National Geographic Traveler rates this epic adventure in its "50 Tours of a Lifetime," and with good reason!
Boundless Journeys’ Tour du Mont Blanc hike is a thrilling hiking circuit around Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. This Mont Blanc hiking tour offers a diverse range of experiences, from awe-inspiring mountain views to the vibrant influences of France, Italy, and Switzerland. As we walk through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, we follow a route that travels between small Alpine villages, over mountainous passes, and along ancient glaciers. Throughout your adventure, local expert guides will lead you from village to village as you dip down into a new valley each day and savor language, landscape, architecture, and cuisine changes.
Our Mont Blanc guided tour begins in the French Alps in the picturesque resort town of Chamonix. Our France hiking tour route takes us along the foot of the massive Glacier de Bionnassay and on an old Roman road through forests and past rustic chalets to Col du Bonhomme. Then, we transition into Italy’s Aosta region via grassy trails and ancient passages. Our Italy walking tour experience dives into the stunning landscape and massive views above Courmayeur overlooking the Val Ferret. Leaving Italy behind, we hike through Alpine meadows and past fast-flowing mountain streams to the magnificent pass of Grand Col Ferret, which serves as the Italian-Switzerland border. During our Switzerland tour, we encounter quaint Alpine villages and enjoy delicious and hearty meals of local specialties. Join Boundless Journeys in Mont Blanc on this adventure tour of a lifetime.
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Arrival in Chamonix; Trip Briefing & Welcome Dinner
We meet at our mountain hotel 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 more than 100 years. This wonderful town has a charming atmosphere and is well-preserved with cobbled streets full of lively sidewalk cafés. This evening, we have a trip briefing and welcome dinner.
Hôtel PrieuréChamonix-Mont Blanc, France
The Prieuré is a Savoyarde style chalet hotel with great balcony views of the Mont Blanc massif and Aiguilles Rouges, known for their local charm, service, and spa with sauna, hot tub and steam room.
Lac Blanc
Today we join our guide for an introductory 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 vistas over the entire Chamonix Valley and the massif, which we will hike around in the week ahead. 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 many wonderful Savoyard (regional) restaurants.
Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie
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 (6,955'), with sight 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.
Hotel La ChemenazLes Contamines-Montjoie, France
The Chemenaz is located in the small bustling resort town of Contamines les Montjoie. The hotel offers beautiful views of the "Domes de Miages" to the south of Mont Blanc, comfortable accommodations, and fine alpine hospitality. Relax after after the day’s hike in the swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Enjoy regional Savoyard specialties in their restaurant La Trabla.
Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux
In the morning we make our way to the end of the valley and our trailhead at the pilgrimage chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge—a church of unique Baroque architecture. From the church we walk along an old Roman road that climbs steadily through a beautiful forest, 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 overlooking 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'). A brief twenty-minute transfer will take us to our truly authentic Savoie hotel for tonight's stay. This evening, we enjoy a fine regional dinner at a charming, local restaurant.
Note: Today is one of the 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').
Hotel L’AutanticBourg Saint Maurice, France
A beautiful stone lodge located in the small mountain resort town of Bourg St. Maurice. Located in a tranquil setting with a beautiful courtyard and garden, L’Autantic is a short walk from town, offering mountain views, pool and sauna, and authentic Savoie style and hospitality. A bountiful breakfast is served in the welcoming veranda, overlooking the eastern side of the Mont Blanc massif.
Bourg St. Maurice to Courmayeur
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 remainder 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 BerthodCourmayeur, Italy
Hotel Berthod is a converted old country house in an ideal location in the center of lively Courmayeur, the "Italian Chamonix". The Berthod family who has operated the hotel for many years, embraces all guests with a gracious welcome and service. Balconies offer impressive views of Mont Blanc, and many shops and cafes are just a few steps away to immerse yourself in Italian culture for the evening.
Mont de la Saxe to Refugios
Today, we experience the Tour du Mont Blanc route above Courmayeur overlooking the Val Ferret. We enjoy the stunning landscape of the massif from the Italian side, which is more dramatic and rugged than the French side. The peaks are closer allowing great views of the Dent du Géant, Grandes Jorasses, and others.
We take a local bus up the valley to start our hike along the ridge of Mont de la Saxe, where we have panoramic views along the way to Refugio Bonatti. We parallel the full mountain range and its steep and impressive south faces. After a lunch break, we continue our hike along the footsteps of the famous Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc and to Refuge Bertone before descending back to the valley to return to Courmayeur for some time to explore this charming town.
You may also choose to relax at our hotel's new spa before dinner on your own: soak in the hot tub or warm your muscles in the steam room or sauna.
Courmayeur–Champex
After a short transfer from Courmayeur, we hike from Italy into the mountain wonderland of Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret (8,400'), and pass 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 mountain streams on our moderate but spectacular climb towards the pass, enjoying 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 our comfortable hotel.
Hotel du GlacierChampex, Switzerland
Hotel du Glacier is a family-run hotel ideally situated on Lake Champex, reflecting views of the surrounding mountains. Swiss flags and cows with ringing bells in the surrounding area will welcome you in Switzerland. The hotel offers a billiards lounge and opportunity to relax in the or hot tub after a full day’s hike. Experience the local culture in the small village, a short walk away, before savouring a regional Swiss dinner.
Trient to Le Tour
Today, we complete the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit on one of its most beautiful stages. After a transfer to the village of Trient at the base of a spectacular glacier, 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, enjoying the sweeping views over the massif we've circumnavigated, 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 at one of the best restaurants in Chamonix.
Departure from Chamonix
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 due to 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 or the order visited should the need arise.
9 Days
Jun 28-Jul 6, 2025
Jul 12-20, 2025
Jul 26-Aug 3, 2025
Aug 16-24, 2025
Aug 30-Sep 7, 2025
Take over a date for your group! See "Make It Private" on Dates & Prices tab.
From $4,995 Per Person
First one reserved:$295
Additional:$795
See single supplement policy below.
MAKE IT PRIVATE
Call for pricing: 1-800-941-8010 or email info@boundlessjourneys.com
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
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. As one of our most challenging tours, Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking is rated 4, strenuous, on a scale of 1-5 (5 being the most strenuous). As this classic route completely encircles the Mont Blanc massif, we trek full days through spectacular mountainous terrain, "inn-to-inn" every day (except for our first hike on Day 2). Each rewarding day includes long elevation gains and losses ranging from 1,700 to 4,400 feet; hiking duration ranging from five to eight hours, and mileage ranging from seven to twelve miles. Most hiking is at altitudes between 5,000 and 8,000 feet, and the maximum elevation reached is 8,800 feet.
Although our luggage is transported each day, the hikes have no vehicle access (other than the start and finish), with no shorter options. All trip members should be in strong physical condition and have good hiking experience. No technical climbing experience is necessary. (Limited passenger seats are available in the luggage vehicle in the event a transfer is needed.) We encourage you to call our office for further information to help determine if this trip is right for you.
Trail conditions vary greatly, including a mix of wide dirt paths, hiking trails with rocks and roots, rough, large rocky steps, loose scree, and shallow stream crossings. Uneven terrain underfoot requires agility and stable footing. We request that you bring hiking boots with full ankle support and two trekking poles, which help provide comfort, stability, and most importantly, enjoyment. Our hikes take us through farmland, forest, rocky glacial terrain, and over mountain passes. Each hike includes sustained climbing and descending, sometimes steeply. The route does not travel through exposed sections with drop-offs, but does include limited sections of trail traversing steep hillsides, which may pose an issue for those with vertigo or a fear of heights. Feel free to call our office for further details.
Chamonix, France
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 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.
In 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 and snow are possible at any time, and weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so having rain gear and thermal layers on hand is 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 days.
You may obtain more detailed weather information by visiting www.weatherbase.com.
Chamonix
High: 77 Low: 55
High: 76 Low: 58
High: 70 Low: 48
Savoyard cuisine is centered around the incredible bounty of fresh foods available in the Alpine valleys of the region. You'll enjoy plenty of local cheeses and wines and most menus will feature soups, pasta, fish, meat, and salads. Breakfasts, lunches, and all but two dinners are included; your guide can make recommendations for wonderful local restaurants for those two evenings. Breakfasts include fresh fruit, sliced meats and cheese, yogurt, cereal, and pastries. Picnic lunches usually include fresh fruits and vegetables, cured meats, fresh bread, 2 or 3 local cheeses, and cookies or chocolate for dessert. Most dinners are at our hotels and consist of a good variety of Savoyard choices. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices tend to be more limited.
The hotels we stay in are rustic, well-located for hikers, and busy in the summer 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, and amenities can vary. Although offering excellent service, the Hotel La Grande Ourse offers shared dormitory-style bathrooms (no private baths) and limited single rooms. Those who reserve a single room may be matched with another guest (of the same gender).
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
National Geographic Traveler rates this epic adventure in its "50 Tours of a Lifetime," and with good reason! Boundless Journeys’ Tour du Mont Blanc hike is a thrilling hiking circuit around Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain. This Mont Blanc hiking...
Moderate to strenuous inn-to-inn hiking, 5-8 hours per day with daily ascents and descents of 1,000-4,400 feet.
This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.
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