Tour du Mont Blanc Week
8 Days Starting in Col de la Forclaz and ending in Chamonix
Visiting: Col de la Forclaz, Champex, La Fouly, Col Ferret, Val Veny, Col de la Seigne, Les Chapieux, Cross shelter Bonhomme, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Col de Tricot, Valley Fever, Lac Blanc, Chamonix
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TWP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 14
Physical rating:
Challenging
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
From:
$2998
$2700 (USD)
Operator discount: -$298
Tour Overview
The Mont Blanc Circuit is deservedly one of Europe's classic walks, circumnavigating western Europe's highest mountain. This exciting itinerary concentrates on some of the most spectacular sections of the circuit, thus enabling us to produce a hard and exhilarating one-week trip for the trekking enthusiast. Overnighting in simple family-run accommodation, we trek clockwise around the Mont Blanc Massif, enjoying hearty local cuisine from three countries, phenomenal views and some of Europe's best walking.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Col De La Forclaz.
Location: Col de la Forclaz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland
Meals Included: Dinner
Start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland. A short
(unguided) walk to view the Trient Glacier is an option this afternoon,
depending on arrival time. In the evening there is an introductory briefing
by your leader and time to spilt bags between items to be delivered to the
hotel in Chamonix, for the end of the trip, and things you will carry with
you.
Day 2 : Follow Bovine Route To The Pretty Village Of Champex Lac And On To Orsières.
Location: Champex
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel de l’Union in Orsières, Switzerland
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave the Col de la Forclaz (1527m – 5010ft) from where we can look
directly down into the Rhône valley and the Swiss town of Martigny.
Following our path through the forest and up to high alpine pastures (great
for flowers in the early season) the 'Bovine route' (2049m – 6720ft)
affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch we descend
to Champex (1486m – 4880ft) and the east side of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Walking south we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Orsières
(887m – 2910ft), a pretty alpine village nestled in the valley at the foot
of the St Bernard Pass.
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 730m – 2400ft up,
1300m – 4260ft down
*Â *
Day 3 : Short Bus Transfer To La Fouly And Climb To The Highest Point (2536M), Grand Col Ferret, And Descend Into Italy.
Location: La Fouly, Col Ferret
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria in La Palud, Italy
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly
(1600m 5250ft) dominated by the glaciated face of Mont Dolent, whose summit
is the meeting point of the French, Swiss and Italian borders. Still
following the valley and the river 'La Drance', we climb steadily to the
'Grand Col Ferret' (2537m – 8320ft), the highest pass of the tour. The
mountain views from the Col are stunning with Grandes Jorasses dominating the
scene. Now in Italy, we descend into the valley also called 'Val Ferret'
(1760m – 5770ft ) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud.
7.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 3180ft up, 800m –
2600ft down
Day 4 : Trek From Val Veny Over Col De La Seigne To Les Chapieux (1549M).
Location: Val Veny, Col de la Seigne, Les Chapieux
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel by bus to La Visaille (1,660m – 5450ft) then climb gently along
the Val Veny beneath the massive glacier de Miage and pass Lac Combal. The
gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road and head for
today’s pass: the 'Col de la Seigne' (2,516m – 8250ft), which marks our
re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des
Glaciers (1,789m – 5870ft) and finally after a long walking day to Les
Chapieux (1,553m – 5100ft), a small hamlet inhabited only during the summer
months. Auberge in Les Chapieux.
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 870m – 2840ft up,
970m – 3180ft down
Day 5 : A Tougher Day Over Two Cols; Croix Du Bonhomme (2443M) And Col Du Bonhomme (2329M); Descend To Les Contamines.
Location: Cross shelter Bonhomme, Les Contamines-Montjoie
Accommodation Name: Auberge (inn) Gelinotte in Les Contamines, France
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
By now we have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and we turn
north to climb once again. Today is a big day, first we ascend to the Col de
la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m – 8130ft), then contour across to the Col du
Bonhomme (2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val
Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (1,175m – 3860ft). Our path
continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time
for a well-deserved cold drink. Auberge in Les Contamines.
8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 930m – 3050ft up,
1340m – 4400ft
Day 6 : Over The Col Du Tricot To The Chamonix Valley.
Location: Col de Tricot, Valley Fever
Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond in Chamonix, or Ibis Styles in Les Houches (22nd June 2024 departure), France
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de
Miage (1,560m – 5120ft), a great spot to sample some home cooked
delicacies. From here we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de
Tricot (2,119m – 6950ft) before descending very close to the snout of the
Glacier de Bionnassay with good views of the north side of the Mont Blanc
Massif. Eventually we make another ascent to reach the Col de Voza (1652m -
5420ft) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the
village of Les Houches (993m 3260ft) and take the bus to our hotel. Hotel in
Chamonix.
8.5 hours walking time including lunch and breaks etc. 1200m – 3980ft up,
1370m – 4500ft down
Day 7 : Final Day Trekking Past Lac Blanc (2352M) Before Descending To Chamonix.
Location: Lac Blanc
Accommodation Name: Hotel Richemond in Chamonix, or Ibis Styles in Les Houches (22nd June 2024 departure), France
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our final day presents perhaps one of our most spectacular walks; trekking a
section of the Grand Balcon Sud route past the beautiful and photogenic Lac
Blanc (2352m - 7715ft) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont
Blanc behind. Our route will then drop sharply down to Chamonix (1,030m) and
the end of our trek. Hotel in Chamonix.
8 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 900m – 2950ft up,
1330m – 4370ft down
Day 8 : End Chamonix.
Location: Chamonix
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast we say our goodbyes.
What's Included
-
Meals
7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 6 dinners.
* All breakfasts and 6 dinners
* All accommodationÂ
* All transport and listed activities
* Tour leader throughout
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Single accommodation not available
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Travel insurance
Food
All breakfasts and dinners are included except dinner in Chamonix on day 7 of
the itinerary.
*Typical Meals*
Breakfast: Will usually consist of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit,
bread, and conserves.
Lunches: No lunches are provided but can easily be bought locally from either
shops or the hotel
efuge.
Evening meal: Generally consists of a first course of soup, salad or
charcuterie, a main course of meat with one or two vegetables or rice or
pasta, a dessert course. Drinks are not included in the price of evening
meals.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the
time of booking.
If you take a vegan diet we recommend that you bring supplementary food and
should expect that variety of food may be limited whilst on this trip.
Unfortunately it is relatively uncommon in this region and we cannot
guarantee that the hotels will provide meals that have the necessary variety
to be considered satisfying when on a more restricted diet.
Accommodation
Throughout our mountain adventure, we stay in a collection of family-run hotels and auberges, all of which have spent years caring and catering for weary hikers. For the uninitiated, an auberge is equivalent to an inn: simple accommodation (often in a rural setting) that provides a warm, welcoming place to stop for travellers and hikers.
Most of the properties in which we stay offer panoramic views over the Alps, while culturally reflecting the local community. Though most are relatively basic, all are clean, well run and set up with the needs of the trekker in mind, while acting as a vital source of income to the local people.
Worth knowing
Room sizes are - twin, double, triple or quad. Facilities vary between accommodations and sometimes between rooms within a property.
On one night, bathroom facilities may be on the landing rather than inside the room (dependent on availability and group size).
Couples always have their own room but we cannot guarantee whether this will be a twin or double.
Single clients maybe required to share twin, triple or quad rooms.
We can’t accept bookings for single rooms due to the small size of the hotels used and the fact we are usually staying only one night in each property.
Due to limited availability, occasionally we may need to change a hotel to one further down the valley, and will provide a bus or taxi transfer.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
14
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 18 year age people can go on this tour.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for British passport holders.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Dates & Availability
Saturday - Saturday
Jun 22, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Jul 05, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Aug 30, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.