Mont Blanc circuit, French Alps

Europe’s high peaks are a paradise for hikers. On the Tour du Mont Blanc, we savor the magnficient mountains of three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—along with their diverse alpine cultures.

Photo by Brian McGilloway

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Tour du Mont Blanc route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $3695   see pricing
Length: 8 days
Arrive: Chamonix, France
Depart: Chamonix, France
Lodging: 5 nights hotels, 2 nights small inns
Meals: All meals included except lunches
Activity: Hiking / Trekking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: All transport during the trip (cable cars, etc.) included
5 explain

Highlights

  • One of the classics—a spectacular hike from France to Italy to Switzerland
  • Enjoy magnificent mountain and glacier views and cross three international borders on foot
  • Delicious regional cuisine, from Italian pastas to Swiss fondue
  • Overnights in charming mountain villages


From the surprise picnics to tasting grolla in the mountain hut, it was all wonderfully organized.B. Scott—Chapmore Ends England

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Mont Blanc (15,771'), the highest peak in Western Europe, is a magnificent glacier-clad mountain with seven valleys radiating into France, Italy, and Switzerland. In circling this impressive massif, we cross from one country to the next—on foot! The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the “Great Hikes of the World,” and we’ve honed our unique version to perfection with impeccably planned hiking days, each one opening up new panoramas of the snow-frosted giants of the Alps. Cultural and culinary experiences through three countries are part of the delight, and high in the Alps, festive evenings may find us passing the traditional grolla bowl (espresso and grappa—flambé!) to toast our day’s adventures. Our expert team of Trip Leaders add energy and fun to memorable days on the trail.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Day 1
Chamonix, France / Mont Blanc

From Chamonix, below Mont Blanc, our warm-up hike brings us past the stunning pinnacles of the Aiguilles Rouges to mountain-ringed Lac Blanc for spectacular views over the Chamonix Valley.

Days 2-4
Les Contamines / Les Chapieux / Courmayeur

Hiking past the edge of the Bionnassay Glacier, we cross the Col de Tricot (7,000') and descend to charming Les Contamines. The next day, we hike over Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,180') and descend through flowery meadows to the remote summer village of Les Chapieux. On Day 4, we hike into Italy via the Col de la Seigne (8,300'), with views of Mont Blanc’s massive southern face. Passing the beautifully situated Elisabetta Refuge (7,600'), we descend to Courmayeur, Italy’s stylish alpine town.

Days 5-6
Val Ferret, Switzerland / Champex / Trient Glacier / Col de la Forclaz

With the massive granite peaks of Mont Dolent and the Grandes Jorasses in view, we hike into Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (8,400') and cross the gentle Val Ferret, with its traditional wooden chalets with geranium-bedecked balconies, to Champex. On Day 6, we cross the Fenetre d’Arpette (8,800'), a dramatic pass with breathtaking views of the magnificent Trient Glacier and the glacial bowl of the Plateau du Trient. A long descent takes us along the edge of the Trient Glacier and through the forest to our inn at Col de la Forclaz.

Days 7-8
Chamonix

Our trail climbs through larch forests to the Col de Balme (7,234'), the border between Switzerland and France. Now again in the Chamonix Valley, we savor the glory of Mont Blanc before us, then hike down to Argentiere and on to Chamonix. Depart on Day 8.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This hike is rated Level 5, Strenuous. All trip members should have good hiking experience, but no technical climbing experience is necessary. Most hiking is at altitudes between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 8,800 feet. Daily hikes range from four to eight hours. All participants must be in good physical condition. There are long daily ascents and descents of up to 3,000 to 4,000 feet in each direction. On most days, we end the hike with long, steep descents. Of course, you are always free to skip a day’s hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip.

In Chamonix, we stay in the wonderful Grand Hotel des Alpes. Outside of Chamonix, we stay in comfortable (but not luxurious) small hotels and pensions, with shared bathrooms on a couple of nights of the trip. They are rustic, well located for hikers, and continuously busy in the summer hiking season. Please note that these are hikers’ hotels, not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Breakfasts and dinners are included. You will purchase your lunches from refuges, villages, or in small cafes. Evening meals are at our hotels, and they will consist of hearty mountain fare. A support vehicle will transport the group’s luggage daily. We use many forms of transportation as we travel during the trip, so we ask that you restrict your luggage to one piece, plus your daypack/rucksack.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Sep 5-12, 2010

Jul 2-9, 2011
Jul 16-23, 2011  Hashmat Singh
Aug 14-21, 2011
Sep 8-15, 2011

*There may be up to 3 leaders on any departure. Please call for details.

Tour Costs

Prices are for 2010 dates

$3695 (11-14 members)
$4095 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $475

more on pricing

Tour Cost Includes:

  • Expert leadership of at least two Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders (and sometimes three, depending on group size)
  • Accommodations in hotels and small inns
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Breakfasts and dinners as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
  • Van support and luggage transfer
  • Cable cars and chairlifts to trailheads for scheduled hikes
  • Land transportation during the trip, transfers between overnight stops, airport transfers

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, any meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure. alcohol at meals, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessary due to airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expenses of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, or passports and visas; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

Our Trip Leaders

Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).

Richard Bell

Departure Dates: September 5-12, 2010

Richard Bell has been an avid traveler all his life. His first job was working as a purser on cruise ships for P&O and Princess Cruises, including a stint on that infamous vessel the Love Boat. Since that time his life has seen him tour, trek, and backpack in over 70 countries across the ...
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Mark Black

Departure Dates: September 5-12, 2010

Mark Black, a specialist in guiding our European Alps adventures, brings a diverse background to his work as a Trip Leader. He holds an MFA degree from the University of Arizona and is also an expert natural history interpreter of Arizona’s unique Sonora Desert ecosystem. After graduate ...
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Tania Masi

Departure Dates: September 5-12, 2010

Tania Masi is a journalist and travel writer who has published various hiking, city, and regional guidebooks in Europe. Born in Florence, Italy, of an American mother and proud Florentine father, she was raised with an appreciation for both American and European cultures and has lived in New York ...
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Hashmat Singh

Departure Dates: July 16-23, 2011

Hashmat Singh has led over 100 journeys on three continents for us since 1990. He holds a BA in History from Delhi University and is a noted photographer. His book, Trekking in the Himalaya (Roli Books), features photographic essays  from Ladakh to Bhutan. Born an army brat, Hashmat traveled ...
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Client Comments

From the surprise picnics to tasting grolla in the mountain hut, it was all wonderfully organized. B. Scott, Chapmore Ends England
I had an amazing experience! I would definitely travel with WT again. Jognya T., Thousand Oaks, CA