Tour du Mont Blanc

On Foot from France to Italy to Switzerland

Overview

Glacier-clad Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps, with seven gorgeous valleys radiating into France, Italy, and Switzerland. Our journey circles this famed massif, crossing from one country to the next—on foot! The TMB is one of the “Great Hikes of the World,” and we’ve honed this classic to perfection with impeccably designed hiking days as we explore each country’s cultural and culinary delights. Overnights are in cozy mountain hotels and inns, and our expert Trip Leaders (up to three on each trip) bring wonderful esprit to the adventure.

Itinerary at a Glance

Days 1-2
Chamonix / Col de Tricot

From charming Chamonix, the mountaineering “capital” of Europe, our first hike is up to the Aiguille Rouges for panoramas across the entire Chamonix Valley. Another hike brings us to the Bionnassay Glacier and then the Col de Tricot (6,955'). Chamonix sits right at the foot of Mont Blanc (15,770'), the highest mountain in Western Europe.

Grand Hotel des Alpes
Chamonix, France
Day 1 (1 night), Day 8 (1 night)
Hotel La Chemenaz
Les Contamines, France
Day 2 (1 night)
Days 3-5
Into Italy / Col de la Croix du Bonhomme / Courmayeur

Starting from the chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, we hike through gentle forests to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. On Day 4, we leave France and enter the Aosta region of Italy along a route once used by Roman legionnaires. From the remote Vallee des Glaciers, we climb eastward to the Col de la Seigne (8,255'), the hydrologic divide between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. We’ll enjoy fantastic vistas of Mont Blanc’s sheer 11,000-foot southern face as we go, then descend to Courmayeur, the Italian counterpart of Chamonix, situated below Mont Blanc. In Courmayeur, we can enjoy a rest day or an optional cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner (11,371'), which marks the border between Italy and France.

Auberge de la Nova
Les Chapieux, France
Day 3 (1 night)
Les Chambres du Soleil
Les Chapieux, France
Day 3 (1 night)
Hotel Lo Scoiattolo: Courmayeur
Courmayeur, Italy
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights)
Days 6-7
Into Switzerland / Champex / Trient Glacier / Col de la Forclaz

Crossing into Switzerland on foot, we traverse the Val Ferret beneath the massive granite peaks of Mont Dolent (12,543'), the Dent du Géant, and the Grandes Jorasses. As we cross the spectacular Grand Col Ferret (8,324'), we’ll have stunning views of the icy southern flanks of the Mont Blanc massif, and in the far distance, the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa. From lakeside Champex, we follow a shepherds’ trail, ascending gently with views of the Rhone Valley. The magnificent Trient Glacier is in view as we cross the Col de la Forclaz (5,010').

Hotel du Glacier
Champex, Switzerland
Day 6 (1 night)
Hotel du Col de la Forclaz
Trient, Switzerland
Day 7 (1 night)
Days 8-9
Col de Balme / Chamonix

Climbing to the Col de Balme (7,201'), the border between Switzerland and France, we once again see the beautiful Chamonix Valley. With the glory of the Mont Blanc massif above us, we descend to Chamonix, mission accomplished! Depart on Day 9.

Highlights

Highlights

One of the world’s classic hikes—and we do it right!
Hike across three international borders on foot and enjoy magnificent mountain and glacier views
Delicious mountain cuisines in each country, expert Trip Leaders
Overnights in mountain villages with great charm and character

Details

Length: 9 days
Cost From: $5795  
Arrive: Chamonix, France
Depart: Chamonix, France
Lodging: 6 nights hotels, 2 nights small inns with semi-private rooms
Meals: All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in the Detailed Itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Activity: Hiking / Trekking
Trip Level:

8 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 6-8 hours a day, altitudes between 4,000-8,800 feet, team of up to 3 Trip Leaders, 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.

Other Trips You Might be Interested in: