The Classic of the Classics, the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) offers some of the most spectacular alpine landscapes, crossing several major mountain passes while enjoying breathtaking views of the giants of the Alps. From the mountaineering capital of the world, Chamonix, France, the TMB takes you from alpine meadows to the rugged, mineral world of the high mountains, and back down to the valley where tradition has gone uninterrupted for hundreds of years. During the summer months of July and August, alpine flora and fauna are prolific and wildflowers line the trails of the TMB.
The day begins with a hearty breakfast and we try and leave no later than 8:00 am in order to take advantage of the clear skies for the best view. Lunch is either carried in a day-pack or else taken along the way in alpine restaurants. Reaching our accommodations early means time to stretch, relax, write post-cards or simply enjoy a glass wine before sitting down to a traditional meal. Most days are long with at least 6 hours of walking and at times 8 hours but that includes numerous stops for taking photographs, snacking and taking in the magnificent views from the many vantage points along the way.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Hike up to Lac Blanc, lunch at the Lac Blanc refuge, then a walk back across the Grand Balcon Sud and down to Les Praz. This is a warm up day that enables us to check the gear and make sure that everything works. Walking time: 5 hours. Accommodation: Hotel/Chalet in Les Praz.
Day 2: Vehicle transfer to Les Houches. The Bellevue cable car brings us to the start of the trek. A good day’s walk with spectacular views of the Dome du Goûter and the Aiguilles de Chamonix. Walking time: 6 hours. Accommodation: Hotel in Les Contamines.
Day 3: An early start to walk up to the Col du Bonhomme 2,599m (8’527 ft), then down to the hamlet of Les Chapieux 1,705m (5’594 ft). Weather permitting; a variation over the Col des Fours is possible. Walking time: depending on the route, 6 – 7 hours. Accommodation: Inn in Chapieux.
Day 4: In Chapieux, we have a guided visit of a local cooperative, which produces Beaufort cheese. Then we have a long steady climb to the Col de la Seigne 2,516m (8’254 ft), where we have the first glimpses of the ‘other’ side of Mont Blanc. We arrive late in the afternoon in Courmayeur. Walking time: 7 hours. Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 5: Rest day in Courmayeur.
Day 6: An easy start to the day, time for some last minute shopping and for a quick coffee. From the old part of Courmayeur, we walk up the Mont de la Saxe Ridge to the Bertone Hut for a well deserved Italian lunch. We then carry on to the Bonatti hut. Walking time: 6 hours. Accommodation: Mountain hut.
Day 7: Today is a short trekking day, which gives us the opportunity to rest. We continue up the Col Ferret, and cross over to Switzerland. A quick descent brings us to La Fouly. Walking time: 4/5 hours. Accommodation: Hotel in La Fouly.
Day 8: Weather permitting, we have a long but spectacular walk up to the Cabane d’Orny (2,900m), perched at the foot of the glacier. If the weather is uncooperative, we have a lower route from La Fouly to Champex, where we will be staying for the night. Walking time: 7 – 8 hours. Accommodation: Hotel in Champex.
Day 9: From Champex, there are two options: Either a more arduous climb up the Fenêtre d’Arpette with a spectacular view of the Trient glacier and the Aiguille du Tour, or around the ridge on the Bovine trail to the Col de la Forclaz, then a quick van transfer to Finhaut for the night. Walking time: 5 - 7 hours, depending on the route. Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 10: The final day, the Massif du Mont Blanc awaits and the last obstacle is the Col de Balme and the gentle descent into the village of Le Tour and then into Argentière for a much-deserved beer. Walking time: 5 hours. Accommodation: Hotel/Chalet in the Chamonix valley.
Note: We also customize the Tour du Mont Blanc for guests who are interested in a private trip, any length and any difficulty goes.
Member discount:
10% discount for InfoHub customer. Request a free gift certificate.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Included:
- Certified guide
- All accommodation
- All breakfasts, lunches, dinners
- All local transports
- All lifts
- All luggage transport
- Airport transfers from and to Geneva airport.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
France
Italy
Switzerland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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