Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

Days

8+

Activity Level

Moderate/
Advanced

Host City

Chamonix, France

From

$3,495 USD

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Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

Join The Explorer’s Passage (TEP) on the adventure of a lifetime to the world-renowned region of Mont Blanc in France! Explore the charming town of Chamonix and embark on the journey of a lifetime around Mont Blanc. Choose between our treks through the heart of the French Alps, a captivating land where the mountain peaks form stunning granite towers and the glacier-fed valleys glisten with snow. Explore the famous Mont Blanc mountain region, traversing the base of this iconic peak before leading into the charming villages that you will stay in throughout your journey. This wild alpine region will draw you in and undoubtedly make it very hard for you to go back home at the conclusion of your trip with TEP.


Explore Mont Blanc with TEP

Trip Highlights

Take a ride on the Aiguille du Midi cable car, for an ascent of nearly 2800m and a guided tour to really understand the history of the region.

Hike from Argentière to Chamonix, where you’ll get amazing views of the summits and glaciers of the valley.

Take on the Mer de Glace glacier walk and do some fun ice-climbing on the most famous glacier in the world!

Pamper Yourself at the Pré Saint Didier Spa and relax in the warm thermal waters, sauna, and hydro-massage.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $3,495 USD per person
Our Mont Blanc trips are all-inclusive, crafted with the intent of providing you with an unforgettable adventure travel experience.

*More info on pricing

From $3,495 USD per person

Start dates

We offer Private Custom Departures

Duration

Starts at 8 Days / 7 Nights

Accommodations

Relax in comfort & luxury

max. group size

No minimum or maximum

*All Private Groups

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate/Advanced*

10 Day / 9 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

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Day 1: Arrival in Chamonix, France

Upon reaching the Geneva International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by a member of The Explorer’s Passage team. Enjoy the sights as you’re transferred to your hotel in Chamonix, France. A world-famous resort town nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc which made history as the site of the first Winter Olympics held in 1924. This evening, you’ll have some leisure time to explore one of Chamonix’s top restaurants and stroll the charming streets of the town while feeling the anticipation of the Mont Blanc adventure ahead of you. At the end of the afternoon, you will attend an in-person orientation briefing to give you all the details about your trip.

Accommodations: Overnight in Chamonix

Day 2: Hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie

The trek commences from Les Houches, the designated starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc. You’ll ascend via the Bellevue Cable Car to reach the mountain’s summit. From there, the trail winds beneath the Bionnassay glacier, leading you to the Tricot pass where you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the Contamines-Montjoie valley. Descending from the Tricot pass, you’ll make your way towards the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, where overnight accommodations await.

Accommodations: Overnight in Les Contamines-Montjoie

Day 3: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Col du Bonhomme – Les Chapieux – Bourg-Saint-Maurice

You will head towards the hamlet of Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (where the tarmac road ends). From the Chapel, hike to the Nant Borrant hut and to the Balme hut then continue to the Bonhomme pass (this pass is a great place to have a picnic). The Bonhomme pass promises a great stage. Distance, elevation gain and altitude are on the program of this day that you have to start early. The nature reserve of Les Contamines-Montjoie is full of surprises, and the Bonhomme pass reserves its secrets for the brave hikers.

Accommodations: Les Chapieux or Bourg-Saint Maurice

Day 4: Bourg-Saint-Maurice – La Ville des Glaciers – La Visaille – Courmayeur

You’ll hike up to an alpine pasture to La Seigne Pass which marks the border with Italy. The TMB settles on the Valdotaines lands. From La Visaille (Val Veny) to the end of the Miage glacier, you will take a local bus to the village of Courmayeur.

Accommodations: Overnight in Courmayeur

Day 5: Courmayeur to the Italian Val Ferret

On this morning, you will leave Courmayeur for a spectacular hike towards the Saxe mountain, which offers superb views of the entire southern side of the Mont Blanc chain. Mythical summits and impressive glaciers will be visible until the arrival at the hut of the famous Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti.

Accommodations: Overnight in Courmayeur

Day 6: Italian Val Ferret to Champex (Switzerland)

The day begins with a climb towards the Grand Col Ferret (2537m). This pass marks the Italian-Swiss border, separating the Aosta Valley from the Valais and the Italian Val Ferret from the Swiss Val Ferret.

Accommodations: Overnight in Champex

Day 7: Hike from Champex to Trient (Switzerland)

Beginning from Champex, you’ll explore this scenic region with a leisurely one-and-a-half-hour hike along the historic “cattle road,” once traversed by ranchers guiding their cattle through the mountains. Continuing through undulating terrain, you’ll enjoy views of the Dents du Midi and ascend through forests to overlooks offering panoramic vistas of the Rhone Valley and Martigny town. Descending from there, you’ll pass through Col de la Forclaz before reaching your accommodation in Trient.

Accommodations: Overnight in Trient

Day 8: Hike from Trient (Switzerland) to Argentière (France)

Today’s hike takes you back to France! From Trient, you will hike to the Balme pass, the border between Switzerland and France. You will enjoy the phenomenal views of Mont Blanc before starting an easy descent to Montroc and Argentiere. 

Accommodations: Overnight in Argentière

Day 9: Argentière to Chamonix (France)

You’re in for an unforgettable experience on your last day. This hike in the Aiguilles-Rouges Massif, facing Mont Blanc, offers breathtaking views of glaciers and peaks. Starting from Montets Pass, you’ll trek along a scenic balcony trail to Chéserys Lake, renowned for its mirror-like reflection of Mont Blanc. Continuing onwards, you’ll reach the stunning Blanc Lake at 2352 meters, before descending towards La Flégère. You have the option to descend to Chamonix on foot or take the Lift les Praz de Chamonix—it’s up to you!

Accommodations: Overnight in Chamonix

Day 10: Chamonix to Geneva

This day marks the end of your trip where you will be transferred from your hotel in Courmayeur to either the Geneva or Milan Airport.

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Mont Blanc Adventure

Are you interested in another activity or destination in France? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to. Click the options below to learn more:

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a variety of additional trekking options in France:

  • GR20 through Corsica: The GR20 runs through Corsica, spanning about 180 kilometers (112 miles). It features rugged terrain, stunning mountain views, and diverse landscapes.
  • Camino de Santiago (French Way): This pilgrimage route starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and leads to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The French Way covers approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) and offers a mix of cultural experiences and beautiful landscapes.
  • Sentier des Douaniers (GR34): This coastal trail follows the Brittany coastline, stretching about 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles). It features stunning views of cliffs, beaches, and charming seaside towns.
  • Chamonix to Zermatt: This multi-day trek connects two famous mountain towns, Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. It offers spectacular views of the Alps and requires good fitness levels.

While in/around Mont Blanc, you can choose to add on one or several of the following:

  • Provence Lavender Fields Tour: Explore the stunning lavender fields of Provence, particularly around the Plateau de Valensole, during the blooming season (June to August).
  • Loire Valley Châteaux Tour: Visit the beautiful châteaux (castles) of the Loire Valley, such as Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Amboise, known for their architecture and history.
  • Normandy D-Day Beaches Tour: Discover the historic D-Day landing beaches of Normandy, where Allied forces landed during World War II, and visit museums and memorials commemorating the events.
  • French Riviera Coastal Drive: Take a scenic drive along the French Riviera, visiting glamorous cities like Nice, Cannes, and Monaco, and enjoying the Mediterranean coastline.
  • Mont Saint-Michel Day Trip: Visit the iconic Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its medieval abbey and unique tidal island setting in Normandy.
  • Burgundy Wine Tour: Explore the vineyards and wine villages of Burgundy, tasting renowned wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and visiting wine cellars and estates.

In addition to their time in Mont Blanc, many travelers choose to add in other destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • Iceland
  • Greenland
  • Portugal
  • Italy
  • Switzerland
  • Spain

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Mont Blanc!

Hear what travelers are saying:

5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
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“Our family of six worked with Jeff and Sarah at The Explorers Passage to plan our visit to Machu Picchu, specifically the Inca Trail Express. TEP is an invaluable partner in handling all logistics including permits, transportation, entry passes, accommodations, itinerary and most importantly a local guide. Our guide, Neptali, was the absolute BEST and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with him. He made all the difference. Jeff and Sarah provided all the pre-trip support and guidance to ensure our trip was a success, and on-the-ground support if needed. They went above and beyond to make recommendations for our time in Cusco too. Our trip was flawless thanks to their organization. Our experience with TEP exceeded all expectations. We highly recommend using them for your next adventure!”
– Caroline C.
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“We cannot praise The Explorer’s Passage enuf! We had a trip/experience of a lifetime on their Machu Picchu and Inca Trail adventure. The planning process was a breeze, the pre-hike necessary conditioning was well explained, arriving in Cusco and finding our guide and driver was easy, the Cusco City tours were fabulous and the trek was utterly AMAZING! Our Guide Neptali was the BEST. He is very knowledgeable, he’s kind, he’s funny, and he is calm and takes charge in a crisis. The porters and the chefs were wonderful. It was all around a 5 star experience. Definitely recommend this adventure!”
– Angie P.
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“From the moment we contacted Explorer’s Passage to discuss our Inca Trail Adventure, we knew we were working with an exemplary company, we had a fabulous experience with everyone involved, particularly the owner Jeff Bonaldi. There was not one thing I would change about this trip…..the accommodations, the transportation, the drivers, the restaurants, the porters, the guides (Wilbur was the kindest, smartest, most interesting guide and his Quechuan heritage and pride contributed so much to our experience of this amazing culture)…I could go on and on. Book with Explorer’s Passage…you will receive top-notch attention and advice and be in excellent hands throughout your adventure. We hope to book further adventures with Explorer’s Passage.”
– Cindy M.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

For the nights before and after your trip, you can relax in the comfort and luxury of 5+ Star premium accommodations along the trail. Alternatively, 5 Star and 3.5 Star hotel packages can be reserved instead (see below).

5 Star Accommodations

Hotel Mont Blanc | Chamonix, France

Hotel Mont Blanc is a luxurious five-star retreat situated in the heart of Chamonix, offering an elegant blend of classic charm and modern sophistication. The hotel’s architecture reflects the traditional style of Chamonix, while its interiors have been meticulously renovated by a renowned French interior designer, creating a space that exudes both comfort and refinement. With just 41 exclusive rooms, each offering stunning views of the majestic Mont Blanc peaks, the hotel ensures an intimate and personalized experience for every guest. The design of the rooms combines timeless elegance with contemporary amenities, providing a serene sanctuary after a day of exploring the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Hotel Mont Blanc website

Hotel Grand Royal e Golf | Courmayeur, Italy

Hotel Grand Royal e Golf is a distinguished five-star hotel steeped in history, situated in the heart of Courmayeur. This elegant establishment seamlessly blends classic luxury with modern amenities, offering a refined escape amid the breathtaking alpine scenery. The hotel features a range of exceptional facilities, including an on-site spa where you can indulge in a variety of rejuvenating treatments, and a golf course that caters to enthusiasts seeking to enjoy a round surrounded by stunning mountain vistas. The hotel’s restaurant is renowned for its excellent cuisine, providing a delightful dining experience with locally inspired dishes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Hotel Grand Royal e Golf website

Dormitory Style Accommodations

Dormitory-style accommodations along the Mont Blanc trek consist of shared lodging options, such as mountain huts, hostels, and gîtes. Typically featuring bunk beds, these dormitories accommodate multiple guests, fostering a communal atmosphere among trekkers. Basic amenities like shared bathrooms and dining areas are common, often offering hearty meals prepared with local ingredients. The communal environment encourages social interaction, allowing guests to connect and share their trekking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is generally from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is most favorable, and mountain huts and accommodations along the route are open.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is considered a challenging trek, suitable for experienced hikers. It involves significant elevation gains and losses, with daily ascents and descents. The terrain varies from rocky paths to alpine meadows and requires a good level of fitness.

While it’s possible to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc independently, some hikers prefer to join guided tours for logistical support, safety, and local insights. Guides can also arrange accommodations and transport luggage between stops.

Essential items include sturdy hiking boots, waterproof clothing, layers for changing weather conditions, a sleeping bag (depending on accommodation choices), trekking poles, a first aid kit, and sufficient food and water supplies.

Accommodations along the Tour du Mont Blanc range from mountain huts (refuges) to guesthouses and hotels in villages. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season, and can be made directly with accommodations or through tour operators.

Highlights include breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and neighboring peaks, crossing high mountain passes like Col de la Seigne and Col des Fours, visiting picturesque alpine villages, and experiencing diverse landscapes from lush valleys to glaciers.

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Trip Support

Mont Blanc TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.


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