On Foot from France to Italy to Switzerland
Tour du Mont Blanc
Overview
Glacier-clad Mont Blanc, western Europe's highest peak, has seven major valleys radiating into France, Italy, and Switzerland and a fantastic array of ecosystems. A multi-day hike circling this entire massif crosses from one country to the next—on foot! The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the Great Hikes of the World, and we've honed this classic to perfection. Impeccably designed days bring you to epic glaciers, across wildflower-carpeted meadows, and into classic alpine hamlets as we explore each country's cultural and culinary delights. Overnights are in well-located cozy mountain hotels and hikers' inns, and our team of Trip Leaders brings a wonderful esprit to the adventure.
Arrive: Chamonix, France
Depart: Chamonix, France
Highlights
- One of the world's classic hikes—and we do it right!
- Hike across three international borders on foot and enjoy magnificent mountain and glacier views
- Expert Trip Leaders on the trail, delicious mountain cuisines in each country
- Overnights in mountain villages with great charm and character
Itinerary
Chamonix sits right at the foot of Mont Blanc (15,770'). From this charming town, the mountaineering capital of Europe, our first hike is on a massif called the Aiguilles Rouges, where we'll get panoramas across the entire Chamonix Valley. Another hike brings us to the Bionnassay Glacier and the Col de Tricot (6,955') for a magnificent view of the Dômes de Miage and Mont Blanc.
Starting from the chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, we ascend through gentle forests to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme for a lunch stop, with a descent to the summer village of Les Chapieux (5,128'). On Day 4, we leave France and enter the Aosta region of Italy along a route once used by Roman legionnaires. From the remote Vallée des Glaciers, we climb eastward to the Col de la Seigne (8,255'), the hydrologic divide between the Atlantic and Mediterranean. We'll enjoy fantastic vistas of Mont Blanc's sheer 11,000-foot southern face as we go, then descend to Courmayeur, the Italian counterpart of Chamonix, situated at the foot of Mont Blanc. In Courmayeur, we can enjoy a rest day or an optional cable car ride to Pointe Helbronner (11,371'), which marks the border between Italy and France.
Crossing into Switzerland on foot, we traverse the Val Ferret beneath the massive granite peaks of Mont Dolent (12,543'), the Dent du Géant, and the Grandes Jorasses. As we cross the spectacular Grand Col Ferret (8,324'), we'll have stunning views of the icy southern flanks of the Mont Blanc massif, and in the far distance, the Grand Combin and Monte Rosa. From lakeside Champex, we follow a shepherds' trail, ascending gently with views of the Rhône Valley. The magnificent Trient Glacier is in view as we cross the Col de la Forclaz (5,010').
Climbing to the Col de Balme (7,201'), the border between Switzerland and France, we once again see the beautiful Chamonix Valley. With the glory of the Mont Blanc massif above us, we descend to Chamonix, mission accomplished! Depart on Day 9.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 5, Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. You will need to be comfortable hiking 10-11 miles a day, being on your feet for up to 8 hours a day, and hiking on uneven surfaces with long descents that can be hard on the knees. While no climbing or mountaineering experience is necessary, all trip members should have ample hiking experience and be able to keep up with the group as there are no alternative hiking options available. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Challenge Day
Review Trip Level Details
Average Hiking Day
- 9 miles
- 6-7 hours
- 2,700-3,000 feet gain/loss
- Altitudes range from 4,000-8,800 feet
Challenge Day
- Day 3: 10 miles, 7-8 hours, 4,400 feet gain, and 3,200 loss; includes two passes
At lower elevations the trails are usually packed dirt, but at higher elevations they are often much rockier, with occasional sections of glacial snow, loose scree, and large boulders. On some days you will encounter sections of narrow, exposed trails and occasionally, you will need to use your hands to scramble over and between a jumble of boulders. Your experienced mountain guides are there to assist you if needed.
We strongly urge you to train for your trip, as your enjoyment will be highly dependent on your level of fitness. The best training for a hike is to hike, especially over hills or rough terrain. Next best are running, swimming, bicycling, or other cardiovascular exercises. Stair-climbing machines are excellent preparation for hiking uphill. Your feet should also be well prepared—make sure your hiking boots are sturdy, comfortable, and thoroughly broken-in. Altitude is generally not a problem on this trip. However, some people still experience a few problems when they first reach high altitude. Slight headache and sleeplessness are the most common symptoms.
Temperatures during the day will likely be in the high 60s°F. At night, they will drop quite a bit, depending on the altitude. Mountain weather can be fickle, and it can range from blue skies with temperatures in the 70s°F to cloudy, wet, and cold days on which rain gear and warm garments are necessary. The early-season departures may encounter snow on the trails. There is a chance that we will need to choose alternate routes if weather conditions are poor.
Overnights are in mountain villages with great charm and character. In Chamonix, we stay in the wonderful Grand Hotel des Alpes. Outside of Chamonix, we stay in small, comfortable hotels that can be busy during the hiking season. Please note that these are hikers' hotels, not five-star resorts. The rooms are clean and comfortable, but are not always of uniform size or amenities. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms are offered when possible, but those who pay the Single Supplement may have to share a room for up to two nights during the trip. In Les Chapieux, couples may also have to share a room.
Lunch will usually be in a mountain lodge or at a picnic spot amidst the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Most evening meals will be taken at our hotels and will include hearty, nourishing mountain fare, often featuring the cuisine the region is known for. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
Our van will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need during the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day).
Client Testimonials
"We loved the trip—great itinerary, marvelous scenery, excellent food and drinks, and unparalleled service!"
Angie R.
Kenosha, WI
"From the surprise picnics to tasting grolla in the mountain hut, it was all wonderfully organized."
B. Scott
Chapmore Ends, England
"We have traveled with other tour companies in the past but Wilderness Travel is so far superior we will always use them!"
Bernie M.
Pullman, WA
"I had an amazing time. Everything had been thought of and the trip ran perfectly. A tremendous and superb tour."
Bridget G.
Wanaka, New Zealand
"Wonderful A+ trip. Well designed for trekking, very good hotels/auberges. We had a wonderful trip with a great group of guides who were professional, competent, and affable."
Bruce F.
Berkeley, CA
"This trip would not have been half as amazing without our two amazing guides, Tania and Giuseppe. Their knowledge, professionalism, teamwork, and personal touches were beyond expectations. Thank you all for a memorable 50th birthday trip!"
Catherine R.
Sacramento, CA
"A great trip. I was ready to go back as soon as I got home."
David W.
Centennial, CO
"We had the time of our lives! I wouldn't have changed anything; I loved it all. Each guide was outstanding and we enjoyed all aspects of their knowledge and professionalism. Thanks for being so organized and awesome—you made it all so easy!"
Elly M.
Iron Ridge, WI
"This was the ninth trip I have done with WT. You continue to do a professional job that commands respect."
Greg C.
Tampa, FL
"The trip was great. It was hard work, but that was balanced out by great food and a comfortable bed at the end of the day! All the hotels were good."
Jeanne A.
Chevy Chase, MD
"This trip far exceeded any expectations I had! I felt so well taken care of the entire time. It was such an amazing experience that I will never forget. I am truly grateful for the guides and my fellow hikers."
Jessica B.
Rock Hill, SC
"I had an amazing experience! I would definitely travel with WT again."
Jognya T.
Thousand Oaks, CA
"We could not have imagined a better honeymoon. From sweeping views of valleys/mountains to sweet accommodations to singing guides, this trip had everything we were looking for. We definitely worked hard to earn our views, and were always greeted by the Mont Blanc Massif. Thank you for your coordination, planning, and celebration of this special time in our life!"
Katie W.
Denver, CO
"Challenging hike with gorgeous scenery, well organized, a nice variety of accomodations and food, great guides! Perfect in every way!"
Liz S.
Los Gatos, CA
"I loved exploring the unique villages and variety of hotels. Food was outstanding (as was the wine)!"
Mary Kay S.
Oak Park, IL
"I had so much fun. This trip truly was better than I expected...and I had high expectations coming in."
Meg W.
New York, NY
"What an amazing trip! The scenery, the trails, the food, the guides—all were incredible. I just got home and I want to go back!"
Megann Y.
Fresno, CA
"Trip of a lifetime. Amazing, amazing! The guides are what made the trip fantastic, and of course, Mt. Blanc was beautiful at every turn. I found myself saying ‘wow’ almost every fifteen minutes the whole trip. The food was fantastic as well. Lovely wines and desserts. We will be talking about this trip for a long, long time."
Meredith B.
Raleigh, NC
"We really enjoyed this tour. The route was excellent as was the level of activity, and the guides added to our overall enjoyment of the adventure. The location of the tour was the ultimate part of the experience."
Michelle E.
Lafayette, CA
"A once-in-a-lifetime experience where the beauty of the mountains, the quality of the food/lodging, and the hiking challenges were just magnificent."
Nancy M.
Sacramento, CA
"Wilderness Travel and their personnel were able to allow me to experience the Alps and Mont Blanc in many ways—the rugged hikes, beautiful views everywhere, the people, and the food."
Nancy T.
Missoula, MT
"We had a blast and enjoyed all aspects of our trip. The hiking was incredible, scenery spectacular, food and wine amazing!"
Pat H.
Ketchum, ID
"The trip was incredible, The scenery was fantastic (helped by good fortune with the weather), our lodging along the way was quite good, and the interaction of the hikers and the guides was interactive and stimulating."
Pat K.
Malibu, CA
"This was a trip of a lifetime for me. The scenery was truly mind-blowing. The hikes were certainly challenging and facing big elevation changes every day was tough but I loved every minute of this trip. I felt totally immersed in nature and the vistas were breathtaking. I would recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys hiking; I can’t imagine any place more beautiful than this."
Robin M.
Berwyn, PA
"This trip was a highlight of my life. I'm already planning the next one!"
Ruth A.
Calgary, Alberta
"The guide team was outstanding—professional, knowledgeable, and lots of fun. It was clear that they loved what they did and worked very well together to make sure that we had an amazing Tour du Mont Blanc experience. Thank you for an amazing vacation!"
Theresa B.
Manhattan Beach, CA
"Our guides were excellent and made the trip a 20 on a 10 scale! I'm very eager to take another trip with Wilderness Travel after this experience."
Tom D.
Kenosha, WI
"This trip exceeded our hopes and expectations. We had a fabulous time!"
Wendy G.
Exeter, NH
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.