Level 1: You have no experience.
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Level 2: You have had at least one previous experience.
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Level 3: You practice regularly.
Body
The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix has designed a selection of trips where logistics and comfort level are adapted to your needs, allowing you to live the experience fully. Each trip guarantees a hike rich in emotions:
- Classic Tour du Mont-Blanc: 6 days to discover all the unmissable sights
- Tour du Mont-Blanc comfort: the classic itinerary with nights in hotel rooms
- Luxury Tour du Mont Blanc: 8 days with luxury logistic to enjoy the best
- Authentic Tour du Mont Blanc:6 days immersed in the local heritage
- Complete Tour du Mont-Blanc: 10 days to fully live the experience
- Half complete Tour du Mont-Blanc: 5 days to hike a half of the full tour (complete the loop next time !)
The legendary loop of the Northern Alps, the Tour du Mont Blanc, offers a unique display. This hiking route allows you to appreciate the beauty of the Mont Blanc massif and to discover its natural and cultural heritage.
Departing from Chamonix, we follow well-maintained mountain trails, crossing through France, Switzerland and Italy. This extraordinary hike will enable you to discover breathtaking panoramas : lakes, mountain pastures, glaciers. A trip to share with fellow hikers creating beautiful memories and full of emotions.
For this Luxury Tour du Mont Blanc you will be accompagnied by two mountain professionals. A professional in hiking with a group of 10 people maximum and a professional managing the logistics and who can provide assistance if necessary. We have also selected very comfortable accommodation guaranteeing you at least the standards of a 3-star hotel.
Luggage transport is provided throughout the hike, except for the last night wher you sleep in a mountain hut. You only need to carry the essentials in your backpack to enjoy your hike fully.
To make your stay an extraordinary experience, we have added to the classic route visits to exceptional sites: the mythical Lac Blanc in Chamonix opposite the glaciers of the Mont Blanc Massif, the picturesque vineyards of Plan-cerisier in the heart of the Swiss Valais in Martigny and Pointe Helbronner at an altitude of more than 3400 meters reached with the Skyway cable car. During your trek, you will also enjoy an evening at the typical Prés mountain hut in Val Montjoie. Recently renovated, this former alpine chalet offers warm, particularly comfortable and environmentally friendly accommodation. It will add the finishing touch to the trip allowing you to experience an unforgettable evening in the heart of the mountains.
Itinerary
Day 1 : The mythical Lac Blanc
Departing from Chamonix, we will take the Planpraz gondola (1950m) to quickly gain altitude reaching the Massif des Aiguilles Rouges opposite the Massif du Mont Blanc. We cross towards Col Cornu (2414m) which overlooks the lake of the same name. The view of the Fiz and Aravis limestone massifs is sublime.
We continue via the Col de la Glière (2461m). We continue along the trail, to the mythical Lac Blanc (2,352m) nestled in the valley of Belvédère where we will have lunch.
We set off this afternoon, descending to the Flégère lift (1850m) which will take us back to Chamonix where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 950m - Elevation loss: 1150m
Day 2 : Chamonix - Martigny | Valais suisse
We start our day in the pictoresque village of Le Tour (1450m) at the bottom of the Chamlonix Valley. The Col de Balme (2191m) on the Franco-Swiss border is our first objective today. Once at the pass, we leave the Mont Blanc and the Chamonix valley behind us. We descend via the Alpage des Grands to the village of Trient (1320m). A short transfer drops us above Martigny. We take the direction of the vineyards of Plan-Cerisier for a guided tour and a tasting. We will spend the night in a hotel not far away.
Elevation gain: 880m - Elevation loss: 700m
Day 3 : Martigny - Champex | Vallée du Rhône
From the hamlet of La Caffe (1,305m), we walk towards the mountain pasture of la Giète (1884m). The Héren cows welcome us with their cowbells while the cheese maker works methodically with the milk from the first milking of the day. Our path climbs towards the Col de Portalo (2049m). The view from here is stunning as we look over the Rhone valley. It's time to go down towards the charming village of Champex (1500m) described by its inhabitants as "Little Canada" where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 850m - Elevation loss: 650m
Day 4 : Champex - Courmayeur | Val Ferret
From La Fouly (1700m) we head towards the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) on the Italian-Swiss border. We follow the Mont Dolent (3819m), the emblematic summit straddling France, Switzerland and Italy before discovering the magnificent South side of the Mont Blanc massif. The descent towards Val Ferret opens up the exquisite panorama of the Pré de Bar and Miage glaciers. From the hamlet of Arnouva we transfer to Courmayeur where we will spend the night.
Elevation gain: 850m - Elevation loss: 850m
Day 5 : Pointe Helbronner | Skyway Monte Bianco
We join the Sky Way cable car for an exceptional day high up in the mountains. At the top of Pointe Helbronner (3462m), we are absorbed in the landscapes of the Mont Blanc Massif and a breathtaking view of the neighboring peaks: Dent du Géant (4013m), Mont Blanc (4 810m), Mont Maudit (4465m) and Mont Blanc du Tacul (4187m). On the way back, we visit the botanical garden of Mont Fréty (2174m) where we can admire the characteristic mountain flora of the region. We head back to Courmayeur where we will spend our second night in this pictoresque mountain town.
Day 6 : Courmayeur - Bourg Saint Maurice | Val Veny & Beaufortain
We will leave early in the morning from la Visaille (1660m) to cross the Val Veny. First we hike along the shores of Lac Combal and its meandering waters coloured white by the glacial deposits. The path passes near to the Elisabetta hut before arriving at the Col de la Seigne (2516m) on the famous Italien-French border. During our descent we reach the beaufortain pastures with their herds of “tarine” breed cows characterized by tawny colors and velvety eyes. We spend the night in Bourg Saint Maurice.
Elevation gain: 850m - Elevation loss: 650m
Day 7 : Bourg Saint Maurice - Refuge des Prés | Val Montjoie
We start our day climbing through the beautiful alpine pastures until we reach the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m) via the Raja. before arriving at the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) with its magnificent natural terrace and a view to take your breath away. We begin our descent through the Contamines Montjoie nature reserve to reach the picturesque refuge des Prés (1800m) where we will spend the night. No access to luggage.
Elevation gain: 930m - Elevation loss: 1000m
Day 8 : Refuge des Prés - Chamonix | Vallée de Bionnassay
We reach Notre Dame de la Gorge (1500m) and its famous Roman road. A short transfer takes us to the village of Champel (1205m) from where we start our last hike through the Bionnassay Valley. The landscapes are magnificent, we cross several waterfalls before crossing the torrent, straight from the glacier, by a suspended footbridge (1730m). We continue to walk along side the torrent until we reach Bellevue (1800m) which offers a last panoramic view of Chamonix and its peaks. The cable car takes us back to the valley marking the end of our journey in the heart of the Pays du Mont Blanc. Transfer back to Chamonix late afternoon.
Elevation gain: 600m - Elevation loss: 300m
The guide may have to adapt the route to weather conditions and/or to group physical and/or technical ability.
GROUP BOOKING
The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.
Dates : Find all the dates available in the drop-down list below
Price 2023 : 2740€ per person - based on a minimum of 5 participants
This price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation in either a hotel or gîte in either a double or twin room depending on the option you choose
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- luggage transportation throughout the trek (1 piece of luggage per person, Maximum 15KG per bag - No hard-shell suitcase)
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…),
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurance highly reccommended
PRIVATE BOOKING
A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your mountain leader who will meet your specific needs.It is undoubtedly the ideal formula realise your projects because it guarentees you a maximum amount of comfort. You are free to choose your departure date (subject to the availability in the accommodation). Depending on the weather conditions, the proposed route can be adjusted according to your level and expectations, the professional can suggest alternatives to the itinerary.
Prices 2023 :
1 person : 10380€ par personne | 6 people : 3305€ par personne
2 people : 6135€ par personne | 7 people : 3105€ par personne
3 people : 4720€ par personne | 8 people : 2955€ par personne
4 people : 4015€ par personne | 9 people : 2835€ par personne
5 people : 3590€ par personne | 10 people : 2740€ par personne
The price includes :
- the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide
- half-board accommodation in either a hotel or gîte in either a double or twin room depending on the option you choose
- picnic lunches
- lift passes
- transfers throughout the hike
- luggage transportation throughout the trek (1 piece of luggage per person, Maximum 15KG per bag - No hard-shell suitcase)
Not included in the price :
- drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…),
- repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurance highly reccommended
Further information
In this section, find all the information about this activity. For further information, please contact our advisor (contact details above).
Meeting point : meet at 8.30 am at the Compagnie des Guides office, 190 Place de l’Eglise, 74400 Chamonix.
Ability level : 4/5. The Tour du Mont-Blanc Luxury trip is a hike of moderate difficulty. A minimum of 700m (2350ft) and a maximum of 1300m (4265ft) vertical gain and about 5 to 7 hours of hiking daily. Hiking on generally well-maintained mountain trails, sometimes including out-of-trail sections. For active people who do not mind training to prepare for the hike and practice sport regularly. Trekking experience is recommended.
Guiding policy : minimum 5 and maximum 10 people per guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy is one of the strictest in the mountain guiding business. It guarantees the most balanced groups as possible as well as high-quality personalised advice.
Important: Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.
Accomodation :
- During the trip : 7 nights half board in hotels in double/twin rooms
*For people signing up alone, we cannot guarantee that you will share your room with a person of the same gender.
- Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix.
Documentation :
- Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up.
- Participants must also take valid ID with them.
Preparing for the trip : There is an information meeting with your mountain leader the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagnie des Guides Office.
Equipment
We recommend that you take special care in choosing your equipment because it contributes greatly to the success of your trip. As alpine conditions can be highly variable with sudden changes, it can get very cold in altitude, it is preferable to have numerous layers rather than one thick piece of clothing. It is not uncommon to have snow in the middle of summer, do not skimp on warm clothes even if the weather seems favourable. Contrarily, the sun can be scorching hot. Without weighing too much, you should always have sufficient equipment in your backpack to deal with the capricious and severe weather.
Equipment
- A backpack with a capacity of at least 30 litres (better too big than too small). Make sure you have enough space for the picnic. A small tip in case it rains : even if you have a backpack cover, always protect your belongings in a plastic bag (a big rubbish bag) inside your backpack.
- A compact and solid travel bag, maximum 15kg.
- A pair of top-quality hiking boots with Vibram soles. For new shoes, we strongly suggest that you wear them beforehand to mold them to the shape of your foot. If you are prone to blisters : talcum powder applied to dry feet and in your shoes before you start your days hiking.
Clothing
For added comfort regarding underwear, (t-shirts, boxers, socks), avoid cotton which is heavy, cold and dries very slowly. Opt for synthetic technical fabrics or wool, which is making a comeback. They are warmer and dry quickly.
For the day :
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt
- 1 long-sleeved t-shirt (technical fabric)
- 1 polar fleece
- 1 light down jacket (or a second fleece)
- 1 pair of shorts
- 1 pair of hiking trousers
- 1 pair of hiking socks (technical fabric)
- 1 Goretex jacket (waterproof windbreaker)
- 1 poncho (large rain cover that fits over your pack) or 1 pack cover
- 1 pair of waterproof trousers (although light Gore-tex trousers are expensive, other types of light waterproof trousers will do)
- Sun hat or baseball cap
- 1 warm hat
- 1 pair of gloves
For the entire trip :
- At least 2 changes of clothes - t-shirt, underwear & socks (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of long underwear (technical fabric)
- 1 pair of ultra-light shoes (i.e. flip flops, slippers)
- optional : short gators (start of the season)
Accessories
For the day :
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream and lip salve
- 1 water bottle (minimum 1 litre but 1.5 litres is better)
- 1 knife
- 1 fork (type "spork")
- 1 pair of telescopic poles
For the entire trip :
- Flashlight or headlight
- Personal pharmacy : elastoplast, (stretchable strapping tape), band-aids "second skin" kit, compresses, medicines for common ailments : diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain relief, allergies and any prescribed medication. The mountain leader always carries a first aid kit with them. Remember that packing light is essential.
- Toiletries, hand towel, earplugs
- Identification (passport or ID card)
- Money for your personal expenses
- A bit of soap for laundry
Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Sanglard Sports, Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop
Our Equipment Partners : Millet, Dynastar, Julbo, Grivel & Monnet
Carbone Calculator
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 337 kg. In order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually.
CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 337 kg. In order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually.
CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kgIn order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology, today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually., or 10.1€ to offset.
Find out more about our zero impact strategy.
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For more information, contact Pôle Randonnée : +33 (0)4 50 53 92 78
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