Tour du Mont Blanc 12-Days

Difficulty level 4/5, for experienced intermediate hikers. Expect 4 to 7 hours (or even up to 9 hours!) of walking a day, up to 16km/9.9mi of distance and up to 600m/1968ft to 1267m/4157ft of elevation gain each day.

You only need to carry a small backpack with the necessary items for each hike, except on day 4 where you must carry the necessary clothes to spend the night at Elisabetta refuge. All other nights your luggage will be transported by vehicle to next accommodations. 1 bag transported per person, limited to 15kg/33lbs per bag. If your bag exceeds the weight requested, they will not be transported. We can organize a luggage storage service (2 or 3 bags per booking) only if you request it at the time of booking. 10 € / bag / day.

Possible for groups of 2 and above

Dates of departure are available from 15/06 to 10/09 each year. Due to the popularity of the Tour du Mont Blanc, it is advisable to book far in advance of your desired start date to have the best chance of our team confirming lodging.

Be careful, bookings are very difficult during the Marathon of Mont Blanc and the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc each year. Check their website for annual dates: Mont-Blanc Marathon or UTMB Mont-Blanc - UTMB World Series Finals

Please Note: from 15/06 to 30/06 and from 01/09 to 10/09, there is a strong risk of snow and snowdrifts. Some buses don’t run at these times, and you’ll have to replace them with a taxi: Day 4 from Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers (possibility of walking, +5km) (about 100€ for 1 to 3 people).

Please Note: In the case that lodging in Les Chapieux is not available on Day 3, we book a hotel in Bourg St Maurice instead. If doing this tour during the “low season”, i.e. after ~September 12th, a private transfer is compulsory, +210€ round-trip (Day 3 evening + Day 4 morning) to get to/from Bourg St Maurice in these cases.

12 days / 11 nights / 9-10 days of walking

Start

On Day 1 in the afternoon at the first hotel in Les Houches. Check-in available after 5pm.

Finish

On Day 12 in Chamonix after breakfast and hotel check-out (~10am).

Self-guided tour, without a human guide. A digital travel packet (documents available in English, French & German) will be sent by email that includes access to our smartphone travel application for navigating hikes and accessing local maps (available in English or French only), the list of booked accommodations and all the detailed information needed for a successful trip. If desired, we can provide a printed version of the travel packet. It will be waiting and available at the 1st accommodation of the itinerary with maps, topo guide and travel folder. This must be requested at the time of booking. There is no welcome meeting at the arrival hotel or general orientation meeting for this tour.

Travel App: On top of your travel pack, you will get access to our smartphone GPS/GPX App to get hiking directions and points of interest along the way.

Accommodation / Catering

Accommodations

Hotels in double occupancy room with en-suite bathroom in les Houches 3* / Les Contamines 4*/ Courmayeur 3*/ La Fouly 3* / Champex 3* / Argentière 3* / Chamonix 4* and in double occupancy room in mountain lodge in les Chapieux and Trient, most of time with an en-suite bathroom, but it cannot be guaranteed. (no reduction if the room does not have en-suite bathroom).

1 night in a *dormitory in Elisabetta Refuge. (*private rooms not available this night) - This mountain refuge offer basic, no-frills accommodation designed for hikers. The facilities are simple—sometimes rustic—with shared dormitories and communal bathrooms, it’s a very basic comfort.

Meals

Half board with breakfast and dinner in every accommodation except in Chamonix (B&B) & Courmayeur (B&B). Lunch is available at refuges daily for purchase (not included) or you can plan and pack picnics from items bought at local shops, easily available near most lodging locations.

It is possible to add extra nights before or after your tour in Les Houches or Chamonix. Please contact our sales team for availability and rates.

Trip Starting Destination

This tour starts in Les Houches, France

Trip Ending Destination

This tour ends in Chamonix, France

By Plane

Geneva Airport (GVA): Home page Passengers - Genève Aéroport (gva.ch)

From Geneva airport to Les Contamines: about 310 € with private taxi (Taxi Besson 0033 (0)450936207) for 1 minibus (with 8 or 6 seats are possible).

Airport Transport: There are multiple ways to get to/from the Geneva airport to/from Chamonix. Airport transportation is not included in trip rates. Here are good resources to plan your own transportation from Geneva airport to Chamonix back to Geneva. Alpy Bus, or other public transport exist.

By Train

Geneve - St Gervais-Le Fayet TGV via Annemasse. St Gervais-Le Fayet station is 17km from Les Houches. Continue to Les Houches by train https://www.sncf-connect.com/.

By Bus

Swisstours: Regular line from Chamonix to Geneva (swisstours-office.ch) or Flixbus: Cheap coach and bus travel throughout Europe | FlixBus

Responsible tourism

Travelife Partner

Since 2025, Grand Angle has been recognized as a Travelife Partner, an international label that certifies our responsible practices regarding the environment, ethics, and sustainable management, both within our company, with our partners, and in the organization of our trips.

This label, the second level of a rigorous international certification, attests to our concrete actions in favor of responsible tourism. We are actively working toward the next level, Travelife Certified, in line with our sustainable development policy.

It is the client’s responsibility to arrive prepared with the items listed below to help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST:

The following items are required for this trip unless otherwise noted. When packing, think layered clothing systems that work together and can be easily added or removed.

• Hiking Boots/Shoes – waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in (Note: buy boots/shoes 1/2 size to 1 size larger than street shoes to allow for feet swelling and thicker socks)
• Hiking Socks – one pair for every day or two days of the trip. Hiking/Sport specific padded socks, no cotton please!
• Sun Hat – wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
• Warm Hat & Gloves – lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
• Hiking Shirts – non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts (Note: long sleeve shirts provide better sun protection)
• Warm Top – mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
• Insulating Jacket – down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
• Hiking Pants & Shorts – nylon pants AND shorts, zip-offs or leggings
• Base Layer/Long Underwear – 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
• Rain Gear – waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon. For the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear.
• Casual Clothing & Footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

Important Note: Please, no cotton hiking/cycling clothes. Synthetic clothing is very efficient in drying quickly. Merino wool material clothing is also efficient in drying quickly, is comfortable to wear and has the advantage of not developing a bad odor after use.

GEAR CHECKLIST:

• Backpack – a 30-45 Liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking.
• Personal Luggage – small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack – for extra hiking clothes and casual clothes. One bag limit per person, 15kg/33lbs maximum weight allowance.
• Hydration System – 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
• Trekking Poles – telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain. (Note: strongly recommended)
• Headlamp – preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries (Note: always test headlamp before trips and travel/pack without batteries in device)
• Picnic/Lunch Kit – knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
• Phone & Charger – local sim card or international plan may be needed. Consider bringing a small power bank to use to recharge devices during trip activities.
• Waterproof Travel Case or Pouch – used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
• Sunglasses, Sunscreen, & Lip Balm
• First Aid Kit – see first aid kit suggestions below
• Personal Toilet Paper Kit – most public restrooms outside of lodging will have toilet paper available, but it is good to be prepared with a personal toilet paper kit to potentially use during portions of this tour.
• Toiletries
• Contact Lenses & Glasses – if wearing contact lenses, please also bring back-up pair of glasses and contacts.
• Prescription Medication – with emergency back-up supply.
• Money – It is good to have some local currency, often smaller local businesses do not accept credit cards and/or prefer cash. Some public restrooms require small amounts of cash to use. If desired, tipping private drivers is acceptable and the average amount is just a few Euros per ride, but it is not expected and fully optional.

OPTIONAL ITEMS:

• Face Masks; Over-the-counter Rapid Antigen COVID-19 Tests (Note: recommended but optional)
• Travel Power Adapter – Electric power voltage in France/Italy/Switzerland is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are E/F & L type
• Support Braces – consider bringing any joint braces that may be currently needed or from past injuries (i.e. knee, ankle, elbow, etc.)
• Sleep Mask & Ear Plugs
• Bug Repellent
• Quick Drying Towel or Bandana(s)
• Swimsuit

FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS:

After years of experience planning adventure travel around the world, we’ve learned that anything can happen, and every traveler should carry a basic personal first aid kit. We want to ensure our guests are well-prepared and make smart informed travel decisions. In many of the places we operate trips, it may be challenging to find certain medications and/or first aid supplies, and sometimes common items you desire may not be available in the destination you are travelling. That’s why it’s good to be prepared and carry a small supply of first aid supplies, any prescription medication, and/or over-the-counter medications you may require during your travels.

We recommend discussing your travel plans, vaccination requirements, and any medication usage with your primary healthcare provider before embarking on our trips. This helps ensure you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Here is a basic list of what we think makes a good personal travel first aid kit:

• Medications – Brands of your choice, all medications should be either prescribed directly by your doctor or discussed with a doctor prior to use.
• Electrolyte Replacement/Drink Mix – brand of choice
• Creams – Antibiotic ointment, Anti-Itch: Hydrocortisone, Arnica
• Eye Problems: Dry/Itchy – Eye drops
• Feminine Hygiene – Tampons
• Wound Care – a various pack of bandages, antiseptic swabs
• Blister Care – blister kit made up of items of your choice
• Sun Protection – sunscreen, SPF lip balm
• Various Items – Athletic tape/"KT Tape", Nail clippers, Tweezers, Small bottle of hand sanitizer, Sewing kit (clothing/button repairs), Disposable surgical gloves (1-2 pairs)

PACKING FOR TRAVEL: It is recommended that you prepare your items in the following manner for your travels to this trip.

“Carry-on Bag(s)” - This is the bag you will bring with you on the plane. We recommend all your pertinent information be in this bag (passport, travel documents, etc.) as well as your most important gear items (hiking footwear, jacket, prescription medication, etc.) in case any checked luggage items becomes lost or delayed.

“Checked Bag(s)” - This bag will be checked and contain the rest of your personal items (clothing and gear, etc.).

Important Note: Again, it is recommended to either wear or pack in your “Carry-on Bag” the main gear items you need for this trip vs. putting them in your checked “Travel Bag” (in case luggage is delayed). Hiking footwear is probably the hardest item to replace last minute if items become lost or delayed past the intended start date of the trip. Lost or delayed luggage has become more and more common in major airports for international travel since the global pandemic.

LUGGAGE MANAGEMENT DURING TRIP: During this trip, the packing system needs to be in 2 bags.

Extra Luggage - “Checked Bag(s)” & “Carry-on Bag(s)”: This bag will contain all the items you want to bring along on the trip. It will be transferred by vehicle/taxi, and you will have access to it at the end of each day of activity, but not throughout the day. Extra luggage is not allowed or easily stored on this trip beyond the 1 bag per person requirement. Maximum 15kg/33lbs per bag per person.

- For your transported luggage: a backpack or a travel bag in good condition. A GPS tracker is recommended for international travel luggage.

Extra luggage is not allowed on this trip beyond the 1 bag requirement. Maximum 15kg/33lbs. However, extra luggage, not needed during your trip can be safely stored with the luggage taxi service for an additional fee.

Day Backpack (not provided): All guests will need a backpack, which they will be responsible for carrying during hikes. Items in this bag should include anything you may need throughout the day during the trip. (i.e. rain gear, warm layers, water, sunscreen/lip balm, snacks/food, camera/phone, etc.).

France, a member of the European Union, capital city: Paris.

Italy, a member of the European Union, capital city: Rome.

Switzerland, the Swiss Confederation, capital city: Bern.

Documents

Travellers from the European Union, including children, need a valid identity card or passport. Check with the authorities in your home country for the conditions of entering this destination.

Health/Insurance

Do not forget your card and/or policy details for your health insurance and/or travel insurance.

When calling France from another country: +33

When calling Italy from another country: +39

When calling Switzerland from another country: +41

European Emergency Number: 112

Chamonix Tourism Office: Home | Chamonix

Central European Time (CET/UTC+1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST/UTC+2) during daylight saving time.

French, Italian, Swiss German and at least some English in tourist areas.

France/Italy are Member-States of the European Union and use its uniform currency – the Euro €. France/Italy, as is the case with the other Member-States of the E.U. uses eight coins as follows: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 Euros. The banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euros. Currency exchange rates are clearly displayed in every bank that accepts currency exchange, while credit card holders may acquire money from the ATMs of the collaborating banks. French banks are generally open for the public from 8:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30 Monday through Fridays. They are closed on Public Holidays. Euros can also be exchanged for notes of other foreign currencies at exchange offices that are situated at the airport and certain main ports, in the larger cities, as well as at many tourist destinations. A passport is required when exchanging currencies.

They use the Swiss Franc (CHF) in all of Switzerland. Change: possible in all railway stations, post offices or banks.

IGN TOP 25 maps 1:25000:

N° 3630 OT Chamonix and N° 3531 OT St Gervais-Les Bains