Perfect reflection on the Chésery lakes in front of the Mont Blanc massif
8-day adventure

Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc

France
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Code: FRTM

8 days
Moderate

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our UK team

Our local team

Established in Chamonix over 30 years ago, our local agency in the Alps provides a huge range of activities from high altitude summit climbs to gentle walks in the foot hills. Our experienced guides and quality equipment will provide you with everything you need to enjoy climbing, hiking and mountaineering in the heart of Europe's most iconic mountains. We share our offices with the equipment manufacturer Simond, who have been manufacturing...
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Kandoo's view

The iconic Tour du Mont Blanc is world-famous for good reason. Circuiting the rooftop of Europe allows you to uncover an incomparable land of high mountains and glistening glaciers, with mighty Mont Blanc dominating the scene at 4807m. With seven valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 peaks, the Mont Blanc massif is extraordinary. 
From the Chamonix valley to Courmayeur, from the Fenetre d’Arpète to the wild Val Ferret, along the Swiss, Italian and French slopes, the path winds its way between pastures, glaciers and peaks, over passes and through valleys. You’ll finish with an exceptional trek in the reserve of Aiguilles Rouges, where Lac Blanc reflects the magnificent panorama of the peaks and glaciers of the massif. 

Trip highlights

  • One of the worlds most iconic trekking routes
  • Comfortable hotel accommodation
  • Trekking through France, Switzerland and Italy
  • Transfers from Geneva to Chamonix included

Experiences

  • Trekking & Hiking
    Hikers in Thorong, during the Annapurnas Tour
    Our core collection of treks and hikes, through some of the world's most outstanding landscapes

Gallery

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrival

    The Kandoo team will meet you at Geneva airport and transfer you to your pre-trek hotel in Chamonix. Later you will attend a pre-trek briefing with your Guide to prepare you for your tour. There are many typical Savoyard restaurants close to your hotel where you can sample some alpine specialities.

    • Transport: Private transfer (1.2 hours, 100 km)
    • Accomodation: Hotel
  • Day 2

    Chamonix to Argentière

    We will transfer to Les Praz village by either bus or train, and from here we will ride the cable car to La Flégére (1813m). The view of the Chamonix Valley and the Mer de Glace is breath-taking. We start our hike on a balcony path, climbing gently up and leading us to Lac Blanc (2352m) and its spectacular view of the Mont Blanc massif: the Drus, the Vert, the Aiguille du Midi and, of course, Mont Blanc itself. We head down through one of the most beautiful trails in France, bordering the Cheserys lakes, to Argentière where we will spend the night in a hotel in a peaceful, wooded setting.

    • Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
    • Ascent: 250 m
    • Descent: 1240 m
    • Max. altitude: 2352 m
    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
  • Day 3

    Argentière to Champex

    After breakfast, we will take a short private transfer to cross the Swiss border via the villages of Châtelard and Trient to the Col de la Forclaz (1527m). From here, we start our trek through a pine and larch forest to reach the grazing pastures at Bovine. We will enjoy views of the valley and the impressive Coude du Rhônes below us, as well as the northern foothills of Mont Blanc. On the eastern side, the impressive Combins massif stays in our sight all day long and leads us to Champex, a charming lakeside village.

    • Hiking time: 5 - 6 hours
    • Ascent: 790 m
    • Descent: 740 m
    • Max. altitude: 1527 m
    • Accomodation: Hotel
    • Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Please note

This programme may be modified by the guide or tour organiser, according to mountain and weather conditions, required physical condition of participants and, above all, your safety. For safety reasons and to ensure the programme operates smoothly, we need to ensure that all participants have the required level of mental and physical ability. We reserve the right to end your participation if your ability does not match the minimum required level. In this eventuality, there will be no reimbursement or payment of compensation.

Trip information

Difficulty

Whilst a high level of fitness will make the hikes a lot easier it by no means requires super human fitness. We often take people who are not in peak physical condition, however that being said, a solid  training plan will allow you to better prepare for the hikes and enjoy yourself when you're on the trail. What all successful hikers share though is a real Kandoo attitude and that means high levels of grit and determination. 


There is a lot of steep ascent and descent on this trek, so your legs will be getting a good workout. If you are comfortable walking for 6-7 hours with an ascent of 1000m then you are certainly fit enough to succeed on the Tour. Think of it as climbing Snowdon or Ben Nevis every day for six days! If you can do this then there is no reason why you can't make the entire Tour du Mont Blanc.

Food & drink

This trip is on a full board basis (except for nights in Chamonix). For your evening meals in Chamonix there is a wide range of local restaurants for you to sample. If you have a dietary requirement or are a vegetarian then just let us know when you book so that we can plan a suitable menu.


 The refuges provide hearty, traditional and generous meals. Drinks are not included with dinner, so please make sure you have some Euros and Swiss Francs with you. Refuges do not generally accept card payments.   


Packed lunches will be produced by your guide and include local meats and cheeses, crusty bread and fresh seasonal vegetables. The lunch items will be shared between all of the group for carrying each day. Remember to bring your favourite snacks (cereal or energy bars, dried fruits, chocolate) with you to keep you going through the day.


Tap water is typically safe to drink in France so you can fill up your water bottle each morning at the hotel. On the trek itself, you will be passing many refuges where you will also be able to top up your water if needed.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Chamonix is in a 3-star hotel in twin rooms. You will stay in Chamonix on the first and last night of the trip. Please note that your evening meal is not included when you are in Chamonix.


You will spend four nights on the trek in 3-star hotels in twin rooms, with evening meal included. Accommodation will differ on day 6 when we spend the night in the Chapieux Valley. Here you will stay in a traditional gite/hostel and you should expect to share a dormitory room with other trekkers.

Luggage

You will need two bags for this trip. One travel bag for your replacement clothes which will be transferred between locations by vehicle (max 10kg). Please do not lock your bag as it may need to be checked by Swiss customs. Please note: Do not leave computers, tablets, cameras and valuable objects in your travel bag. One 30-40L rucksack with a large chest strap that you will carry during the day.  You will carry your own personal equipment (spare warm clothes, waterproofs, water bottle, camera and sun screen) and valuables, as well as your packed lunch in your rucksack.

How do I get there?

For travelers based in the UK or the US, it is best to fly to Geneva International Airport (GVA). Lots of airlines fly to Geneva from all of the major UK airports, and many of the larger US international airports as well.

We will collect you from Geneva airport and transfer you to your hotel in Chamonix. Airport transfers are included in the cost of your trip on arrival and departure days only. If you decide to arrive in the Alps early or stay on a little longer after your trip, please call us to arrange a private transfer.  The drive to Chamonix takes roughly one and a half hours. Please be aware that we may ask you to wait at the airport for up to 90 mins if there is other Kandoo Adventures guests arriving shortly after you. Transfers back to Geneva after your trip depart at 9am from your hotel in Chamonix.

When you arrive in Geneva, please look out for our driver in the arrivals area, they will be holding a large "KANDOO ADVENTURES" sign. 

Budget & change

The currency in France and Italy is the Euro (EUR) for the latest exchange rates please see www.xe.com

You can withdraw currency from ATMs in Chamonix on arrival. Credit/debit cards may not be accepted in all hotels so please keep a small amount of cash with you for drinks, snacks and any personal expenses. 

Tips

Although the custom is practiced here it is not mandatory and should be left to the discretion of each individual.
If you are satisfied with the services of your guide then a tip is always appreciated. 

Formalities & health

Passport

Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 6 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.

Visa

Travelling to France is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens

Vaccinations

There are no specific health risks in the Mont Blanc region. However, you should ensure that your routine vaccinations and boosters are up to date, such as tetanus and MMR.

Insurance

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses. Many insurance policies will have a maximum altitude limit, if you are climbing Mont Blanc or Gran Paradiso you should ensure you are covered for climbing up to 5000m. We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.

Medication

Your guide carries a first aid kit at all times but we recommend you carry the following items: - Painkillers - Anti-inflammatory tablets/gel - Second Skin Elastoplast (to prevent blisters)/ bandages - Sunscreen and after sun cream (for sunburn) - Personal medication

Equipment & clothing

Clothing to bring

HEADGEAR
  • Sun hat – preferably wide-brimmed for protection
  • Sunglasses – high UV protection
  • Neck gaiter or scarf
  • Warm beanie style hat – fleece or wool

UPPER BODY

  • Gloves – warm fleece or wool gloves
  • Short sleeve shirt/t-shirt – lightweight, moisture wicking (x2)
  • Long-sleeve shirt/t-shirt – light/medium weight, moisture wicking (x2)
  • Fleece or soft shell jacket
  • Insulated jacket – down or primaloft
  • Water/windproof hard shell outer jacket

LEGS

  • Trekking shorts
  • Trekking trousers – lightweight – convertible trousers work well
  • Wind and waterproof over trousers (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Gaiters

FEET

  • Trekking boots – with good ankle support
  • Training shoes or sandals – to wear in the hotels in the evening
  • Light-weight trekking socks (x3 pairs)
  • Breathable, high-wicking liner socks (x2 pairs)

Equipment to bring

  • Travel bag for your replacement clothes – avoid suitcases
  • 30-40L rucksack with chest strap and waterproof cover - to carry water, packed lunch and personal items each day
  • Trekking poles
  • Water bottle or hydration bag – must be able to carry 2.0L of water
  • Drybags or heavy duty plastic bags – provide additional waterproofing for the kit in your rucksack and travel bag
  • Individual plastic tub and cutlery – for your picnic lunch
  • Headlamp (plus extra batteries)

OTHER ACCESSORIES

  • Sunscreen and lip balm (high SPF)
  • Toiletries, including wet wipes, after sun and hand sanitiser
  • Camera and spare batteries
  • Thermos flask (optional)
  • Personal medication and first aid kit
  • Personal snacks and energy bars – dried fruit and nuts are also good
  • Microfibre towel
  • Ear plugs, if you are a light sleeper
  • Toilet paper and lighter

Dates & prices

From To Price Availability Book Enquire
09/07/2023 16/07/2023 $3,185 £2,449
Sold out
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30/07/2023 06/08/2023 $3,185 £2,449
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06/08/2023 13/08/2023 $3,185 £2,449
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27/08/2023 03/09/2023 $3,185 £2,449
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23/06/2024 30/06/2024 $3,185 £2,499
Available
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07/07/2024 14/07/2024 $3,185 £2,499
Available
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21/07/2024 28/07/2024 $3,185 £2,499
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04/08/2024 11/08/2024 $3,185 £2,499
Available
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Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!

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Price includes

  • Return transfers from Geneva to Chamonix
  • Full supervision by a professional mountain guide
  • 7 nights accommodation (6 nights hotel, 1 night hostel)
  • Full board: all breakfasts, packed lunches and evening meals (except in Chamonix on day 1 and 7) 
  • Luggage transfers throughout the trek
  • Private transfers on the route as indicated
  • Cabin pass for Skyway Monte Bianco (day 5)

Price does not include

  • International flights
  • Evening meal on day 1 and 7 in Chamonix
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Snacks: cereal  energy bars, dried fruits, chocolate etc
  • Extra optional activities on day 5 in Courmayeur
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for your guide

Options

  • Additional hotel nights before or after your trek