Great Tour du Mont Blanc off the beaten track in 9 days

Day 1: Chamonix – Le Tour

5 h 30 of walk – Accommodation: Inn – 510 m (1,675 ft) ascent / 1230 m (4,030 ft) descent / 14kms

We meet this morning at 9:00 AM at the Prarion cable car in Les Houches. After a short bus transfer, we arrive at Plan Praz, where a gondola takes us up to the summit.

This is where our Tour du Mont Blanc begins, with a stunning traverse toward La Flégère.

Along the way, the balcony trail offers exceptional views of the Mont Blanc massif and its glaciers. At the end of the day, we begin our descent toward Le Tour.

Day 2: Le Tour – Trient

7 h of walk – Accommodation: Inn – 960 m (3,150 ft) ascent / 1060 m (3,480 ft) descent / 15kms

On this second day, we begin a beautiful ascent through the alpine meadows to reach the Col de Balme (2,190 m), the crossing point into Switzerland. From the summit, the panorama unfolds: on one side, Mont Blanc; on the other, the stunning Trient Valley.

We then continue with a pleasant descent to the village of Trient, nestled in the heart of the mountains. 

Day 3: Trient – Champex – La Fouly

Choice 1 : 5 h 30 of walk – Accommodation : mountain hut – 1000 m (3,280 ft) ascent / 780 m (2,560 ft) descent / 15kms 
Choice 2 : 7 h 30 of walk – Accommodation : mountain hut – 1400 m (4,595 ft) ascent / 1150 m (3,575 ft) descent / 15kms

Overlooking Martigny and the Rhône Valley, our route takes us through beautiful alpine meadows toward Champex. Depending on the group’s condition and current circumstances*, two options are available: the panoramic route via the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 m) or the gentler but equally stunning path through Bovine.

From Champex, a short public transport ride brings us to the charming village of La Fouly.

*The itinerary will be chosen by your guide.

Day 4: La Fouly – Frassatti

6h30 of walk – Accommodation : mountain hut – 900 m (2,955 ft) ascent / 1000 m (3,280 ft) descent / 12kms

We start the day with a short transfer to the Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard (2,469 m), the starting point of our stage. From there, we begin the ascent to our mountain refuge.

Throughout the trek, the majestic south face of the Mont Blanc massif unfolds before us, creating a spectacular backdrop.

Nestled in a stunning natural setting, the refuge welcomes us for a night at altitude.

Day 5: Frassatti – Col Checrouit

6 h of walk – Accommodation: refuge – 550 m (1,805 ft) ascent / 1300 m (4,265 ft) descent / 11kms

On this fifth day, we begin with a beautiful trail leading to the Col de Malatra, nestled in the heart of an impressive rocky and steep ridge. The breathtaking panorama there is truly unforgettable.

After descending to the Bonatti refuge, we continue by bus to Courmayeur, the iconic Italian capital of mountaineering. A stroll through the old town lets us soak in its authentic atmosphere before we head back up in altitude via the gondola to Col Checrouit.

Day 6: Col Checrouit – Les Chapieux

6 h of walk – Accommodation : inn or refuge – 1130 m (3,705 ft) ascent / 1480 m (4,855 ft) descent / 20kms

Today, we leave Italy to return to France. After reaching Val Veny, we continue our ascent to the Col de la Seigne (2,514 m), which marks the border between Italy and France.

From the pass, a long panoramic descent awaits us through the vast alpine meadows of the Beaufortain. Gradually, we reach the hamlet of Les Chapieux, known as the birthplace of the famous Beaufort cheese. 

Day 7: Les Chapieux – La Gittaz

7 h of walk – Accommodation: refuge –  920 m (3,020 ft) ascent / 880 m (2,885 ft) descent / 17kms

Today’s stage between the Beaufortain and the Mont Blanc massif takes us into a wild and rugged landscape. We cross the Rocher du Vent, a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Lake Roselend, before continuing our descent facing Mont Blanc toward Lake La Giettaz. 

Day 8: La Gittaz – Roselette

6 h 30 of walk – Accommodation: refuge – 1190 m (3,905 ft) ascent / 970 m (3,180 ft) descent / 14kms

This morning, we take the Curé trail to reach the Col du Bonhomme, before continuing our ascent toward the Fenêtre Pass. Once we cross the pass, we begin the descent, passing near the Prés chalets, then proceed at a relaxed pace toward our refuge for the night.

Day 9 : Roselette – Bellevue – Les Houches

6 h 30 of walk – 1300 m (4,265 ft) ascent / 1370 m (4,495 ft) descent / 17kms

Last day of hiking, but the adventure isn’t over yet: stunning landscapes will continue to accompany us throughout this stage!

Depending on the group’s condition and the day’s weather, it’s possible to take the variant via the Col du Tricot (2,120 m), offering spectacular views of the Bionnassay Glacier. The final descent to Les Houches will be made by gondola. We return to the Prarion around 4:30 PM, marking a beautiful end to this grand tour.

*Your guide will decide on the best option.