Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
12 Days Starting and ending in Martigny, Switzerland
Visiting: Martigny, Argentière, Chamonix, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex-Lac
Tour operator:
Tour code:
239
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 14
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This hiking Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary starts and ends in Martigny, Switzerland, a quieter starting point than the traditional route from Les Houches in France. You still complete the circuit in the same anti-clockwise direction and experience the same natural nirvanas en route. These include crossing Col de la Seigne from France into Italy, the tour’s highest point at Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,750m), followed by a descent alongside the Trient Glacier. Accommodation is mostly in 3-star hotels and guesthouses, in double or twin private en-suite rooms. With luggage transfers throughout
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Martigny
Location: Martigny
Accommodation Name: Vatel Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Martigny lies at the foot of the Swiss Alps, close to where the River Rhône turns northwards towards Lake Geneva. If arriving early, make the most of your time here and take a walk to visit the Château de la Bâtiaz or one of the restaurants that Martigny is famous for.
Day 2 : Martigny - Trient- Argentière 5-6H
Location: Argentière
Accommodation Name: Le Dahu or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today starts with an early morning bus to Trient before beginning the climb up to Col de Balme (2,191m), to the traditional mountain lodge of Refuge du Col de Balme, a perfect place for a short rest with views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. Descend to the open saddle of Col des Posettes (2,201m) and head along Kammweg ridge over the summit of Aiguillette des Posettes, with views of surrounding glaciers. The walk ends with a steep descent following a mountain stream to Argentière.
Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h ?1,170m ?1,230m
Day 3 : Argentière - Chamonix 7H
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Vallée Blanche or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is one of the most challenging sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Using a combination of fixed ladders and timber-braced steps over steep rocks to reach Refuge du Lac Blanc. In the afternoon, follow the path across Grand Balcon to Planpraz, which has a cafe at an altitude of 2,000m, for a final break before heading back down the cable car to the mountaineering hub of Chamonix.
Walking for the day: 15.5km, 7h ?1,440m ?1,620m (easier option by cable car: ?1,440m ?685m)
Please note:
The ladder section on this day is very steep and exposed, with some scrambling elements. For those with a fear of heights or who are feeling fatigued from the previous day’s walking, an alternative lower route along the Petit Balcon Sud to Chamonix is available.
Day 4 : Chamonix – Les Houches 6H
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Chalet du Bois or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today there is the option of a more relaxed start by taking the cable car up to Planpraz before a short walk to Col du Brévent (2,368m). From here, it’s possible to climb to the peak of Brévent, considered to be one of the best lookout posts for viewing Mont Blanc, and the surrounding glaciers and peaks. Continue on the hiking trail to pass Lac du Brévent and descend to Refuge Bel-Lachat, a good rest spot, before resuming the steep climb. The final section of the day skirts Parc de Merlet forest before finishing in Les Houches.
Walking for the day: 12km, 6h, ?500m ?1,500m
Day 5 : Les Houches – Les Contamines/Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains 7-8H
Location: Les Contamines-Montjoie
Accommodation Name: Gai Soleil or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A stretch of today’s hike follows the famous Mont Blanc tramway, so you get a chance to admire both the tram and surrounding scenery. From Col de Voza there are two options for the route to Les Contamines: a shorter, easier option via Bionnassay, or a more scenic route which guides you to an impressive suspension bridge crossing a torrent from Glacier de Bionnassay. The hike continues through mountain meadows to Col de Tricot (2,120m), and descends to Refuge de Miage. After a further ascent, there is a perfect rest stop at Truc-Alpe. The finishing point for today’s hike, Les Contamines, is in Montjoie valley, famous for its delicious cheeses and their dairies are worth a visit if you get a chance. If availability is limited in Les Contamines, we will arrange accommodation in the nearby town of Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. If you are staying in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, a transfer takes you from Les Contamines to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and back the following morning.
Walking for the day: 17.5km, 7-8h ?1,440m ?1,260m (easier option by cable car: 13km, 5-6h ?380m ?1,010m)
Day 6 : Les Contamines – Les Chapieux - Bourg-Saint-Maurice 7-8H
Location: Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Accommodation Name: Hotel Arolla or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s trek takes you over ravines, past glacial lakes and ascends over two cols, passing the southernmost point of the Mont Blanc massif. The day starts with a short transfer from Les Contamines/Saint-Gervais-les-Bains to the Baroque Notre Dame de la Gorge church, where the long ascent to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,450m) begins. Take a rest at Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme before the last descent brings the day to a close in the hamlet of Les Chapieux. From here, take the public shuttle from Les Chapieux to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a lively mountain town with plenty of options for dinner tonight.
Walking for the day: 15.5km, 7-8h ?1,300m ?950m
Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).
Day 7 : Vallée Des Glaciers - La Visaille - Courmayeur 5-6H
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Hotel Croux or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin the morning with a short bus transfer to Vallée des Glaciers before beginning the climb from here up to Col de la Seigne, crossing the border from France into Italy. The route continues through fields towards Rifugio Elisabetta, where you can stop for a break before continuing on to La Visaille, to catch the bus to Courmayeur.
Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h ?795m ?900m
Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season of September, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).
Day 8 : Courmayeur – Val Ferret - Courmayeur (Or Rest Day In Courmayeur)
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bouton d’Or
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today offers the option of either a rest day in Courmayeur or hiking up to Val Ferret before returning via public bus. From Courmayeur, follow the mountain path to Rifugio Bertone and along the crest of Mont de la Saxe to Tête de la Tronche, offering far-reaching views toward Col de la Seigne, Grand Col Ferret, and all along the south side of the Mont Blanc massif. The path continues further over bridges and brooks, passing Rifugio Walter Bonatti and continuing on to Chalet Val Ferret, which sits at the foot of Val Ferret. From here, take the bus back to your accommodation in Courmayeur, returning to Val Ferret the next morning, via public bus.
Walking for the day: 16.5km, 7-8h ?1,140m ?560m
Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season in September, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).
Day 9 : Val Ferret – La Fouly
Location: La Fouly
Accommodation Name: L' Edelweiss or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin the morning with a short bus transfer back up to Val Ferret before setting off over Grand Col Ferret (2,537m), heading out of Italy and into Switzerland’s rolling pastures. Rest in one of the mountain lodges along the trail before continuing on to La Fouly.
Walking for the day: 13km, 4-5h ?770m ?945m
Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season in September, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).
Day 10 : La Fouly – Champex-Lac/Orsières
Location: Champex-Lac
Accommodation Name: Hôtel du Glacier or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today marks the easiest day of the TMB route, with much less elevation change than previous walks. The Dranse River accompanies you on your leisurely hike past high mountains, through forests, meadows and traditional mountain villages towards the valley. At the end of the hike, the Murmeltierweg (Marmot trail) takes you up to Champex-Lac, a mountain location famous for its expansive forests and crystal clear lake. If staying in Orsières, take a short bus from the end of you’re walk in Champex down to Orsières.
Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5h ?535m ?670m
Day 11 : Champex-Lac – Trient – Martigny
Location: Martigny
Accommodation Name: Vatel Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This day of walking has the option of two routes which vary in difficulty. The Fenêtre d’Arpette should only be considered in fair weather, as this challenging path reaches the highest point of the TMB, and offers tremendous views across the Trient Glacier and down into Vallée du Trient. The alternative route via Alp Bovine is an easier route which follows the northern contours of the rocky spur, leading through high alpine pastures and passing a great lunch spot at Alp Bovine (1,987m). Both routes continue on to Trient, famous for its impressive glaciers on the surrounding mountain peaks. End the day by taking a public bus down to Martigny.
Walking for the day: Via Fenêtre d'Arpette 15km, 5-6h ?1,190m ?1,350m (via Alp Bovine 15.5km, 6-7h ?770m ?945m)
Day 12 : Departure
Location: Martigny
Departure or extra nights in Martigny.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes breakfast daily and some dinners as specified in the itinerary.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in hotels or similar establishments as specified in the itinerary.
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Transfers
Public bus transfers are included where specified in the itinerary.
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Transportation
Transportation includes a combination of public buses, private transfers, and cable cars to facilitate travel between hiking locations and accommodations.
What's Not Included
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Private Transfers
Private transfers during the low season are not included and may incur a supplemental cost.
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Lunches
Lunches are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all participants.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes a combination of public buses, private transfers, and cable cars to facilitate travel between hiking locations and accommodations, ensuring a seamless journey through the scenic landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable accommodations such as Vatel Hotel, Le Dahu, Hôtel Vallée Blanche, Hôtel Chalet du Bois, Gai Soleil, Hotel Arolla, Hotel Croux, Hotel Bouton d’Or, L' Edelweiss, Hôtel du Glacier, and similar, offering a mix of traditional and modern amenities throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of public buses, private transfers, and cable cars to facilitate travel between hiking locations and accommodations.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfortable accommodations such as Vatel Hotel, Le Dahu, Hôtel Vallée Blanche, Hôtel Chalet du Bois, Gai Soleil, Hotel Arolla, Hotel Croux, Hotel Bouton d’Or, L' Edelweiss, Hôtel du Glacier, and similar, offering a mix of traditional and modern amenities.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes breakfast daily and some dinners as specified in the itinerary. Lunches are not included.
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What should I know about the hiking difficulty on this tour?
The tour includes challenging sections such as the ascent to Refuge du Lac Blanc, which involves fixed ladders and timber-braced steps over steep rocks. There are also alternative easier routes available for some sections.
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Is there an option for a rest day during the tour?
Yes, on Day 8, you have the option of either a rest day in Courmayeur or hiking up to Val Ferret before returning via public bus.
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What happens if the public bus is not available during the low season?
During the low season, private transfers will be arranged at a supplemental cost if the public bus is not running.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
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Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.