Complete 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Trek

Complete 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival

Your tour begins in Chamonix near the junction of France, Switzerland, and Italy, from where you’ll set out to explore the highest peak of the Alps—Mount Blanc. No matter where you are in this famous resort town, impressive vistas surround you in all directions, making even just a stroll down the street an adventure.

It’s not a bad idea to arrive here a day or two early, allowing you time to catch a train to the Mer de Glace or the cable car to Aiguille du Midi, both phenomenal excursions!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chamonix
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Bellevue Cable Car and Trek to Les Contamines

Your first day of trekking Mont Blanc is here! Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then take a bus transfer from Chamonix to Les Houches, where you’ll hop on the Bellevue cable car up to 1800m, taking in jaw-dropping views along the way. Switching things up from the “normal French route,” you’ll instead trace the edge of the mountain to Col de Voza, where you’ll begin your exhilarating descent into the valley.

On the route, you’ll take in several quaint mountain villages that pepper the valley floor, each set against the magnificent backdrop of Mont Blanc. The final section unfolds along the Bon Nant river, which you’ll follow to Les Contamines. Then, joining an ancient Roman path, you’ll traverse blooming meadows and enchanting woods to this evening’s cozy mountain hut.
Overnight Location: Mountain Hut in Contamines
Distance: 7 hours, 20.5km, 987m of ascent, 1,094m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3 Trek the Plan de Dames and the Vallee des Chapieux

Set out on your second day of trekking, ready to seize your next adventure in the Alps. This morning you’ll hike through the Plan de Dames, ascending first to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m/7,641ft), before pressing on to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m/8,133ft).

From the top of the pass, take in the spellbinding views of the alpine valleys that sprawl before you in every direction. Then, descend via the Vallee des Chapieux, crossing small brooks and several huts. You’ll soon arrive in Les Chapieux, a tiny mountain village where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: Refuge in Bourg St Maurice
Distance: 7 hours, 15km, 900m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 4 Trek the Val Veny to the Col de la Seigne

Today is the most challenging day of the trek, but the rewards are guaranteed to be well worth the effort! Following two beautiful days trekking in France, today marks your cross over into Italy as you trek to the Col de la Seigne (2,516m/8,254ft) via the Val Veny.

An exciting climb through a plunging gorge sets the tone for the trek as you hike surrounded by wide-open pastures featuring almost lunar-like scenery. Stop to admire the Col de la Seigne and the Aiguille des Glaciers (3,816m/12,519ft) mountains lording over the landscape in the distance where Switzerland and Italy meet. Reach the top of the pass, then descend the Val Veny down the opposite side of Mont Blanc, where further mesmerizing views await.
Overnight Location: Mountain Hut in Courmayeur
Distance: 5-7 hours, 14km-19km, 1250m/1500m of ascent, 1180m/1380m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 5 Explore Courmayeur and Trek to Val Ferret

This morning you’ll rise and set out on a 5.5km walk to a bus bound for the world-famous ski resort, Courmayeur. Once in Courmayeur, spend some time relaxing and enjoying the quintessential Alps ambience and exceptional amenities.

Continue with a steep climb up to Val Ferret, hiking through pretty meadows and conifer woods. On the route, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Grandes Jorasses (4,208m/13,805ft), yet another famous mountain of the Mont Blanc massif to grace your path.

For a more relaxed day, spend time strolling the streets of Courmayeur then take a bus to Val Ferret.
Overnight Location: Mountain Hut in Val Ferret
Distance: 2.5-4.5 hours, 5.5km-12km, 300m/900m of ascent, 800m/400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6 Trek to the Col du Gran Ferret and La Fouly

Rise in the mountains this morning, breathing in the fresh alpine air afforded by the Alps. This morning you’ll begin with a steep ascent past several abandoned farms, marking the beginning of your trek into Switzerland. The route ascends gradually before a challenging climb to Rifugio Elena, then on to the Col du Gran Ferret (2,537m/8,323ft) where you’ll find the crossing to Switzerland.

Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the snow-capped Aiguille de Triolet (3,870m / 12,696ft) and the receding Pre de Bar glacier as you prepare to descend to the tiny hamlet of Ferret, then on to La Fouly where you’ll find tonight’s remote hotel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in La Fouly
Distance: 6 hours, 18km, 700m of ascent, 715m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7 Trek to Champex-Lac

After several challenging days, you’ll enjoy an easier walk today on a lengthy section, but one without significant elevation gains and losses.

Set out from La Fouly, tracing the river through pretty woodlands to reach Les Arlaches, a lovely little hamlet with traditional homes. Continue the trail to Orsieres, finally descending to tonight’s accommodation at Champex-Lac, a gorgeous mountain village perched on the lake.
Overnight Location: Refuge in Champex-Lac
Distance: 6 hours, 18km, 700m of ascent, 715m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 8 Trek to Trient via the Fenêtre d'Arpette and Glacier du Trient

The Swiss Alps are yours to discover today as you trek the Fenêtre d'Arpette (2,665m/8,743ft), then descend via the Glacier du Trient. The small village of Trient is nestled on the pass road between Martigny and Chamonix. You'll enjoy stunning alpine meadows and pretty woodlands on your way to Trient, where you'll spend the night in a restored country house.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Trient
Distance: 7 hours, 16km, 711m of ascent, 1125m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 9 Trek to Montroc

Savour every moment of today's trek, as this journey to Montroc marks your final up-close views of magnificent Mont Blanc. Bound for France this morning, you'll hike towards Lake Charamillon, with the colossal Glacier du Tour as your guide. Enjoy a thrilling trail along the mountain crests, soaking up the imposing glacier and surrounding valley views.

Arriving at the Swiss-France border, stop to revel in the views of Mont Blanc and its rugged ivory-coloured peaks, which contrast remarkably with the brilliant blue sky. Afterwards, take the bus or train to spend the night near Chamonix.
Overnight Location: Chalet in Argentière - Chamonix
Distance: 4 hours, 14.5km, 985m of ascent, 906m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 10 Final Hike and Return to Chamonix

Start your morning with a public transfer to small village of Les Frasserands, where you'll take in the typical wooden houses characteristic of the French Alps. Then, a brief climb will guide you into the Aiguilles Rouges Natural Park. You can either climb up to La Blanc from the park before descending to La Flegere or descend directly to La Flegere.

Hiking towards Planpraz, you'll encounter a stellar lineup of remarkable mountain views, including the Aiguille Verte, the Drus, the Aiguille du Midi, and Mont Blanc du Tacul. From Planpraz, return to Chamonix via cable car, where your trek concludes.

Chamonix is an excellent place to celebrate a successful trek of Mont Blanc! Enjoy this bustling alpine town's unique atmosphere with a farewell dinner, followed perhaps by some celebratory drinks at one of Chamonix's buzzing bars or nightclubs.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Chamonix
Distance: 7-8 hours, 18km, 1623/1443m of ascent, 971m/789m of descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 11 Departure

Your Tour du Mont Blanc concludes this morning. Check out of your hotel in Chamonix and depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast