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Tour of Mont Blanc 8 days – Self Guided (Shared Refugios)

France, Italy, Switzerland

Tour of Mont Blanc 8 days – Self Guided

Basic Hotel Accommodation & Shared Refugios

Tour of Mont Blanc 8 days – Self Guided

Basic Hotel Accommodation & Shared Refugios

One of the most famous multi-day mountain hike in the Alps!

Adventure in France, Italy, and Switzerland: Explore these alpine cultures & hike to Lac Blanc!

Embark on an 8-day hut-to-hut adventure along Europe's iconic Tour du Mont Blanc trail. This journey allows you to come within proximity of the legendary Mont Blanc without the need for climbing skills. Each day unveils new wonders as you traverse diverse landscapes and cultures, beginning in France and continuing through Italy and Switzerland. Follow ancient and well-marked trade routes and circuits that have been used since antiquity. This is undeniably one of the world's most celebrated and timeless multi-day mountain hikes.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival day in Chamonix

Today, you will start your adventure when you arrive in Chamonix. You will check in to your hotel and get your travel bag with all the information you will need for your trip.

Accommodation: Private double/twin room in hotel (3 star)
Meals included : None – dinner on your own in town

Day 2 : Chamonix - Les Contamines-Montjoie

(11km - 6.8 miles)

After your transfer in a Bellevue cable car, you will arrive at the trailhead is at the top of the lift. You will be able to take in the amazing scenery as you stand at the foot of Mt. Blanc. From there you will start with a traverse to the Bionnassay Glacier. After a “nepali hanging bridge crossing”, you will hike through the alpine pastures that lead up to Col de Tricot Pass (2120m). You will get a short break to admire the views of Contamines-Montjoie Valley, then hike down a steep trail to the quaint rural chalets in Miage (1559m) your path will continue up to Chalets du Truc (1750m) and 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.

Distance : 10 km, 6.5 miles - Ascent : 900 m. Descent : 550 m. (30 min Transfer)

Hiking : 6.5 hrs.

Accommodation: Private double/twin room in Guest house (2 star)
Meals included : breakfast and dinner

Day 3 : Les Contamines-Montjoie - Les Chapieux or Ville des Glaciers

(14.5km - 9 miles)

In the morning, you will arrive at Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210m), you will have 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). After, you will climb to Col du Bonhomme Pass (2329m) which is known for the beautiful section of hiking along the far southern end of the range. This trail marks the boundary between the Mt. Blanc Range and the Beaufortain Mountains. You will continue to Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433m), which has spectacular views of Mt. Pourri (3779m). During your descent, you will hike through alpine pastures to the small hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m), typical of the area, where you will spend the night.

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 1250 m. Descent : 950 m. (15 min Transfer)

Hiking : 6.5 hrs.

Accommodation: shared room (or double/twin room if available) in guest house
Meals included : breakfast and dinner

Day 4 : Les Chapieux or Ville des Glaciers - Courmayeur

(17km - 10.5 miles)

You will start the day’s hike from Ville des Glaciers (1800m), you will get to stop at the local farm along the way and learn how Beaufort cheese is made. From there you will continue your ascent through the beautiful alpine pastures to Col de la Seigne Pass (2516m) and the Italian border. From here, awe at the beautiful jagged and steep side of the Mt. Blanc Range. These legendary summits such as Mt. Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey Spire, and the Grandes Jorasses appear close enough to be able to reach out and touch them. The descent takes you through Val Veny to the foot of the Miage Glacier with its peaceful lake and unique alpine flora. Short transfer to Courmayeur (1226m), capital of the Italian Alps.

Distance : From 15 to 25 km (10 to 16 mi). - Ascent : From 750 to 1250 m. Descent :850 to 1800 m (30 min Transfer)

Hiking : from 5 to 7 hrs.

Accommodation: Private double/twin room in hotel (2 star)
Meals included : breakfast only, dinner on your own in town

Day 5 : Courmayeur – La Fouly or Champex

(15.5km - 9.6 miles)

This short day is the halfway point on your tour and offers the opportunity to take it easy and recharge. After a short morning transfer to Val Ferret which is at the foot of Pré-de-Bar glacier, 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 down the Italian side before descending through Switzerland’s gentle alpine meadows as you hike all the way down to the small hamlet of Ferret (1740m). If you’re staying in Champex, bus transfer to the charming village along a small lake.

Distance : 12.5 km (8 mi.) - Ascent : 500 m. Descent : 900 m. (15 min transfer)

Hiking : 4 hrs.

Accommodation: shared room (or double/twin room if available) in guest house
Meals included : breakfast and dinner

Day 6: La Fouly or Champex - Bovine (Fenêtre d’Arpette ) – Trient

(15km - 9.3 miles)

(After a bus transfer if you’ve stayed in La Fouly) From Champex, start by hiking through the Swiss mountain pastures and alpine meadows be sure to look for the grazing cows that produce some of the Alps’ most famous cheeses! From Bovine, admire incomparable views of the Rhône River Valley.

Please note: 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), where you will eat dinner and spend the night in a guest house. Via Bovine, 5.5-hour hike, 700m vertical gain. Via Fenêtre d’Arpette, 8-hour hike, 1200m vertical gain, 1400m vertical drop.

Distance : From 14.5 to 15.5 km (9 to 9.5 mi.) - Ascent : From 750 to 1200 m. Descent : 900 to 1350 m. (30 min Transfer)

Hiking : from 5 to 8 hrs.

Accommodation: shared room (or double/twin room if available) in guest house
Meals included : breakfast and dinner

Day 7 : Trient - col de Balme pass - le Tour or Argentière

(14km - 8.7 miles)

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, you will take a leisurely walk to Montroc (1370m) and Argentière.

Distance : From 12 to 13.5 km (7.5 to 8.5 mi.) - Ascent : From 900 to 1150 m. Descent : 850 to 900 m

Hiking : from 5 to 6 hrs.

Accommodation: double/twin room in Hotel
Meals included : breakfast and dinner

Day 8 : Le Tour or Argentière – Col des Montets pass - Lac Blanc – Chamonix

(11km - 6.8 miles)

Today, you will enjoy a truly unforgettable hike for your last day of your trip. As you scramble through the Aiguilles Rouges, with the Mont- Blanc Range just across the valley, you will have 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 La Flégère were a gondola takes you down to the valley floor in Les Praz a Chamonix hamlet.

Distance : 12 km (7.5 mi.) - Ascent : 1050 m. Descent : 600 m.

Hiking : 6.5 hrs.

Accommodation: None
Meals included : breakfast only

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Additional Trip Info

Included
Not Included
Items to Bring
Trip FAQ
  • Accommodation: 7 nights (2 star hotels & shared refugio accommodation)
  • Meals : 7 breakfasts, 5 dinners
  • The road book (as well as a maps and reservation vouchers) for a 2 to 4 person group.
  • Transporting your bags if you choose this option (+$400usd per person)
  • Emergency hotline 24/7
  • Guide book » exclusive mobile app including offline Maps & GPS
  • Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
  • Local public transportation
  • Dinner in Chamonix and Courmayeur
  • Pack Lunches (these can be purchased daily form your mountain hut)
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance - We recommend  World Nomads, or Global Rescue‍
  • Anything that is not specified in the “included in the price” list.

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Tour du Mont Blanc Trail Map
Tour du Mont Blanc Trail Map - Interactive Map Link

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