As the highest mountain in Europe, Mont Blanc has always attracted alpinists and hikers from all over the world who want to climb this impressive rock massif. But even if you don't want to go quite so high, there is plenty to see in the border triangle between France, Italy and Switzerland. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a hike in a class of its own: challenging and panoramic, just as experienced mountain hikers want it to be. This variant of the world-famous long-distance hiking trail shows you the most beautiful paths of this international classic.
Find out more information and tour details about the Mont Blanc.
In the morning by train to Les Houches. First along the famous tramway, before an imposing high trail leads you to an adventurous suspension bridge. Continue across mountain meadows up to the 2.120 m high pass Col de Tricot and then down to the Miage huts. The cozy Truc-Alpe invites you to stop for a break. Your stage destination is in the Montjoie valley, famous for the delicate cheeses of the surrounding alpine pastures.
The next stage will make every climber's heart beat faster: following in the footsteps of the Romans over gurgling gorges, encountering different colored rock types and climbing two high pass crossings. Again and again, endless distant views of the massifs of the French Alps are offered. From Col du Bonhomme on a rocky high trail to the pass Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Crossing alpine meadows lined with mountain streams, you descend to the valley of the glaciers. Transfer to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
Short drive back to the Vallée des Glaciers, from there you climb to the Col de la Seigne pass, where you cross the border from France to Italy and enjoy a fantastic panorama. Through flower-filled meadows you will hike to Rifugio Elisabetta, a traditional Italian mountaineering hut. After a short excursion to the turquoise blue glacial lakes Lacs de Miage, you will arrive by transfer to Courmayeur, the home town of famous mountain guides and alpinists.
Past the Rifugio Bertone on a panoramic high trail along the mountain flanks. The Rifugio Bonatti refuge welcomes you on the beautiful terrace, directly opposite the Mont Blanc massif. Over bridges and babbling brooks, the trail leads you to Arnouva, located at 1.800 m in the valley head of the idyllic Val Ferrets.
Today you hike over the 2.500 m high pass Col Ferret into Switzerland and reach the beautiful canton of Valais. Rest in one of the rustic alpine huts with fresh dairy products, the sound of cowbells always in your ear. Along a varied hiking trail you will reach La Fouly.
Forest and meadow paths guide you down to the alp at Plan de l'Au, where a long climb to the high alp begins. With a gigantic view of the Rhone Valley and bizarrely shaped rocky peaks, you climb up to the Bovine alpine hut, where you can linger amidst gentian and alpine roses. The descent to Trento is via the Col de la Forclaz pass, famous for its pink church and the impressive glacier surfaces of the surrounding mountain giants.
Your final stage begins with a climb to the Col de Balme pass at 2.190 m, where you can rest in a rustic mountaineering hut. Enjoy once again the fantastic view of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley! An impressive ridge trail leads you downhill, over the summit of l`Aiguillete des Posetes you will pass through rocky terrain with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers. A fantastic day in the midst of the highest mountain giants. By train back to Chamonix.
approx. 4,5 to 5 hours
15 km
1.000 m
1.200 m
Day
9
Departure or extension
Tour character
Demanding trekking tour with tours from 4 to 7 hours, for this a very good physical condition, as well as surefootedness and freedom from vertigo is required. Experience in hiking in the alpine area are necessary.