Tour du Mont Blanc, Aravis Range and Lake Annecy – 10 Days

Arrive in Chamonix, a bustling French Alpine town full of outdoor enthusiasts. Chamonix is only a 90-minute transfer from Geneva Airport. From your hotel’s garden, relax under the incredible Mont Blanc massif before exploring the streets, pavement cafes, and bars of this famous alpine town. You can also stay put and enjoy the spa and indoor pool.

Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Heliopic and Spa

The first day’s hike is a spectacular day of mountain walking, beginning 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 lake’s cobalt waters. Descending on rocky paths, the path narrows into the famous ‘Balcony Trail’ where you’ll enjoy largely unbroken vistas across the 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: 4-star Hotel Heliopic and Spa

Returning to Plan Praz by cable car to rejoin the trail, you have several options, which include hiking up to the Col du Brevent and onto Le Brevent (2525m). Snow-capped peaks and glaciers seem within touching distance at the mountaintop restaurant. 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), which has abundant traditional and global dining options.

Distance: 18.5km
Ascent: 900m
Descent: 1700m
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star Hotel Heliopic and Spa

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 in La Clusaz

Today, there is the choice of two walks to explore the Confins Plateau above St Jean de Sixt as you make your way to La Clusaz.

The shorter option has you hike over the Tete du Danay (1731m) and through the beautiful Mouilles de la Perriere. Enjoy the first of many stunning panoramas of the Aravis Ranges to the east and Mont Lachat de Chatillon and the Bouchet Valley.

The other option, which is our recommendation, is to walk over the Aravis Pass via Pointe de Beauregard.

Distance: 9km or 21km
Ascent: 750m or 1220m
Descent: 350m or 830m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in La Clusaz

Immerse yourself in the Alps in the Confins Plateau, with its idyllic picturesque meadows, before reaching the Bouchet Valley’s end, surrounded by the Pointe du Roulletaz (2077m) and the towering Point Percee (2750m). You’ll cross the pass of Borneronde and on to the Pass of Annes (1721m). Lunch at a quintessential alpine scene beside an alpine hut at Annes Pass. Before winding your way around via a spectacular ridge under Pointes d’Almet, Grande Combe and Pointe de Deux Heures to Chinaillon, where you will stay tonight.

Distance: 15km
Ascent: 800m
Descent: 850m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Chinaillion

This is an epic day of hiking with the choice of two walks. From Le Chinaillon, you make your way to the Chalets at Guillery and Col de la Colombiere.

From the pass, the first option is to climb Pointe de Balafrasse’s summit (2296m) via Peyre Lake, which is the heart of the Bargy Range. Panoramic views are your reward. The other option is to hike to the summit of Tete d’Aufferand (1981m) along a ridge under Pointe de la Botte. Then, you can make your way back to Le Chinaillon via Aufferand farm and the Col de la Colombiere.

Distance: 13km or 14.5km
Ascent: 1000m or 790m
Descent: 1000m or 790m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3 star hotel in Chinaillion

Ascend the Aiguille Verte Ridge (2069m), with spectacular views overlooking Lessy Lake and Aravis or Pointe Percee. Traverse the Col de la Forclaz and then meander down to the small village of Mayse, a great place to stock up for lunch.

Climb up and over Planay Pass, which is located between the Roc des Tours and the Roc des Charmieux. From here, the track winds its way down to Mouillies, onto Tannez, and eventually to Le Grand Bornand, where you will rest tonight.

Distance:18km
Ascent: 1070m
Descent: 1450m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Le Grand Bornand

Today begins with a private transfer to the beginning of the walk at Montremont. The hike begins with a climb to Nantets Pass (1425m) along the highest ridge, La Tournette (2351m) overlooking Lake Annecy. From here, you descend into Dents de Lanfon and a little later to Tallories near the lake. There are 2 options for this walk today from 9 – 14.5km. From here, you take the boat that travels around the lake (at a small cost) into Annecy via a few beautiful hamlets on the lake (a bus at a small cost is also available).

Distance: 9km or 14.5km
Ascent: 600m or 850m
Descent: 1000m or 1270m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Annecy

Another beautiful walk from Col de Bluffy that crosses Smugglers Pass and then winds its way onto Mont Baron is available today if you have time. From here, you will walk on the ridge underneath Mont Veyrier (1291m) and descend to the edge of Lake Annecy again—a lovely way to finish the expedition around the Alps.

Depending on your onward travel plans, you may also want to relax and explore the town of Annecy further. You can enjoy many activities there, including water activities on the lake.

If you wish to stay an extra night, please let us know.

Distance: 11.4km
Ascent: 735m
Descent: 920m
Meals: Breakfast