Current as of: December 21, 2024 - 14:24
Tour du Mont Blanc Week Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: France, Italy, Switzerland
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
-
Activity Level:
5 out of 7 - Challenging
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 18+
- Trip Code: TWP
- Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e
Trip Overview
A fast and light way to complete the Mont Blanc Circuit
The Mont Blanc Circuit – also known as the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) – is deservedly one of the world’s classic walks, circumnavigating the highest mountain in western Europe. This exciting itinerary concentrates on some of the most spectacular sections, enabling us to produce a hard and exhilarating one-week trip for the trekking enthusiast. Overnighting in family-run accommodation, we trek clockwise around the Mont Blanc massif, enjoying hearty local cuisine from three countries, phenomenal views and some of the best walking in Europe.
At a Glance
- Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (hotel)
- Six days of trekking, carrying all your belongings for these days (no vehicle support)
- Light backpacking; some steep ascents/descents
- See the trip notes for further details of the demands of this trek
- Altitude maximum: 8,323ft (2,537m); average: 4,595ft (1,400m)
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- Spend a week hiking the most scenic trails on the Mont Blanc Circuit
- Join a small group guided by an International Mountain Leader with expert knowledge of the area
- Challenge yourself against cols and passes with glorious views along the way
- Experience three countries and cultures in one week: France, Italy, Switzerland
- Finish the adventure in Chamonix, a world-famous hub for mountain activities
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Walking profile: Our route is non-technical, although there is a short section with a fixed sloping ladder and metal footsteps to help traverse what would be a steeper section. Some days involve ascents of 3,000ft-4,000ft (900m-1,200m), equivalent to three to four hours walking uphill, followed by similar descents, amounting to eight to nine hours of walking each day (including rest stops and lunch).
Terrain: We take mountain paths throughout, so this trip is not advised for severe vertigo sufferers. The paths are well maintained, but there are sections that are rough underfoot, sometimes with loose rocks, so you need to be confident in your footing and balance.
GPS measurements: All ascents, descents and distances listed have been measured by our local partner using satellite-based mapping software. Please note, GPS measuring devices can give differing results, especially in mountainous terrain and on winding paths. Measurements stated throughout these Trip Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and vary depending on the group pace.
Fitness: As this is a group trip, you should be able to walk at a consistent, steady pace that matches the group average, allowing the group to finish the day at a reasonable time. You will also enjoy the trek a great deal more if your fitness allows you to walk the route in relative ease. You must carry your own gear with you (there is no vehicle support), but this need not weigh more than 17lb-22lb (8kg-10kg) if you pack carefully.
Opting out: If you cannot walk during the itinerary and want to opt out of a day, please note this can sometimes be a little tricky dependent on where on the circuit you are. To reach the next point you need to take a public bus (which runs at limited times) or taxi (which can be expensive in more remote locations). If you miss any part of the itinerary, any extra transport, hotel and food cost will be at your expense.
Please note: It is essential you have helicopter evacuation cover for this trip.
Group
We provide a qualified International Mountain Leader to escort the group on each walking day. Our walking leaders are true mountain professionals and skilled group leaders, bringing expert knowledge on mountain safety, plus the local flora and fauna, geology, weather and customs. The leaders are required to prevent anyone participating in an activity if they believe the person is not capable of completing it safely or in a reasonable time.
Adult min age: 18
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Col de la Forclaz
- End City: Chamonix
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Geneva; transfer to Col de la Forclaz
From Geneva airport, we transfer to the 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland (or similar)
Start Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland
We start at the designated hotel at Col de la Forclaz. 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.
Accommodation: Hotel Col de la Forclaz, Switzerland (or similar)
Follow the Bovine Route to the pretty village of Champex Lac and on to Orsières
We leave the Col de la Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) 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 (6,720ft/2,049m) affords dramatic views over Swiss peaks and valleys. After lunch, we descend to Champex (4,880ft/1,486m) and the east side of the Mont Blanc massif. Walking south, we descend through woods to the Val Ferret and onto Orsières (2,910ft/887m), a pretty alpine village in the valley at the foot of the St Bernard Pass.
Accommodation: Hotel de l’Union in Orsières, Switzerland (or similar)
Short bus transfer to La Fouly and climb to the highest point, Grand Col Ferret, and descend into Italy
We hop aboard the local bus to rejoin the TMB at the village of La Fouly (5,250ft/1,600m), which is 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 (8,320ft/2,537m), 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 (5,770ft/1,760m) then travel by bus to our hotel in La Palud.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria in La Palud, Italy (or similar)
Trek from Val Veny over Col de la Seigne to Les Chapieux
We travel by bus to La Visaille (5,450ft/1,660m) 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 (8,250ft/2,516m), which marks our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870ft/1,789m) and finally, after a long walking day, to Les Chapieux (5,100ft/1,553m), a small hamlet inhabited only during summer. For departures on the 5/7/25 and 6/9/25 from here we take a private transfer down the valley to our accommodation in Bourg St Maurice.
Accommodation: Auberge de la Nova in Chapieux, France (or similar)
A tougher day over two cols; Croix du Bonhomme and Col du Bonhomme; descend to Les Contamines
A morning transfer back to Les Chapieux, where we have 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 (8,130ft/2,479m), then contour across to the Col du Bonhomme (7,641ft/2,329m) and finally descend again on a Roman road into the Val Montjoie and the town of Les Contamines (3,860ft/1,175m). Our path continues through the village and we arrive at our overnight stop with time for a well-deserved cold drink.
Accommodation: Auberge (inn) Gelinotte in Les Contamines, France (or similar)
Over the Col du Tricot to the Chamonix Valley
Another big day! Our route continues with a steady ascent to the Chalets de Miage (5,120ft/1,560m), a great spot to sample home-cooked delicacies. From here, we take a trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950ft/2,119m) 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 (5,420ft/1,652m) where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley, and finally descend to the village of Les Houches (3,260ft/993m) and take the bus to our hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers in Chamonix, France (or similar)
Final day trekking past Lac Blanc before descending to Chamonix
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 (7,715ft/2,352m) with grand vistas over the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc behind. Our route then drops sharply down to Chamonix (3,380ft/1,030m) and the end of our trek.
Accommodation: Hotel Les Lanchers in Chamonix, France (or similar)
To Geneva; fly to London
End Chamonix. Transfer to Geneva airport.
End Chamonix
Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home.
Accommodation
Hotels and auberges
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: modest 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.
- Solo travellers 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.
Food & Drink
All breakfasts and dinners are included except dinner in Chamonix on Day 7 of the itinerary.
Typical meals
- Breakfast: Usually 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/refuge.
- Evening meal: Generally, 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.
- Vegans: You may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region.
Transport
All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included. We use a variety of transport to facilitate our route around the circuit; this includes local buses and taxis. For the transfers to and from Geneva airport we normally use a private coach.
Weather & Seasonality
Expect fair weather from late June to early October, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and it can be surprisingly cold at times, particularly on the high passes. Expected daytime temperatures are:
- 15C-25C (59F-77F) in the valleys, although it can sometimes reach 30C (86F) in July/August
- 5C-15C (41F-59F) on the passes, though it will feel colder if wet and windy
- 5C-15C (41F-59F) in the valley at night, possibly a little lower early and late in the season
There is always the possibility of lying snow, especially in the early season, and snowfall even in August and September when we may find new snow on the passes. On late season treks (September), the days are shorter and we need to make early starts to make the most of the available daylight hours.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz, La Forclaz 2, 1929 Trient
Phone: +41 27 722 26 88
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Geneva (GVA)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 1hr 40min 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. 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 start hotel easily by taking a train from Geneva to Martigny then onwards by bus or taxi to the Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz. Tickets for this leg of the journey must be purchased locally at Geneva railway station or online here.
Alternatively, if arriving the evening before, you could spend the night in Chamonix and then be picked up by the group transfer in the early afternoon, as it passes through on the way to the start hotel. You can reach Chamonix 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.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen 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: Col de la Forclaz
Location end: Chamonix
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Rucksack of 40-60 litre capacity
- Walking boots
- Waterproof rucksack liner or bin (trash) bag
- Small wash kit
- Headtorch (headlamp)
- Waterproof jacket and waterproof over-trousers (over-pants)
- Large water bottles/Camelbak
- Sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Warm hat and gloves
- Hand sanitiser
- Lightweight down jacket or warm fleece top
- Walking poles
Optional Equipment
- Gaiters
- Pair of lightweight shoes/sandals/flip flops for evening time
- Book
- Swimming costume (for swimming in lakes)
- Earplugs
- Tupperware if you prefer a bit more protection for your packed lunch and to reduce plastic waste
Following a briefing by your leader on the evening of Day 1 of the itinerary, you will be given time to arrange your baggage. All of the above should be taken with you on trek, along with your clothing and washbag etc for the week; however, if you wish to have a small bag taken with extra clothes directly from the Col de Forclaz to be waiting for you when you arrive in Chamonix on Day 6, please clearly label this separate bag. We recommend you take any valuables with you.
Reading List
Maps
The recommended maps for this trek are the two sheets 3630 Ouest and 3531 Est issued by IGN series at a scale of 1:25,000. The best alternative is the single sheet 1:50,000 map issued by Rando-Editions `Pays du Mont-Blanc’ (sheet A1). Any other maps need several sheets to cover the area.
Practical Information
Visa
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. 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/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. 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/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Switzerland
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter 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/europe/switzerland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html
Vaccinations and Health
France
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.
Italy
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.
Switzerland
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.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +01:00)
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +01:00)
Switzerland's time zone: Europe/Zurich (UTC +01:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Switzerland's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
Switzerland's currency: Swiss francs (CHF), but euros (EUR) are widely accepted
ATM Availability
There are ATMs at Geneva Airport and in Chamonix town centre; however, for convenience we advise you bring euros in cash with you. There are some other cash points along the route and your leader can advise you where these will be.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
While walking in Switzerland, drinks and snacks can be bought in euros, so it is not necessary to have Swiss francs. If you prefer to pay in francs you can obtain them from ATMs or possibly exchange euros for francs through the group leader.
Tipping
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 €20 per leader. Smaller groups may wish to give a little more per person. It is customary and appreciated to leave a small tip when settling your drinks bill at group meals in restaurants.
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
-
Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
-
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
-
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
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.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
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.