hiking complete tour du mont blanc

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 to Argentière or hike the balcony trail to Planpraz, where a gondola takes you down to Chamonix.