french-alps-hiking-complete-tour-du-mont-blanc

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 3
Mon Roadbook App
Guest house
Réf : E3L4
12 days from 1425 € 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 transfers

Guest house From mid-june to september

Guest house From mid-june to september

Without luggage transfers From 1425 € * Book / Enquire Devis
With luggage transfers From 1425 € * 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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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.

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 : 12 days
Luggage transfers : 2 options: with or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Hotel, Guest house
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-june to september

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive in Chamonix

Lodging : hotel.

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

CHAMONIX – BREVENT – LES HOUCHES

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1650 m. Hiking : 6 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Take the Planpraz gondola to Planpraz. Start by hiking to Col du Brevent Pass and then all the way to the summit of Brevent Peak (2525 m). Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Blanc and the major glaciers of the range. Hike to Bellachat Hut for a short break, and then make the relatively short ascent to the summit of Aiguillette des Houches. From here hike down to Merlet and Les Houches.
Day 3

LES HOUCHES – LES CONTAMINES MONJOIE

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 4

LES CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE - COL DE LA CROIX-DU-BONHOMME PASS - LES CHAPIEUX

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 5

LA VILLE DES GLACIERS - COL DE LA SEIGNE PASS - VAL VENY - 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, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
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 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. Or hike the 450m up and 50m down to La Visaille for the short <1 hour transfer by local bus to Courmayeur).
Day 6

Courmayeur - Bonatti Hut

Distance : 12.5 km (8 mi.) - Ascent : 1050 m. Descent : 250 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Start one of the most beautiful sections of the tour. Walk into Courmayeur, the capital of the Italian Alps, for a quick visit. Then hike up to the Bertone Hut (2000m) for front-row views of the legendary Grandes Jorasses and one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the entire trip! Continue along the balcony trail to the Bonatti Hut (2025m), where you will spend the night and experience one of the most stunning sunsets... ever.
Day 7

Bonatti Hut- Grand Col Ferret Pass - La Fouly

Distance : 20.5 km (12.5 mi.) - Ascent : 900 m. Descent : 1250 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs.
Lodging : guest house. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
This short day at the halfway point on your tour offers the opportunity to take it easy and recuperate. The trail descends to the Elena Hut (2061m), located in the upper end of Val Ferret, and beneath the mighty Mt. Dolent (3823m). From there, hike up to and cross over the border from Italy into Switzerland at either Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537) or the much wilder Petit Col Ferret Pass (2490). Take one last look back into Italy before starting the descent through Switzerland's gentle alpine meadows as you hike all the way down to the small village of La Fouly (1600m).
Day 8

LA FOULY – SWISS VAL FERRET - CHAMPEX

Distance : 15.5 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 450 m. Descent : 550 m. Hiking : 4 hrs.
Lodging : guest house. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
During this short day, you will time to rest and relax along Champex Lake. From La Fouly, a leisurely hike takes you to Praz le Fort. (1151m). The trail follows Ferret River to the hamlet of Issert. From there, enjoy the hike through the forest up to Champex Lake (1477m).
Day 9

CHAMPEX - BOVINE (OPTION: FENÊTRE D ARPETTE) – TRIENT

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 : guest house. 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 10

TRIENT - COL DE BALME PASS - ARGENTIÈRE

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 11

ARGENTIÈRE – COL DES MONTETS PASS - LAC BLANC – ARGENTIÈRE OR CHAMONIX

Distance : 10 km (6.5 mi.) - Ascent : 900 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 to Argentière or hike the balcony trail to Planpraz, where a gondola takes you down to Chamonix.

Day 12

Departure

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 from june to october 2020

Guest house
Price per person		With luggage transfersWithout luggage transfers
Low seasonMid seasonLow seasonMid season
2 people
1 shared room		1435 €1485 €1435 €1485 €
3 people
1 shared room		1425 €1475 €1425 €1475 €
4 people
1 shared room		1425 €1465 €1425 €1465 €
5 people
1 shared room		1425 €1455 €1425 €1455 €
6 people
1 shared room		1425 €1445 €1425 €1445 €
  • Low season : From 21 Sep 2020 through 05 Oct 2020
  • Mid season : From 21 Jun 2020 through 20 Sep 2020

Prices from june to october 2021

Guest house
Price per person		With luggage transfersWithout luggage transfers
Low seasonMid seasonLow seasonMid season
2 people
1 shared room		1435 €1485 €1435 €1485 €
3 people
1 shared room		1425 €1475 €1425 €1475 €
4 people
1 shared room		1425 €1465 €1425 €1465 €
5 people
1 shared room		1425 €1455 €1425 €1455 €
6 people
1 shared room		1425 €1445 €1425 €1445 €
  • Low season : From 21 Sep 2021 through 05 Oct 2021
  • Mid season : From 21 Jun 2021 through 20 Sep 2021

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 12.
- Dinners for days 2 through 10.
- The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2 to 4 person group.
- The gpx tracks for each day's hike, upon request.

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.
- Dinner in Chamonix Mont Blanc
- 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.

Other expenses

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

  • The cable-car between Chamonix and Plan Praz, approximately €15.
  • 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 might need to reserve a taxi.
  • The shuttles (regularly scheduled) from Visaille to Courmayeur, approximately €3. 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.
  • Optional: the Col de Balme chairlift and gondola at Le Tour, approximately €20.

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

Currencies

France
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.

 


Italia
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.

Switzerland
Switerzland doesn't belong to Euro zone. The Swiss use their own currency, the Swiss Franc. The exchange rate is approximately 1 CHF = 0.9 EUR. Please check here for current rates.
Swiss shops and hotels may take euros (usually in bills only, and change in CHF), and usually offer an unfavorable exchange rate (for you). You are better off paying by credit/debit card or withdrawing cash from an ATM.

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 single or double room with an on suite bathroom. 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 are not included.

- We can reserve picnic lunches that your accommodations along the tour will prepare for you. Please confirm with your hosts the night before and pick up your lunch the morning before leaving. Read the section "Additional Services".

There area 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.

Required before leaving

Formalities

France
Please check with your embassy.

Switzerland
Please check with your embassy.

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

Gear list

Hiking equipment list

  • Daypack, 30 to 40 liters
  • Hiking boots and mountain socks
  • Shorts and hiking pants
  • T-shirts (synthetic or wool)
  • Thermal base layer shirts (1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof overpants
  • One pair of gloves
  • Sunhat and warm hat (beanie)
  • Sunglasses (category 3)
  • Sun protection and lip balm
  • Water bottles (2 liters)
  • Trekking poles (highly recommended)
  • Travel / duffle bag
  • Washbag and toiletries
  • Headlamp
  • Basic first aid kit and medicine
  • Sleep sack/liner (for mountain huts)
  • Travel clothes
  • Travel shoes
  • Ear plugs

Note: the weight of your daypack should not exceed 8kg and your main travel bag should stay under 15kg (for luggage transfers).

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.