Tour du Mont Blanc Week

Tour du Mont Blanc Week

8 Days Starting in Col de la Forclaz and ending in Chamonix

Visiting: Col de la Forclaz, Orsières, Grand Col Ferret, Les Chapieux, Les Contamines, Chamonix

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TWP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 14

Physical rating:

Challenging

Age range:

18-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Mountain Biking

From: $3300

NB: Prices correct on 18-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The Mont Blanc Circuit – also known as the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) – is deservedly one of the world’s classic walks, circumnavigating the highest mountain in western Europe. This exciting itinerary concentrates on some of the most spectacular sections, enabling us to produce a hard and exhilarating one-week trip for the trekking enthusiast. Overnighting in family-run accommodation, we trek clockwise around the Mont Blanc massif, enjoying hearty local cuisine from three countries, phenomenal views and some of the best walking in Europe.

Highlights

  • Spend a week hiking the most scenic trails on the Mont Blanc Circuit

  • Join a small group guided by an International Mountain Leader with expert knowledge of the area

  • Challenge yourself against cols and passes with glorious views along the way

  • Experience three countries and cultures in one week: France, Italy, Switzerland

  • Finish the adventure in Chamonix, a world-famous hub for mountain activities

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Col De La Forclaz, Switzerland

Location: Col de la Forclaz

Accommodation Name: Hotel Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland

Meals Included: Dinner

We start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz. A short (unguided) walk to view the Trient Glacier is an option this afternoon, depending on arrival time. In the evening, there is an introductory briefing by your leader and time to spilt bags between items to be delivered to the hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with you.



Accommodation: Hotel Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland (or similar)

Day 2 : Follow The Bovine Route To The Pretty Village Of Champex Lac And On To Orsières

Location: Orsières

Accommodation Name: Hotel de l’Union in Orsières, Switzerland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We leave the Col de la Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) from where we can look directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. Following our path through the forest and up to high alpine pastures (great for flowers in the early season), the Bovine Route (6,720ft/2,049m) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch, we descend to Champex (4,880ft/1,486m) and the east side of the Mont Blanc massif. Walking south, we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and onto Orsières (2,910ft/887m), a pretty alpine village in the valley at the foot of the St Bernard Pass.



Accommodation: Hotel de l'Union in Orsières, Switzerland (or similar)

Day 3 : Short Bus Transfer To La Fouly And Climb To The Highest Point, Grand Col Ferret, And Descend Into Italy

Location: Grand Col Ferret

Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria in La Palud, Italy

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly (5,250ft/1,600m), which is dominated by the glaciated face of Mont Dolent, whose summit is the meeting point of the French, Swiss and Italian borders. Still following the valley and the river, La Drance, we climb steadily to the Grand Col Ferret (8,320ft/2,537m), the highest pass of the tour. The mountain views from the col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. Now in Italy, we descend into the valley also called Val Ferret (5,770ft/1,760m) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud.



Accommodation: Hotel Astoria in La Palud, Italy (or similar)

Day 4 : Trek From Val Veny Over Col De La Seigne To Les Chapieux

Location: Les Chapieux

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We travel by bus to La Visaille (5,450ft/1,660m) then climb gently along the Val Veny beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal. The gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for today’s pass: the Col de la Seigne (8,250ft/2,516m), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870ft/1,789m) and finally, after a long walking day, to Les Chapieux (5,100ft/1,553m), a small hamlet inhabited only during summer. For departures on the 5/7/25 and 6/9/25 from here we take a private transfer down the valley to our accommodation in Bourg St Maurice.



Accommodation: Auberge de la Nova in Chapieux, France (or similar)

Day 5 : A Tougher Day Over Two Cols; Croix Du Bonhomme And Col Du Bonhomme; Descend To Les Contamines

Location: Les Contamines

Accommodation Name: Auberge (inn) Gelinotte in Les Contamines, France

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

A morning transfer back to Les Chapieux, where we have reached the southwest corner of the circuit and we turn north to climb once again. Today is a big day, first we ascend to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,130ft/2,479m), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641ft/2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (3,860ft/1,175m). Our path continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time for a well-deserved cold drink.



Accommodation: Auberge (inn) Gelinotte in Les Contamines, France (or similar)

Day 6 : Over The Col Du Tricot To The Chamonix Valley

Location: Chamonix

Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond in Chamonix, or Ibis Styles in Les Houches (22nd June 2024 departure), France

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (5,120ft/1,560m), a great spot to sample home-cooked delicacies. From here, we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950ft/2,119m) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay with good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc massif. Eventually, we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (5,420ft/1,652m) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the village of Les Houches (3,260ft/993m) and take the bus to our hotel.



Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers in Chamonix, France (or similar)

Day 7 : Final Day Trekking Past Lac Blanc Before Descending To Chamonix

Location: Chamonix

Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond in Chamonix, or Ibis Styles in Les Houches (22nd June 2024 departure), France

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our final day presents perhaps one of our most spectacular walks; trekking a section of the Grand Balcon Sud route past the beautiful and photogenic Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route then drops sharply down to Chamonix (3,380ft/1,030m) and the end of our trek.



Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers in Chamonix, France (or similar)

Day 8 : End Chamonix

Location: Chamonix

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts and six dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Tour leader throughout

  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation not available

  • Visas or vaccinations

Food

All breakfasts and dinners are included except dinner in Chamonix on Day 7 of the itinerary.



Typical meals



Breakfast: Usually coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread and conserves.

Lunches: No lunches are provided but can easily be bought locally from either shops or the hotel
efuge.

Evening meal: Generally, a first course of soup, salad or charcuterie, a main course of meat with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals.

Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the time of booking.

Vegans: You may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region.

Accommodation

Throughout our mountain adventure, we stay in a collection of family-run hotels and auberges, all of which have spent years caring and catering for weary hikers. For the uninitiated, an auberge is equivalent to an inn: modest accommodation (often in a rural setting) that provides a warm, welcoming place to stop for travellers and hikers.



Most of the properties in which we stay offer panoramic views over the Alps, while culturally reflecting the local community. Though most are relatively basic, all are clean, well run and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind, while acting as a vital source of income to the local people.



Worth knowing



Room sizes are - twin, double, triple or quad. Facilities vary between accommodations and sometimes between rooms within a property.

On one night, bathroom facilities may be on the landing rather than inside the room (dependent on availability and group size).

Couples always have their own room but we cannot guarantee whether this will be a twin or double.

Solo travellers maybe required to share twin, triple or quad rooms.

We can’t accept bookings for single rooms due to the small size of the hotels used and the fact we are usually staying only one night in each property.

Due to limited availability, occasionally we may need to change a hotel to one further down the valley, and will provide a bus or taxi transfer.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    No visa required for British passport holders.



  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.



  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 18 year age people can go on this tour.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    14

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

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

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

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

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Excellent trip

I loved this hiking holiday!! We had some serious hiking on this trip. Long days, some days with really high mileage and good ascent. Our hike leader was excellent, she really knew the area very well and was extremely helpful with practical tips throughout the trip.

Fabulous week hiking the TMB

Had a wonderful week hiking the TMB, Egle our guide was fantastic (Lot's of patience) had the most fantastic group of people to hike with. The TMB itself was just outstanding, the ascents were pretty tough going, you are rewarded with the most stunning views.

TMB a dream come true

An excellent fulfilled week spent well. Our guide was unbelievably knowledgeable of everything from the mountains to the flowers. Simply couldn’t have asked for a better person to lead us , thanks Jason. If I were to change anything it would be to introduce a baggage transfer service.

A fantastic way to spend a week.

Not easy but very rewarding,especially at my age.the ascents were steady and the views fantastic,but the descents were relentless so some training pays dividends.The accommodation was good as was the food.Our guide was superb having to cope with people who walk at different paces is not easy,as everybody has to be kept as safe as possible .Finally the people in the group were fantastic ,very supportive,willing to share food and medical supplies and the evenings were a riot of humour .Cannot wait to go on another trip.

Great guide, great company, great trip

A fantastic trip. Everything I hoped for and more with a great bunch of fellow travellers and a patient, tolerant and lovely guide (Egle)

A superb week in three countries

This is a great trip hiking through three countries and experiencing the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We had a great guide - Augustine - who led us safely through all the hikes. We had variable weather - but this was fine. However, come prepared for all weathers, even in the height of summer. The walking is quite challenging and the fitter you are, the more the walks will be enjoyed. Make sure you come with spending money - and Swiss francs are useful for the first couple of days in Switzerland, even though the trip notes say euros are fine (you'll get a better deal with francs). Switzerland is, obviously, more expensive than Italy and France. Self-catering for packed lunches is quite easy, with local shops etc. If you buy packed lunches, they are over-priced, although generally very good. Included breakfasts and dinners are, overall, excellent. Accommodation - very comfortable and fit for purpose. The hotel in Forclaz, on day one, is the least impressive. Some trip notes details are not as accurate as they could be. This is a superb walking trip through a beautiful area of Europe. It is well worth the expense.

Excellent week on Tour du Mont Blanc!

The week was very well organized and very well led by Egle. The accommodation and food were great and each day's walk was an adventure.

The Alps Are Wonderful

We have always wanted to hike the Mont Blanc Circuit, but didn't want to hike it alone. We wanted to go with an international group as we love meeting new people, especially from outside the US. Our group members were funny and interesting, and we couldn't have asked for a nicer group of people. And the mountains! This trip does a great job of giving you the highlights of the circuit. I'd highly recommend it and do it again.

Fantastic week!

Fantastic week! The whole week was brilliant from start to finish, the hotels were cosy and welcoming. The food was lovely especially the surprising stops that were sometimes at the top of a col. The scenary was beautiful, we especially loved seeing the snow capped peaks! We were very lucky to have a small group and we got on very well. We also had amazing weather, sunny everyday!

TMB July 2015

Very enjoyable trip.

Read all 36 reviews

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