When to go
May – October
Price
From £1,749 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
01hrs 26mins
Introduction
The Mont Blanc Circuit is considered to be one of the world’s greatest walks. On this memorable 8-day adventure, you will travel on foot through the circuit. You will enjoy breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif, which features hanging glaciers and peaks. You will also enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodation in a traditional chalet, along with home-cooked meals to keep you refreshed and energized on your long journey.
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: £1,749pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Geneva – Chamonix Valley – Les Houches – Les Contamines Valley – Mont Blanc Tunnel – Lac Blanc and Grand Balcon Sud – Chamonix or Chocolat
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour | Walking/Trekking
Activity Level
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Age Range
14+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Chalet (Private wooden dwelling)
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Minimum 4 people with a maximum of 14
Start/Finish
Geneva – Chamonix or Chocolat
Highlights
Walk Amongst Dramatic Mountain Scenery
Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you walk past the, quite simply, breathtaking scenery, which includes a combination of both high and low-lying valleys. At almost every turn, you’ll encounter stunning new mountain views to take in, making for a magical experience that you will cherish forever.
Stay in a Traditional Chalet With a Hot Tub
A chalet is a traditional wooden dwelling with a low-pitched roof. During your visit to the Mont Blanc Circuit, you will enjoy spacious, comfortable, and modern accommodation in a genuine chalet. The chalet has several executive-style bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and even a hot tub.
Explore the Local Cafés, Shops, and Restaurants in Chamonix
Aside from being a popular ski resort and mountaineering destination, Chamonix is a vibrant, lovely town with plenty of things to see and do. Do some exploring and see where the day takes you. Drop by the local café for a coffee; find a great bargain in the shops; and enjoy fine dining in one of the many restaurants.
Recommended Hotels
Traditional wooden chalet with modern accommodation and amenities.
Sample Itinerary
Walking Tour of Mont Blanc Circuit
In this sample itinerary, you will go on a tremendous walking journey across the Mont Blanc Circuit. Each day will take you somewhere new; from Les Houches to Grand Jarassess, Mont Blanc to Les Contamines. You will also enjoy spacious and comfortable accommodation in a traditional yet modern style chalet, along with home-cooked meals.
Day 1: Geneva
Fly to Geneva and head to your chalet. Walk into Chamonix in the afternoon and join the group for a pre-dinner briefing.
(D)
Day 2: Chamonix Valley
On your first walk, you will head to Col de Balme, an area that provides stunning views of Mont Blanc. Then proceed to Montroc, followed by an uphill section with zigzag paths. By late morning you should reach L’Aiguillette des Posettes, a momentous peak with stunning panoramic views of Chamonix Valley. Then proceed to Col de Posettes before finally reaching La Tour.
Ascent: 2,700ft.
Descent: 2,400ft
Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Les Houches
Today, go on a walk from Merlet Park to the Bel Lachat refuge. Along the way, you’ll travel through the Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, before reaching a summit at the Aiguillette des Houches. You will be rewarded with incredible views of the alps. Then descend to a route down to La Flatière.
Ascent: 2,950ft
Descent: 3,050ft
Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Les Contamines
Transfer from your chalet to the Les Contamines valley. Then start your walk back to Chamonix Valley. The walk will begin with a deep ascent to the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a suspension bridge that takes you to a white-water stream. From there, head back round to the Col de Voza and enjoy stunning views of Chamonix Valley. There is an optional cable car to take back to Chamonix Valley if your legs are tired.
Ascent: 1,840ft
Descent: 2,000ft
Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Free Day of Optional Walks
Enjoy a day of free leisure. Choose from one of the many walking trails to explore the surrounding areas. Alternatively, visit the local shops, restaurants, and cafes in Chamonix Valley. There are also cable car extensions that help you get to surrounding areas quicker, and with less effort than walking. You can also take a mountain train to Montenvers for close-up views of glaciers.
(B)
Day 6: Mont Blanc Tunnel
Go on a drive through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Italy. Arrive at Arp Nouva and climb up to reach the Bonatti refuge. The peak is about 6,560ft high, providing one of the most memorable views of the entire journey. Then proceed along a traversing path, go high above the valley, and then descend to the valley floor. If time permits, head to Courmayeur for a delicious serving of Italian ice cream.
Ascent: 1,500ft
Descent: 1,804ft
Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
September and October 2023 departures
The Mont Blanc Tunnel that connects France and Italy will be closed from 4th September 2013 for about 15 weeks. This means you will be unable to visit Italy if your departure is between 2nd September 2023 and 7 October 2023. This day will be replaced with a stunning walking tour into Switzerland.
Ascent: 2,460ft
Distance covered: 9km
Walking time: Approximately 6 hours
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Sud
Leave the Chalet and walk to Les Praz. Then take the gondola to La Flégère. From this incredibly high vantage point, take a circular walk to Lac Blanc and enjoy the stunning panoramic scenery. Afterwards, descend to Lacs des Chéserys, where you may see the mountains reflecting in the water, at least on a still day.
From there, use a short ladder to descend. Then keep descending until you reach the Grand Balcon Sud, followed by a walk back to La Flégère. Enjoy free leisure in the afternoon.
Ascent: 1,770ft
Descent: 1,770ft
Distance covered: 5.6mi
Walking time: Approximately 7 hours
Spring and Autumn Departures: The La Flégère gondola is open for trips between 10th June and 16th September. Outside of these departure times, the gondola will be closed and the cost of entering the gondola will not be included in your total trip cost. If there is a timetable change and the lift happens to be open, you can pay locally (about €20) for the cost of the cable car.
From Argentière, start your day by following the Balcon Sud. Then climb to the Grand Balcon Sud that connects to Chamonix valley. Enjoy the incredible scenery and take plenty of photographs. From La Flégère, make your descent via Chalet Floria and enjoy a hot beverage.
Ascent: 2,430ft
Descent: 3,120ft
Distance covered: 7.5mi. This also includes any extra flat walking in the valley, plus getting to and from the chalet.
Walking time: Approximately 8 hours
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Chalet Chamonix or Chocolat
After breakfast, say goodbye to the group and conclude your journey. Take a flight back to Geneva and then London.
(B)
