A Walking Holiday around Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland. The “Tour du Mont Blanc”, also called “TMB”, is one of the most famous and iconic walking trails through the Alps. It passes through three countries offering three diverse experiences; the Italian slopes with their large rock faces, the Swiss slopes with their soft valleys and the French glacial slopes.
The route below was selected so as to allow you to carry as little heavy equipment as possible. There is no need for a bivouac, tent, stove or pan so you can hike in comfort with just a day pack. Altitude ranges between 1164 m (Argentiere) and 2671 m (Window of Arpette). The paths are well marked in general and should not cause any trouble for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

DAY 1 – Coming to Les Contamines (1150m)
Our guide will pick you up at the airport. Transfer to the hotel included. After your flight to Geneva, you will be pre-booked in a modern hotel in the heart of Les Contamines, close to all facilities.

Town: Internet, ATM, shop, all facilities. Accommodation: 2* chalet-style hotel, right in the centre of the resort and in a quiet and sunny location. Balconies, terraces, swimming pool, sauna and fantastic views of the valley! Double rooms en-suite. Meal: Full- Board

DAY 2 – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme 2433m [6h, +1319m].
Today you will have to carry your overnight gear, while the rest of your luggage is being transported to the next stage at the “Refuge des Mottets” (See Day 3). From Les Contamines (1164m), the path ascends gradually to Notre Dame de la Gorge (1210m). You can visit the small, renovated church before ascending more steeply along the Roman way to the Refuge de la Balme (1706m). Shortly after, you will have the option to go to the “Lac Jovet” (2174m) in a natural reserve (+2hrs return), or to continue straight on.
At the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m), we enter the Beaufortain province. The Refuge “Croix du Bonhomme” (2433m) is our reststop for the night.

Facilities: Food shop at the refuge, phone. Accommodation: Very comfortable mountain hut [2433m]. Hot water showers. Rooms of 4 & 6 beds. Meal: Full- Board

DAY 3 – To the Refuge des Mottets (1887m) [1: 5h30 +313 -876m, 2: 5h, +316 -879].
For this stage, you have 2 options. Both routes are beautiful, but the first should only be attempted if the weather permits!

1- A challenging route up to the “Col des Fours” (2265m), then steeply down to Les Turfs (1993m). It’s an impressive walk below Mt Tondu (3150m).

2- The easy way down to “Les Chapieux” (1554m) through grassland. Then, an easy trail up to the “Refuge des Mottets” (1887m).

Facilities: Food shop, phone. Accommodation: Rooms of 4 & 6 beds. Hot water showers, open fire. Meal: Full- Board

DAY 4 – Col de la Seigne – Col de Checroui 1956m [7h, +974m, -888m].
The “Col de la Seigne” (2516m) opens on the Italian side on the valley called “Goms Veni”. A short ascent to the summit of Mount Fortin (2758m) will give you breathtaking views of the massive “Brenva” face of Mt Blanc. Then, an easy balcony trail brings you to the “Refuge de Maison Vieille” (1956m), where you will spend the night.

Facilities: Food shop, phone. Accommodation: Rooms of 4 & 6 beds. Hot water showers, open fire. Meal: Full- Board

DAY 5 – To Courmayeur 1244m & to Champex 1470m [7h, +1201m, -1345m].
Descent to Courmayeur (1244m) under the ridge of the “Mont de la Saxe” (2348m) with great views of the “Mont Blanc” (4810m) and two other 4000m peaks; “Grande Jorasse” & the “Dent du Geant”. From Courmayeur (1244m), there is a short transfer to Arnuva (1769m) by bus (included) to avoid walking on the road. Ascend to the “Col Ferret” (2490m) that marks the border with Switzerland. Then descend into the “Goms Ferret” where you can enjoy a rest and even a drink while waiting for your direct bus to Champex-Lac (1470m) at 17h30 (included).

Town: ATM, food shop, bar, pubs, internet. Accommodation: 2* hotel, double rooms, great views of the valley Meal: Full- Board

DAY 6 – Trient 1326m [6h, +1201m, -1345m].
Today you have two options from which to choose:
1- Take the relaxing path along green pastures to the “Col de Forclaz” (1526m) and descend to the picturesque village of Trient (1300m).
2- Follow the challenging “Fenetre d’Arpette” (2671m), close to the giant Seracs of the “Glacier du Trient”.

Town: Food shop. Accommodation: Simple, Relais-Auberge’ (inn), double rooms, the hotel has a lot of charm and the owner, Eliana, will make you feel right at home Meal: Full- Board

DAY 7 – Col de Balme – Chamonix 1150m [5h, +865m, -941m].
There is a steep ascent to the Col de Balme (2191m) at the French border, but the views over the valley of Chamonix are tremendous. We take a “variant” path leaving the main TMB on our right. The descent on the French side to the village of Montroc (1354m) is easy . Here, you can either walk to Chamonix (1150m), or take a short train ride [15mins, every half an hour, included].

Town: ATM, food shop, Internet, all facilities, pub, bar and clubs! Accommodation: 2* hotel in the heart of the town, very friendly and homely atmosphere. En-suite. Meal: Full- Board

DAY 8 – Chamonix. End of the adventure.
After breakfast, our guide will bring you to the airport. Transfer included.

Meal: Breakfast