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

Guided groups

Hiking

lvl. 3
Itinérant circuit
Réf : E3MB
8 days from 2145 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • The most famous multi-day mountain hike in the Alps

  • France, Italy, and Switzerland: explore three alpine cultures (food, vine...etc.)

  • Start and finish in Chamonix centre.

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 12 July 2022 to 19 July 2022 2145 € Complete Optional additional places ? Get in touch Inquire
From 08 August 2022 to 15 August 2022 2145 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 06 September 2022 to 13 September 2022 2145 € Confirmed Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 11 July 2023 to 19 July 2023 2230 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 24 July 2023 to 01 August 2023 2230 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 08 August 2023 to 15 August 2023 2230 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 21 August 2023 to 28 August 2023 2230 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
From 05 September 2023 to 12 September 2023 2230 € Confirmed from 5 participants on Book / Enquire Book / Enquire
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Dwight P.
Traveler
Itinerary
I am interested in doing the complete loop with a guided tour and lodging every night. What is the best option and what is the best time of year? Thank you in advance. I am thinking of going the summer of 2023
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hello,
    We are offering two different guided tours du Mont Blanc. Both of them are very nice and in Private rooms. The difference is the comfort level. Depend on if you want to stay in Hotel each night or if you prefer comfortable mountain huts. If you want more questions about those trips please ask 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 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 : 8 days
Luggage transfers : Only your day pack
Lodging : Hotel
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

Les Houches - col du Tricot pass - les Contamines-Montjoie

Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1250 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Local morning transfer to Les Houches. Bellevue lift takes you up to Bellevue where starts the hike.  You first hike down to the end of Bionnassay glacier for a lovely view on the glacier from a "nepali hanging bridge". Climb up to Col de Tricot (2120 m). Nice trail down to chalets de Miage (1560 m), charming hamlet overlooked by the Dômes de Miage summit, time for a rest. Then hike up to chalets du Truc (1720 m). A last effort hiking down to the village: Les Contamines Montjoie were you overnight.

Day 3

Les Contamines - col de la Croix du Bonhomme - Les Chapieux - Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Ascent : 1250 m. Descent : 950 m. Hiking : 7 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Short transfer with a local bus to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210m) a famous Baroque church. Then start for the longest day of this week with an old roman road. Progressive ascent to Col du Bonhomme (2329m) between Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain ranges. You keep hiking up to col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme (2433 m). Beautiful panorama on the Vanoise range, first french national Park. Last stage of the day hiking down through alpine meadows leading to the typical hamlet of Les Chapieux. A 25' transfer with a private vehicle takes you to Bourg-Saint-Maurice to find an hotel (none in Les Chapieux).

Day 4

Bourg-Sant-Maurice - la Ville des glaciers - col de la Seigne pass - Courmayeur

Ascent : 750 m. Descent : 850 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
After a morning transfer, start hiking from la Ville des Glaciers (1790 m) where you can see the cheese farm. 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... Then hike down into the val Veny to the end of Miage glacier. A short transfer brings you to Courmayeur (1226 m), the Italian Alps capital.
Day 5

Courmayeur - Grand col Ferret pass - La Fouly - Champex

Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 900 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
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). Afternoon transfer on a private vehicle to the village of Champex and his charming Lake.
Day 6

Champex – Bovines - Trient – Argentière

Ascent : 750 m. Descent : 900 m. Hiking : 5.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
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). Transfer to Argentière in France where you will eat dinner and spend the night in a Hotel.
Day 7

Argentière - lac blanc - Chamonix

Ascent : 950 m. Descent : 500 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Last day in the mountains in the Aiguilles-Rouges range facing Mont Blanc range. You get perfect views all day on glaciers and summits on the other side of the valley. From Col des Montets (1461m), you follow a balcony trail up to lake des Chéserys, famous to reflect the most famous mountain of the Alps ! The itinerary continue to beautiful Lake Blanc (2352m). Finally hike down to La Flégère (1877m) to reach with les Praz de Chamonix with a cable car. Back to Chamonix hotel. You will say good-bye to your guide before enjoy your last dinner in town.
Day 8

End of the tour - Chamonix

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

Prices include :

  • French, english speaking trekking leader (UIMLA certified) from day 2 to day 7 and from 5 to 12 participants,
  • Shared taxi from Geneva to Chamonix (day 1) and from Chamonix to Geneva (day 8)
  • Accommodations as described in double/twin rooms (in some cases in triple or quadruple rooms when accommodations lack double room availability).
  • Meals : 7 breakfasts, 5 diners (dinner not included in Chamonix on day 1 and day 7), 6 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 in a shared taxi from Geneva to Chamonix (day 1) and from Chamonix to Geneva (day 8),
  • 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,
  • 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 5 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 Houches ; Cable-car from Bellevue to Les Houches,
  • J 3 : transfer from Les Contamines-Montjoies to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge ; private transfer from Les Chapieux to Bourg St Maurice,
  • J 4 : private transfer from Bourg-St-Maurice to La Ville des Glaciers ; shuttle bus from La Visaille to Courmayeur,
  • J 5 : shuttle bus from Courmayeur to Arnuva ; private transfer from Ferret to Champex,
  • J 6 : private transfer from Trient to Argentière,
  • J 7 : shuttle bus from Argentière to Col des Montets ; lift from La Flégère to les-Praz-de-Chamonix, shuttle bus from les Praz-de-Chamonix to Chamonix,
  • J 8 : shared taxi from Chamonix to Geneva.

Lodging

You will stay in a selection of comfortable 3 stars-hotels (or equivalent), in double/twin rooms.

Single room is always "on request".

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.
- 2 dinners are not included (in Chamonix) to give you all options in town and a dinner on your own.
- Lunches are pack-lunches either prepared by your guide or the accommodation.

Luggage transfer

Your luggage is transferred every day by car from one to the other accommodation.

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.

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

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).

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

Book an additional night in a 3 stars Hotel in Chamonix center
  • Chamonix
    • Hotel 3 stars : from 85 to 200 € (depending on the season and / or service chosen)
      • Double room, single room, triple room (double with extra-bed), twin room
      • B&b
    • Hotel 5 stars : from 165 to 345 € (depending on the season and / or service chosen)
      • Double room, single room, twin room
      • B&b
Price per person