9-day Tour du Mont Blanc highlights

We meet at this famous mountain town at the foot of Mont Blanc at 6pm for a trip briefing and dinner. Accommodation: Chalet, dinner included. Luggage access.

First, the Mont Blanc Express’ train takes us to the hamlet of Montroc. From there, we hike up to the famous Lac Blanc lake and visit the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. Then, we begin our return to Argentière. Accommodation: Chalet, dinner included. Luggage access. Walking: approx 6 hrs. Distance: 9km. Altitude gain / loss: +1000m / -550m

After taking a transfer to Notre Dame de La Gorge, above Contamines, we trek up the old Roman road from the chapel. We then pass the Chalet de Balme and head up to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) for  lunch. After lunch, we have a climbing traverse to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m).  From here, we then have a 2 hour descent to Les Chapieux. Accommodation : Auberge/Chambre d’Hôte, dinner included Luggage access Walking: Approx 7-8 hrs Distance: 17km Altitude gain / loss: +1348m / -960m

A newly cut path takes us up to Ville des Glaciers. After passing the Refuge des Mottets, we start a steep climb towards the Italian border at Col de la Seigne (2516 m), the 2nd highest pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc. From this point,  we descend past the Rifugio Elisabetta to La Visaille, where we take the bus to the Italian mountain town of Courmayeur.  Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Walking: Approx 6 hrs Distance: 21km Altitude gain / loss: +1004m / -850m

The day begins with a steep walk up to the Rifugio Bertone and the Mont de la Saxe ridge. If the weather is good, we can take the lesser-travelled variant to the Mont de la Saxe ridge by ascending the Tête de la Tronche, followed by a steep descent to the Col Sapin. Then, we climb again to the Col Entre Deux Sauts. Finally, we stay  at the Rifugio Bonatti, where we can catch a scenic view of the sunset behind Mont Blanc. Accommodation: Mountain refuge, dinner included No luggage access Walking: Approx 7-8 hrs Distance: 17km Altitude gain / loss: +1584m / -940m

First, we start with a rising traverse, before descending to the head of the Val Ferret at Arnuva. Then, we climb the Grand Col Ferret. After, we stop for a break at the Rifugio Elena, then climb to the col. At the top of the col, we cross the border into Switzerland. We then leave the signposted TMB and after, we head to La Fouly which is a lovely alpine village with traditional ‘chocolate box’ chalets, via a higher balcony path. A taxi transfer then takes us to the Swiss lakeside town of Champex.    Accommodation: Hotel, dinner included Luggage access Walking: approx 6-7 hrs Distance: 20km Altitude gain / loss: +1128m / -1580m

2 options are available for day 7:  If we are feeling fit and the weather is good, probably, we can take the Fenêtre d’Arpette. It is the highest col on the TMB at 2665m. Furthermore, we have stunning views of the Trient glacier. Otherwise,  we can take the normal route, via Bovine, to the Col de la Forclaz. Finally, we descend to the Swiss valley of Trient. Accommodation: Auberge, dinner included Luggage access Distance: depends on route Walking: approx 6 hrs Altitude gain / loss: +1484m / -1760m

Unless the weather is bad, we can take a lesser travelled route via Les Tseppes. Otherwise, we take the normal route to Col de Balme, and back into France. From this point,  we either do the Aiguillette des Posettes, and descend into the Chamonix valley at Tré-le-Champ, from which point it is an hour’s walk to Argentière along the river and through the old town. Or,  we can descend directly to Le Tour, and take the Petit Balcon Nord into Argentière.  Accommodation: Chalet, dinner included Luggage access Walking: approx 7 hrs Distance: depends on route Altitude gain / loss: +1200m / -1500m

The tour finishes after breakfast.