Overview
Glacier-clad Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps, with seven distinct valleys radiating into France, Italy, and Switzerland. On our hiking journey circling this famed massif, we’ll 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 this classic to perfection. Impeccably designed days bring you to epic glaciers, across wildflower-carpeted meadows, and into classic alpine hamlets as we explore each country’s cultural and culinary delights. Overnights are in cozy mountain hotels and hikers’ inns, and our team of Trip Leaders (up to three on each trip) brings a wonderful esprit to the adventure.
We had the time of our lives! I wouldn't have changed anything; I loved it all. Each guide was outstanding and we enjoyed all aspects of their knowledge and professionalism. Thanks for being so organized and awesome—you made it all so easy!
— Elly M., Iron Ridge, WI
Days 1-2
Chamonix / Col de Tricot
The charming alpine town of Chamonix, the mountaineering “capital” of Europe, sits right at the foot of Mont Blanc (15,770'). One of our warm-up hikes brings us below the vast Bionnassay Glacier, with a climb up to the Col de Tricot (6,955') for fine views of the long, snow-covered ridge of the Dômes de Miage, one of the most spectacular ridges on the Mont Blanc massif.
Chamonix / Col de Tricot - Days 1-2
Grand Hotel des Alpes
Day 1 (1 night),Day 8 (1 night), Chamonix, France
A truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. A historic property newly rebuilt from stem to stern, it is Italian-owned and run with superb taste and great service. The quiet garden terrace along the river is a great place for a drink in the evening or a breakfast buffet in the morning. There’s also a pool, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix!
Hotel La Chemenaz
Day 2 (1 night), Les Contamines, FranceRight on the TMB trail just outside the village of Les Contamines, this is a comfortable, modern hotel with spacious rooms, a cozy bar with a log fire, a great breakfast buffet, and an exceptionally helpful and friendly staff. The sauna and jacuzzi are great for a soak after a day’s hike.
Days 3-5
Into Italy / Col de la Croix du Bonhomme / Courmayeur
From the lovely chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, an ancient pilgrimage site with unusual Baroque architecture and Renaissance frescoes, we hike through gentle glades and forests and up through a superb gorge to the top of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, our first pass. We climb to the Col de la Seigne (8,255'), the mountain pass that marks the hydrological divide between the Atlantic and Mediterranean seas. Crossing from France into the mountainous Aosta region of Italy on foot along a trail used by Roman legionaries, we’ll have fantastic vistas of Mont Blanc’s sheer 11,000-foot southern face. On one festive evening, we join in the alpine tradition of passing the grolla bowl (espresso and grappa, flambé!) to toast our day’s adventures.
Into Italy / Col de la Croix du Bonhomme / Courmayeur - Days 3-5
Auberge de la Nova
Day 3 (1 night), Les Chapieux, FranceThis family-run auberge sits at the end of a country road at the junction of three valleys. It is a basic but very charming place and an important link for hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The gracious husband-and-wife owners will cook us our hearty evening meal here. There are simple rooms with in-room sinks and shared toilets/showers down the hall. From the auberge, there’s a fine view of the Aiguille des Glaciers (12,516'). Depending on availability, trip members may have to share rooms on this night.
Les Chambres du Soleil
Day 3 (1 night), Les Chapieux, FranceWith just 10 guest rooms, Les Chambres du Soleil is a peaceful place to unwind after a day of hiking. Originally built in 1856, this charming accommodation named each of its guest rooms after a different flower found in the region. The rooms are simple but comfortable, with en suite bathrooms, and there is a dining room and library/lounge.
Hotel Lo Scoiattolo: Courmayeur
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Courmayeur, ItalySet at the foot of Mont Blanc in the center of Courmayeur, this family-run, 22-room alpine-style hotel offers magical views of both the Mont Blanc and Mont Chetif mountain ranges. Some guestrooms may be on the small size, but they are clean, comfortable, and well appointed. Sore muscles? Spend a little time in the Finnish sauna at the hotel’s Wellness Center!
Days 6-7
Into Switzerland / Champex / Trient Glacier / Col de la Forclaz
Crossing into Switzerland on foot, we traverse the Val Ferret, passing beneath the massive granite peaks of Mont Dolent (12,543'), the Dent du Géant, and the Grandes Jorasses. The landscape becomes gentler and less alpine, with enticing streams, woodlands, and wildflowers. From lakeside Champex, we follow a classic trail used by shepherds for centuries to bring their livestock to mountain pastures, ascending gently as we enjoy views of the Rhone Valley—its mountain folds tucking into the river and hamlets below. Our hike takes us along the edge of the magnificent Trient Glacier to Col de la Forclaz (5,010'),
Into Switzerland / Champex / Trient Glacier / Col de la Forclaz - Days 6-7
Hotel du Glacier
Day 6 (1 night), Champex, SwitzerlandThe comfortable Hotel du Glacier sits on the main and only street of the pretty little village of Champex. The same lovely couple has owned it for many years and they also run the restaurant, which has great food and a relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is steps away from a picturesque mountain lake.
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz
Day 7 (1 night), Trient, SwitzerlandSitting right on the mountain pass where the road leads west to France or east to Switzerland, this is a mountain accommodation with simple rooms and shared toilets/showers. The food is hearty and home-cooked and there’s a nice patio where we can relax and enjoy the views. Depending on availability, trip members may have to share rooms on this night.
Days 8-9
Col de Balme / Chamonix
Climbing through a serene larch forest we reach the Col de Balme (7,201'), which marks the border between Switzerland and France, where we can once again see the beautiful Chamonix Valley. With the glory of the Mont Blanc massif above us, we begin our long, gentle descent, coming full circle on this classic adventure. Depart on Day 9 via Chamonix.
Col de Balme / Chamonix - Days 8-9
Grand Hotel des Alpes
Day 8 (1 night), Chamonix, FranceA truly wonderful hotel that WT groups have enjoyed for years, the elegant Grand Hotel des Alpes is right in the center of Chamonix, set back on a lovely plaza facing a pedestrians-only street. A historic property newly rebuilt from stem to stern, it is Italian-owned and run with superb taste and great service. The quiet garden terrace along the river is a great place for a drink in the evening or a breakfast buffet in the morning. There’s also a pool, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Without a doubt, this is the best place to stay in Chamonix!
Tour du Mont Blanc
Highlights
Highlights
Details
8 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes between 4,000-8,800 feet, van support, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders
Recent Photo Blog Posts
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