Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek

On arrival to Geneva airport we take a bus transfer to our start point just
outside Chamonix, France (approx 1hr 15 transfer time). Wonderful views from
the campsite of Mont Blanc and the dramatic crevassed Glacier des Bossons,
especially at sunset. Those not flying with the group join us at the campsite
in the afternoon. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by the
trek crew.

Day 2

From Les Bossons (1,012m – 3320ft) we have a short bus journey to Chamonix
from where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (1,860m
– 6100). The trail today is named the 'Grand Balcon' and is on the opposite
side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole
massif lying to our south. Initially we contour and then climb to reach the
high point of the day, Lac Blanc (2352m - 7715ft). The trail descends and
then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of
Les Frasserands (1,371m - 4500ft). In the afternoon there is a very short
section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend.

8.00 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 980m – 3220ft down

*Campsite:* Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac

Day 3

We begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m –
7200ft), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (2,191m
– 7190ft) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to
Switzerland. Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and
Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch we descend to the small hamlet
of Trient (1296m – 4250ft). Good views of the Trient Glacier. 
7.5 hours walking. 970m – 3200ft up, 1060m – 3466ft

*Campsite*: Basic Camping, near Trient

Day 4

We climb first to the Col de Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft) and then onwards from
where we can look directly down into the Rhône Valley and the Swiss town of
Martigny. We follow a historic path used to take the cows to summer grazing,
the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft) that takes us through meadows and high
alpine pastures before descending to the charming town of Champex (1486m –
4880ft) set beside a picturesque alpine lake.
7 hours walking. 920m – 3017ft up, 720m – 3261ft down

*Campsite*: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac

Day 5

Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc massif we walk south, descending
through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (1,055m – 3460ft) and
other pretty alpine farming villages. This is also quite a good day for
flowers earlier in the season, including orchids. We continue up the valley
to the remote village of La Fouly (1600m - 5250ft) which lies at the foot of
Mont Dolent, whose summit marks the meeting point of France, Switzerland and
Italy.
6 hours walking, 440m – 1450ft down, 540m – 1780ft up

*Campsite*: Camping les Glaciers, La Fouly

Day 6

Still following the same valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb to the
'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. Now in
Italy, the valley is also called 'Val Ferret'. The mountain views from the
Col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down the
valley to Arp Nouva (1,770m – 5800ft) where we then take an optional bus to
Planpincieux (1,600m – 5250ft). For the first and last trip of the season
the bus may not be running and we may need to walk to camp.
7.5 hours walking. 970m - 3180ft up, 800m – 2600ft down.

*Campsite*: Camping Grands Jorasses, Val Ferret

Day 7

The nearby ex-spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older
sections, which are worth a visit, especially for the keen photographer.
There is a cable car from La Palud to Point Helbronner (3461m – 11350ft)
and on across the glacier to the Aiguille du Midi (and in fact on down to
Chamonix). This is a splendid (optional) excursion, which gives close-up
views of all the big peaks.

*Campsite*: Camping Grands Jorasses, Val Ferret

Day 8

We start with a short bus ride to pick up the TMB and from the road (1675m
– 5500ft ) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (2025m – 6640ft). Today we
follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The
views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional as are those of the
towering, peaks of the 'Grandes Jorasses' and the glaciers which crowd the
northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon we have a long, steep
descent to Courmayeur (1230m – 4030m) (superb ice creams!) from where we
take a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (1530m – 5020ft).
8 hours walking. 500m – 1640ft up, 900m 4400ft down

*Campsite*: Camping Aiguille Noire, Val Veny

Day 9

The trail climbs gently along the Val Veny beneath the moraine of the massive
glacier du Miage and passes Lac Combal before the gradient becomes steeper as
we follow the old Roman road across today's pass, the 'Col de la Seigne'
(2516m – 8250ft), marking our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent
brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (1,789m – 5870ft) and finally to
Les Chapieux (1553m – 5090ft), a small hamlet which is only inhabited in
the summer months. This is one of the longer walking days.
8.5 hours walking. 990m – 3250ft up, 970m – 3180ft down

*Campsite*: Basic Camping, Chapieux 

Day 10

We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to
climb once again. Today is a longer day; first we make a steep climb to the
Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2478m – 8130ft) and then contour around to the
Col du Bonhomme (2328m – 7640ft). We then descend (again on a Roman road)
to our campsite in Les Contamines (1180m - 5900ft).
8 hours walking. 930m – 3050ft up, 1375m – 4510ft

*Campsite*: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines

Day 11

There are short and long optional walks in the area, many accessed by a
chairlift or gondola, that have spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Mountain
cafes make a nice place for a scenic lunch. Alternatively, you could take the
Mont Blanc cog driven tramway to the eagle’s nest – the starting point
for many wanting to conquer Mont Blanc itself. There is little there but the
view but the journey is charming and scenic. Otherwise time can be spent
visiting the half-day market in Les Contamines, or you can simply relax
around town or in camp and recharge your batteries for the days ahead.

*Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines*

Day 12

Another long day; we walk through Les Contamines, ascend to Chalets du Truc
(1720m – 5614ft) and then descend to the Chalets de Miage (1,560m –
4120ft). From here we take the trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot
(2119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier
de Bionnassay where we will enjoy good views of the north side of the Mont
Blanc massif. Eventually we make another short ascent to reach the Col de
Voza (1652m – 5418ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and descend to
the village of Les Houches (dependent on the time of year there is optional
cable car descent from Bellevue to Les Houches). A short bus ride takes us to
our camp in Les Bossons (1,012m – 3320ft).
9 hours walking. 1200m – 3980ft up, 1370m – 4500ft down

*Campsite*: Camping les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 13

We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb through pine
forest. The high point of the day is Brevent (2525m – 8290ft) from where
there are panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Chamonix Valley.
We walk down to Plan Praz (1970m - 6460ft) and then descend by cable car to
Chamonix and then on to our camp at Les Bossons (1012m - 3320ft). It is
possible to take the cable car descent from the top (dependent on the time of
the season), this extra journey will be payble locally should you choose not
to walk. Our last day on the TMB circuit is long with a tough climb of over
1500m but affords the best views of Mont Blanc and its neighbours of the
whole trek.
7.5 hours walking. 1480m – 4850ft up, 520m – 1690ft down

*Campsite*: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons

Day 14

Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be
able to advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the
bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars,
restaurants and cafés. There are several cable car excursions you can make
from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du
Midi (3842m - 12600ft), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and
surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up
to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace or if you are
feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem Paragliding flight. 

* Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons*

Day 15

For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive in
the UK the same day.
**