| Summer 2008 > Mont-Blanc Tour > Tour du Mont-Blanc "secret" |  |
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The Tour of Mont-Blanc (TMB) is without doubt the most celebrated hike in the Alps. One can even say that it is ‘The Great Classic of the Alps’, that which all hikers aspire to accomplish. There are several good reasons one can quote to do the Tour du Mont-Blanc : the presence of numerous glaciers and famous summits such as the Bionnassay, Peuterey, Grand Jorasses, Mont Dolent,...but above all that which dominates all, the MONT BLANC, highest point of our continent in western Europe. Added to this is the variety of the scenery, three countries visited, excellent footpaths, and our guides or accompagnateurs who really do know their terrain, and who can help you to discover in complete safety their magnificent region with all its hidden nooks and crannies. The Tour du Mont Blanc isn’t a difficult hike, 6 - 8 hours of walking and 800 to 1,000 meters of height gain per day on average. (2,600 - 3,300ft.) But to appreciate it fully one needs to be in good physical condition. Prepare yourself a little beforehand to ease the surprises of the first day! The Compagnie des Guides 'secret' tour aims to take you off the beaten track so you can experience those less travelled places. This formula however is a little more challenging than the regular day pack or comfort trips, (longer days, carrying your own gear) and so is for good walkers who are experienced in mountain walking. |
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ITINERARY DAY 1:LES HOUCHES - LA BALME Departure from les Houches by cable car at Bellevue. Passing by the foot of Bionnassay glacier and a descent to the Monjoie valley by the villages of Champel and Tresse. Transfer on bus to Notre Dame de la Gorge, place of pilgrimage and, where an ancient Roman road takes us to the refuge of La Balme. (1706m). DAY 2:LA BALME – VALLEE DES GLACIERS Ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (2329 m). We will leave the Val Montjoie to enter the Beaufortain, and we go on hiking up to the Col des Fours (2716 m), before a long descent to the refuge des Mottets (1864 m). The most courageous may hike up to the Tête Nord des Fours (2756 m) where they’ll have a superb viewpoint. DAY 3:VALLEE DES GLACIERS - COL CHECROUI We leave the last French refuge of the trip to gain the large Col de la Seigne (2516m), the border between France and Italy. It is by the Val Veni that we discover the Italien side of Mont Blanc and, by the ‘Grand Balcon’ of L’Arp Vieille, in front of this grand scenery, we arrive at the warm welcome of La Maison Vieille. (Possible to go also through Collet de la Seigne or through Col de Chavanne, according to conditions.) DAY 4:COL CHECROUI - COURMAYEUR - REFUGE BONATTI The easiest stage of the tour, always welcome. An easy descent and free time in Courmayeur (1200m), pretty little Valdotain village. After a climb up to refuge Bertone (1991m), and the picnic,we cross the vallon of Armina, and go to the very beautiful Refuge Bonatti (2025 m) situated in front of the famous Grandes Jorasses. DAY 5:REFUGE BONATTI - CHAMPEX The early risers can admire the sunrise on Mont-Blanc (not to be missed). The section of the Swiss Val Ferret is done by way of the Col Ferret (2537m). A change of scenery, we are now in the Valaisans pastures. At La Fouly (1594m), we take the typical Swiss post bus to drive us to Champex. Night at the Relais d’Arpette (1690m). |
DAY 6:CHAMPEX - TRIENT The Fentre d’Arpette (2671m) or the Arpette window, is on the menu today! This long awaited moment will not dissapoint you. In this rocky setting between the Point des Ecandies and that of the Genepy, we climb up this famous route before toppling over into the Trient valley, to face its very beautiful glacier. We will spend our last night at the Relais du Mont Blanc (1300m). DAY 7:TRIENT - CHAMONIX The climb to the Col de Balme (2191m) takes us into France. We will finish our walk, and around a table, have our last meal together in Argentiere in the Chamonix valley, the valley we left one week earlier. Return to Chamonix by bus in the middle of the afternoon.) Note: depending on conditions, whatever they may be, the guide or accompagnateur can change the programme. MISCELLANEOUS:Allow for Euros and Swiss francs for personal spending. RENDEZ-VOUS:Depart at 8h30 from the Office of the Compagnie des Guides, Place de l’Eglise, Chamonix. Meeting for information with your guide or accompagnateur, the evening before the trip, at 18h00 at the Office of the Compagnie des Guides. PRICE PER PERSON (SUMMER 2008) : 530 € (6 people minimum) Price includes: * Guides services. * Half board in mountain refuges (dormitories) * Picnic at mid-day. * Cable car. * Transport. Dates of departure Summer 2008:22 June –13 July – 10 August 2008 (Departures on Sundays) |
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