A true mountain adventure, the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of our favorite inn-to-inn hiking routes and a longtime classic.

"Mont Blanc is the monarch of mountains; They crowned him long ago on a throne of rocks, in a robe of clouds, with a diadem of snow."
- Lord Byron

The Tour du Mont Blanc hiking circuit around Mont Blanc, western Europe's highest mountain, is the perfect mix of awe-inspiring mountain views and the vibrant influence of three distinct European countries – France, Italy, and Switzerland. The hiking route leads us between small alpine villages, over moutainous passes, and along ancient glaciers as we travel through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. Our expert guides lead us from village to village as we dip down into a new valley each day and savor changes in language, landscape, architecture, and cuisine. Our cultural delights range from the French resort town of Chamonix, to the medieval city of Courmayeur, Italy, to quaint alpine villages in Switzerland where we enjoy delicious and hearty meals of local specialties.

Days 1-2: Meet in the mountain resort town of Chamonix, France, a pretty village nestled under the flanks of snow-covered Mont Blanc. From Chamonix, our warm-up hiking brings us up to the Aiguilles Rouges. As we hike along the Grand Balcony trail, we get a dazzling view of many of the highest peaks in the Alps, and of the mountain-ringed alpine Lac Blanc.

Day 3: Enjoy fabulous views of the Mont Blanc range, as we hike along the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay, through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (7,000'), and into Les Contamines, an unspoiled, traditional French village.

Day 4: Our hiking brings us along an old Roman road that climbs steadily through a beautiful conifer forest, and across broad alpine pastures, as we make our way over the Col de la Croix-de-Bonhomme (8,200') and down through rich, open pastures to the remote summer village of Chapieux.

Day 5: Leaving France, we hike into Italy via grassy trails and old Roman roads, crossing the Col de la Seigne (8,245'), with views of Mont Blanc's massive southern face, and descend into the mountain resort town of Courmayeur.

Day 6: We hike from Italy into the mountain wonderland of Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (8,400'), and continue hiking to the mountain-ringed lake resort of Champex, with its typical Swiss-style chalets and pretty gardens.

Day 7: Today there are two hiking options, one through the high alpine pastures of Bovine with expansive views of the Rhone Valley, and another more challenging route up and over the rugged Fenetre d'Arpette (8,800'). Both routes offer wonderful views of the majestic Swiss Alps.

Day 8: Today we complete our circuit, departing from Trient and hiking through high pastures and back into France over the Col du Balme (7,230'), with glorious views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley below. We celebrate our accomplishments tonight in Chamonix.

Day 9: Departure from Chamonix, France.

We partner with local companies to transfer your bags from one inn to the next, so all you need on the trail is a daypack and a hiker's spirit. We avoid shared bath accommodations wherever possible, and do not stay in dormitory-style rooms; instead we choose charming alpine properties that provide great meals and relaxation. Our renowned local guides know how to make the most out of a day on the trail (and a gourmet picnic lunch), introducing you to the grandeur of the Mont Blanc region.

THE BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS ADVANTAGE

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world's most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips, so that you can choose which works best for you.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly – striving to preserve traditions.
  

Most Convenient Airport:
Geneva International Airport; Geneva, Switzerland (airport code GVA)

Meeting Time and Place:
Your guide(s) will meet you in the evening on the first day of the trip, in the lobby of our first hotel in Chamonix.

Departure Time and Place:
Chamonix, France, after breakfast on the last day of the trip. Please note that transfers to the Geneva International Airport take approximately 1.5 hours. Please plan your flight schedule accordingly.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Physical Activity
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. The walks on this trip range from 5-8 hours. The terrain is usually gradual, although you may encounter occasional steep sections. Most walks are on unpaved paths and trails, with minimal vehicle support. Trails, at times, may be wet and slick with mud.

Preparing for this Trip
It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. All participants must be in good physical condition. We recommend that you make a special effort to get in top physical condition for the trip.

Please engage in moderate aerobic activities (hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, it is important to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability. The more well-prepared you are for the hiking on this trip, the more you will enjoy this unique alpine experience. Please consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness programs. 

A Note on Accommodations
The hotels we stay in are rustic, well-located for hikers, and busy in the summer hiking season. Please note that these are hikers' hotels, not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. In one of the hotels, there are shared bathrooms (no private baths). Single rooms are offered when possible, but those who pay the Single Supplement have to be prepared for this not being available at every property.

Weather
Being an alpine environment, weather is variable throughout the day and by elevation. A warm, sunny day in the valley can be anywhere from delightfully refreshing to downright brisk at higher elevations. Therefore, dressing in layers will be essential to your comfort throughout the day. Rain is possible at any time, and weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so having rain gear on hand is also advisable. At the same time, the sun is strong at higher elevations, and therefore adequate precautions should be taken to prevent sunburn, even on cool, sunny days. On average, the temperature in July is 76°F for a high, and 58°F for a low; and in June and August these numbers are about the same. You may obtain more detailed weather information by visiting www.weatherbase.com.
 

Overview:  Charming small inns and hotels, private and shared bath accommodations.

Nights 1 & 2:  Hotel l'Oustalet
Chamonix, France

Located next to the pedestrian center of Chamonix, this charming inn offers hearty breakfasts, incredible views, and a great swimming pool.

 
Night 3:  Hôtel La Chemenaz
Les Contamines Montjoie, France

The Chemenaz offers beautiful views of the neighboring mountains, comfortable and cozy accommodations, great alpine service, and a heated swimming pool.

Night 4:  Auberge-Refuge de la Nova
Les Chapieux, France

A simple family-run hiker's inn offering hearty cuisine. Shared bath and extremely limited single accommodations available.

Night 5:  Hotel Berthod
Courmayeur, Italy

A converted old country house in an ideal location in the center of town with views of Mont Blanc.

Night 6:   Hotel du Glacier
Champex, Switzerland

A family-run hotel ideally situated on Lake Champex with a billiards lounge, sauna, and hot tub.

Night 7:   Hotel Beau-Sejour
Finhaut, Switzerland

A simple alpine hotel (single accommodations very limited) that serves regional cuisine.

Night 8:  Hotel l'Oustalet
See description for Nights 1 & 2.
 

DAY 1 
Arrival in Chamonix; trip briefing and welcome dinner

We meet at our mountain resort in Chamonix, France, a pretty village nestled under the flanks of snow-covered Mont Blanc (15,770'), the highest mountain in western Europe. Chamonix is the "mountaineering capital" of Europe, and has been a climbing and skiing center for over 100 years. This wonderful town has a charming atmosphere and is well-preserved with cobbled streets full of lively sidewalk cafés. We have a trip briefing and welcome dinner this evening.
Hotel l'Oustalet, Chamonix, France

DAY 2 
Lac Blanc

Optional hike – moderate, 4-5 hours (about 6 miles) with 1,700' elevation gain and loss.

Today is free to rest and explore Chamonix, or you may join your guides for a "warm-up" hike up to the Aiguilles Rouges, with Lac Blanc as our destination. As we hike along the Grand Balcony trail, we get a dazzling view of many of the highest peaks in the Alps, with spectacular views over the entire Chamonix Valley. We then return by cable car from La Flégère or continue hiking along the Grand Balcony to the cable car station at Planpraz. You are free to enjoy local fare this evening in one of Chamonix's great savoyarde (regional) restaurants.
Hotel l'Oustalet, Chamonix, France

DAY 3 
Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie

Hike – strenuous, 5-6 hours (about 8 miles) with 2,400' elevation gain and 4,400' loss.

The Mont Blanc circuit starts a few miles outside of Chamonix at the village of Les Houches, where we take a cable car up to Bellevue. The hiking begins here, with fantastic views of the Chamonix Valley's peaks and surroundings. We first hike along the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay, and then up to the Col de Tricot (7,000'), with fine views of the Dômes de Miage. A steep descent brings us to the Chalets de Miage where we enjoy a picnic lunch with the beauty of the Alps around us. Following lunch, we climb up the hill known as Truc, and then descend through a lovely forest to the charming resort village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, once a town of chamois hunters and smugglers, and today a popular mountaineering and ski area. Tonight there is time to explore the town, relax, and refuel for the next stage of our journey.
Hôtel La Chemenaz, Les Contamines, France

DAY 4 
Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux

Hike – strenuous, 7-8 hours (about 10 miles) with 4,400' elevation gain and 3,200' loss.

In the morning we make our way to the end of the valley and to our trailhead at the pilgrimage chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge – a church of strange Baroque architecture. From the church we walk along an old Roman road that climbs steadily through a beautiful forest, crosses broad alpine pastures, and passes rustic chalets as we make our way to the Col du Bonhomme (7,600'), our first pass. After lunch at the Col du Bonhomme, a short, gradual uphill traverse takes us across Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme (8,200'), with superb vistas over the Tarantaise region. After a brief rest, we have a long and sometimes steep descent through rich, open pastures to the remote summer village of Les Chapieux (5,200'). Our simple hiker's inn is superbly situated at the southern limit of the Massif du Mont Blanc, and offers us a much deserved hearty dinner.

Note: Today is one of our longest and most strenuous days on the Tour du Mont Blanc, as we cross two mountain passes, the Col du Bonhomme (7,600'), and the Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme (8,200').
Auberge-Refuge de la Nova, Les Chapieux, France

DAY 5 
Les Chapieux to Courmayeur

Hike – moderate to strenuous, 4-5 hours (about 8.5 miles) with 1,600' elevation gain and 3,600' loss.

We begin our day with a short transfer to the end of the Vallée des Glaciers. Leaving France, we hike into the Aosta region of Italy via grassy trails and ancient passages.
 
We climb eastward and enjoy a relatively easy hike over the Col de la Seigne (8,245').  The views are dramatic from the pass, encompassing the Aiguille Noire and the Italian face of Mont Blanc that dominates the Val Veni. An easy descent brings us farther into Italy, and from the very first mountain refuge we pass, the cultural difference between France and Italy is striking. At the end of our day of hiking we transfer to Courmayeur where we spend the remaining part of the day exploring this resort town spectacularly settled beneath the Grand Jorasses and the Brenva Glacier. You are free to enjoy dinner this evening at one of Courmayeur's many fine restaurants.
Hotel Berthod, Courmayeur, Italy

DAY 6 
Courmayeur to Champex

Hike – moderate to strenuous, 5-6 hours (about 7.5 miles) with 2,450' elevation gain and 2,750' loss.

After a short transfer from Courmayeur, we hike from Italy into the mountain wonderland of Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (8,400'), passing beneath the massive granite peaks of Mont Dolent, the Dent du Geant, and the Grandes Jorasses. We hike through alpine meadows and past fast-flowing streams on our moderate but spectacular climb towards the pass, and enjoy amazing views of the icy southern flanks of the Mont Blanc massif.

The Grand Col Ferret has been in use for several centuries and serves as the Italian-Swiss border between Val D'Aosta and the canton of Valais. The landscape in the Swiss Val Ferret is gentler, with enticing streams and woodlands, and an extraordinary abundance of wildflowers.

Our arrival in Switzerland is greeted by the sound of Swiss cow bells and rustic chalets with geraniums spilling from window boxes. We descend to the village of Ferret, and transfer to the mountain-ringed lake resort of Champex. There is time to relax before dinner at this comfortable hotel.
Hotel du Glacier, Champex, Switzerland

DAY 7
Champex to Col de la Forclaz

Hike – strenuous, 6-7 hours (about 8.5 miles) with 3,300' elevation gain and 4,300' loss.

OR

Hike – moderate, 6-7 hours (about 9 miles) with 1,850' elevation gain and 1,715' loss.

Our hike today begins from the town of Champex. There are two hiking options: one through the high alpine pastures of Bovine with expansive views of the Rhone Valley, and another more challenging route up and over the rugged Fenetre d'Arpette (8,800'). Both routes offer wonderful views of the majestic Swiss Alps.

The more strenuous option takes us up and across several huge moraines and boulder fields in the isolated glacial valley of Val d'Arpette. Our trail then ascends one last, steep pitch to the Fenêtre d'Arpette, a narrow col overlooking the Trient Glacier and its valley. Once atop the pass, a breezy lunch break offers remarkable views over the glacier. A very long and steep descent brings us to the nose of the glacier and another perfect rest stop. From here, we follow an ancient irrigation channel to the Col de la Forclaz (5,000'), and then on to Finhaut for our overnight at a family-run inn.

Our less challenging option today is Bovine Way, an old trail used to access the summer cow pastures high above the valley. We start with a gentle walk in a spruce forest, and after crossing a number of streams we climb steeply to arrive at the flower-filled meadows of an exceptionally beautiful traverse overlooking the Rhone Valley, 4,000' below. Our picnic spot has glorious views of the mountains of Switzerland reaching into the distance. Our afternoon route descends steadily through wooded slopes to the Col de la Forclaz.

Note: Today is our second tough hiking day if weather permits and we choose the route via the steep Fenêtre d'Arpette; this option is very weather dependent. The ascent begins gradually, but as we approach the top the trail becomes quite steep and disappears into a field of huge boulders. We scramble over and between the boulders to reach the summit. It is not technically difficult, but is strenuous as it comes at the end of a long ascent.
Hotel Beau-Sejour, Finhaut, Switzerland

DAY 8 
Trient to Le Tour

Hike – moderate to strenuous, 5-6 hours (about 9 miles) with 3,050' elevation gain and 3,000' loss.

Today we complete our circuit with one of its most beautiful stages. Departing from Trient, we hike through high pastures and back into France over the Col du Balme (7,230'), with glorious views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley below. We have lunch at the pass, enjoy the sweeping views, and then descend by foot or gondola to the village of Le Tour, from which we head back to Chamonix. We gather to celebrate our accomplishments tonight with a farewell dinner in town.
Hotel l'Oustalet, Chamonix, France

DAY 9 
Departure

Our trip ends after breakfast, and you are free to continue your exploration of Chamonix, or depart for your next destination.

Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
 

• Expert leadership
• All accommodations
• All meals except two dinners included
• All transportation and baggage transfers during the trip
• All activities as noted in the itinerary