Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 16:50
Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 16:50
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Walk the most picturesque sections of the Mont Blanc Circuit, the great long-distance trail portioned into a week of dramatic Alpine panoramas. The full circuit – also called the Tour du Mont Blanc − normally takes two weeks to complete, but if you have less time, this one-week tour with daily mountain views is ideal. In the evenings, return to your Alpine chalet, where our welcoming hosts have created a home-from-home atmosphere and cook up a feast.
Highlights
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This Mont Blanc trek follows mountain paths throughout, which are generally well maintained but rocky and steep in sections, so not suitable for vertigo sufferers.
The walking hours stated in the day-to-day itinerary, which include lunch and photo stops, are given as approximates only and will vary depending on your group’s pace.
Preparation: The longest days can have an ascent of up to 2,952ft (900m) followed by a similar descent. This means walking uphill for two to four hours and the same down again. For this reason, those new to hill walking will likely find the trip quite tough and need to train beforehand.
Itinerary changes: To deliver the best experience, we typically amend the itinerary during spring and autumn, when the bustle of the high season is replaced by a more laid-back vibe, and in late July and August, which is high season. There is also a change for September & October departures. Please see the Seasonal Itinerary Changes section of the Trip Notes for details on the changes.
Additionally, the itinerary may change depending on which chalet you stay in − the tour leader will discuss these changes with you if and when they occur. Generally, those in Chalet Chalupa and Chalet Chocolat have the free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.
The itinerary may also be impacted by weather conditions as your tour leader may need to swap days around to ensure the best possible conditions.
Accommodation: On some weeks, we may be hosting more than one group. In this instance, the groups remain separate (apart from the airport bus transfer) and stay in different chalets. We may also adjust your itinerary to ensure the groups are following different walks each day.
Please note: It is essential to have helicopter evacuation cover within your travel insurance.
We provide a qualified International Mountain Leader to escort the group on each walking day. Our walking leaders are true mountain professionals. As well as being skilled group leaders there to help assure safety on the mountain, they also impart their knowledge of the wider mountain environment such as flora and fauna, geology, weather and local customs.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 12
Fly to Geneva, transfer to your chalet. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.
Welcome to your alpine chalet, your beautiful base for this incredible walking holiday. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.
Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc and into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin, the views get even better and by late morning we reach L’Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft/2,200m). This is a peak from which we are rewarded with a panorama over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Posettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour.
Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic Tour de Mont Blanc and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (7,500ft/2,285m) for one of the finest views in the Alps – looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière.
Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to Les Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier above. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (5,360ft/1,653m) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) if you have tired legs.
On this walk there is also a short section descending where chains can be used as handrails down a rocky path, plus a short ladder to ascend.
Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you on possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix; the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight.
Please note: It is necessary to book a space on the Aiguille du Midi lift and usually the earlier a ticket is bought the better value it is. We will brief you about this on your arrival day. However, if you want to find out more before you travel, or even book your place in advance, you can do so at www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/
If booking, please remember that those in Chalet Chalupa and Chalet Chocolat have their free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.
We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (6,560ft/2,000m), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice cream.
Ascent: 1,500ft (450m); descent: 1,804ft (550m); walking time: seven hours
Late July and August: Occasional high season weeks in July and August the traffic queue can become very long for the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy, so in these cases we will discuss with the group the option of exchanging the Italian day for an alternative walk. Instead, we will have a fabulous walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley.
Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours
September and October 2024 departures: From 2nd September 2024, for an estimated 15 weeks, the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy will be closed for maintenance works. This means that we are unable to visit Italy on all departures from 2nd September – 12th October 2024. On these dates we will have a fabulous alternative walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley.
Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours
From our chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère. From this higher vantage point, we will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m), which affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After plenty of time enjoying the panorama, we descend to Lacs des Chéserys where, on a still day, we will see the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is a short ladder to descend. From here, we descend a little further again onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. What remains of the afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix centre or return to the chalet to relax in the garden.
Distance: 5.6mi (9km); ascent: 1,770ft (540m); descent: 1,770ft (540m); walking time: seven hours
Please note: the above distance does not include the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola, which is a few kilometres depending on which chalet you are in. Alternatively, we may take public transport.
Spring and autumn departures: La Flégère gondola is open for trips between 10th June and 16th September. Outside this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is not included in the price of the holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, the cable car cost will be paid locally (approximately €20).
Alternatively, we will enjoy the following spring and autumn itinerary.
From Argentière (4,100ft/1,250m) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley. The panoramic views over the valley to Mont Blanc and all the other peaks, valleys and glaciers are breathtaking. From La Flégère we descend via Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added descent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary, but the views are equally stunning.
Distance: 7.5mi (12km) plus any extra flat walking in the valley getting to and from the chalet; ascent: 2,430ft (740m); descent: 3,120ft (950m); walking time: eight hours
Invigorated after a week treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.
Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes. Those on the group flights will transfer to Geneva; fly to London.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
We use three alpine chalets with comfortable lounges and dining rooms. All have a large table where delicious home-cooked meals are served and scrumptious cakes are provided daily for afternoon tea. Chalupa and Chocolat have a private outdoor area and a hot tub, and Bediere has access to communal gardens and is only a five-minute walk to the centre of Chamonix.
Chalets provide a more intimate experience than traditional hotels and the dining room often becomes a hub of living in the evening and a space to share stories from the day. Meals are prepared by the chalet hosts and enjoyed around a communal table.
Additionally, the hosts live on site meaning they are available for any situation that arises. Generally, they won’t enter your rooms to change towels, make beds or clean, but they are happy to help if you feel your room needs a midweek service. None of the rooms have air conditioning but we do provide electric fans.
Friends and family can typically be allocated to the same chalet, even if you have different booking references. Please notify your sales representative at the time of booking if this applies to you.
Chalet Chocolat
A seven-minute train ride (or 25-minute walk) from the heart of Chamonix, this seven-room chalet has a traditional alpine feel, plus a lovely garden and cosy atmosphere. Bedrooms vary in size and shape and some (not all) have access to a balcony.
Chalet Chalupa
In the pretty resort of Les Houches, Chalet Chalupa provides modern chalet accommodation in the Chamonix Valley. It has six well-proportioned rooms and an extensive deck with a fire pit. Twenty minutes from central Chamonix by bus, the chalet provides a spacious and comfortable living space with the amenities of Les Houches nearby.
Chalet Bediere
Only a five-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix, this 1920s mansion has five stylish rooms and a communal outdoor space with mountain views. It is decorated in an art deco style and was refurbished in 2023, keeping the original character of the property.
Worth knowing
All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six dinners are included in the price of the trip. All food is home cooked in the chalet using local ingredients.
Typical meals
Please note: to reduce food wastage we shop to exact quantities for the whole week in advance, so if you have requested a certain diet please remain with that diet for the whole trip.
All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional excursions or where a client may choose to curtail a group walk. For the transfers to and from Geneva airport we normally use a private coach, other Exodus groups heading out to trek in the Alps may share this transfer. Daily transport to and from the chalet will be by the chalet’s own minibus or public transport when convenient.
From late May to late October, you can expect fair weather, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and can be surprisingly cold at times, especially at higher altitudes. Expect daytime temperatures between 15C and 25C (59F and 77F) in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30C/86F in July/August), 5C and 20C (41F and 68F) at altitude (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and 5C to 15C (41F to 59F) in the valley at night; possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of snow, even in August.
Spring and autumn: Late spring and early autumn are great times to visit Chamonix and walk in the mountains, especially for those keen on photography. The air is clear, the colours are vibrant and the paths are peaceful. Chamonix itself is very much open for business but the bustle of the high season is replaced by a more laid-back vibe. During this time, we continue to walk spectacular sections of the Mont Blanc Circuit, but may lightly adjust some days due to lying snow or a river crossing not being open. Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Sud walk also follow a lower route due to the gondolier being closed before 8 June and after 15 September. Cafés on the mountain may be closed for some departures.
Although some days may be a little harder or a little easier, we try to ensure alterations are as minimal as possible, stay within the grading and overall theme of the trip, and (most importantly) still include the highlights of the area. The lift schedule can occasionally change, which means they may not run on the first/last departures. If this is the case, there may be lift costs that are payable locally.
Late July and August: During the high season, the traffic can be very long for the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy. In these cases, we discuss with the group the option of exchanging the Italian day for an alternative walk. Instead, we can have a fabulous walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley.
September and October 2024 departures: From 2nd September 2024, for an estimated 15 weeks, the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy will be closed for maintenance works. This means that we are unable to visit Italy on all departures from 2nd September – 12th October 2024. On these dates we will have a fabulous alternative walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley.
Chalet Chalupa:302 Rue de l’Essert, 74310 Les Houches
Chalet Chocolat: 1627 Marie Paradis, Les Pelerins, 74400 Chamonix
Chalet Bediere: 74 Prom. des Sonnailles, 74400 Chamonix
Recommended arrival time: There will be a short introductory briefing at approximately 1pm, which all are welcome to join but is not essential. The main briefing and all necessary information will be given at approximately 6pm
Airport: Geneva (GVA)
The chalet is approximately a 1hr 15min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves and you notify Exodus of your wish to do so at least two weeks before departure. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the chalet easily by taking a bus transfer with a local company – make sure to book at least a week before your departure date. A one-way transfer (shared with other travellers) will cost approximately €50 with our partner Mountain Drop-offs. Book on www.mountaindropoffs.com using promotional code EXOCHX for an approximate €5 discount. Discounted rates apply to transfers taking place between 17 June and 17 September. The drop-off point for Chalet Chocolat and Chalet Bediere is Chamonix (Centre). The drop-off point for Chalet Chalupa is Chamonix (Les Houches).
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, we recommend booking a shared transfer in advance with Mountain Drop-offs (please see Make your own way section above). Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to arrange a private transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Chamonix Valley
Location end: Chamonix Valley
In addition to your ‘normal’ daily clothes, you will need the following:
The best single-sheet map for this area is the IGN / Libris 1:50000 Massif et tour du Mont-Blanc. More detailed sheets for the area are the two IGN sheets at 1:25000 3531 ET St Gervais and 3630 OT Chamonix.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France, Italy or Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
• United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
Coffee, cake and snacks purchased from mountain cafés are still best purchased using cash, but cards are widely accepted in other locations. There are plenty of ATMs in Chamonix.
There are several extra excursions available – exact prices and details will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to what is normally available:
Although optional, a tip for the leader and chalet staff at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution from €25 per guest. Smaller groups may wish to give a little more per person.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.