french-alps-tour-du-mont-blanc-in-hotel

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 3
Confort
Hotel 3 stars or Hotel 4 stars
Réf : E3L3
8 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.

  • A selection of very comfortable accommodations.

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

Hotel 3 stars From mid-June to late-September Hotel 4 stars From mid-June to late-September

Hotel 3 stars From mid-June to late-September

With luggage transfers From 1425 € * Book / Enquire Devis

Hotel 4 stars From mid-June to late-September

With luggage transfers From 1925 € * 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

Read the forum rules

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 : 2 options: with or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 1 person
Season : From mid-June to late-September

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive in Chamonix

Lodging : hotel. Included meals : dinner. Meals not included : breakfast, lunch.

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

LES HOUCHES - LES CONTAMINES MONJOIE

Distance : 11 km (7 mi.) - Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1300 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Take 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

LES CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE - COL DE LA CROIX-DU-BONHOMME PASS - LES CHAPIEUX – BOURG SAINT MAURICE

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 1250 m. Descent : 950 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 45 min.
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. Private transfer to Bourg Saint Maurice.
Day 4

BOURG SAINT MAURICE - VILLE DES GLACIERS - COL DE LA SEIGNE PASS - VAL VENY - COURMAYEUR - ELENA HUT

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 : 45 min.
Private 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

COURMAYEUR – ELENA HUT - GRAND COL FERRET PASS - LA FOULY - CHAMPEX

Distance : 15 km, 9.5 miles. - Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 900 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Transfer from Courmayeur to the upper end of Val Ferret.

This short day at the halfway point on your tour offers the opportunity to take it easy and recuperate. After spending an unforgettable night at the foot of the Pré-de-Bar Glacier and Mt. Dolent (3823m), start the day's hike with an ascent to Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537m), where you cross from Italy into Switzerland. 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 hamlet of Ferret (1740m). Transfer by bus to Champex, a charming village along a 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

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

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 : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 30 min.

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

Distance : 10 km, 6.5 miles - 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 8

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 september 2020

Hotel 4 stars
Price per person		With luggage transfers
Single season
1 person
1 single room		2500 €
2 people
1 double room		2000 €
3 people
1 room with 3 beds		1950 €
4 people
2 double rooms		1925 €
5 people
1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds		1900 €
6 people
3 double rooms		1880 €
  • Single season : From 22 Jun 2020 through 20 Sep 2020
Hotel 3 stars
Price per person		With luggage transfers
Single season
1 person
1 single room		1995 €
2 people
1 double room		1500 €
3 people
1 room with 3 beds		1450 €
4 people
2 double rooms		1425 €
5 people
1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds		1400 €
6 people
3 double rooms		1380 €
  • Single season : From 08 Jun 2020 through 21 Sep 2020

Prices from june to september 2021 - Prices for this year are being calculated, amounts shown are an estimation

Hotel 4 stars
Price per person		With luggage transfers
Single season
1 person
1 single room		2500 €
2 people
1 double room		2000 €
3 people
1 room with 3 beds		1950 €
4 people
2 double rooms		1925 €
5 people
1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds		1900 €
6 people
3 double rooms		1880 €
  • Single season : From 22 Jun 2021 through 20 Sep 2021
Hotel 3 stars
Price per person		With luggage transfers
Single season
1 person
1 single room		1995 €
2 people
1 double room		1500 €
3 people
1 room with 3 beds		1450 €
4 people
2 double rooms		1425 €
5 people
1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds		1400 €
6 people
3 double rooms		1380 €
  • Single season : From 08 Jun 2021 through 21 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 8.
- Dinners for days 2 through 6.
- The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2 to 4 person group.
- Private transfers:

  • from Les Chapieux to Bourg St Maurice (day 3, 45 min drive),
  • from Bourg St Maurice to la ville des Glaciers, stat of the hike (day 4, 50 min drive),
  • from Trient to Argentière (day 6, 20 min drive).

- 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.
- 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 "price includes" 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 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.

- 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 hotels, 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. If you would like two rooms for a group of three people, please contact us.

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 also be 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.