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Mont Blanc Circuit Hike
9 Days Starting and ending in Chamonix Valley, France
Visiting: Le Tour, Champex, La Fouly, Courmayeur, Col de la Seigne, Les Contamines, Les Houches, Chamonix
Tour operator:
Tour code:
MBS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey with the Mont Blanc Circuit, a self-guided trek that takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Experience the thrill of circumnavigating Mont Blanc, traversing high passes, and walking through three countries. Delight in the culinary specialties like Raclette and share stories with fellow hikers in charming gîtes and mountain refuges. This adventure includes 8 nights in mixed dormitory-style accommodations, with the option to upgrade to double rooms on select nights. Enjoy continental breakfasts and regional dinners, and benefit from luggage transfers and a comprehensive information pack. Starting and ending in the picturesque Chamonix Valley, this trek promises unforgettable alpine vistas and cultural encounters.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Commence Chamonix And Hike To Le Tour (5Hrs, +450M)
Location: Le Tour
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Dinner
Leaving from Chamonix, take a balcony trail above Chamonix town. Heading up the valley the trail takes in the huge expanse of the Mont Blanc Massif, the Argentiere glacier and the Aiguille du Tour (3542m). It is an exhilarating hike and a fabulous start to the week. Overnight Le Tour.Distance 10km/6.2mi, +450m/1476ft, -150m/492ft
Day 2 : Hike To Trient Or Col De La Forclaz (6-7Hrs, +700M/2297Ft, -900M/2953Ft)
Location: Champex
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving from Le Tour in the Chamonix valley, you take the scenic high mountain path of Balme heading towards Switzerland. Weather permitting you will be able to take some wonderful photos of the Mont Blanc chain including the impressive “La Verte”, the Drus and the Needles of Chamonix. You will cross the border between France and Switzerland before making your way down to the village of Trient for overnight accommodation or continue to the nearby Col de la Forclaz.(9km, +700m/2297ft, -900m/2953ft)
Day 3 : Hike To Champex (5-6Hrs, +900M/2952Ft, -650M/2132Ft)
Location: La Fouly
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The trail continues through impressive forests with a strong ascent to the high mountain pastures of the Bovine Alps. The route takes you past shepherds huts and small farms always with views of impressive peaks such as Grand Combin to the south and later to the dramatic depths of the Rhone Valley. The Bovine hut is a great place to stop for lunch where you can spot Marmots playing in the slopes nearby. Descend along a forest trail to the pretty town of Champex located by the lake of the same name. An alternative route is via the “Fenêtre d'Arpette” (2665m), however due to the instability of this trail we do not recommend this route. (+900m/2953ft, -650m/2132ft)
Day 4 : To La Fouly (5-6Hrs, +500M/1640Ft, -600M/1969Ft)
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Although this is most definitely an easier day, it is also one that highlights some amazing natural beauty. Dry meadows, pools of fresh water, herds of cows and wonderful chalets surrounded by flower filled gardens greet us. Swiss village life is all around and whilst the dramatic scenery of previous days is not as apparent, it is a chance to experience the wonderful “Valais des homes”. Overnight in La Fouly.(15km, +500m/1640ft, -600m/1969ft)
Day 5 : To Courmayeur (6-7Hrs, +900M, -900M)
Location: Courmayeur
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The route takes you out of Switzerland and into Italy by the Grand Col Ferret path. The sight of the Pre de Bar glacier is with you all the way as you make your way from the Col to the road head in the Val Ferret. Bus to Courmayeur.(13km, +900m/2953ft, -900m/2953ft)
Day 6 : Hike To Elisabetta (5-6Hrs, +1560M/5118Ft,-460M/1509Ft)
Location: Col de la Seigne
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning you will need to pack your overnight requirements for the next two nights in your daypack. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Contamines on the afternoon of day 7. From the centre of Courmayeur the hike heads steeply up a switchback trail to the Col Checroui. From here you continue the ascent to a steep spur at the top of the valley Veni where the views are spectacular. This balcony trail has some of the most dramatic views of the entire TMB trail. The descent is quite steep to the relatively flat valley floor. Skirting Lake Combal, the trail ascends at the head of the valley to the refuge.(18km, +1560m/5118ft,-460m/1509ft)Note: There are options to shorten by taking a bus in the event of poor weather or from around mid July to the end of August you can take a chairlift from Courmayeur (cutting out 700m of the ascent).
Day 7 : Cross The Col De La Seigne To France Enroute To Bonhomme (6Hrs, +1147M/3763Ft, 1004M/3294Ft)
Location: Les Contamines
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
From the refuge Elisabetta, the trail takes you to the border of Italy and France at the Col de la Seigne (2518m) in time for an early morning view which, in good weather, will be extraordinary with sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and surrounding glaciers and valleys. Descend via a switchback trail to the Vallee des Glaciers, passing by a cheese maker where you have opportunities (if open) to sample Beaufort cheese. A big ascent (949m) through alpine meadows and over small streams leads to your overnight refuge just below the pass of Col de la Croix.(20km,+1147m/3763ft,1004m/3294ft)
Day 8 : Hike To Les Contamines Via The Col De La Croix Du Bonhomme (3Hrs +40M)
Location: Les Houches
Accommodation Name: Mountain refuge or gîte hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning the trail traverses mountain pastures to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m) where there are brilliant views southeast to the peaks of the Vanoise. The trail continues down to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and crosses the Contamines Natural Reserve. A sharp descent through a pine forest fringed gorge takes us to an ancient Roman Road and the church of Notre Dame de la Gorge, and further on to Les Contamines. (13km, +40m/131ft, -1316m/4317ft)Note: Your main luggage will be waiting for you in your accommodation in Les Contamines.
Day 9 : Hike To Les Houches (5 Or 7Hrs, +633M Or 1318M)
Location: Chamonix
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trail takes you along the river valley and heads slowly to La Gruvaz before continuing to Le Champel and a fairly steep ascent via Bionnassay to the Col de Voza. A longer route can be taken following a combination of tracks and trails above Contamines before you ascend to cross a shoulder of Mont Truc followed by an ascent of the Col du Tricot (2120m) which forms the divide between the Miage and Bionnasay Valleys. From here you have some spectacular views of limestone cliffs and the pistes below. The descent follows a combination of gravel roads and tracks past some settlements to reach Les Houches. Return to your pre tour hotel in Chamonix by bus or train to collect your luggage.Alternate route via the Col de Voza (4.5hrs, +633m, -646m)(20km, +1318m/4324ft, -1478m/4849ft)
What's Included
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Accommodation
8 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels -
8 breakfasts, 8 dinners (does not include drinks) – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Dinner will consist of 2 or 3 courses which include regional specialties
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8 nights accommodation in mountain refuges / gîte hostels on a dormitory share basis. It is possible to upgrade to a double room on 5 out of 8 nights – additional cost applies (only possible for 2 people travelling together).
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Luggage transfer (max 15kgs - soft duffel style luggage only) except on days 6-8 where you will need to carry your overnight requirements. Your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley.
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Information pack including Navigational App and TMB hiking map (1:50,000) per group of 1-4 people* – the route is waymarked. *A group is the people in your booking party who you are travelling with, staying in the same accommodation.
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Travel to and from the start/end point of your hike
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Lunches and drinks
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Items of a personal nature (on some nights showers may cost extra allow €2 per shower)
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Storage of luggage - please ensure your pre tour hotel will store luggage before you book
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Tour guide – this is a self guided hiking trip
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Transfers
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from the start/end point
Travel to and from the start/end point of your hike is not included.
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Lunches and Drinks
Lunches and drinks are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature are not included. On some nights, showers may cost extra (allow €2 per shower).
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Luggage Storage
Storage of luggage is not included. Please ensure your pre-tour hotel will store luggage before you book.
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Tour Guide
A tour guide is not included as this is a self-guided walking trip.
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Transfers
Transfers are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Public Transport
Public transport, including cable cars, is not included.
Accommodation
8 nights in mountain refuges/gîte-hostels. Accommodation is mixed dormitory style in mountain refuges or gîte hostels. There can be up to 40 people in one room in some refuges but less on most nights (around 10-12). Beds are often bunks but can also be one long platform with separate mattresses or one long continuous mattress. Blankets or duvets are provided and usually pillows. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Whilst the double room option offers the privacy of your sleeping quarters, often the bathrooms will still be shared. Please note if you elect the double room option you may stay in different accommodation and therefore follow a slightly different route. This should be kept in mind when travelling with friends as you may be split up if you choose different styles of accommodation. The double room option is not available for single travellers. In alpine huts if there is a free bed it will be sold regardless of whether you as an individual have requested a single room. To avoid this likelihood we do not offer a single option in this category. Single travellers should take the dormitory option. Double room option is only available on select nights.
Grading
MODERATE to CHALLENGING – GRADE 4
The hiking is moderate to challenging (4) grade with daily hikes of around 5-7 hours, between 8 and 20km and maximum ascents of 1320 metres per day. The timing provided in the itinerary is a guide only and is for the hiking components only – rest breaks are not included. There are some challenging stages during the hike with steep uphills, descents, and many sections of the trail which require care. The accent is on keeping a steady pace with time to stop and take photos (subject to weather conditions). You will need a good to excellent level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. It is considered suitable for experienced hikers only. You should also be able to navigate in alpine regions using a map. Whilst the route is very well marked and well trodden, adverse weather conditions may make navigation difficult without reference to a map and our navigational App. Early in the season (June) you may encounter snow on the passes which may be quite deep and alter the grading of the trip to advanced. At any time during summer, weather conditions may be variable and you should be prepared for all conditions including snow, ice, strong sun and extreme winds.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from the start/end point of your hike is included. Luggage transfer (max 15kgs - soft duffel style luggage only) except on days 6-8 where you will need to carry your overnight requirements. Your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Mont Blanc Circuit tour?
Accommodation is provided in mountain refuges or gîte hostels, typically in mixed dormitory style. Some rooms can accommodate up to 40 people, but most nights will have around 10-12 people. Beds are often bunks or one long platform with separate mattresses. Blankets or duvets and usually pillows are provided. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. There is an option to upgrade to a double room on 5 out of 8 nights for an additional cost, but this is only available for two people traveling together.
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Are meals included in the Mont Blanc Circuit tour?
Yes, the tour includes 8 breakfasts and 8 dinners. Continental breakfasts typically consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea, and juices. Dinners will be 2 or 3 courses featuring regional specialties. Drinks are not included.
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Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is provided for a maximum of 15kgs in soft duffel style luggage. However, on days 6-8, you will need to carry your overnight requirements as your main luggage will meet you at the accommodation in the Contamines Valley.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided walking trip. An information pack including a navigational app and TMB hiking map (1:50,000) per group of 1-4 people is provided.
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What should I expect in terms of the difficulty level of the Mont Blanc Circuit tour?
The tour is graded as moderate to challenging (Grade 4). Daily walks range from 5-7 hours, covering distances between 8 and 20km with maximum ascents of 1320 meters per day. The route includes steep uphills, descents, and sections that require care. A good to excellent level of fitness is required, and it is suitable for experienced walkers only. You should also be able to navigate in alpine regions using a map.
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What happens if I choose the double room option?
If you choose the double room option, you may stay in different accommodation and follow a slightly different route. This should be kept in mind if you are traveling with friends, as you may be split up if you choose different styles of accommodation. The double room option is not available for single travelers.
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What are some of the highlights of the Mont Blanc Circuit tour?
Some highlights include circumnavigation of Mont Blanc, experiencing the exhilaration of trekking in the European Alps, traversing high passes and walking through three countries (France, Italy, Switzerland), enjoying culinary specialties such as Raclette, and sharing stories with other hikers in the gîtes and mountain refuges.
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What should I pack for the overnight requirements on days 6-8?
You will need to pack your overnight requirements in your daypack for the next two nights starting from day 5. Your main luggage will be waiting for you in Les Contamines on the afternoon of day 7.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, some additional costs include lunches and drinks, items of a personal nature (on some nights showers may cost extra, allow €2 per shower), storage of luggage, travel insurance, and public transport including cable cars.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.