800 m . Hiking : from 5 to 7 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Transfer to Ville des Glaciers (1800m). Make sure that you stop at the local farm along the way to learn about how world-famous Beaufort cheese is made. Continue your ascent through beautiful alpine meadows to Col de la Seigne Pass (2516m) and the Italian border. From here, admire the jagged, steep side of the Mt. Blanc Range; the views are simply breathtaking! Legendary summits like Mt. Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey Spire, and the Grandes Jorasses appear close enough to touch. The descent takes you through Val Veny down to the foot of the Miage Glacier, with its peaceful lake and unique alpine flora. Make the short transfer by local bus to Courmayeur (1226 m), the capital of the Italian Alps, or one last effort up to the hut at Col de Checrouit Pass. Descend by ski lift to Courmayeur
(In June and September, the lifts are closed. For the 800 vertical meter descent on foot, add 1.5 hours.).

Day 5

From Courmayeur to Champex

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 900 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : mountain inn. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Transfer from Courmayeur to the upper end of Val Ferret.

A shorter day in the middle of the week allows you time to rest. Short transfert from Courmayeur to the end of the italian side of Val Ferret. The hike begins at the foot of the Pré-de-Bar glacier to reach rifugio Elena (2052 m). Hike up to Grand col Ferret (2537m), italian-swiss border. One last sight on Italy and you hike down through the sweet Swiss alpine meadow to reach the hamlet of Ferret (1 740m). Transfer by bus to the village of Champex and his charming Lake.

Please note: it is possible to add a balcony traverse to the village of La Fouly. This alternate route is described in the roadbook.

Day 6

From Champex to Trient via Bovine (option via Fenêtre d'Arpette)

Distance : From 14.5 to 15.5 km (9 to 9.5 mi.) - Ascent : From 750 to 1200 m. Descent : From 900 to 1350 m. Hiking : from 5 to 8 hrs.
Lodging : mountain inn. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

From Champex, start by hiking through the Swiss mountain pastures and alpine meadows known for the grazing cows that produce some of the Alps' most famous cheeses! From Bovine, enjoy incomparable views of the Rhône River Valley. We also offer an alternate hike: please be aware that this option presents a much longer and more committing adventure. Fenêtre d'Arpette (2665m) is a spectacular high-mountain notch located near the Grands Glacier. Finish the day in the village of Trient (1280m), where you will eat dinner and spend the night in a guest house.

Day 7

From Trient to Argentière via Col de Balme pass

Distance : From 15 to 16.5 km (9 to 10 mi.) - Ascent : From 900 to 1100 m. Descent : From 1050 to 1150 m. Hiking : from 5 to 6 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

From Trient, hike up to Col de Balme Pass (2191m) to cross the French-Swiss border. At the top of the pass enjoy great views into Chamonix and the valley below, as well as the spectacular panorama that includes Mt. Blanc, the Mer de Glace (glacier), and the Argentière Glacier. Hike down (or take the chairlift/gondola) the dirt roads and trails through the meadows and pastures to Le Tour (1453m). From there, a leisurely walk takes you to Montroc (1370m) and Argentière.

Day 8

From Argentière to Chamonix by lake blanc

Distance : 10 km (6.5 mi.) - Ascent : 950 m. Descent : 550 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Enjoy a truly unforgettable hike on last day of your trip. Scrambling through the Aiguilles Rouges, with the Mont-Blanc Range just across the valley, means incredible views of the many glaciers and summits high above Chamonix. From Col des Montets Pass (1461m), follow the balcony trail to Cheserys Lakes, all known for reflecting in their clear blue waters some of the Alps' most famous peaks. Continue to Lac Blanc (2352m). Open your eyes, observe your surroundings, and look for one of the area's many alpine ibex. From here, walk down la Flégère, where a gondola takes you down to Chamonix.

Day 9

Chamonix - Au revoir!

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Chamonix before heading off.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from june to september 2023

Mountain Inn
Price per person		Without luggage transferWith luggage transfer
Low seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak season
2 people1 shared room1440 €1490 €1670 €1720 €
3 people1 shared room1440 €1490 €1660 €1710 €
4 people1 shared room1440 €1490 €1645 €1695 €
5 people1 shared room1440 €1490 €1630 €1680 €
6 people1 shared room1440 €1490 €1620 €1670 €
  • Low season : From 06 September 2023 to 20 September 2023
  • Peak season : From 13 June 2023 to 05 September 2023

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:

- Accommodations as described.
- Transporting your bags if you choose this option.
- Breakfast for days 2 through 9.
- Dinners for days 2 through 7 (except day 4 in Courmayeur).
- The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2 to 4 person group.
- Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).

The price does not include:

- Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
- Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- Dinners in Chamonix Mont Blanc and Courmayeur.
- 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.

Other expenses:

- Lunches: at grocery stores or huts for your picnic lunches.
- Public transportation and chairlifts/gondolas during the tour.

  • The cable-car between Les Houches and Bellevue, approximately €15.
  • The shuttle between Les Chapieux and Ville-des-Glaciers, approximately €3.5. At the beginning of the season, you need to reserve a taxi.
  • The shuttles (regularly scheduled) from Visaille to Courmayeur and from Courmayeur to Arnuva, approximately €3 each. At the beginning and the end of the season, you need to reserve a taxi. Check with your hotel/hut/guest house manager to ask if there are other hikers in the same situation with whom you can share the fare.
  • The bus (Postal Bus in Switzerland) from Ferret/La Fouly to Champex, approximately €9.
  • Optional: the Col de Balme chairlift and gondola at Le Tour, approximately €20.

- Tickets to visit monuments or museums.
- Drinks.
- Tips.

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

This trip starts and ends in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva Airport. All of our self-guided tours are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the most flexibility. If you are flying into Geneva, the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to use an airport transfer service. We can book this transfer for you, just ask our specialists.

During your trip

Lodging

You will stay in a selection of comfortable simple hotels or mountain Inn, in either a twin or double room. Rooms with three beds (1 double and 1 single, or 3 singles) are for groups of three people.
The mountain inns are communal living and most of the room comes with a shared bathroom.
Occasionally during peak season we are unable to offer private room accommodation and will offer a private room in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in the valley below or at last option dormitory in the mountain huts.

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. Dinners in Chamonix and Courmayeur are not included.

- Lucnhes: There are a few grocery stores and small shops all along the tour where you will be also able to purchase food supplies. Your accommodations (huts or guest houses) should be able to cater to your needs as well.

Luggage transfer

Depending on the package you choose:

- With luggage 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.

- Without luggage transfers, plan to carry everything you need for the entire week on your back (pay attention to weight!).

Trails

On self-guided trips, you are responsible for knowing how to read a map and use a compass. The roadbook we provide at the beginning offers a few additional details. For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.
 
Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Required before leaving

Formalities

Please check with your embassy.

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 4

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least once per week (around 15km to 18km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

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).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

What we supply for your trek

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials :
- Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not. 
- Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
- Warm hat.
- Cap.
- Sun glasses.
- Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
- Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
- Warm mid-layer tops.
- A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
- 1x Walking trousers.
- Light gloves.
- Shorts.
- Buff or Snood.
- A natural or synthetic down jacket.
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
- Nightwear and underwear.
- Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in Moutain Huts).
- Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories :
 - Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in Mountains Huts), etc.
- Toilet roll/tissues.
- Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Electrical socket adapter.
- Energy bars/snacks.
- Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
- Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
- Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
- Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
- Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
- Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
- WATER - please be able to carry 2 litres of water.
- Your sense of humour and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:
- Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras

- Binoculars.
- Book to read or Kindle.
- Notebook and pen.
- Ear plugs.


Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

- 2 litres of water.
- sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
- warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
- water proof layer.
- Lunch
- head torch.
- hand sanitiser/soap and toilet paper.
- your camera.
- any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
- Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!


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.

Extend your trip

Additional nights

You can book a pre or post Tour night in Chamonix

Mountain Inn - With luggage transfer or Without luggage transfer

  • Chamonix
    • Hotel 3 star : from 90 to 180 € (depending on the season and / or service chosen)
      • Double room, single room, twin room
      • B&b
    • Hotel 5 star : from 165 to 345 € (depending on the season and / or service chosen)
      • Double room, single room, twin room
      • B&b
Price per person