Tour du Mont Blanc
This is Europe’s most popular long distance
trail, and deservedly so. Mont Blanc is 15,781ft
(4,810 metres) high and is the highest
mountain in Western Europe and this famous
Alpine route circumnavigates the whole
Mont Blanc massif. The trail begins in the
mountaineering mecca of Chamonix, and
traverses the alpine passes and pastures of
France, Switzerland and Italy with stunning
panoramas and picturesque villages
throughout. The route passes through the
seven valleys that surround the Mont Blanc
massif, within the regions of the Aosta Valley
(Italy), and the Haute-Savoie (France).
Our holiday takes a comparatively leisurely 10
nights, giving time to soak up the spectacular
scenery that surrounds the Mont Blanc massif.
Enjoying the sights and sounds of the alpine
flora and fauna, amidst such superb
mountain scenery, you will be left with no
doubt as to why this is Europe’s top trail. Our
first night is spent just outside Chamonix. We
follow the circuit in a clockwise direction.
If you encounter any difficulties getting to the
start of your holiday and are delayed, it is
important that you contact our partner
agent, Mont Blanc Adventures.
Agency:
Mont Blanc Adventures
Contact:
Philip Mansbridge
Tel:
+44 7734 90 27 66
Email: [email protected]
If you have any problems during the tour,
then please contact Mont Blanc Adventures,
as they are the people most able to help you
and offer relevant assistance.
Travel
A group transfer from Geneva airport is
included for both those who have booked a
flight with us and for independent travellers.
Independent travellers need to time their
own arrangements to meet with the transfer
time stated.
Start: A representative of our partner agent
will meet you upon arrival and direct you to
your transfer from Geneva Airport to
Argentiere. Finish: A coach transfer to
Geneva Airport will be arranged to connect
with the HF Holiday’s flight.
Please note these transfers will be timed to
connect with the HF Holidays’ flights. We
cannot make separate arrangements for
guests arriving/departing at different times.
Once you have made your travel
arrangements, please contact Sasha Buena
on 020 8732 1279 or e mail
[email protected] with your
travel plans and expected time of arrival.
Baggage transport: Transport of your luggage
will be arranged through local operators and
is included in your holiday price. It would be
appreciated if you limited your luggage to
one medium sized rucksack or sports bag
weighing no more than 18kg. It is essential
that your luggage is labelled at all times.
Daily arrangements will be finalised by your
leader at each hotel. Please be prepared to
carry overnight clothing with you in your day
sack on Day 5 and Day 8 (La Fouly & Les
Chapieux) as we do not transport your main
luggage on these days.
Accommodation: We stay at a number of
carefully selected hotels and an auberge. In
most instances the evening meal will be a set
meal featuring local dishes of the region. As
there is often little or no choice of meals in
the more remote locations, it is important that
you let us know in advance if you have any
specific dietary requirements.
Dinner on Day 6 and lunch and dinner on Day
7 are not included, so you can spend your
free day in Courmayeur however you
choose. Lunch on Day 1 and Day 11 are not
included. A picnic lunch is provided on all
walking days (8 in total): each member of the
Tour du Mont Blanc
group carries part of the picnic ingredients
and we make it up when on the hill.
In the hopefully rare event of any cause for
complaints regarding accommodation then
you must notify your leader at the time; he or
she can then attempt to rectify the problem.
Hotel de la Couronne (nights 1, 2 & 10)
285, rue Charlet Straton, Argentière,
74400 Chamonix
Tel: + 33 450 54 00 02
Website: www.hotelcouronne.com
Hôtel Edelweiss La Fouly is situated under the
Grand Col Ferret and is one of the most
authentic valleys of the Valais region. There
are 20 hotel rooms with private bathrooms
and cable television. The hotel benefits from
free Wi-Fi, a sauna, and private tennis courts.
Hotel Astoria (night 6 & 7)
Strada La Palud, 23; 11013 Courmayeur (AO)
Tel: +39 0165 86 9730 / 40
Website: www.hotelastoriacourmayeur.com
Hôtel La Couronne is situated at the foot of
the Mont Blanc massif in the alpine village of
Argentière. The hotels wooden frame rooms
are furnished with TV and private bathroom
with shower or bathtub and free WiFi access.
The Astoria Hotel is located in La Palud, a few
meters from the entrance of the Mont Blanc
Tunnel and 3km from Courmayeur town. The
hotel has 34 rooms furnished in wood with
typical mountain taste; all equipped with
telephone, private bathroom, satellite TV and
hairdryers. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.
Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz (night 3)
Fam. J.C. Gay-Crosier; Ch-1929 Trient
Tel: +41 27 722 26 88
Website: www.coldelaforclaz.ch
Auberge de la Nova (night 8)
73700 Bourg Saint Maurice ; Les Chapieux
Tel: +33 (0)479 89 07 15
Website: www.refugelanova.com
Set on the Col de la Forclaz mountain pass
this is a relaxed, family-run hotel. Rooms are
simply decorated with en suite shower & WC.
There is no internet access available.
Auberge de la Nova is a small hostel nestled
in the mountains. The hostel consists of 15
rooms and 4 dormitories with hot showers,
hand basins and toilets. A drying room is
available for clothes and shoes (slippers can
be borrowed). There is no internet access.
Hotel du Glacier (night 4)
1938 Champex-Lac
Tel: +41 27 782 61 50
Website: www.hotelglacier.ch
This is a traditional hotel that dates back over
100 years. The hotel offers well-furnished
rooms with shower or bath, WC, radio,
telephone and TV. Free WiFi is available
throughout the hotel and also in bedrooms.
Hôtel Edelweiss La Fouly (night 5)
Orsières ; Suisse
Tel: +41 27 783 26 21
Website: www.lafouly.ch
Chalet Hôtel La Chemenaz (night 9)
BP 17 Hameaux du Lay ; F 74170 Les
Contamines-Montjoie ; France
Tel: +33 (0)4 50 47 02 44
Website: www.chemenaz.com
This family-owned chalet style hotel is located
in a peaceful spot, just ten minutes walk from
Les Contamines. It has 27 spacious,
soundproof rooms that have separate
bathrooms with bathtub or shower, hair dryer,
satellite TV, direct telephone, safety deposit
box & free WiFi. This hotel also features a
sauna, hot tub and heated swimming pool.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Planned Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Geneva Airport
Transfer to our hotel in Argentiere in the
Chamonix Valley in 1 hour 30 mins. Argentiere
is a small village 7km from Chamonix and has
a few restaurants, bars and outdoor
equipment shops. If you want to visit
Chamonix town, it takes 20 minutes by public
bus or train.
Day 2: Chamonix – Lac Blanc – Argentiere
After breakfast we begin our journey. We
take the short bus ride to Chamonix (20
minutes) and then walk along the river to the
pretty village of Les Praz. We take the Flegere
cable car and continue our walk to Lac
Blanc. We walk through open countryside
with incredible views of the whole Mont Blanc
range and may hear the occasional whistle
from a marmot. Our decent follows a
beautiful path, through the forest,
descending to Argentiere and back to our
hotel for a second night. 12 miles (19km), with
1460 feet (450m) of ascent, and 4,264 feet
(1,300m) of descent.
Day 3: Argentiere – Col de Balme – Col de la
Forlcaz (Switzerland)
From the hotel we hike through old
Argentiere and up to the Col des Posettes for
superb views of Mont Blanc and the
Chamonix Valley. From here, we traverse to
the Col de Balme and look directly into
Switzerland. We descend through open
country with views of glaciers to Trient and
then a short climb to the Col de la Forclaz
where we spend the night. 11 miles (17.5km),
with 3,820 feet (1,180m) of ascent, and 2,932
feet (894m) of descent.
Day 4: Trient – Bovine Route – Champex
From Forclaz we hike along the ‘Bovine
Route’ to Champex. The route winds its way
through meadows, forests and open country
with views of the mountains of Verbier and
the great Sion Valley. There are no great
ascents today and we arrive at the hotel
located in central Champex overlooking the
beautiful lake. 9 miles (14km), with 1,512 feet
(461m) of ascent, and 1,781 feet (543m) of
descent.
Day 5: Champex – La Fouly
From Champex it is a gentle 6-7 hour trek to
La Fouly along the Val Ferret. We start our
walk from Champex Lac and then descend
to the valley floor and follow the river through
forests and meadows to Praz-de-Fort. We
then ascend in similar surroundings with
wonderful views of Mt Dolent and the South
Face of the Mont Blanc range. 12.5 miles
(20km), with 1,804 feet (550m) of ascent, and
1,443 feet (440m) of descent.
Day 6: La Fouly – Grand Col Ferret – La Palud,
Courmayeur (Italy)
We continue from La Fouly along the Val
Ferret and cross into Italy via the impressive
Grand Col Ferret. From here, the descent is
slightly steeper but rewards us with
outstanding views of two of the Alps most
iconic mountains – Les Grandes Jorasses and
Mont Blanc. Our hotel is in La Palud - a small
hamlet 3km outside of the centre of
Courmayeur (45mins walk / 10mins bus ride).
This is a long day if the entire walk is done,
and many choose to take the bus from
Arnuva to the hotel. You will have the choice
of both options. If you take the bus the total
distance for the day is 14 miles (22km). If you
walk the full distance is 18 miles (29km). There
is 3,181 feet (970m) of ascent, and 3,837 feet
(1,170m) of descent.
Dinner is not included tonight.
Day 7: Rest day in La Palud, Courmayeur
Courmayeur is one of Italy’s premier ski resorts
and is full of pretty shops, cafés and
restaurants. Close by, there is the new Skyway
cable car, the spa at Pre St Didier and lots of
walking options.
Lunch and dinner are not included today.
Tour du Mont Blanc
Day 8: Courmayeur – Val Veny – Col de la
Seigne – Les Chapieux
We travel to Val Veny under the spectacular
South Face and ridges of Mont Blanc. We trek
along a wide glacial valley surrounded by
glaciers and high peaks to the Col de la
Seigne which marks the border between
France and Italy. We then descend to Les
Chapieux. Today is quite a long day,
although it is not steep.13 miles (21km), with
2,829 feet (860m) of ascent, and 3,171 feet
(967m) of descent.
Day 9: Les Chapieux – Col du Bonhomme –
Les Contamines
We make a steep ascent above Les
Chapieux through marmot country and on
through open meadows to more barren
scenery. We cross two cols in wild
surroundings with fabulous Alpine flowers and
marmots, weasels and chamois. We then
head down through open country and on to
a narrowing valley. Our destination is Les
Contamines – a pretty ski village with an
interesting church. The hotel is located 1km
outside of the centre of Les Contamines. 13
miles (21km), with 3,050 feet (930m) of
ascent, and 4,329 feet (1,320m) of descent.
Day 10: Les Contamines – Les Houches
We follow the Bon Nant River for
approximately 4km and then head into the
hills near la Gruvaz. We pass the pretty
villages of le Champel and Bionassay and
then make our final climb of the holiday to
the Col de Voza (1653m). This is a fitting end
to our trek with the most outstanding views of
the Chamonix Valley, the Chamonix Aiguilles
and the Mont Blanc massif. We descend by
cable car to Les Houches. From here you can
elect to take the bus back to the hotel in
Argentiere (40 minutes) or continue on foot to
Chamonix town – a further 7km – to
complete the circuit. From Chamonix it is 20
minutes by bus or train to our our hotel. 9
miles (14km), with 2,625 feet (800m) of
ascent, and 650 feet (200m) of descent.
Day 11: Departure day, Argentiere – Geneva
Free leisure time until your transfer to the
airport.
The itinerary may be subject to change at
the discretion of the leader with regard to the
weather and other external factors
Your trail leader
Each holiday is led by an International
Mountain Leader (IML). This is the highest
professional qualification for trekking leaders
in the Alps. IMLs, as well as taking
responsibility for your safety, are also well
versed on the flora, fauna and
geographical/geological aspects of the
mountains.
Walking as a group
Leaders always consider the safety of the
group as a whole, and will show more
caution over potential risks (such as bad
weather) than an individual or couple might
make on a private outing. Walks may be
modified following the leader’s assessment of
the day-to-day situation. Your leader’s duty is
to the group as a whole and he or she will
refuse to accept any guest whose clothing,
equipment, behaviour or walking ability is
considered unsuitable, and where it could
affect the safety and enjoyment of other
guests on the proposed walk. As a group
member it is your responsibility to follow the
leader’s guidelines, for the benefit and safety
of the group as a whole. If you leave the
group, then your leader will no longer have
responsibility for you.
Your health
It is essential that you describe on your Guest
Registration Form any health conditions or
disability you may have. The leader will treat
this confidentially and will try to take these
into account on the walks.
EU citizens should get a new European Health
Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday.
Tour du Mont Blanc
There can be problems with medical
authorities and insurance companies if you
cannot produce this when you require
treatment. Even with a health card,
medicines and out-patient treatment
normally have to be paid for at the time and
the costs claimed back afterwards. You can
apply for an EHIC on-line at
www.dh.gov.uk/travellers
First Aid
In line with current practice, leaders are first
aid trained and carry a group first aid kit but
are not able to supply any ‘medication’,
including aspirin, paracetamol,
antihistamines and antiseptic cream.
Fitness
We want you to be confident that you can
meet the demands of this walk and get the
most out of your holiday. A sustained effort is
required to complete this walk and provision
cannot be made for anyone who opts out.
Please be sure you can manage the daily
mileage and ascent/descent detailed in the
daily itineraries. The walking day is normally 68 hours and it is important for your own
enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests
that you can maintain the pace. Though the
mileage may appear moderate, the ascent
and descents can be substantial, steep, and
terrain is loose underfoot in places.
It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting
some additional exercise before your holiday.
We suggest that you try to fit in a number of
longer walks, including some in hilly terrain.
Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and
swimming are also excellent for developing
increased stamina.
Hydration
It is very important in hot weather to carry a
minimum of 2 litres of water to keep you
hydrated throughout the day. The water in
hotels and fountains is safe to drink but we do
not recommend you drink from streams.
What to Take
Walking boots are essential on the Tour du
Mont Blanc as they provide the best ankle
support and grip. Approach shoes offer
appropriate levels of grip and are fine if
you’re comfortable with them, but you may
have to cross shallow streams and so you will
get wet feet.
Walking socks suitable for warm weather –
major sock manufacturers such as Bridgedale
make socks specifically designed for warm
weather – just ensure that your footwear fits
correctly if you’re used to wearing thicker
socks.
Windproof/waterproof jacket (with hood)
and waterproof trousers are essential at all
times of the year.
Shorts and T-shirts - lightweight wicking
materials are best. Warm fleece and trousers
and lightweight hat and gloves.
For sun protection please bring a hat,
sunglasses and suncream.
Fleece or other purpose designed synthetic
tops give good lightweight insulation and
nylon or cotton trousers can provide
unrestricted movement. A layering system is
better than one thick top.
Additional equipment for walking:
Rucksack - this needs to be large enough to
carry your picnic lunch, drink, waterproofs
and spare clothing. A size of 35-40 litres is
best: a smaller rucksack is not adequate. A
waterproof liner as well as a rucksack cover
will keep the contents dry.
On two separate days (day 5 and 8) we do
not provide a luggage transfer and so you
will need to carry kit for an overnight stay (the
rest of your belongings will be transferred to
the next day’s accommodation).
Water bottle - 2 litres is recommended
First Aid Kit - containing plasters, insect
repellent wipes, antiseptic wipes, painkillers,
blister kit, and medical tape
Spare food - Leaders cannot carry
emergency food for the whole party. As this
walk crosses remote areas it is essential that
Tour du Mont Blanc
you take some high energy food. Energy
bars, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate etc are not
included in your picnic so please take
supplies, or pick up some en route.
Camera and charger.
Small head torch.
Trekking poles aid balance and take some of
the strain off your knees during steeper
descents. They are useful for early-season
treks when we may encounter patches of
snow.
Electricity
The electric current in France, Italy and
Switzerland is 230V; 50Hz. Power points have
two round holes. You will need an adaptor for
any appliances brought from the UK.
Telephoning: To call the UK, dial 00 44, then
the number, omitting the initial 0 of the local
code.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out
travel insurance and any other personal
insurance relevant to your holiday. You must
be covered for Guided trekking up to 2,600
metres, helicopter rescue and repatriation to
your home country.
Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations
required for France, Italy or Switzerland,
however Tetanus is recommended. Further
information can be found at
www.traveldoctor.co.uk.
Currency
Euros are accepted on the TMB on the
French, Swiss and Italian sections. Obviously
you can also use Swiss francs in Switzerland.
Changing Money
It is suggested that you exchange your
currency before you travel, or in Chamonix or
Argentiere. There is limited access to ATMs on
the route apart from Courmayeur.
Tipping
Although service charges are generally
included in bills, a tip of 5% - 10% in addition is
normal in cafes or restaurants on your free
day. Leaders are paid but you may wish to
tip them.
While every effort has been made to ensure
accuracy, the information in this guide may
change after it has been printed. For the most
up-to-date information please see our
website or use the contacts below.
Enquiries
Local rate 0345 470 7558
(Standard rate +44 (0)20 8732 1250)
[email protected]
www.hfholidays.co.uk