Tour du Mont Blanc – 8-Day Trek

Start & Finish: Chamonix, France
Recommended Airport: Geneva (GVA), Switzerland
Airport Transfer: 1 hr 15 min – 1 hr 40 min by shuttle or private transfer
Meals: All breakfasts and dinners included (half-board)
Accommodation: Comfortable mountain refuges, gîtes, or budget hotels
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best Season: Late June – mid-September

Day 1 – Arrival & Trek from Chamonix to Les Contamines-Montjoie

Distance: 16 km Walking time: 5–6 hrs Altitude gain: +800 m Max altitude: 1,650 m
Overnight: Les Contamines – Gîte du Pontet or similar

Highlights:

• Start your journey at the foot of Mont Blanc in the charming alpine town of Chamonix.

• Ascend via Les Houches and the Col de Voza (1,653 m) with panoramic views of the Bionnassay Glacier.

• Descend through lush alpine meadows and forest trails to Les Contamines, a peaceful French mountain village.

• Dinner in a local auberge featuring traditional Savoyard dishes such as tartiflette and soup du jour.

Day 2 – Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (France)

Distance: 18 km Walking time: 6–7 hrs Altitude gain: +1,300 m / −900 m Max altitude: 2,479 m (Col du Bonhomme)
Overnight: Les Chapieux – Auberge de la Nova or Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme

Highlights:

• Trek through the Roman bridge of Pont de la Tulle, and enter the Nature Reserve of Contamines-Montjoie.

• Gradual climb through alpine pastures to the Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

• Long descent to Les Chapieux, a tiny mountain hamlet surrounded by grazing cows and waterfalls.

• Warm dinner and cozy rest in a rustic mountain lodge.

Day 3 – Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta (Italy)

Distance: 15 km Walking time: 5–6 hrs Altitude gain: +1,000 m / −500 m Max altitude: 2,516 m (Col de la Seigne)
Overnight: Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini Montanaro

Highlights:

• Today you cross from France into Italy via the Col de la Seigne—one of the most scenic passes on the TMB.

• Breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and its dramatic glaciers as you descend into the Italian Val Veny.

• Stay in a high mountain refuge at Rifugio Elisabetta, surrounded by the glaciers of Aiguille Noire de Peuterey.

• Traditional Italian mountain dinner (pasta, local wine, and tiramisu).

Day 4 – Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur (Italy)

Distance: 15 km Walking time: 5–6 hrs Altitude gain: +450 m / −1,200 m Max altitude: 2,050 m
Overnight: Courmayeur – Hotel Croux or Rifugio Maison Vieille

Highlights:

• Descend through Val Veny with magnificent views of Mont Blanc’s south face.

• Optional detour via Col Chécrouit for a stunning panoramic lunch stop.

• Arrive in Courmayeur, a charming Italian alpine town—perfect for a gelato and espresso.

• Explore the old town or relax at a local spa before dinner.

Day 5 – Courmayeur to La Fouly (Switzerland)

Distance: 20 km Walking time: 7–8 hrs Altitude gain: +1,200 m / −1,100 m Max altitude: 2,537 m (Grand Col Ferret)
Overnight: La Fouly – Auberge des Glaciers or Gîte du Val Ferret

Highlights:

• Early morning climb up through Val Ferret to the Grand Col Ferret, crossing into Switzerland.

• Panoramic views of the Mont Dolent (where France, Italy, and Switzerland meet).

• Descend into Swiss pastures and forested valleys to reach the quiet alpine village of La Fouly.

• Relax with hearty Swiss dinner — raclette or rösti with fresh mountain cheese.

Day 6 – La Fouly to Champex-Lac (Switzerland)

Distance: 15 km Walking time: 5–6 hrs Altitude gain: +700 m / −600 m Max altitude: 1,466 m
Overnight: Champex-Lac – Pension en Plein Air or Hôtel du Glacier

Highlights:

• Gentle alpine walk through Swiss wooden villages—Praz de Fort and Issert.

• Arrive at the tranquil Champex-Lac, often called “the Little Canada of Switzerland.”

• Take a relaxing swim or rowboat on the lake.

• Dinner overlooking the lake with views of the surrounding forested peaks.

Day 7 – Champex-Lac to Trient (Switzerland)

Distance: 16 km Walking time: 6–7 hrs Altitude gain: +800 m / −900 m Max altitude: 2,665 m (Fenêtre d’Arpette, optional high route)
Overnight: Trient – Auberge Mont Blanc or Gîte Relais du Mont-Blanc

Highlights:

• Two route options:

  • Alp Bovine Route: Moderate path through alpine farms with views of Rhône Valley.

  • Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 m): A challenging and spectacular high mountain pass (for experienced trekkers).

• Descend to Trient, known for its pink church and Swiss charm.

• Dinner and relaxation in a cozy gîte or auberge.

Day 8 – Trient to Chamonix (France)

Distance: 14 km Walking time: 5–6 hrs Altitude gain: +700 m / −900 m Max altitude: 2,000 m (Col de Balme)
Overnight: Chamonix – Gîte Le Vagabond or Chalet Les Pelerins

Highlights:

• Cross the Col de Balme (2,191 m) to re-enter France with magnificent views over the Chamonix Valley.

• Descend past alpine meadows and chairlifts to Le Tour or Argentière, then return to Chamonix by bus or on foot.

• Celebrate the completion of the Tour du Mont Blanc with your group — traditional French dinner and local wine.

Day 8 – Chamonix (France)- Geneva

Departure day, we can arrange your transport to Airport, it is advisable to book share taxi.