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9- day self-guided tour du Mont Blanc
A self-guided journey through Mont Blanc's iconic peaks and valleys
Crossing the mountain, facing the majesty of the giant of the Alps, in an unforgettable tête-à-tête.
For 9 days, you will hike the tour du Mont Blanc self-guided along wild trails in the heart of the mountains, facing the giant of the Alps, in an unforgettable one-on-one encounter.
This hike immerses you in a world surrounded by iconic peaks that dominate the horizon, as you make your way along spectacular glaciers. Here, mountain passes offer you a passage to secret valleys, while alpine pastures welcome you into a pastoral atmosphere.
The balcony trails, authentic natural ribbons, wind their way through the nature reserves of three nations, each intimately bound to the roof of Europe.
Between the Swiss Valais, land of traditional alpine culture, the Italian Val d'Aosta, with its Roman and medieval influences, and the French Savoie, cradle of mountain culture, you will discover a diversity of landscapes. These regions, once closely related by history, are now united under the banner of Mont Blanc, which watches over them majestically, imposing and serene.
To travel through these lands is to follow in the footsteps of the peddlers of yesteryear, but also those of the explorers and mountaineers who have marked the history of these mountains.
Highlights
- Travel through 3 countries
- The entire tour du mont blanc self guided
- Hiking around Mont Blanc
9 days
/ 8 nights
Price: Consult us
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Point-to-point
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 14 November to 14 November
Day by day program
Day 1 : Hike from Les Praz de Chamonix to Lac Blanc to Le Tour
Once in Chamonix, take the cable car up to the balconies of
Mont Blanc. Your first stop : the Lac Blanc, nestled at an altitude
of 2,300 meters, where the view is simply breathtaking. Then
you descend to the Col des Montets, crossing the Aiguilles Rouges
nature reserve. Head to Montroc and then the picturesque village of
Le Tour for a well-deserved night in a mountain lodge.
HIKING TIME : 5h30
DISTANCE : 13 km
ASCENT: 450 m
DESCENT : 950 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 2 : Hike from Le Tour to Col de Balme to Trient
Starting from the village of Le Tour, you begin a gentle climb
to the chalets of Charamillon before ascending to the Col de Balme
(2,200 m). This climb rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic
view of Mont Blanc and its glaciers, a truly spectacular sight. You
then descend towards the Swiss mountain pastures, where the beauty
of the landscape guides you to the village of Trient. There, you
spend a peaceful night in a mountain lodge.
HIKING TIME : 5 hours
DISTANCE : 13 km
ASCENT: 840 m
DESCENT : 920 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 3 : Hike from Bovine or Fenêtre d'Arpette to Champex
A day dedicated to diversity! You can choose between crossing
the Bovine mountain pastures, following a balcony trail overlooking
the Rhône Valley, or the more daring option of the Haute Montagne,
passing through the legendary Col de la Fenêtre d'Arpette at an
altitude of 2,665 meters. In both cases, the descent to Champex
immerses you in an enchanting setting. Overnight stay in a mountain
lodge.
HIKING TIME : 6 hours (or 6h30 through
Arpette)
DISTANCE : 16 km (or 13 km through
Arpette)
ASCENT: 1100 m (or 1300m through Arpette)
DESCENT : 750 m (or 970 m through
Arpette)
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 4 : Hike from the Swiss Val Ferret to La Fouly
After a gentle descent from the village of Champex, you arrive
in the Swiss Val Ferret, a beautiful valley scattered with small,
traditional villages. If you feel the need, you can opt for a
half-day rest and take the bus. The evening is spent in a mountain
lodge.
HIKING TIME : 5 hours
DISTANCE : 15 km
ASCENT: 600 m
DESCENT : 700 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 5 : Hike from Grand Col Ferret to the Italian Fal Ferret
You climb through the mountain pastures to the Grand Col
Ferret at an altitude of 2,537 meters. A detour to the Tête Ferret
is possible for the most curious. Crossing the Italian border, you
begin a descent into the Italian Val Ferret, with an incredible
view of the Grandes Jorasses.
HIKING TIME : 5 hours
DISTANCE : 12 to 17 km
ASCENT: 840 m
DESCENT : 750 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 6 : Hike from Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur
You begin the climb to the hamlets of Sécheron and Armina,
before following a balcony trail offering breathtaking views of
Mont Blanc. You also have the option of passing through the Sapin
Pass for a different experience. The descent takes you to
Courmayeur, where you take a regular bus to the Monte Bianco
refuge, your accommodation for the night.
HIKING TIME : 5h30
DISTANCE : 14 to 19 km
ASCENT: 650 m
DESCENT : 1200 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 7 : Hike from Col de la Seigne to Les Mottets or Les Chapieux
You set off on a climb up to the Elisabetta refuge in Val
Veny, with the option of taking a short detour to Lake Miage. Next,
you head for the Col de la Seigne, the border between France and
Italy, where the view of the other side of Mont Blanc will leave
you speechless. For the more adventurous, a more alpine route via
the Balcon de Chécroui and Mont Fortin is also possible. The
descent takes you to the Mottets refuge or Les Chapieux, where you
will spend the night.
HIKING TIME : 6h30
DISTANCE : 14 to 20 km
ASCENT: 850 m
DESCENT : 650 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 8 : Hike from Col des Fours to Col du Bonhomme to Les Contamines-Montjoie
You climb to the Col des Fours at 2,665 meters, the highest
point of this adventure, where you are surrounded by high
mountains. You then descend to the Col du Bonhomme, once crossed by
peddlers. If you spent the night in Les Chapieux, the direct climb
to the Col du Bonhomme is to be expected. You end the day with a
spectacular descent along an ancient Roman road to the Notre Dame
de la Gorge chapel. Bus transfer to your accommodation. Overnight
stay in a hotel or guesthouse.
HIKING TIME : 6h30
DISTANCE : 15 km
ASCENT: 850 m
DESCENT : 1500 m
ACCOMMODATION : Hotel or
guesthouse
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Day 9 : Hike from Bionnassay to Col du Tricot to Les Houches
You hike to the Bionnassay glacier, either via the village of
Champel or via the Col du Tricot (2,120 m), from where you have an
exceptional view of the Chamonix valley, the Miage domes, and Mont
Blanc, all nearby. You then descend to the village of Les Houches,
where the journey ends.
HIKING TIME : 5 hours through Champel
(or 6h30 through Col du Tricot)
DISTANCE : 12.5 km through Champel (or
16 km through Col du Tricot)
ASCENT: 750 m through Champel (or 1100 m through Col du
Tricot)
DESCENT : 800 m through Champel (or
1250 m through Col du Tricot)
LUGGAGE SUPPORT : with luggage support
(if you have chosen this option)
Dates and prices
Dates and prices
Departures from June 14 to September 15
Departures on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the classic (shared dormitory) and comfort version (private room in gîte).
Departures on Mondays and Tuesdays for the premium version (private room in hotel).
The price includes
Travel documents,
Accommodation on a half-basis, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day,
Luggage transfer between accommodations (if you have chosen this option),
Transfer on Day 9 from Les Contamines to La Gurvaz,
Organization and registration fees,
Tourist taxes.
The price doesn't include
Insurance,
Round-trip transportation to the starting point,
Packed lunches for midday,
Drinks, optional visits and personal expenses,
Transfers on public buses (around €5 per person),
Cable car ride on Day 1 (around €19 per person)
Personalize your trip
Do you like this trip but would you like to add a few modifications? We can make you a tailor-made proposal.
Trip Notes
Level
Grade 4 - Challenging
Average elevation gain/ loss : 600 to 1,200 m per day
Average duration of stages: 5 to 7 hours per day
Specific difficulties: This hike is suitable for anyone in good overall physical condition. While it does not present technical difficulties (no steep passages, well-marked trails), it remains physically demanding, requiring the ability to achieve nearly 1,000 meters of positive elevation gains per day over a full week.
The Mont Blanc circuit is very well marked:
In France: red and white markers for Grande Randonnée trails (both directions).
In Switzerland and Italy: black diamonds on yellow background in valleys, red and white markers at higher altitudes (both directions).
Accommodation
SHARED DORMITORY:
8 nights in dormitories, mountain huts or guesthouses
PRIVATE ROOM IN GITE:
8 nights in guesthouses with double rooms (depending on availability, 1 night may be in a 4- person room).
Hot showers in all accommodations.
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOTEL:
5 nights in hotels
2 nights in very comfortable guesthouses, with private bathrooms in double rooms
1 night in a guesthouse, shared bathroom, twin room.
The itinerary is slightly modified (please contact us for details).
Meals:
Breakfasts and dinners are included in each accommodation.
Packed lunches are not included but can be ordered the day before at each accommodation.
It is also possible to buy supplies at local shops on days 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8.
Allergies and dietary requirements:
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary needs when booking. Accommodations will do their best to accomodate special diets (gluten-free, vegtarian, etc), but we recommend bringing some additional items for your own packed lunches.
Baggage carrying
Depending on the option chosen:
Without luggage transfer: you carry all your personal belongings throughout the trip.
With luggage transfer: You only carry your daily essentials in a small backpack. The rest of your luggage in transported between accommodations for the night as well. You will reunite with your main luggage the following day.
If you choose luggage transfer, we recommend using a soft bag, preferably a duffel or sports bag, one per person, not exceeding 10 kg.
* If you extend your stay after the hike, we can handle an additional bag at the start of the trek, labeled with your name, which you will receive at the end of the hike.
Management
No guide on this trip.
Before your departure, we provide you with a road book specilly designed for this itinerary, containing detailed information to help you enjoy your days of discovery and hiking independently.
To full enjoy your hiking trip, you need to be able to navigate and manage your own route on the trail using the documents provided.
Hiking folder
Your hiking documents will be sent by e-mail once the balance of your trip has been paid. The package includes:
- a road book
- an itinerary sheet with a list of accommodations
- a set of IGN maps
Welcome
Meeting point: 10:30 AM in front Montroc-le-Planet SNCF train station.
From the free parking at Les Houches, regular buses run every 30 minutes to Montroc-le-Planet (about a one-hour journey, no reservation required).
If requested, your luggage can be collected directly from your hotel in the Chamonix valley, in which case there is no meeting at the start.
For hikers who have chosen the "without luggage transfer" option, no meeting point is required at departure.
NEAREST AIRPORTS:
Geneva (GVA)
- About 1 hour by car to Chamonix (also accessible by train, though less convenient).
- Numerous buses and minibuses run several times a day.
Lyon (LYS)
- About 2h15 by car to Chamonix.
- Trains every 2 hours / approximately 4h15 journey.
Paris PAR)
- About 7 hours by car to Chamonix.
- Trains every 2 hours / approximately 5 to 6 hours journey.
BY TRAIN:
Departure rom Paris Gare de Lyon the day before and arriving in Chamonix.
Consult the times with SNCF here.
Buses and trains serve the entire Chamonix valley, with regular connections every hour between Les Houches and Montroc-le-Planet. Click here for more info.
BY CAR:
Take the A40 motorway to Chamonix, then follow the main road towards Argentière and Switzerland until reaching the village of Montroc (1 km past Argentière).
There is a large parking area at the meeting point in Montroc-le-Planet and at the Village du Tour, 1 km away.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered parking facility: Chamonix Park Auto in Chamonix – 04 50 53 65 71 (€40–50 per week).
Alternatively, you can leave your car at the free parking lot of the Prarion cable car in Les Houches (end of the hike) and return by bus to the meeting point in Montroc-le-Planet (about a 30-minute journey). This option can make your return at the end of the hike easier.
Dispersion
The hike finishes in the mid-afternoon (around 4:00 PM) at the base of the Prarion cable car Les Houches.
RETURN TO THE STARTING POINT:
Transfer by bus or train from Les Houches back to Praz de Chamonix at the end of the hike.
Individual equipment
Clothing:
- Hiking pants
- Shorts (plus a swimsuit just in case)
- Breathable t-shirts
- Fleece or sweater
- Windbreaker or gore-tex jacket
- Rain cape + gaiters or Gore-tex pants jacket + a backpacker rain cover
- Pair of gloves and a lightweight hat/beanie
- Sun hat or cap
- Hiking socks (double-layer, terry, etc)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Well-broken-in hiking boots (high-cut with lug soles)
- Spare shoes for the evening
Additional gear:
- Toiletry kit
- Towel
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottles or themos (minimum 1.5 liters)
- Knife and cutlery
- Airtight plastic container (e.g. tupperware) for packed lunches
- Cup for coffee/ tea
- Snacks: dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars
- Personal first-aid kit (vitamin C, aspirin, plasters, etc)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sleeping bag liner and/ or lighhtweight sleeping bag
- Two telescopic trekking poles (optional)
DAYPACK:
If you choose the luggage transfer option, bring a comfortable backpack of 30- 40 liters for your daily items (a warm layer, rain cape, water bottle, container and cutlery for your packed lunch, sunscreen and ID), with enough space for a packed lunch and snacks.
ID:
Bring a valid passport and we recommend carrying your Health Insurance Card.
Reviews of this trip
5
Peter
12 Septembre 2024
Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided
The three of us completed the Tour du Mont Blanc in 9 days independently, with luggage transfer included. We were thrilled with the views, the trails, and especially the accommodations. Despite rain on day 4, we never arrived at the accommodations with wet clothes or bags. Overall, we had 9 unforgettable days!
5
Victoria
18 Août 2024
Tour du Mont Blanc 9 days self-guided
We opted for the luggage transfer, and everything went perfectly. The accommodations were booked as requested, and dinner arrangements were as expected. The organization was impeccable. Comfort in the lodges varied, as did the meals.
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