> Trek through France, Italy, and Switzerland
> Complete the full Tour du Mont Blanc
> Accommodation in Chamonix before and after the trek is included
This hike is one of the most famous in Europe and traditionally crosses 3 countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. The famous Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170-kilometer long circuit, which encircles the Mont Blanc massif and has 10 kilometers of ascent/descent.
Our 12-day trek starts in Chamonix, France, where you spend the night in a cozy hotel. The next morning you leave for Les Houches, the starting point of the Tour Du Mont Blanc. This is essentially the same package as this 10-day adventure, but with overnight stays in Chamonix before and after. Along the way, on the Tour du Mont Blanc you'll spend the nights in French, Italian, and Swiss mountain huts. There you'll meet other hikers and enjoy delicious local dishes. On this adventure, you'll enjoy stunning views of the mountains, snow-capped peaks, and small picturesque mountain villages. You don't have to worry about the logistics of booking the huts, we'll take care of that for you, so all you have to worry about is enjoying this adventure!
Please note that the sample itinerary below is subject to change, as we partner with a wide range of mountain huts to ensure your trip goes ahead seamlessly. Availability may vary, but our flexibility in working with multiple refuges helps us deliver the best possible experience for you.
Start the day by passing Gîte Bon Abri. From Plan de l’Au, the trail climbs steadily through forests and meadows to the Alpage de Bovine. After a short break among the grazing cows, continue uphill to the Col de Portalo, the highest point of the day, with stunning views over the Martigny Valley.
Begin your descent through forest paths and open terrain until you reach the Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz. From here, it’s just one final downhill stretch to the village of Trient.
The so-called southern balcony is a popular excursion among visitors to Chamonix. Shortly after passing through Tré-le-Champ, the route takes you to the Chésérys Ladders—a fun but exposed section that features several ladders and adds a touch of adventure to the hike. Once past this thrilling part, you’ll continue on to Lac Blanc, where breathtaking views await. This is often considered one of the most memorable moments of the entire trek. You can stop for lunch at the Lac Blanc refuge before continuing along the final stretch to the Planpraz cable car, where you’ll take the gondola down to Chamonix. If you’d prefer to shorten this stage, you can take the cable car down from Refuge de La Flégère instead. Spend your afternoon exploring Chamonix, and in the evening, enjoy a traditional Savoyard dinner to end your day in style.
Note: The chairlift down to Chamonix stops operating at 5:00 PM. Make sure to plan your descent accordingly.
