Mont Blanc Trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the world's classic walks.
The ‘demi’ tour du Mont Blanc
This trek completes half of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) and is suitable for people with less time and who prefer the comfort of the same bedroom for the majority of the holiday. Using a comfortable chalet as our main base, we have 5 days of walking, all on the TMB. There are 2 day-walks within the Chamonix Valley and 3 days on a point-to-point trek with 2 overnight stops at different hotels on the trail.
Explore also operate the full Tour du Mont Blanc (code MBT): a 12 day holiday that completes the full circuit around the Mont Blanc massif. For a higher level of comfort Explore offer Mont Blanc Highlights (MBH): a one-week holiday staying at a chalet and taking guided day-walks on scenic sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Chamonix & Alpine Lakes
The two day-walks above Chamonix pass through larch forests and on to open Alpine ground. We traverse the Aiguillette des Posettes (2201m) and walk to Lac Blanc (2350m) - a high Alpine lake where we should see marmots, chamois and birds of prey. Both walks are on sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc and have the backdrop of the spectacular granite spires of the Chamonix Aiguilles and the great glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif.
The French & Italian Alps
Travelling through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Italy we begin our 3-day trek. Walking through open countryside, with spectacular views of the steep south-face of Mont Blanc, we cross the Col de la Seigne (2516m) and descend to the remote hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m). A steep ascent takes us over another high pass - the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m) through rugged scenery full of colourful Alpine flowers. After a night at Les Contamines (1165m) we complete our trek by crossing the Col du Tricot (2120m) and back down to the Chamonix Valley.
Comment
A mainly chalet based trip, this tour is graded strenuous (Grade C) and is suitable for walkers who enjoy the challenge of hikes with plenty of ascent and descent (approx 1000m each day). The trek on days 4, 5 and 6 is unsupported and you will need to carry spare clothing (lightweight trousers & shirt) and overnight gear. The last day is free for you to relax in Chamonix or take part in optional activities such as rock climbing, mountain biking and paragliding.
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Itinerary / Highlights
Trip HighlightsMont Blanc Massif - Snowy peaks, glaciers and granite spires.
Tour Du Mont Blanc - World class trekking through varied terrain.
Chamonix - Views from restaurants and pavements cafés.
Alpine Chalet - Ideally located with views of the mountains.
Optional Activities - Rock climbing, mountain biking.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Join tour Geneva Airport
Arriving at Geneva Airport we transfer in just over an hour to our Chalet in Chamonix. There are spectacular views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc range.
Overnight Chalet (H+)
Day 2: Aiguillette des Posettes
We take a 20 minute bus ride to Tre-le-Champ (1417m) and head up through a pretty larch forest and then open ground along a broad ridge to the Aiguillette des Posettes (2201m). Following the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) we have superb views of the whole Chamonix Valley and peaks including Les Drus, Aiguille Verte, Aiguille du Chardonnet and Mont Blanc. We then descend to the Col des Posettes (1997m) - in early summer the meadows are awash with colourful Alpine flowers - and then through the thick forest to Vallorcine (1260m). From here we take the short bus or train trip back to the chalet.
Approx distance 10 km, Ascent 800m, Descent 940m
Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Hike to Lac Blanc on the world famous Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)
We make our way up through larch and fir forest until we reach the beautiful Lac de Cheserys. The area is home to Ibex and these are sometimes seen near the main trail. As we climb, we are rewarded with increasingly better views of the whole Mont Blanc range and the great glaciers that descend towards the Chamonix valley. En route we will stop for lunch and maybe spot marmots or chamois which live at these higher altitudes. Our goal is Lac Blanc (2350m), justifiably regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Alps. The descent is via a different route and for those with sore knees there is a cable-car to the valley floor.
Approx distance 10-15km, Ascent 940m, Descent 1100m
Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: On the Tour du Mont Blanc
We take a bus through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur in Italy and to Val Veny (1540m) where we begin our 3-day trek on the Tour du Mont Blanc. A well used track takes us past the glacial Lac Combal and up to the Elisabetta Soldini mountain hut: perched on the moraine it has great views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding glaciers and is a perfect place for a tea break. From here the path takes us past the old customs house and onto the broad Col de la Seigne (2516m) and back into France. On a very clear day it is possible to see the high mountains far into Switzerland. We follow an old mule track down to Ville des Glaciers and then a short road walk to the hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m). Note: Your luggage will be left in Chamonix. Therefore you need to carry what you need for the 3 day trek with 2 overnight stays. This is light backpacking.
Approx distance 16km Ascent 860m, Descent 967m
Overnight Auberge (H) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Hike over the Col du Bonhomme to Les Contamines
Leaving Les Chapieux, we climb towards the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m) passing a mountain hut en route. The path then winds through a rocky and wild valley to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m). This is a great place to see high-altitude Alpine flowers and animals such as marmots, stoats and chamois. Our descent is a combination of steep narrow paths and wide open tracks through alpine pastures. As we reach the Les Contamines valley we pass the ancient church of Notre Dame de la Gorge before a level walk to Les Contamines (1165m).
Approx distance 14km, Ascent 930m, Descent 1320m
Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Les Chalets du Miages and on to Chamonix
Continuing on the TMB we climb through a forest to the Chalets du Truc (1740m) where there are extensive views of the valleys below. We then head on to Les Chalets du Miages (1559m) - a mountain hut in a spectacular setting with steep mountain walls and glacial streams – where we can get a hot chocolate. A stiff climb brings us to the Col de Tricot (2120m) and then down a gentle combe with old farming settlements and beautiful azaleas. Crossing a suspension bridge at the snout of the Bionnassay Glacier we head up to the Col de Voza(1653m) and then walk down to the small town of Les Houches (993m). We return to Chamonix with a short bus ride.
Approx distance 14km, Ascent 1170m, Descent 1200m
Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: A free day in Chamonix
Today you can relax at the chalet, go into town, take a walk or take part in some optional activities. These include a ride up the spectacular cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3842m for arguably the finest view in the Alps. At this height you are among the great Alpine peaks and glaciers with unimpeded views from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn almost 100km away. Other activities include rock climbing, mountain biking and visiting Chamonix’s Alpine museum. We have our last night’s dinner at one of Chamonix’s many excellent restaurants.
Overnight Chalet (H+) Included meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Transfer to Geneva Airport
Tour ends at Geneva airport.
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