Overview
One of the “Great Hikes of the World” is the walk that encircles Mont Blanc from France to Italy to Switzerland. We’ve honed this hiker’s classic to perfection with impeccably designed days that bring you to epic glaciers, across wildflower-carpeted meadows, and into mountain hamlets as we hike in to discover each valley’s cultural delights. Overnights are in cozy mountain hotels and hikers’ inns, and our team of Trip Leaders (up to three on each trip) brings esprit de corps to the adventure.
The guide team was outstanding—professional, knowledgeable, and lots of fun. It was clear that they loved what they did and worked very well together to make sure that we had an amazing Tour du Mont Blanc experience. Thank you for an amazing vacation!
— Theresa B., Manhattan Beach, CA
Days 1-2
Chamonix / Col de Tricot
The charming alpine town of Chamonix sits right at the foot of glacier-clad Mont Blanc (15,770'), western Europe’s highest mountain. One of our warm-up hikes brings us up to the Col de Tricot (7,000') for panoramic views of the snow-covered 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 7 (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 3-4
Into Italy / Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme
From the lovely chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, an ancient pilgrimage site, we hike through gentle glades and forests and up through the superb gorge called the Nant Borrant as we make our way to the top of the Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme. The next day, crossing into the Aosta region of Italy on foot, we enjoy fantastic vistas of Mont Blanc’s 11,000-foot-high southern face. On one festive evening, we may find ourselves passing the traditional grolla (a bowl of espresso and grappa, flambé!) to toast our day’s adventures.
Into Italy / Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme - Days 3-4
Auberge de la Nova
Day 3 (1 night), 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), Saint-Chaffrey, FranceWith a cozy atmosphere and only five guestrooms, Les Chambres du Soleil is a peaceful place to unwind after our day of hiking. Originally built in 1856, this charming hotel now welcomes travelers on the TMB. Each guestroom is named after a different flower found in the region and has comfortable beds and attached bathrooms. The hotel also has a dining room, library lounge, and TV room to relax and regroup. If you have time, be sure to flip through their photo album of the renovation of the hotel, showing many changes to the building and village over the years.
Hotel Lo Scoiattolo
Day 4 (1 night), 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 5-6
Into Switzerland / Champex / Col de la Forclaz
Crossing into Switzerland on foot, we traverse the Val Ferret, with its flower-filled meadows and charming chalets. From lakeside Champex, our hike takes us along a classic cattle trail used by shepherds for centuries and through a forest to Col de la Forclaz.
Into Switzerland / Champex / Col de la Forclaz - Days 5-6
Hotel du Glacier
Day 5 (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 6 (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 7-8
Col de Balme / Chamonix
Our trail climbs through a serene larch forest to the Col de Balme (7,234'), the border between Switzerland and France. With the glory of the Mont Blanc massif before us, we look over the beautiful Chamonix Valley and descend, coming full circle on this classic adventure. Depart on Day 8.
Col de Balme / Chamonix - Days 7-8
Grand Hotel des Alpes
Day 7 (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
7 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes between 4,000-8,800 feet, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike). This is a strenuous hiking trip, read “What the Trip is Like” for more details.
Recent Photo Blog Posts
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Playtime on Mont Blanc
