Over the course of 10 hiking days, we’ll eat altitude for breakfast, switchbacks for lunch, and still have room for Mont Blanc views as dessert! Starting in the charming Les Houches near Chamonix, we’re taking the scenic route on this hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc—through postcard villages, past wildflower meadows, and up iconic cols that’d make anyone feel on top of the world. With Mont Blanc as our ever-present guide, we’ll hike, eat, and laugh our way through three countries. Whether it’s the views, the trails, or the friends we’ll make along the way, every step on this classic guided Tour du Mont Blanc is pure bliss. Who’s ready to make the Alps our stomping ground? Let’s go!
This Tour du Mont Blanc classic guided adventure is your ticket to the ultimate Alpine experience. Over ten unforgettable days, we’ll traverse three countries—France, Italy, and Switzerland—exploring dramatic cols, picturesque villages, and glacier-fed valleys. This isn’t just a hike; it’s a journey through history, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. With expert guides leading the way, cozy accommodations waiting each night, and hearty meals fueling every step, we’ll hike Mont Blanc in style. Whether it’s ascending epic passes, savoring postcard-worthy vistas, or sharing laughs with fellow adventurers, this trek is everything a mountain lover dreams of—and more.
Commence your hiking adventure on this day in the quaint and traditional village of Les Houches! Meet with the guide at 6pm for a briefing and group introduction. Hotel check-in is open after 3pm.
Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel du Bois in Les Houches
We’ll start our trek by strolling through the charming village of Les Houches. A convenient start awaits as we board the cable car to Bellevue (included), eliminating the initial ascent for a gentler first day. The trail winds through the forest, offering elevated views of the Bionnassay Valley and picturesque alpine hamlets, all framed by the magnificent Mont Blanc and the Alps’ foothills.
We will ascend over the Col de Tricot, and then a steep yet scenic descent, characterized by a series of switchbacks, leads to Chalet de Miage. As the day concludes, a descent takes us to the traditional village of Les Contamines.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 12 km / 7.5 mi, 4-5 hours
Elevation: +640 m (+2,100 ft) / -1,275 m (-4,183 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel La Chemenaz in Les Contamines
On Day 3, enjoy a brief private transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge (10 min, included). We’ll ascend over the Col du Bonhomme and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, guiding us to the scenic Chapieux valley. We’ll marvel at magnificent vistas as we traverse the Aiguille des Glaciers and descend to our lodging.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14.5 km / 9 mi, 6-7 hours
Elevation: +1,200 m (+3,937 ft) / -900 m (-2,953 ft)
Accommodation: Refuge de la Nova in Chapieux
We’ll take a bus transfer to Ville des Glaciers (5-10 min, included) for the start of today’s hike. We’ll traverse the Col de la Seigne, crossing over the Italian border. Brace yourself for amazing scenery, particularly the panoramic vista of the renowned Grandes Jorasses. Later on, we’ll descend into Val Ferret, where a private transfer is arranged from La Cantine de la Visaille to Courmayeur (30 min, included).
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 mi, 6 hours
Elevation: +700 m (+2,297 ft), -1,000 m (-3,281 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hôtel Triolet in Courmayeur
Today we start our hike after a private transfer from Courmayeur to Val Ferret (30-40 min, included). We traverse the Grand Col Ferret over the border to Switzerland, reaching the picturesque setting of La Fouly, where our lodging awaits. Marvel at the exceptional views of the Combins massif to the East and the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 14.4 km / 9 mi, 5-6 hours
Elevation: +850 m (+2,789 ft) / -1,000 m (-3,281 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hôtel Edelweiss in La Fouly
Today we’ll embark on a bucolic hike from La Fouly, setting out from our hotel to explore one of Valais’ most enchanting valleys. We’ll take in the charm of quaint villages and the distinctive Alpine architecture that characterizes this region of Switzerland. The day concludes with a hike to the village of Champex, nestled around a stunning lake.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 15.4 km / 9.6 mi, 5-6 hours
Elevation: +550 m (+1,805 ft) / -600 m (-1,969 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hôtel Glacier in Champex
Today’s hike begins directly from our hotel, weaving through small alpine hamlets before ascending to traverse the Alpine pastures of Bovine via a scenic balcony trail with views overlooking the Rhone Valley. Descend directly to our lodging for the night, situated in an authentic mountain lodge in a charming alpine village.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 mi, 5.5-6.5 hours
Elevation: +800 m (+2,625 ft) / -1,365 m (-4,579 ft)
Accommodation: Auberge du Mont Blanc in Trient
We’ll start our hike climbing up and crossing over the Col de la Balme to return to France, and then we’ll revel in fantastic views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. As we descend, the guide will choose between two alternative routes leading either to Tour or into the village of Argentière.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 11.2 km / 7 mi, 6-7 hours
Elevation: +1,000 m (+3,281 ft), -820 m (-2,690 ft)
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel de la Couronne in Argentière
On Day 9, we’ll savor the delights of the stunning Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges before ascending to Lake Blanc. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that unfolds—Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, La Mer de Glace, Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Aiguille du Goûter, and Mont Blanc! We’ll descend to Chamonix via Le Praz, concluding the day with a cable car ride from La Flégère and a bus journey to our hotel in Chamonix (both included).
Meals: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Hiking: 9.6 km / 6 mi, 6 hours
Elevation: +900 m (+2,953 ft), -1,100 m (-3,609 ft)
Accommodation: 4-star Heliopic Hotel in Chamonix
After breakfast, we’ll say our goodbyes and start to depart back home. The hotel check-out is at 10am.
Meals: Breakfast
Thanks to the whole team, very professional! Excellent service before + during our stay. We recommend!
Great team of professionals, very responsive and who know how to advise us and make our stays great!
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
This classic guided hiking Tour du Mont Blanc is rated moderate, though 8 consecutive days of hiking can get quite challenging! A great level of fitness is required for this TMB adventure. Previous multi-day hiking experience is very welcome. Expect 4 to 7 hours (or even up to 9 hours) of walking a day, and from 300 m / 984 ft to 1,200 m / 3,937 ft of elevation gain each day.
Check out the itinerary for day-by-day distances and elevation changes.
For more hiking adventures in The Alps, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Gear:
Clothing:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.
Carry-on bag(s) — This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. It’s recommended that all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items become lost or delayed.
Checked bag(s) — This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).
You only need to carry a small backpack during hikes with the necessary items for the day. Your luggage will be transported by vehicle to the next accommodations.
During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.
Extra Luggage: Checked bag(s) and carry-on bag(s): This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity, but not throughout the day. 1 bag per person, and limited to a maximum weight of 15 kg / 33 lbs.
Transported luggage: a backpack or a travel bag in good condition. A GPS tracker is recommended for international travel luggage. Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement. Maximum 15 kg / 33 lbs. However, extra luggage, not needed during your trip can be safely stored with the luggage taxi service.
Day backpack (not provided): All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during trip activities. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.).
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in The Alps can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your classic guided Tour du Mont Blanc is Les Houches. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA). From there, you can take a private taxi, use public transport, or rent a car to reach Les Houches.
Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
You’ll meet your guide at 6pm in Les Houches.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Early bird booking
Want to be the first one to know when we publish new dates or secure your spot well in advance? Select a future month that suits you best and lock in your early bird spot in time with just a 10% deposit.
As soon as our guides publish new tour dates, you’ll be the first one to know. We’ll hold your spot for 2 weeks until you choose the date that suits you best.
More about how early bird bookings work below:
I really appreciated Grand Angle, a warm, smiling team and above all really attentive to my desires. It’s the ideal place to find the trip that suits everyone, I recommend!