Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc (Huts) Map and Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Saint Gervais Le Fayet

Le Fayet is the main access point to the Chamonix Valley and the TGV will whisk you right to Saint Gervais Le Fayet. Geneva is the best airport and regular shuttles take just over an hour. On arrival you can settle into your comfortable three star hotel, stroll through the town and get ready for your adventure.

Overnight: Hotel Des Deux Gares 3* (www.hotel2gares.com)

Ideally situated for the station and Mont Blanc tramway this chalet style three star hotel is the ideal hopping off point.

Day 2: Notre Dame de la Gorge to Col de la Col de la Croix du Bonhomme

Your adventure begins with a bus and then shuttle to Notre Dame de la Gorge where you join the Tour du Mont Blanc. You may wish to say a prayer at the beautiful Baroque Chapel before you head off into the pine forest on the Chemin Roman.

A steady climb reveals increasingly rugged views of the high peaks and very quickly you reach the rugged landscapes of the Col du Bonhomme (2329 m). A further hour on rough and rocky ground brings up the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and the refuge tucked into the mountain to your right.

Overnight: Refuge Col de la Croix du Bonhomme: (http://lerefugedubonhomme.free.fr/refuge.html)

Amazing sunsets, unforgettable meals and overnight shelter to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,443 m), in the mountains between Mont Blanc and Beaufortain!

Walk: Hours: 4h30, Ascent: 1250m.

Day 3: Col de la Croix du Bonhomme to Vallée des Glaciers

Stepping out of the refuge into the crisp mountain air you can look forward to a magnificent day of walking to Vallée des Glaciers via the Col des Fours. The climb from Col de la Croix to the Col des Fours (2716m) rewards with probably the finest view of Mont Blanc you will enjoy on the circuit.

From the col you descend steeply on scree and through alpine meadows to the Vallée des Glaciers and then continue on to the Refuge des Mottets.

Overnight: Refuge des Mottets (www.lesmottets.com)

Idyllically situated the converted from buildings of the refuge over 50 beds and a welcome meal at the end of a great day.

Walk: Hours: 4h00, Ascent: 450m, Descent: 850m.

Day 4: Refuges des Mottets to Col Chécrouit

The Col de la Seigne (2516m) is where you leave France for Italy and lies 750m above the refuge. Just wait until you see the view! Stupendous!

The trail contours along the steep Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif. Marmotts and marigolds are common on this section and the scenery will have you reaching for your camera every few yards. Hanging glaciers pepper the slopes above you and they seem close enough to touch. The trail from Col de la Seigne to Col Chécrouit really must be one of the world’s finest walks.

Overnight: Gite Maison Vieille – 1965m - (www.maisonvieille.com).

Traditional mountain food is a forte of this gite which enjoys a fabulous position.

Walk: Hours: 6h30, Ascent: 1100 m. Descent: 950 m.

Day 5: Col Chécroui to Champex

Your day begins with a descent to the Italian village of Courmayeur by cable car. Enjoy a cappuccino in the stylish capital of the Italian Alps before catching a bus or taxi (transfer not included) to Arnuva, in the heart of the beautiful Val Ferret, in the Grandes Jorasses.

Back on your own two feet you ascend Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m), you are in Switzerland! Descent to Ferret (1740 m) where you catch the local bus to the lakeside village of Champex.

Overnight: Gite 

Walk: Hours: 5h30 Ascent, 800 m Descent, 1050 m

Day 6: Champex to Trient

The official route goes via Alp Bovine, a splendid walk through pine and larch forests interspersed with alpine meadows and wonderful views down the Rhône Valley.

Alternatively the demanding variant goes via the spectacular Fenêtre d’Arpette to the Trient Valley. Climbing to 2665m it’s a challenging and exposed route but worth every step. Descending right to the valley floor in Trient (1280 m) you can look forward to a good meal.

Overnight: Refuge

Walk via Alp Bovine: Hours: 5 h 30 Ascent: 750 m, Descent: 900 m.

Walk via Fenêtre d’Arpette: Hours: 8 h00 Ascent: 1200 m, Descent: 1400 m

Day 7: Trient to Montroc via Col de La Balme

From Trient, you climb to reach the French border at the Col de Balme (2191 m). From the Col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles, the Mer de Glace and the Argentière glaciers! A suitable highpoint to end your Tour du Mont Blanc on!

Descending to Montroc (lift optional) you can reflect on your journey and look forward to the bright lights of Chamonix. From Montroc you take a bus or train to Chamonix, where you spend your last night.

Overnight: Hotel Vallee Blanche (www.vallee-blanche.com) Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base for your last night of the trail.

Walk: Hours: 4h00, Ascent: 900 m, Descent: 850 m.

Day 8: Onward Travel

Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of days. Taking the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3795m is a great way to wrap up your time in the Mont Blanc Massif, the view are just incredible.

If you are heading home there are numerous shuttles, buses and trains back to Geneva and throughout France.

Price from £540.00 - BOOK NOW

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