french-alps-tour-du-mont-blanc-trail-running

Self-guided

Trail

lvl. 8
Mon Roadbook App
Hotel
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3L6
6 days from 880 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A selection of comfortable accommodations to get a perfect rest.

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

  • Optimal logistics to guarantee the success of this sporting challenge.

 


"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

Hotel De juin à septembre

Hotel De juin à septembre

Without luggage transfer From 880 €* Book / Enquire Devis
With luggage transfer From 1035 €* 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

Level 8 : An average of 8 to 10 hours per day on trails and/or 1800 to 2200 meters of vertical gain and/or distances up to 35 to 45 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 : 6 days
Luggage transfers : Uniquement vos affaires de la journée
Lodging : Mountain Inn, Hotel
Guiding : Sans encadrement
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season :

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 - Les Contamines Montjoie

Distance : 25 km (15.5mi.) - Ascent : 1430 m. Descent : 1300 m. Running : 6 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

Easy start on the trail to Les Houches and then to Bellevue Col de Voza. 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 - Courmayeur (Italy)

Distance : 43 km (26.5mi.) - Ascent : 2820 m. Descent : 2760 m. Running : 10 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Start the day with a short warm-up on your way to Notre Dame de la Gorge. 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 La ville des Glaciers), typical of the area. 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. Ends your day with the 800 vertical meter descent on foot to get  into Courmayeur, the capital of the Italian Alps, for a quick visit.
Day 4

Courmayeur - Champex (Switzerland)

Distance : 45 km (28 mi.) - Ascent : 2340 m. Descent : 2080 m. Running : 10 hrs.
Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Start one of the most beautiful sections of the tour. 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). 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 Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537). 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).
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 5

Champex - Chamonix

Distance : 40 km (25 mi.) - Ascent : 2020 m. Descent : 2440 m. Running : 9 hrs.
Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : 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.
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 Tré-le-Champ. One last effort leads you to Chamonix Mont Blanc.

 


Day 6

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 (incl. taxes) from june to september 2023

Hotel
Price per person		Without luggage transferWith luggage transfer
Single seasonSingle season
2 people1 shared room890 €1075 €
3 people1 shared room880 €1055 €
4 people1 shared room880 €1035 €
5 people1 shared room870 €1035 €
6 people1 shared room870 €1035 €
  • Single season : From 22 June 2023 to 20 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 6.
- Dinners for days 2 through 4.
- 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.
- Optional public transportation and chairlifts/gondolas during the tour.
- 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, 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. 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

Please check with your embassy.

Getting ready

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.

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.

During your trip

Additional services

Vous avez la possibilité de réserver des prestations supplémentaires.


Hotel - With luggage transfer or Without luggage transfer

Repas
  • Repas : : 66 €

Extend your trip

Additional nights

Vous pouvez réserver des nuits supplémentaires avant ou après votre voyage.

Hotel - 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
  • Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
    • Hotel 2 star : from 50 to 85 € (depending on the season and / or service chosen)
      • Double room, single room, triple room, twin room
      • B&b
Price per person