mont-blanc-the-best-of-mont-blanc-range

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 2
New
Mon Roadbook App
Hotel 3 star or Hotel 4 star
Day-hikes
Réf : E3L8
8 days from 1825 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

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

  • France, Italy: explore two alpine cultures.

  • The visit of the Aiguille du Midi, Montenvers train and the thermal baths of Pré Saint Didier included

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

This itinerary around the Mont Blanc range, a unique and prestigious massif, mix accessible hikes, discovery of Italian and French cultures and a taste of both cuisine! After the escapades in the middle of the nature, you will have comfortable accommodations and facilities for relaxation. End you trip with a relaxing evenning in the Spa of Pre Saint Didier therms.

Your choice of lodging + Meals

Hotel 3 star From mid June to late September Hotel 4 star From mid June to late September

Hotel 3 star From mid June to late September

Bed and Breakfast From 1825 €* Book / Enquire Devis

Hotel 4 star From mid June to late September

Bed and Breakfast From 2250 €* 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 2: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on a well-marked hilly path or trail.

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 : 8 days
Luggage transfers : Just a light day backpack
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 1 person
Season : From mid June to late September

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in Chamonix !

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

Lake Blanc and lakes of Chéserys

Ascent : 500 m. Descent : 500 m. Hiking : 4 hrs..
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
This day in the Aiguilles rouges massif, facing the Mont Blanc will offers incredible views of the glaciers and renown 4000's m peaks!

Get up with the cable car to la Flégère. Start of the balcony path that leads to the famous Lac Blanc (2,352 m). We then reach the Chéserys lakes, famous for reflecting the most famous peaks of the Mont Blanc massif! We walk back to the Flégère to take the cable car back to Chamonix.

Day 3

Top of Aiguille du Midi and the Montenvers cog train

Ascent : 350 m. Descent : 700 m. Hiking : 4 hrs..
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
From Chamonix, take the famous cable car to the top of l'Aiguille du Midi (3,842m). Take time to visit the area and enjoy the amazing view on the Mont Blanc summit!
Descend back half way with the lift to the intermedaite station of Plan de l'Aiguille (2,350 m). Here starts the hike of the day. After a short descent to the refuge of the same name, take the famous Grand Balcon Nord route which crosses under all the Aiguilles of Chamonix, from the Aiguille du Plan to the Aiguille de la République. The itinerary passes at the foot of the Blaitière and Nantillons glaciers. A short climb leads us to the Signal Forbes (2,200 m) offering a panoramic view of the Mer de Glace and the North face of the Grandes Jorasses in particular. A stop on the Montenvers site, before going back down with the famous red cog-train to Chamonix.
Day 4

Brévent Lake and Aiguillette des Houches

Ascent : 250 m. Descent : 500 m or 1300 m. Hiking : 4 to 6 hrs..
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 45 minutes.
From Chamonix, take the cable car to go up to the summit of Brévent (2,525m). Still facing the Mont Blanc, a day where you alternate ascents and descents on short slopes until l'Aiguillette des Houches. You are surrounded by the mineral landscapes of the Aiguilles Rouges on one side, the Mont Blanc massif on the other, with its famous glaciers and summits : Argentière glacier, Aiguille Verte, Mer de Glace, les Drus, Aiguille du Midi, Mont Blanc...

Depending on the weather and the physical condition, you can either turn around and take the lift back to Chamonix or start the descent to Parc Merlet and Les Houches. Return back to Chamonix with the local shuttle, then private transfer to Courmayeur where we spend the next 3 nights.

Day 5

Welcome in Italy! Val Ferret, Elena hut and Grand Col Ferret

Ascent : 350 m to 750 m. Descent : 350 m to 750 m. Hiking : 3 to 5 hrs..
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 2x 20 min .
The local shuttle takes you to the end of the Val Ferret. You follow a good path to reach the Elena refuge (2,061 m) at the foot of the Pré-de-Bard glacier. If you are in good shape and the weather permits, you can climb up to the Grand Col Ferret (2537 m), and put a foot in Switzerland ! Return back by the same way down to Arnuvaz where you catch a bus to Courmayeur.
Day 6

Veny Valley and Pré-St-Didier thermals baths

Ascent : 350 to 600m. Descent : 350 to 600m. Hiking : 3 to 5 hrs..
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Discovery of the Val Veny valley, you hike to the lake of the Miage glacier, the Combal lake (1,970 m). A beautiful alluvial plain resulting from the natural barrier of the glacier favors the observation of a unique vegetation!You can continue up to Elisbetta Hut where yu can enjoy a drink on the sunny terrace.

In the evening, private transfer to the thermal baths of Pré Saint Didier where you enjoy a good bath. Inaugurated in 1838, these thermal baths offer you a course of about 40 sensory practices: sauna chalet, relaxation rooms, indoor and outdoor hot water pools, possibility of massages, lunch, aperitif. All we need to spend an excellent and relaxing day!

Day 7

Val Ferret, Bonatti hut and Bertone hut - Chamonix

Ascent : 700 m. Descent : 1200m. Hiking : 5 hrs 30 min.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Take the bus to the Val Ferret. Beautiful hike in the heart of the alpine pastures to the Bertone refuge (1,996 m). The steep Italian slopes of the Mont-Blanc massif overlook us, we are at the foot of the Grandes Jorasses. Descent through the Sapin valley to Courmayeur.
Late afternoon transfer to Chamonix where we enjoy our farewell dinner and the last night.
Day 8

Chamonix - Au revoir!

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 3 star
Price per person		Bed and Breakfast
Single season
2 people 1 double room2000 €
3 people 1 room with 3 beds1900 €
4 people 2 double rooms1825 €
5 people 1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds1785 €
6 people 3 double rooms1750 €
  • Single season : From 14 June 2023 to 20 September 2023
Hotel 4 star
Price per person		Bed and Breakfast
Single season
2 people 1 double room2450 €
3 people 1 room with 3 beds2320 €
4 people 2 double rooms2250 €
5 people 1 double room, 1 room with 3 beds2200 €
6 people 3 double rooms2175 €
  • Single season : From 14 June 2023 to 20 September 2023

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

Price includes:

  • Accommodations as described in double/twin rooms (in some cases in triple or quadruple rooms when accommodations lack double room availability).
  • Meals : 7 breakfasts.
  • Luggage transfer at the accommodations.
  • Cable-cars and private transfers as described on the itinerary.

Price does not includes:

  • Transportation from Geneva to Chamonix on day 1 and from Chamonix to Geneva on day 8 (don't hesitate to ask us if you are interested in these transfers, we can book this transfer for you).
  • Any single room (requested or for a odd number of people).
  • Dinners and lunches.
  • Buses transfer, day 5, 6 and 7.
  • 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:

  • Buses: approx 3€ per trip per person.
  • Tickets to any visit
  • Drinks and tip

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.

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.

We have decided not to include the transfer from Geneva to Chamonix (round trip) to give you the greatest possible flexibility on your arrival and departure times (day and night arrival possible).

During your trip

All these transfers (excepted those by buses) are included in the tour:

  • J 2 : cable-car from Praz-de-Chamonix to La Flégère (round-trip)
  • J 3 : cable to L'Aiguille du Midi : the red-train from Montenvers to Chamonix
  • J 4 : cable car to the summit of Brévent (round-trip) ; private transfer from Chamonix to Courmayeur
  • J 5 : bus from Courmayeur to Arnuva (round-trip)
  • J 6 : bus from Courmayeur to La Visaille (round-trip) ; transfer to Pré-St-Didier (round-trip)
  • J 7 : bus from Courmayeur to Arnuva (one way) ; transfer from Courmayeur to Chamonix

Lodging

Charming accommodation in a selection of comfortable 3* hotels in double/twin rooms with private bathroom in Chamonix and Courmayeur.

Both hotels are ideally located in the heart of the city.

Note: odd number of people are considered with a triple room. Single room always depends on availability 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 or taken in a restaurant.
- The dinners are not included to give you all options in town and the choice of "à la carte" menu.


If you have strict dietary constraints, we invite you to communicate them to us before departure.


Luggage transfer

You will find your luggage in Chamonix and Courmayeur.
You only carry your gear for the day and your picnic.

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.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.
 
Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

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 2

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least twice per week (12km to 15km).

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,

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.