France, great tour of Mont-Blanc
A magnificent tour around Europe's highest mountain range. A 9-day trek through 3 countries, offering views of the glaciers and peaks of Mont Blanc and exploring the most beautiful variations of the complete circuit of the massif.
9 days from €1125
Confirmed from 4 people
Difficulty: 4/5
6 hours or more of walking per day. Some days may involve an elevation gain of 1000 meters. Good physical condition required. Regular practice of an endurance sport 2 to 3 months prior to the trip.
The pluses of this program
Mountain guide
An orderly route that takes in the most beautiful variations of the great tower of Mont Blanc
A sporty stay but with all the comfort of only bringing our things for the day: our travel bags stay in the car.
Two ski lifts included in the price of the stay
Program
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Program 〰️
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Reception in Chamonix and tour to LAKE BLANCO and Argentière.
The meeting point is in front of the Chamonix train station at 9:00 AM. After leaving our travel bags in the vehicle that will take them to our accommodation, we'll depart for the Grand Balcón Sur via a cable car, saving us a long climb. We'll follow the Grand Balcón Sur and ascend to Lac Blanc at 2,352 meters before continuing past Lac des Chéserys and finally descending to Argentière, where the shuttle will take us to the village of Tour and our accommodation, where our luggage will be waiting. During today's hike, we'll have magnificent views of the legendary peaks of the Mont Blanc massif.
Elevation gain: 600m. Elevation loss: 1200m. 6h30 walking time.
Accommodation: refuge. Transfer: 10 minutes
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FROM THE VILLAGE OF LA VUELTA TO THE TOWN OF TRIENTO VIA THE RIDGES
After leaving the Tour, we climbed to the Aiguillette des Posettes at 2201m altitude, passing along the magnificent Frettes ridges. From here, we discovered a new perspective over the Chamonix valley and the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). We crossed the Swiss border at the Balme pass (2192m) before descending to the village of Trient.
Elevation gain: 950 m. Elevation loss: 1150 m. 7 hours on foot.
Accommodation: hostel
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FROM TRIENTO TO CHAMPEX THROUGH THE ARPETA WINDOW
We set off towards the Arpette window – at 2665m – which will offer us a magnificent panorama of the seracs of the Triento glaciers. Depending on the weather, we may opt for a second, equally impressive route through the Swiss alpine pastures of Bovine.
Positive elevation gain: from 800 m to 1400 m. Negative elevation gain: from 700 m to 1200 m. 6h15 to 8h of walking.
Accommodation: guesthouse.
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FROM CHAMPEX TO LA FOULY.
We can take it easy today with a shorter stage, starting in the alpine pastures of Val Ferret. In Switzerland, we'll visit charming villages before heading towards Praz-de-Brfort and then climb up to La Fouly.
Elevation gain: 650 m. Elevation loss: 680 m. 4h30 walking time.
Accommodation: hostel.
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DE LA FOULY AT THE BONATTI REFUGE BY THE GREAT COL FERRET
We began the day by crossing from the Italian side of the massif via the Ferret Pass (2537 m). From there, we descended to Arnuva, at 1769 m altitude, passing by the Elena Refuge, located at the foot of Mount Dolent. We finished the day with a hike to the refuge where we would spend the night: the Bonatti Refuge.
Positive elevation gain: 1250 m.
Negative elevation change: 800 m. 6h30 walking time.
Accommodation: safe haven.
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FROM THE BONATTI COURMAYEUR SHELTER
We set off this morning along a balcony path towards the Bertone refuge to enjoy an extraordinary panorama of the Grandes Jorasses, and then we descend to the capital of the Italian Alps, Courmayeur, which we will visit.
Elevation gain: 250 m. Elevation loss: 1075 m. 5 hours on foot.
Hotel accommodation.
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FROM COURMAYEUR TO THE CHAPIEUX VILLAGE
We departed this morning by shuttle to Visaille, then began our trek and climbed to the Seigne Pass (2516m), which marks the border between France and Italy. On the Italian side, we discovered the impressive hanging glaciers and incredible views of the summit of Mont Blanc. Finally, we reached the alpine pastures and the charming village of Chapieux.
Positive elevation gain: 950 m.
Negative elevation change: 750 m. 5h30 walking time.
Accommodation: Auberge. Transfer: 30 minutes.
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FROM THE CHAPIEUX TO THE CONTAMINES THROUGH THE PASSAGE OF THE CROSS OF MAN.
Today we cross to the north of the massif via the Croix-du-Bonhomme pass, which reaches an altitude of 2433 m. Straddling Mont Blanc and the Beaufortain massif, we enjoy a breathtaking view of Mont Pourri. We then descend to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge along a centuries-old path that passes through the Bonhomme pass. Finally, we join the Contamines-Montjoie group by shuttle.
Positive elevation gain: 950 m.
Negative elevation change: 1300 m. 6h30 walking time.
Accommodation: hotel. Transfer: 10 minutes.
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FROM POLLUTION TO CHAMONIX, THE CIRCLE IS CLOSED!
Our last day begins with the chalets of Miage (1559 m), which we join by circling Mont Truc. We then climb a slightly more challenging path to reach the Col du Tricot, at 2120 m altitude, to enjoy a well-deserved break and admire the panorama over the Val Montjoie. Next, we head to Bellevue to cross under the Bionnassay Glacier. A cable car then takes us to Les Houches, from where we board a shuttle to Chamonix. We collect our luggage upon arrival, at 5:00 PM.
Positive elevation gain: 1250 m.
Negative elevation change: 600 m. 6h of walking.
The transfer takes 30 minutes.
Important information
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Shelters, hostels, guesthouses, hotels,...
For the night in the shelter, and due to health measures, it is imperative that each participant brings their own down comforter.
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At the accommodation.
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By shuttle and also by cable car.
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Mid-mountain companion.
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6 hours or more of hiking per day. Some days may involve an elevation gain of 1000 meters. Very good physical condition required. Regular practice of an endurance sport for 2 to 3 months prior to departure.
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Between 4 and 15 people
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We walked with only a light backpack containing the equipment for the day and the picnic.
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We prioritize local and organic products above all else, because culture is also discovered through food!
Prices and conditions
PRICE FROM €1125
Included in the price: Accommodation with breakfast from day 1 to day 9 (8 nights) in a shared double room or dormitory. 9 picnic lunches during the hikes. Evening meals from days 1 to 8 included. Shuttle and cable car transfers as specified in the program. State-certified hiking guide. Tourist tax.
Not included in the price: Flights or any other means of transport to France. Breakfast on Day 1. Dinner on Day 9. Drinks, personal expenses, tips or any service not mentioned in the previous section "included in the price".
Single room supplement and plane or ferry tickets: please ask us