Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc with Hotels with a Rest Day – 14 Days

We will transfer you to Chamonix from Geneve. Bustling with outdoor enthusiasts, the French Alpine town of Chamonix is only a 90-minute transfer from Geneva Airport. If you are arriving via Geneva, please supply your flight details as soon as you can (see the How to get there section on the website for conditions). From the garden of your hotel, relax under the incredible Mont Blanc massif before further exploring the streets, pavement cafes and bars of this famous alpine town.

Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet
The Durban sisters run Agnes and Veronique’s 3* hotel, a typical timber alpine chalet located in the heart of Chamonix. From their spacious garden, relax poolside with exceptional views of the Aiguille du Midi and Mont Blanc.

Meals included: None

We suggest taking the cable car up to Bellevue (1802m) to start your walk. From Bellevue you have a choice of two routes to Les Contamines. Either take the high route over the Col du Tricot (2102m)  under the shadow of the Bionnassay Glacier to the picture-postcard Refuge de Miage (famed for their blueberry tart). Alternatively, take the low route through alpine pastures and enchanting woodlands via the hamlets of Bionnassay and Le Champel.

Trek via the Col du Tricot: 19km
Ascent: 1540m
Descent: 1390m

Trek via Bionnassay & Le Champel: 18km
Ascent: 1040m
Descent: 880m

By using the cable from Bellevue both route options are reduced by approx. 2 hours (6kms) and around 650m of ascent.

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Gai Soleil
Built by a local farmer in 1823, the Hotel Gai Soleil became a family-run hotel around 1920. With a surge in climbers visiting the region, the Gai Soleil became a firm favourite with keen alpinists. Run by Valerie and David, they take immense pride in serving dishes created with local produce. In the warm summer evenings, dinner is often served in their peaceful garden.

Begin the day by walking south from Les Contamines along the River Bonnant to the 17th-century church of Notre-Dame de la Gorge, which marks the start of the mountain path to Col du Bonhomme (2329m). The road gives way to a steep and roughly paved track, which climbs to Refuge de la Balme (a very well-timed rest!). From here the steep rocky path climbs over the Col du Bonhomme (2383m) and contours around to pass over the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2443m). Descend to the small village of Les Chapieux and your accommodation for the night.

Trek to Les Chapieux: 20km
Ascent: 1340m
Descent: 950m

Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Le Chambres du Soleil
A friendly auberge run by Celine and Pierre Arpin who always provide a warm welcome to hikers. Serving up simple and delicious dishes, this accommodation offers comfortable private rooms with ensuites. On arrival, it’s worth grabbing a refreshing beverage and kicking back on the sunny terrace before dinner.

Start gently from Les Chapieux to reach the village of La Ville des Glaciers. Then it’s a steady uphill on a winding track to Col de la Seigne (2513m). At the pass, straddle the border between France and Italy. Soak up views of the southern side of the Mont Blanc massif with its dramatic, jagged peaks. Descend through the Vallon de la Lee Blanche to Rifugio Elisabetta, a fantastic spot for a rest break. Continue on under tumbling glaciers to enter the Val Veny. From here you will leave the main TMB route for a few km to reach La Visaille for bus access to Courmayeur.

Distance: 21km
Ascent: 1130m
Descent: 1010m
The distance can be reduced by 5km by taking the shuttle bus from Les Chapieux.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon
Run by the Grivel Di Addario family, this 3* hotel is located in a quiet street just a few minutes walk from the main centre. With a long heritage of mountaineers in the family, the hotel is well equipped to look after weary trekkers. A comfortable lounge, fireplace, a garden terrace and modest en-suite rooms all make for an enjoyable stay.

From La Visaille, rejoin the TMB near the Cabane du Combal. Follow the magnificent balcony trail to Rifugio Maison Vieille with many vantage points to soak up the stunning views over the Val Veny. Why not relax with a picnic lunch and look for marmots?  A long, steep descent to Courmayeur follows but you can save your knees by making use of the chairlifts and cable cars.

Distance: 15.5km
Ascent: 850m
Descent: 1310m
Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Crampon

Leave Courmayeur town on foot and ascend onto the steep forested slopes of La Montagne de la Saxe. After arriving at Rifugio Bertone, follow the ‘Balcony Route’ for the high route, which gives incredible unbroken views across Val Ferret to Mont Blanc and Grand Jorasses. On reaching Rifugio Walter Bonatti, the picnic terrace is great for sampling the famous Bonatti hot chocolate and taking in the majesty of the mountains around you. The easy route takes the standard path and still provides excellent views.

Distance: 14km or 17km
Ascent: 1080m or 1730m
Descent: 580m or 1250m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon

Today you have the option to relax and stroll around the cobbled streets of Courmayeur or take the series of ski lifts up and over the mountain. Traverse the top of the mountain in semi-spherical cabins which gently rotate a full 360 degrees for the duration of the ascent. This not to be missed experience allows visitors to grasp the splendour of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks, such as the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso.

The beauty and mountains of Courmayeur have long been attracting climbers and trekkers since the late 18th century when Mont Blanc was conquered in 1786. In the town centre, the Guides Museum is well worth a visit, celebrating 150 years of alpinism.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Crampon

Today’s walk begins with a gentle few km’s to Rifugio Elena located at the foot of today’s objective, the Grand Col Ferret (2563m). A good trail climbs sharply where you can gain excellent views back into Italy and up to Mont Dolent (shared by Italy, France and Switzerland). Crossing the col into Switzerland, descend to Ferrett, passing typical Swiss chalets and flower-filled gardens to the charming hamlet of La Fouly where you will spend the night.

Distance: 20km
Ascent: 980m
Descent: 1400m
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss
The Baumeler family have run the Hotel Edelweiss since 1956. This chocolate box wooden chalet has retained its typical Swiss design but in recent years, the interior has been upgraded with contemporary mountain décor. With great views of Mont Dolent from the terrace, this is a great spot to relax with a cool beer on arrival.

A day of chocolate-box villages and flower-filled Swiss gardens begins by following the river gently downhill. One of the easiest stages of the circuit, the route passes through the timeless village of Arlaches. Its medieval wooden buildings adorned with neatly packed flower boxes is a window into a bygone era of this region. Climbing out of the valley to Lac Champex, the picturesque waterside cafes and bars are definitely worth a stop before heading to your hotel.

Distance:15km
Ascent: 510m
Descent: 650m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Glacier
The Bislex family have been welcoming walkers since 1895. Now in its fifth generation, the hotel has continued to provide comfortable ensuite rooms and an ever-changing menu of regional dishes to ensure trekkers are well fed. Located only a couple of minutes from the lakeside, its location is perfect for a post dinner stroll.

A choice of 2 stunning routes today. The official route follows the Bovine Trail which ascends through pine forests, over glacial rivers and across high alpine pastures where the famous ‘Swiss fighting cows’ graze throughout summer. Mid-way, stop off at the Bovine Hut which serves delicious homemade apple cake (along with excellent views over the Swiss Bernese Alps).

The alternative routes head over the challenging Fenetre d’Arpette (2665m). Considered by many as the toughest day on the circuit, the ascent and descent follows a steep, exposed rocky trail across boulder fields and scree slopes. A day of real mountain adventure!

Trek the Bovine Route: 16km
Ascent: 850m
Descent: 950m

Trek via Fenetre d’Arpette: 16km
Ascent: 1200m
Descent: 1390m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: La Grande Ourse
A typical Swiss trekker’s hotel, La Grande Ourse is simple, comfortable and located in the heart of Trient village. The private rooms and shared bathrooms are immaculate. Before dinner, enjoy an aperitif on the sun terrace with fellow trekkers.

It’s back into France today as a sharp but relatively short climbs heads over the Col de Balme (2192m). On the approach to the col, you’ll be rewarded with extensive views over Chamonix Valley and the familiar snow-capped peak of Mont Blanc. From here you can choose to relax on the terrace of the Col de Balme hut and take a direct descent to the valley. Alternatively, tackle one last short ascent onto the fertile ridge of Aiguillette des Posettes, to be rewarded with glorious views of the Mont Blanc Massif and Aiguille Rouge.

Distance: 14km
Ascent: 980m
Descent: 840m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet

A spectacular day of mountain walking begins with an ascent across forested slopes and onto the steeper ground to the foot of a short section of fixed ladders. Being steeper ground, there are excellent chances to see agile Ibex mountain goats. Now, deep into the Aiguille Rouge Nature reserve, follow the trail to the idyllic setting of Refuge Lac Blanc overlooking the cobalt waters of the lake. Descending on rocky paths, the path narrows into the famous ‘Balcony Trail’ where you’ll enjoy largely unbroken vistas across to Mont Blanc range until you reach the cable car station of Plan Praz. Here, descend by cable car to your hotel in Chamonix.

Distance: 9km
Ascent: 730m
Descent: 270m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet

The last day of trekking starts by returning to Plan Praz by cable car. Re-joining the trail, you have several options, which include hiking up to the Col du Brevent and onto Le Brevent (2525m). At the mountain top restaurant, snow-capped peaks and glaciers seem within touching distance. From here, if you prefer to take the day a little easier, descend to Chamonix on the Brevent cable car. Alternatively, continue by foot, descending into alpine woodland and the village of Les Houches. Return to Chamonix via the mountain train (or bus). With an abundance of traditional and global dining options, Chamonix is a great place to reflect and celebrate the completion of one of the world’s greatest treks.

Distance: 18.5km
Ascent: 900m
Descent: 1700m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Oustalet

Depending on your onward travel arrangements, take a walk around Chamonix or indulge in a morning of freshly baked patisserie cakes and coffee before your departure.

Meals included: Breakfast