Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

14 Views
8 Days From

$1704

Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights

8 Days Starting in Les Houches, France and ending in Chamonix, France

Visiting: Les Houches, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, Champex-Lac, Trient, Chamonix

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

111

Group size:

2 - 14

Physical rating:

Challenging

Activities:

Mountain Biking

From: $1704

NB: Prices correct on 05-Oct-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Alps with the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights. This adventure takes you through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland, starting in the charming village of Les Houches. Over the course of seven days, you'll traverse breathtaking trails, including the Col de Tricot and Grand Col Ferret, while enjoying panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. Each day offers a unique hiking experience, from the serene paths of Val Ferret to the challenging ascent of Fenêtre d’Arpette. Accommodations range from cozy hotels to rustic mountain huts, providing a true alpine experience. With meals included and the option for additional nights in Chamonix, this tour is perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in one of the world's most iconic mountain ranges.

Highlights

  • Les Houches, the official start point for the Tour du Mont Blanc, offers superb alpine scenery.

  • Experience breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the foothills of the Alps from the Bellevue cable car.

  • Traverse Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme for remarkable panoramas of Aiguille des Glaciers.

  • Cross into Italy over Col de la Seigne and explore the Val Veny valley.

  • Enjoy the stunning views over the Grand Combin massif from Grand Col Ferret in Switzerland.

  • Reach the highest point of the TMB at Fenêtre d’Arpette, with views of Trient Glacier.

  • Trek over Col de Balme for panoramic vistas of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte.

  • Explore Chamonix with walks in Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve or a cable car ride to Aiguille du Midi.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Les Houches

Location: Les Houches

Accommodation Name: Hôtel Saint-Antoine (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Welcome to Les Houches, a village on the banks of the river l’Arve just 6km from Chamonix and the official start point for the Tour du Mont Blanc. If arriving early, take the time to wander around this Alpine town, taking in some superb alpine scenery.

Day 2 : Les Houches - Les Contamines-Montjoie 4-5H

Location: Les Contamines-Montjoie

Accommodation Name: La Gélinotte, private room (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take the cable car to Bellevue. The path meanders through the forest high above Bionnassay Valley while passing through hamlets with views of Mont Blanc and the foothills of the Alps. Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionnassay dominate the view with Glacier de Bionnassay between them. Climb up Col de Tricot and descend along a series of switchbacks to Chalet de Miage. Following a riverside path into Les Contamines at the end of the day. Walking for the day: 4-5h, approx. 12.9km, ↑380m ↓1,010m.

Day 3 : Les Contamines - Les Chapieux/Refuge Des Mottets 7-8H

Location: Les Chapieux

Accommodation Name: mountain hut Auberge de la Nova or Refuge des Mottets, dormitory rooms (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin with a short transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge, before traversing Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and descending into Chapieux Valley. Today offers remarkable panoramas of Aiguille des Glaciers. Depending on availability, you will either be booked into a hut in Les Chapieux or Refuge des Mottets. There is a shuttle service between Les Chapieux and Refuge des Mottets, which you can use if staying in the latter. Walking for the day: 7-8h, approx. 15.3km ↑1,380m ↓980m (with transfer) / 8-9h without transfer.

Day 4 : Les Chapieux - Val Veny - Val Ferret

Location: Courmayeur

Accommodation Name: Rifugio Elena, dormitory rooms (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

If beginning the day in Les Chapieux or Bourg-Saint-Maurice, take the public shuttle to La Ville des Glaciers before embarking on a hike over Col de la Seigne, crossing into the Italian side of the border. Take the bus from Val Veny valley to Courmayeur for a bite to eat before taking a second bus to Val Ferret. If staying in Rifugio Elena, there is a final short walk from the Arp Nouvaz bus stop to the refuge.

Walking for the day: 6-7h, approx. 18km, ↑810m ↓1,500m

Please note:
The public shuttle does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).
If accommodation in Val Ferret isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Courmayeur on a B&B basis and will require a private transfer or public bus if available (supplemental cost).

Day 5 : Val Ferret - La Fouly - Champex-Lac

Location: Champex-Lac

Accommodation Name: Relais d'Arpette, dormitory rooms (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross Grand Col Ferret, arriving at the village of La Fouly in Switzerland. Take in the views over the Grand Combin massif in the east and the Italian side of Mont Blanc before taking two connecting buses to Champex-Lac.

Walking for the day: 4-5h, approx. 11km, ↑485m ↓945m

Day 6 : Champex-Lac - Trient

Location: Trient

Accommodation Name: Auberge du Mont Blanc, dormitory rooms (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s journey leads to the highest point of the TMB, Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665m). Soak up the view while continuing along Trient Glacier. In the event of inclement weather, an alternative route via Col de Bovine is highly recommended and offers a shorter day’s walk.

Walking for the day: 8-9h, approx. 13km, ↑1,100m ↓1,350m, or 5-6h ↑770m ↓945m (shorter option via Col de Bovine, especially during bad weather).

Please note:
If accommodation in Trient isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Martigny on a B&B basis and will require a private transfer or public bus if available (supplemental cost).

Day 7 : Trient - Le Tour - Chamonix

Location: Chamonix

Accommodation Name: Hôtel Vallée Blanche, private room (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

A morning trek over Col de Balme with views back over to France and a panoramic vista of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. There are two options for descent to Le Tour, a higher route along the crest of Aiguillette des Possets, or a more direct route from Col de Balme following the Charamillon gondola line down to Le Tour. From Le Tour, take the local bus to Chamonix centre.

Walking for the day: 15km, 7-8h, ↑1,449m, ↓ 917m

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Chamonix

Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of days and we would recommend adding extra nights here. There are multiple walks in Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve or you can take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m) or the train to Mer de Glace.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Breakfast and dinner are included on most days of the tour.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in hotels, mountain huts, and dormitory rooms throughout the tour.

  • Transfers

    Public shuttles and buses are included for certain segments of the tour, such as from Val Veny valley to Courmayeur and from La Fouly to Champex-Lac.

What's Not Included

  • Private Transfers

    Private transfers are not included and may incur a supplemental cost if public transport is unavailable.

  • Additional Nights

    Extra nights in Chamonix or other locations are not included in the standard tour package.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as additional hikes or cable car rides are not included.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a mix of public shuttles, buses, and cable cars to facilitate travel between key locations, ensuring a seamless journey through the stunning landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Accommodation

Experience a variety of accommodations including private rooms at Hôtel Saint-Antoine and La Gélinotte, as well as dormitory rooms in mountain huts like Auberge de la Nova and Rifugio Elena, offering a blend of comfort and rustic charm throughout your journey.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights?

    The tour starts in Les Houches, a village on the banks of the river l’Arve, just 6km from Chamonix.

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation varies from hotels, such as Hôtel Saint-Antoine in Les Houches, to mountain huts like Auberge de la Nova or Refuge des Mottets, and dormitory rooms in places like Rifugio Elena and Auberge du Mont Blanc.

  • Are meals included during the tour?

    Yes, breakfast and dinner are included each day of the tour.

  • Is there an option for a shorter route during the tour?

    Yes, on Day 6, if the weather is bad, there is a shorter alternative route via Col de Bovine instead of Fenêtre d’Arpette.

  • What happens if the public shuttle is not available during the tour?

    If the public shuttle does not run during the low season, private transfers will be arranged at a supplemental cost.

  • What is the highest point reached during the tour?

    The highest point of the tour is Fenêtre d’Arpette at 2,665 meters, reached on Day 6.

  • What should I do if I arrive early in Les Houches?

    If you arrive early in Les Houches, you can take the time to wander around the Alpine town and enjoy the superb alpine scenery.

  • Is there an optional extra day available on the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional extra day where you can hike from Le Tour to Planpraz, passing Lac Blanc, and take the cable car back to Chamonix.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cathy O'Connor (Google Reviewer)  

I recently hiked, with a...

26-Jul-2024

I recently hiked, with a friend in the Italian Alps (the Val D'Aosta) and can highly recommend the region, and the Natural Adventure company. We were very pleased with the accommodation and the food was excellent most of the time- generous portions of excellent local dishes. The resources we were sent were excellent and very thorough. It was very easy to follow the routes as we were given so much detail- which we printed out and took each day's instructions with us, and the App helped to keep us on track. Sadly, we couldn't stay at the last location because there was a storm one night and the village we were due to stay in was flooded and cut off. The Natural Adventure did all they could to support us immediately, and help us find an alternative and we ended up staying where we were, as we were so pleased with that hotel and knew we could continue our hikes from there. We were very pleased with the holiday, the walks, the info and all our dealings with them. I would highly recommend them

Amanda Daly (Google Reviewer)  

We booked our self-guided Kumano...

15-Jul-2024

We booked our self-guided Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trip in Japan with The Natural Adventure (known locally as Oku Japan). The experience was top notch from beginning to end. The information packet was thorough and helpful, and details regarding trains and local buses (timetables, pricing, etc) were consistently accurate. Each and every accommodation was unique, charming, and welcoming. When there was an issue checking into our final hotel, the local office was quick to respond and the problem was solved within the hour (it was also a Sunday, so extra points). We weren’t expecting this to be a gourmet food tour of the region, but it was that as well! On top of it all, we found the price very reasonable for everything that is included. We had a wonderful experience thanks to The Natural Adventure, and would certainly travel with them again.

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeanna Janssen (Google Reviewer)  

Really poor experience with my...

30-Jul-2024

Really poor experience with my recent Tour Du Mont Blanc trip. Our company contact Pierre was so unprofessional and did not care about the safety of travelers. On the second day he left to do a hike and we didn’t hear back until multiple days later. I experienced multiple travel delays which meant the loss of the prepaid travel arrangements and their solution was a 250 euro taxi to the hotel. Do not recommend.

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Jul 14, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 19, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 27, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Jul 21, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Jul 26, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 02, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Aug 04, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 09, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 16, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 24, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Aug 18, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 23, 2025 - Aug 30, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 01, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Aug 26, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 04, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$1704

Tuesday - Tuesday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
$1704

Wednesday - Wednesday

Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025
$1704

Thursday - Thursday

Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025
$1704

Friday - Friday

Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
$1704

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$1704

Sunday - Sunday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
$1704

Monday - Monday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$1704

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.