Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
14 Days Starting and ending in Les Houches, France
Visiting: Les Houches, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, La Palud, La Fouly, Champex-Lac, Trient, Argentiere, Chamonix
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JMB
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort, a remarkable journey through the heart of the European Alps, traversing France, Italy, and Switzerland. This iconic alpine trek follows a classic anti-clockwise route, offering breathtaking views from alpine meadows to snow-clad mountain passes. Enjoy the flexibility to walk individually or with fellow travelers, with the assurance of a local team available 24/7. Experience ultimate comfort with hotel-based accommodations, including 11 nights in 2, 3, and 4-star hotels, and options for relaxation or additional exploration. This self-guided tour includes luggage transfers, detailed route notes, and maps, ensuring a seamless and memorable adventure around Western Europe’s highest peak.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Les Houches
Location: Les Houches
Accommodation Name: 2* chalet-style hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to Les Houches, a resort located 6 km/3.8 miles from Chamonix which nestles under the Mont Blanc massif. This evening a trip briefing is held by our local support team before enjoying your evening meal.
Accommodation: Stay in a very comfortable 2* chalet-style hotel facing the Mont Blanc range. All rooms have bath/shower, WC and telephone. The hotel has a shaded garden and a lounge. Food is home made with seasonal products and regional specialties.
Day 2 : Les Houches To Les Contamines 19.9 Km /12.4 Miles, 7 H
Location: Les Houches
Accommodation Name: 4* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today will certainly get the legs and heart working. A steady climb from Les Houches (950m) via Col de Voza (1653 m) and below the tip of the Bionassay glacier to the Col de Tricot (2120 m). There is a very steep descent from the col to the Chalets de Miage (1550m), followed by a short climb over Truc before descending further through forest to Les Contamines (1170m). Les Contamines is a ski resort in winter and has several restaurants and bars, also a well-stocked supermarket.
Many walkers start by taking the cable car up from Les Houches to Bellevue; this avoids the long trek and makes for a more enjoyable start to your Tour du Mont Blanc walking holiday.
Accommodation: A modern 4* hotel with a swimming pool, bright restaurant and a welcoming lounge-bar area.
Day 3 : Les Contamines To Les Chapieux 17.5 Km /10.9 Miles, 8-9 H
Location: Les Chapieux
Accommodation Name: family-run guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ascend to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and then traverse to the slightly higher Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2479m) before descending to Les Chapieux. Les Chapieux is a tiny and remote settlement, 15 km/9 miles from the nearest village of Bourg St Maurice. There is a little shop in the hamlet where you may wish to purchase some Beaufort cheese for your lunch tomorrow.
Accommodation: You'll stay at a very welcoming family-run guesthouse with a restaurant, an outdoor bar and a lovely garden. The evening meal is included accommodations and offers home-cooked, local specialities. Packed lunches are available. Due to limited options, you may stay in a hotel in Bourg St Maurice - this stay excludes dinner and includes a return taxi transfer from/to Les Chapieux.
Luggage Transfer: Please carry overnight items with you as there is no luggage transfer to Les Chapieux today (bags will be stored securely and delivered to your accommodation in La Palud tomorrow).
Day 4 : Les Chapieux To La Palud 30.8 Km /19.2 Milies, 9 H
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is the toughest day in terms of distance, and perhaps the most tiring one overall, but can be shortened considerably at both ends by using buses. There are about 3 options on the route today. It is an exceptionally scenic walk with, in good conditions, fantastic views of Mont Blanc, Mont Tiondu, Aiguille des Glaciers and Aiguille Noire de Peuterey amongst many others and of course some great glaciers dripping like candle wax from the mountains. These include Glacier des Glaciers, Glacier de la Lee Blanche, and glaciers Miage, Brouillard, Freney and Brenva. Your first objective of the day is to cross the Col de la Seigne (2516m) into Italy. The Elisabetta refuge is a popular lunch stop. There is a choice of routes onwards, a high route via Lac Checrouit or a shorter route via La Visaille. There is a local bus service along the Val Veni from Cantine de la Visaille to La Saxe and Courmayeur, reducing the distance by some 10km. From La Saxe or Courmayeur you can walk or catch the bus up to La Palud (1370m).
The first 7km of the day can also be avoided by taking the local bus up towards Refuge des Mottets.
Accommodation: You stay at a comfortable modern 3* hotel. All rooms have private facilities. There is a large terrace, a bar and a TV lounge. It is a short bus ride to the historic town and modern shopping centre of Courmayeur but it is also possible to walk to Courmayeur via La Saxe.
Day 5 : Free Day In La Palud
Location: La Palud
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A chance for a well-deserved rest. On a clear day you may like to take the cable car from La Palud to Pointe Heilbronner (3462m) on the crest of the Mont Blanc massif with impressive views across the Glacier du Geant.
Alternatively, you can try one of the TMB variations, for instance from Courmayeur over Mont de la Saxe or Col Sapin, returning by bus from La Vachey or Pra Sec along Val Ferret to La Palud. Please note that this bus may not run before 1 July. Additional map will be required if you intend to do any of these TMB variations on the south side of the Italian Val Ferret. The 1:50,000 map ‘Pays du Mont Blanc’ published by Didier Richard covers this part of the route.
Day 6 : La Palud To La Fouly 23.4Km /14.5 Miles, 6.45 H
Location: La Fouly
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you pass close by Mont Dolent and cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) to re-enter Switzerland. From Grand Col Ferret descend through alpine meadows past the summer pastures and barns of La Peula (refreshments available) and the tiny village of Ferret to our hotel in La Fouly (1595m). This walk can be shortened up to 10kmby taking the bus to La Vachey or Arnuva.
Accommodation: Stay at a small, very comfortable 3* hotel. All rooms have private facilities.
Day 7 : La Fouly To Champex-Lac 15.5 Km /9.6 Miles, 4.5 H
Location: Champex-Lac
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret and pass through some pretty villages before leaving the valley to climb through woods to Champex in its picturesque lakeside setting. An easy day – in warm weather there is time to cool off in the open-air swimming pool. Champex-Lac is a little resort town at the northeastern end of the Mont Blanc range.
Accommodation: a charming family-run 3* hotel, all rooms have ensuite facilities.
Day 8 : Free Day In Champex-Lac
Location: Champex-Lac
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
A chance to stroll around the lake and visit the botanic gardens. Alternatively, there is an abundance of day walks from Champex. One of the most challenging walks is from La Breya (upper cable car station at 2198m) to the mountain hut at Cabane d’Orny (2811m). Good weather and a head for heights are needed for this walk. Another good walk from Champex-Lac is to follow the Val d’Arpette up towards the Fenetre d’Arpette. For art lovers it is possible to use this day for an excursion by bus and narrow gauge train to the neighbouring town of Martigny, where the renowned Pierre Gianadda Gallery hosts summer exhibitions. Matisse, Picasso, Toulouse Lautrec, Renoir and Da Vinci have been on show in the past.
In Champex, there is a good choice of restaurants with specialities such as raclette, lake trout and local fruit from the Valais. There is also a small shop in the town for picnic items.
Day 9 : Champex-Lac To Trient 15.3 Km/9.5 Miles, 5.5 H
Location: Trient
Accommodation Name: basic inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ascend through woods to reach the barns of Bovine (1987m); food and drinks are usually available before you descend to the Col de la Forclaz (1526m); in season, try the local tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry pie). There is then the option of a walk to the Chalet du Glacier and a bit beyond for fine views of the Trient Glacier, before descending to the village of Trient. We consider the ‘Bovine’ route so scenic that it should not be missed. Trient is a tiny village in the Val Trient.
Accommodation: There is not much choice in accommodation and you stay at a very basic inn, more akin to a refuge, in two-bedded rooms without private facilities. Packed lunches are available.
Day 10 : Trient To Argentiere 24 Km /15 Miles, 7 H
Location: Argentiere
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross into France via the Col de Balme (2191m) revealing the Chamonix Valley below and the Mont Blanc massif. The distance quoted is for the longest variant as there are a couple of shorter ones . On the way up to the col there is a longer but very scenic and satisfying alternative via Les Grands (head for heights is an advantage). The best way on from Col de Balme is via the spectacular and easy Posettes ridge, from the end of which there is a steep descent on good paths through forest to Tre le Champ and our hotel at Argentiere.
For those who want a more leisurely day, a shorter (and still scenic) descent from Col de Balme to Argentiere is possible via Le Tour.
Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable 3* hotel in the center of Argentiere. Newly renovated, the hotel has got a spa with sauna and hammam. There is also a cosy lounge area and large terrace.
Day 11 : Argentiere To Chamonix (Plan Praz) 16 Km /10 Miles, 6.5 H
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Climb via Tre le Champ (1417m) and Les Cheserys and make a detour to the scenic Lac Blanc (2352m) before rejoining the Grand Balcon route, which looks across the Chamonix valley towards Mont Blanc. From La Flegere (1877m) you can normally either descend to the valley at Les Praz de Chamonix on foot or by gondola and cable car. From Les Praz, you make your way to the hotel either by bus or by walking through the pleasant environs; or you can continue along the Grand Balcon for another 2 hours to Plan Praz, from where there is another cable car (or gondola) and another footpath down to Chamonix.
Accommodation: Spend two nights in a comfortable 3* hotel. For your relaxation, the hotel has got a bar and a spa. All the rooms are fully ensuite.
Day 12 : Free Day In Chamonix
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We recommend taking the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m). You can also catch the train to Montenvers and the Mer de Glace glacier or explore Chamonix and its surroundings. For those who might prefer something totally different from walking, Chamonix boasts an Olympic standard pool and aquatic centre, a summer luge course, paragliding, golf etc. There are also art galleries and a very interesting Alpine Museum.
Day 13 : Chamonix (Plan Praz) To Les Houches 11.5 Km /7.1 Miles, 6 H
Location: Chamonix
Accommodation Name: 2* chalet-style hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rejoin the trail either at La Flegere, using the cable car from Les Praz de Chamonix, and continue along the Grand Balcon to Plan Praz or at Plan Praz via the Brevent cable car from Chamonix. From Plan Praz ascend to Col de Brevent and up to the peak of Le Brevent (2525m), one of the highest points of the tour. This day offers some of the finest views of the route. From Brevent you descend to Les Houches (1010m) and make your way to the hotel where we spend the last night. In case of bad weather or low cloud there are good low/medium level walks leading to Les Houches along the flanks of the Chamonix valley such as the ‘Petit Balcon’ and the ‘Rive d’Arve’. These named walks are well marked and signposted.
End your Tour du Mont Blanc trek with dinner in the hotel's tastefully decorated restaurant.
Accommodation: On your return to Les Houches, stay at the same comfortable hotel as on the first night of the tour.
Day 14 : Arrangements End After Breakfast
Location: Les Houches
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's the end of your Tour du Mont Blanc walking holiday. Depart Les Houches for your onward journey.
What's Included
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Accommodation
11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotels -
13 breakfasts, 6 dinners
Enjoy 13 breakfasts and 6 dinners during your stay.
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11 nights twin share accommodation in 2, 3 and 4-star hotels with ensuite facilities, 1 night guesthouse, 1 night auberge
Stay in comfortable accommodations including 2, 3, and 4-star hotels, a guesthouse, and an auberge.
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Luggage transfer (except day 3) - maximum weight 15 kg
Luggage transfer service is provided for all days except day 3, with a maximum weight limit of 15 kg.
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Information pack including route notes & maps
Receive an information pack that includes detailed route notes and maps.
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24/7 Local emergency hotline
Access a 24/7 local emergency hotline for assistance.
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GPX files of the main walks will be emailed to you
GPX files of the main walks will be provided via email.
What's Not Included
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7 dinners, lunch & beverages
7 dinners, lunch, and beverages are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses like laundry and phone calls are not covered.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Any unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Excess luggage
Charges for excess luggage are not included.
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Guide: this is a self-guided hiking holiday
This is a self-guided hiking holiday, so a guide is not included.
Accommodation
11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotels. Of the total of 13 nights, 11 nights are spent in hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse and 1 night in a simple auberge more akin to mountain refuge. Of these 13 nights, 4 are ‘half-board’ (dinner, bed and breakfast) and the remainder bed and breakfast only. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests. We will try to accommodate double room requests however the majority of rooms booked will be twin share. If twin rooms are available, single travellers can be paired to save single supplement charges. NB: if there are no single rooms available in Les Chapieux, and if not paired up, single travellers will stay in Bourg Saint-Maurice.
Grading
We grade this tour as moderate to challenging (grade 4); anyone used to hill walking/mountain hiking with a daily height gain/loss of 3,300 feet (1000 metres) per day should find the tour within their capability walking an average of 6 to 7 hours per day. There are no vertigo-inducing sections on this walk provided you stick to the itinerary as described in the route notes and defined on the maps; and avoid the ‘variations’. We make it clear in the notes which alternate routes in our opinion do require a ‘head for heights’. Some of the walks can be shortened, if desired, by the use of cable cars or (in Italy) a local bus service.
Notes:
*There will normally be up to 15 travellers doing the walk on any date, you have a choice to walk together or individually on some or most days.
*Unlike most of our other self guided treks, this tour operates on fixed dates in order to accommodate the logistics of baggage movement. We will normally have 2 members of staff in the area to carry out the baggage transfers and offer 24/7 local assistance.
*This is a hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc trek with a mixed selection of independent hotels that often have fantastic views of the European Alps.
*If twin rooms are available, single travellers can be paired to save single supplement charges.
Mode of Transport
Make your own way to Les Houches, a resort located 6 km/3.8 miles from Chamonix which nestles under the Mont Blanc massif. This evening a trip briefing is held by our local support team before enjoying your evening meal.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 11 nights in 2, 3, and 4-star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse, and 1 night in a simple auberge more akin to a mountain refuge. Of these 13 nights, 4 are 'half-board' (dinner, bed, and breakfast) and the remainder are bed and breakfast only.
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Are there any luggage transfer services available during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided for all days except day 3. The maximum weight for luggage is 15 kg.
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Is this tour suitable for single travelers?
Yes, single travelers have the option to share a twin room to save on single supplement charges. If twin rooms are available, single travelers can be paired.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 13 breakfasts and 6 dinners. The remaining meals are not included.
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Is there any local support available during the tour?
Yes, there is a local team on hand 24/7 to provide support and assistance.
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What should I do if I need emergency assistance during the tour?
You will have access to a 24/7 local emergency hotline for any urgent assistance needed during the tour.
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Are there any rest days included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are rest days included in La Palud, Champex-Lac, and Chamonix where you can relax, do more walking, or go sightseeing.
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What is the difficulty level of this tour?
The tour is graded as moderate to challenging. It is suitable for anyone used to hill walking or mountain hiking with a daily height gain/loss of 3,300 feet (1000 meters) per day, walking an average of 6 to 7 hours per day.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided hiking holiday. You will receive an information pack including route notes and maps, and GPX files of the main walks will be emailed to you.
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What happens if the usual hotels are not available?
If the usual hotels are not available, alternatives will be used. If these alternatives are of a different standard, you will be informed at the time of booking.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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