Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

23 Views
8 Days From

$1691

Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

8 Days Starting in Les Houches, France and ending in Chamonix, France

Visiting: Les Houches, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, Champex-Lac, Trient, Chamonix

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

111

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Challenging

Tour operated in:

English , French
From: $1691

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Mont Blanc is one of the highest mountains in Europe (4,807m) and generous in its greatness, reaching into France, Italy and Switzerland. The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), which circumnavigates the massif, is also one of Europe’s greatest long-distance trails. This Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights route takes you in an anti-clockwise direction, starting in Les Houches and finishing in Chamonix. You also use shortcut transfers in some spots so you can see as much of the trail as possible, over eight days. Stay in a mix of budget mountain accommodation and hotels with luggage transfers, when possible

Highlights

  • Les Houches, the official start point for the Tour du Mont Blanc, offers superb alpine scenery.

  • Experience breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the foothills of the Alps from the Bellevue cable car.

  • Traverse Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme for remarkable panoramas of Aiguille des Glaciers.

  • Cross into Italy over Col de la Seigne and explore the Val Veny valley.

  • Enjoy the stunning views over the Grand Combin massif from Grand Col Ferret in Switzerland.

  • Reach the highest point of the TMB at Fenêtre d’Arpette, with views of Trient Glacier.

  • Trek over Col de Balme for panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte.

  • Explore Chamonix with walks in Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve or a cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi.

Itinerary

Expand All

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 some superb alpine 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

Day 4 : Les Chapieux - Val Veny - Val Ferret

Location: Courmayeur

Accommodation Name: Rifugio Elena, dormitory rooms (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

If beginning the day in Les Chapieux or Bourg-Saint-Maurice, take the public shuttle to La Ville des Glaciers before embarking on a hike over Col de la Seigne, crossing into the Italian side of the border. Take the bus from Val Veny valley to Courmayeur for a bite to eat before taking a second bus to Val Ferret. If staying in Rifugio Elena, there is a final short walk from the Arp Nouvaz bus stop to the refuge.

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 5 : Val Ferret - La Fouly - Champex-Lac

Location: Champex-Lac

Accommodation Name: Relais d'Arpette, dormitory rooms (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross Grand Col Ferret, arriving at the village of La Fouly in Switzerland. Take in the views over the Grand Combin massif in the east and the Italian side of Mont Blanc before taking two connecting buses to Champex-Lac.

Walking for the day: 4-5h, approx. 11km, ?485m ?945m

Day 6 : Champex-Lac - Trient

Location: Trient

Accommodation Name: Auberge du Mont Blanc, dormitory rooms (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s journey leads to the highest point of the TMB, Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665m). Soak up the view while continuing along Trient Glacier. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative route via Col de Bovine is highly recommended and offers a shorter day’s walk.

Walking for the day: 8-9h, approx. 13km, ?1,100m ?1,350m, or 5-6h ?770m ?945m (shorter option via Col de Bovine, especially during bad weather).

Please note:
If accommodation in Trient isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Martigny on a B&B basis and will require a private transfer or public bus if available (supplemental cost).

Day 7 : Trient - Le Tour - Chamonix

Location: Chamonix

Accommodation Name: Hôtel Vallée Blanche, private room (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

A morning trek over Col de Balme with views back over to France and a panoramic vista of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. There are two options for 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. From Le Tour, take the local bus to Chamonix centre.

Walking for the day: 15km, 7-8h, ?1,449m, ? 917m

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Chamonix

Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of days and we would recommend adding extra nights here. There are multiple walks in Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve or you can take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) or the train to Mer de Glace.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in hotels, mountain huts, and dormitory rooms throughout the tour.

  • Transfers

    Public shuttles and buses are included for certain segments of the tour, such as from Val Veny valley to Courmayeur and from La Fouly to Champex-Lac.

  • Transport

    The tour includes a mix of public shuttles, buses, and cable cars to facilitate travel between key locations.

What's Not Included

  • Private Transfers

    Private transfers are not included and may incur a supplemental cost if public transport is unavailable.

  • Additional Nights

    Extra nights in Chamonix or other locations are not included in the standard tour package.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as additional hikes or cable car rides are not included.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a mix of public shuttles, buses, and cable cars to facilitate travel between key locations, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including private rooms at Hôtel Saint-Antoine and La Gélinotte, as well as dormitory rooms in mountain huts like Auberge de la Nova and Rifugio Elena, offering a blend of comfort and rustic charm throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights?

    The tour includes a mix of public shuttles, buses, and cable cars to facilitate travel between key locations, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland.

  • What kind of accommodations can I expect on the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights?

    You will experience a variety of accommodations including private rooms at hotels like Hôtel Saint-Antoine and La Gélinotte, as well as dormitory rooms in mountain huts such as Auberge de la Nova and Rifugio Elena, offering a blend of comfort and rustic charm throughout your journey.

  • Are meals included in the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights?

    Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.

  • What happens if the public shuttle is not available during the tour?

    If the public shuttle does not run during the low season, private transfers will be arranged at a supplemental cost.

  • What is the highest point reached during the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights?

    The highest point of the Tour du Mont Blanc is Fenêtre d’Arpette, which offers views of the Trient Glacier.

  • What are some of the highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights?

    Some highlights include breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from the Bellevue cable car, traversing Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, crossing into Italy over Col de la Seigne, and enjoying views over the Grand Combin massif from Grand Col Ferret in Switzerland.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again.

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

Really poor experience with my...

30-Jul-2024

Really poor experience with my recent Tour Du Mont Blanc trip. Our company contact Pierre was so unprofessional and did not care about the safety of travelers. On the second day he left to do a hike and we didn’t hear back until multiple days later. I experienced multiple travel delays which meant the loss of the prepaid travel arrangements and their solution was a 250 euro taxi to the hotel. Do not recommend.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.