Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit
Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit
Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit
12 Days Starting in Les Houches, France and ending in Chamonix, France
Visiting: Les Houches, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Les Chapieux, Col de la Seigne, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex-Lac, Trient, Le Tour, Chamonix
Tour operator:
Tour code:
178
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This is the traditional 12 day, anti-clockwise Tour du Mont Blanc circuit, starting and ending at the village of Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley. Walk 11-18km per day, with some strenuous stretches but all sublimely beautiful ones, with a few options to transfer by cable car for a cool shortcut. Highlights along the way include crossing Col de la Seigne from France into Italy, reaching the tour’s highest point at Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,750m) followed by a descent alongside the Trient Glacier. Accommodation is in a mix of mountain huts in mixed gender dorms, as well as some 2-3-star hotels
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Les Houches
Location: Les Houches
Accommodation Name: Hôtel Saint-Antoine, (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Welcome to Les Houches, a village on the banks of the river l’Arve just 6km from Chamonix and the official start point for the Tour du Mont Blanc. If arriving early, take the time to wander around this Alpine town, taking in the scenery.
Day 2 : Les Houches - Les Contamines-Montjoie 4-5H
Location: Les Contamines-Montjoie
Accommodation Name: La Gélinotte, private room (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take the cable car to Bellevue. The path meanders through the forest high above Bionnassay Valley while passing through hamlets with views of Mont Blanc and the foothills of the Alps. Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionnassay dominate the view with Glacier de Bionnassay between them. Climb up Col de Tricot and descend along a series of switchbacks to Chalet de Miage. Following a riverside path into Les Contamines at the end of the day.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, approx. 12.9km, ?380m ?1,010m
Day 3 : Les Contamines - Les Chapieux/Refuge Des Mottets 7-8H
Location: Les Chapieux
Accommodation Name: mountain hut Auberge de La Nova or Refuge des Mottets, dormitory rooms (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Begin with a short transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge, before traversing Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and descending into Chapieux Valley. Today offers remarkable panoramas of Aiguille des Glaciers. Depending on availability, you will either be booked into a hut in Les Chapieux or Refuge des Mottets. There is a shuttle service between Les Chapieux and Refuge des Mottets, which you can use if staying in the latter.
Walking for the day: 7-8h, approx. 15.3km ?1,380m ?980m (with transfer) / 8-9h without transfer
Please note:
If accommodation in Les Chapieux isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice on a B&B basis and will require a private transfer or public bus if available (supplemental cost).
Day 4 : Les Chapieux/Refuge Des Mottets - Rifugio Elisabetta/Chercroit 5-6H
Location: Col de la Seigne
Accommodation Name: Rifugio Elisabetta or Rifugio Maison Vieille, dormitory rooms (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
If beginning the day in Les Chapeiux, this morning's route can be shortened by taking the public shuttle to Refuge des Mottets before climbing up to Col de la Seigne, crossing the border from France into Italy. The route continues through fields, crossing Vallon de la Lee Blanche to reach Rifugio Elisabetta. If continuing onto Chercroit, follow the wide track downhill before heading along the Val Veny balcony, offering wide-reaching views, to reach Chercroit.
Walking for the day: 5-6h, approx. 14km, ?1,030m ?390m / 10km with transfer
Please note:
Due to the remote location, luggage transfers are not possible on this day. Instead, it's transported directly from the accommodation on day three to the accommodation on day five.
If Rifugio Elisabetta or accommodation in Chercroit isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Courmayeur on a B&B basis and will require a private transfer or public bus if available (supplemental cost).
Day 5 : Rifugio Elisabetta/Chercriot - Courmayeur - Val Ferret 6-7H
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Rifugio Elena, dormitory rooms (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hike along one of the most magnificent balconies of the Tour du Mont Blanc, until you reach Chécrouit Pass, where you'll have the choice to descend to Courmayeur either by walking or by using a convenient cable car shortcut. Upon reaching Courmayeur, take the bus to Val Ferret. If staying in Rigfugio Elena there is a short, pleasant walk from the Arp Nouvaz bus stop to here.
Walking for the day: 6-7h, approx. 18km, ?810m ?1,500m
Please note:
The public shuttle does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).
If accommodation in Val Ferret isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Courmayeur on a B&B basis and will require a private transfer or public bus if available (supplemental cost).
Day 6 : Val Ferret - La Fouly 4-5H
Location: La Fouly
Accommodation Name: L' Edelweiss, dormitory rooms (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Depending on where last nights accommodation was, you can begin the day by taking a short transfer up to the end of Val Ferret before crossing Grand Col Ferret, heading out of Italy and into Switzerland’s rolling pastures. Rest in one of the mountain lodges along the route before continuing on to La Fouly.
Walking for the day: 4-5h, approx. 11km, ?485m ?945m
Day 7 : La Fouly - Champex-Lac/Orsières 4-5H
Location: Champex-Lac
Accommodation Name: Relais d'Arpette, dormitory rooms (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today marks the easiest day of the TMB route, with much less elevation change than previous walks. Dranse River accompanies the trail on this 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. If staying in Orsières, take a short bus from Champex down to Orsières.
Walking for the day: 5-6h, approx. 15km, ?600m ?500m
Day 8 : Champex-Lac – Trient
Location: Trient
Accommodation Name: Auberge du Mont Blanc, dormitory rooms (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 views across the Trient Glacier and down into Vallée du Trient. The alternative route via Alp Bovine, a more leisurely route that follows the northern contours of the rocky spur, leading through high alpine pastures and passing a lunch spot at Alp Bovine (1,987m).
Day 9 : Trient – Le Tour
Location: Le Tour
Accommodation Name: Chalet Alpin du Tour, dormitory rooms (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A morning trek over Col de la Balme means that you are rewarded with tremendous views back over to France as well as a panoramic vista of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. There are two options for your descent to Le Tour, a higher route along the crest of Aiguillette des Possets, or a more direct route from Col de Balme following the Charamillon gondola line down to le Tour.
Day 10 : Le Tour - Chamonix
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Hotel 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.
Day 11 : Chamonix - Les Houches - Chamonix
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vallée Blanche (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In good weather conditions outside the early season when snow risks are higher, there is an option to take the cable car from Chamonix to Planpraz and embark on the walk to Les Houches via Col du Brevent. Alternatively, opt for a cable car journey from Planpraz to Le Brevent, then descend to Les Houches. Take a train or bus from Les Houches back to Chamonix. The final option is to take this day as a rest day and explore Chamonix at your leisure.
Day 12 : Departure Or Extra Nights
Location: Chamonix
Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of days, and we would recommend that you add some extra nights here. There is superb walking in Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) or the train to Mer de Glace.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in hotels, mountain huts, and dormitory rooms throughout the tour.
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Cable Car and Shuttle Services
Cable car and shuttle services are included where mentioned in the itinerary.
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Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland using a combination of cable cars, public shuttles, and buses. Some days include private transfers or public buses, while others require hiking between accommodations, with luggage transfers provided on most days.
What's Not Included
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Luggage Transfers
Luggage transfers are not possible on certain days due to remote locations.
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Private Transfers
Private transfers may be required if public transport is unavailable, and these are at a supplemental cost.
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Additional Nights
Extra nights in Chamonix or other locations are not included and can be added at an additional cost.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland using a combination of cable cars, public shuttles, and buses. Some days include private transfers or public buses, while others require hiking between accommodations, with luggage transfers provided on most days.
Accommodation
Experience a variety of accommodations on this tour, from charming hotels like Hôtel Saint-Antoine to cozy mountain huts such as Auberge de La Nova and Rifugio Elisabetta. Enjoy dormitory-style rooms in refuges and private rooms in select locations, with breakfast and dinner included.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodations can I expect during the Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit?
During the Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit, you will experience a variety of accommodations ranging from charming hotels to cozy mountain huts. You will stay in dormitory-style rooms in refuges and have private rooms in select locations. Breakfast and dinner are included on most days.
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Are luggage transfers provided throughout the tour?
Luggage transfers are provided on most days of the tour. However, due to remote locations, luggage transfers are not possible on certain days, such as when crossing from France into Italy at Col de la Seigne.
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What transportation methods are used during the tour?
The tour utilizes a combination of cable cars, public shuttles, and buses to travel through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Some days include private transfers or public buses, while others require hiking between accommodations.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour. These meals are provided at the accommodations where you will be staying.
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What should I expect on the most challenging day of the tour?
One of the most challenging sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc is the trek from Le Tour to Chamonix. This involves using fixed ladders and timber-braced steps over steep rocks to reach Refuge du Lac Blanc. The afternoon includes a path across Grand Balcon to Planpraz, with a final descent via cable car to Chamonix.
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Are there any alternative routes available during the tour?
Yes, there are alternative routes available on certain days. For example, on the day from Champex-Lac to Trient, you can choose between the challenging Fenêtre d’Arpette route or the more leisurely Alp Bovine route, depending on weather conditions and personal preference.
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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.