Mont Blanc Family Walk - France to Italy
7 Days Starting in Les Houches, France and ending in Courmayeur, Italy
Visiting: Les Houches, Val Montjoie, Col du Bonhomme, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, Val Veni
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MFA
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 16
Age range:
7-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Mont Blanc Family Walk, a guided trek from France to Italy through the breathtaking alpine scenery of the European Alps. This family-friendly tour offers the unique experience of crossing borders on foot, starting in Les Houches, France, and concluding in Courmayeur, Italy. Along the way, you'll visit charming landmarks like the Notre Dame de la Gorge church, traverse ancient Roman roads, and encounter local wildlife such as ibex and marmots. The journey includes six nights in mountain refuges, with luggage transfers by donkey, and all meals provided. Enjoy the stunning views of the Miage Glacier and the Val Veni, making memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Les Houches And Walk To Bionnassay (5Hrs)
Location: Les Houches
Accommodation Name: Refuge in Bionnassay
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
This morning you will meet the rest of the group and your guide in the Chamonix Valley town of Les Houches. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation. There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the donkeys) and begin walking. The route follows the classic anti clockwise direction. The first climb of the trip takes you to the Col de Voza (1653m) before crossing the tracks of the Tramway du Mont Blanc to reach Bionnassay. The evening will be spent at Bionnassay in a refuge with shower.
6km/3.8mi, +771m, -539m/+2530ft, -1768ft
Day 2 : Descend To The Grand Val Montjoie And Continue To Refuge (4.Hrs)
Location: Val Montjoie
Accommodation Name: Refuge de Nant Borant or Refuge de la Balme
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The walk today begins with the backdrop of the Domes de Miage and an exceptional view of Mont Joly and the Montjoie Valley. Continue to the pretty Notre Dame de la Gorge church and ascend an ancient Roman road towards the Col du Bonhomme. A steep narrow track takes you through the forest following a narrow gorge to Refuge de Nant Borant and the accommodation for the night (or alternatively you will continue a further 30 minutes to Refuge de la Balme). Overnight refuge with shower.
16km/10mi, +213m, -222m/+698ft, -728ft
Day 3 : Cross The Col Du Bonhomme To Refuge Du Bonhomme (5Hrs)
Location: Col du Bonhomme
Accommodation Name: Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The walk today is one long ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and a short time later to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m). En route there is ample opportunity to take in the stunning views and appreciate the historic nature of this route from France to Italy. First encounters with marmots are likely, although being quite shy they disappear quickly. Along the route you are likely to encounter snow, particularly earlier in the season, so boots are essential. The Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme is the highest we stay at on this section of the trail and one of the few where vehicle access is not possible. In early season departures where donkey's are unable to cross the Col du Bonhomme, you may need to carry your overnight requirements. From the refuge the views are expansive and impressive and there is also the opportunity to view wildlife such as Ibex and Marmot. There are a number of board games to occupy the kids whilst you relax in the company of your fellow hikers. Overnight refuge with shower.
7km/4.5mi, +1023m, -100m/+3356ft, -328ft
Day 4 : Walk Via Les Chapieux To Refuge Des Mottets (5Hrs)
Location: Les Chapieux
Accommodation Name: Refuge des Mottets
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend steeply through alpine pastures brimming with wildflowers to the small hamlet of Chapieux. Today there will be opportunities to visit cheese farmers and purchase Beaufort Cheese. Continue to the Refuge des Mottets (1870m) at the base of the Col de la Seigne. Overnight refuge with shower.
12.5km/8mi, +346m, -876m/+1135ft, -2874ft
Day 5 : Enter Italy Via The Col De La Seigne (4Hrs)
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Rifugio Elisabetta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s walk takes you across the border into Italy. The ascent to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) is via a series of steep switchbacks which open out to a wide trail when you reach the pass. The view across to the Glacier des Glaciers is superb from this pass. On a cold and windy day, the new information centre is a welcome respite in addition to offering a wealth of facts about the region. Continue to Rifugio Elisabetta which has a prime location, excellent view of the glacier and surrounding peaks and superb Italian mountain cuisine. Overnight refuge with shower.
9.5km/6mi, +727m, -416m/+2385ft, -1365ft
Day 6 : Through The Val Veni & Past The Miage Glacier To Rifugio Maison Vieille (4Hrs)
Location: Val Veni
Accommodation Name: Rifugio Maison Vieille
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On a good weather day there are extraordinary views on this section of the trail – many believe this is the best walking day on the TMB! Like walking on a balcony with the lofty heights of the south face of Mont Blanc, the dramatic spire of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey and the tumbling Miage glacier with you throughout the walk which coupled with the profusion of alpine blooms and glacial streams will certainly take your breath away. A picnic stop anywhere along this balcony trail is essential to absorb this view before continuing to the Rifugio Maison Vieille. Overnight refuge with shower.
11.5km/7mi, +400m, -500m/+1312ft, -1640ft
Day 7 : Descend To Courmayeur (3Hrs), Trip Concludes
Location: Courmayeur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
On our last days walk we descend steeply via a series of switchbacks and ski runs to Courmayeur where you can reward the family with a gelato to mark the end of the hike. After a final picnic we say goodbye to our donkeys, Gepato, Barnabas and Socrates.
6.5km/4mi, +0m, -728m/+0ft, -2388ft
What's Included
-
Meals
6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Lunch is picnic style including salad, bread, cheese, meat, fruit and something sweet. Dinner will be provided.
-
Accommodation
6 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis.
-
Luggage Transfer
Luggage transfer by donkey – 1 piece maximum 7kgs (excesses are refused so please test the weight of your luggage before meeting the group, allowing 200g for the kit bag). It is possible early or late in the season that you may need to carry your overnight gear.
-
Experienced Mountain Guide
An experienced mountain guide will accompany the group.
-
Travel to and from the Trail Head
Travel to and from the trail head is included.
-
Transfers by Taxi or Public Transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
What's Not Included
-
Drinks
Drinks are not included in the package.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package.
-
Storage of Luggage
Storage of luggage is not included.
-
Items of a Personal Nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
-
Transfers
Transfers are not included in the package.
Accommodation
6 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels. Accommodation is dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets/duvets are provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet and also a towel.
Grading
MODERATE– GRADE 3
The walking is moderate (3) grade with daily guided walks of around 3-6 hours. There are some more demanding stages during the walk with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for active children from 7 years of age. Early in the season (June) you will encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to challenging. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds. The planned itinerary may be altered in the event of adverse weather conditions.
As with all our moderate programs, we expect participants to be active and fit, enjoying aerobic sport around two to four times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Important note: good quality walking boots with ankle support are highly recommended for your participation. Runners or shoes without ankle support are not ideal for the conditions encountered on this walk.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc. Except if snow conditions require you to carry overnight gear for one or two days.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from the trail head is included. Luggage transfer by donkey is provided, with a maximum of 7kgs per piece. Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation is in mountain refuges or gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges, but usually around 10-12. Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Blankets/duvets are provided, but you will need to bring a sleeping sheet and a towel.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Lunch is picnic style, including salad, bread, cheese, meat, fruit, and something sweet. Dinner will be provided, but drinks are not included.
-
What should I carry during the walks?
As the walks are fully supported, you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements, including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone, etc. However, if snow conditions require, you may need to carry overnight gear for one or two days.
-
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer by donkey is provided, with a maximum of 7kgs per piece. It is possible early or late in the season that you may need to carry your overnight gear.
-
What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). The walking involves daily guided walks of around 3-6 hours with some demanding stages, including steep uphills, descents, and sections of the trail that require care. A good level of fitness is required to participate fully in this adventure.
-
Are there any age restrictions for the tour?
The tour is considered suitable for active children from 7 years of age.
-
What happens if I need to skip a stage of the walk?
Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage.
-
What wildlife might I encounter during the tour?
You may encounter wildlife such as Ibex and Marmot during the tour.
-
What should I bring for sleeping arrangements?
You will need to bring a sleeping sheet and a towel, as blankets/duvets are provided in the mountain refuges or gîte hostels.
-
Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is mandatory but not included in the package.
-
How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
-
What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
-
I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks 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.