The Best of Mont Blanc (trip)
The Best of Mont Blanc
- Airport near Chamonix, France
- Active & Adventure
| from $1,995* per person | 7 Days | June, July, September |
| Comfort accommodations | Exertion level: 3 | |
| Operator: Distant Journeys | 12 people max | |
The Mont Blanc Massif, composed of Mont Blanc (15,536′) the highest peak in Western Europe and a flank of impressively spectacular peaks and glaciers, uniquely straddles the borders of France, Italy, and Switzerland. Rich in alpine history and cultural diversity, this region has been attracting mountaineers and hikers from the world over for nearly two hundred years.
We offer two itinerary options designed to join our 12-Day Tour du Mont Blanc. Our trip, Tete du Nord 7-Days, hikes in the southwest corner of the region, which has a remote and distinctly French accent to it. Staying largely at small French farms that have been converted into huts or mountain refuges, this tour recalls the simple atmosphere of old world mountain life. In exchange for your efforts, the mountains will share their power and simplicity, their wildflowers and always their breathtaking views.
Our Grand Ferret 7-Days, takes in the northeast corner of the region offering wonderfully diverse alpine terrain and outstanding panoramas as we progress from one country to the next. Characteristically, the accommodations are in hotels with private baths or in small hiker’s hotels with shared facilities.
We’ve been guiding this route since 1988 and have long since stopped counting how many times we’ve been around. Let us introduce you to an area we’ve grown to feel a part of. Let us introduce you to the families of the hotels and huts along the way. Let us introduce you to the unfailingly inspiring landscapes of the Mont Blanc Massif.
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Locations visited/nearby
France, Europe
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Geneva, Cointrin International Airport. Group transfer to Chamonix, France at 1:00 pm. Welcome dinner and orientation. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc (15,860′).Day 2: Short transfer to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue. Here we begin today’s hike passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995′) with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After our steep descent from the Col, we arrive at our refuge.
Day 3: From our refuge, we continue to the village of Les Contamines, where we have time to linger and buy lunch items for the next day. Departing Les Contamines, we hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small, ancient Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to our overnight stop.
Day 4: Departing our refuge, we begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme and to the Col des Fours (8,960′). After a long descent passing though the Ville des Glacier and maybe stopping to buy some beaufort cheese at a farm, we will end our day at the remote and rustic refuge.
Day 5: Today’s hike will bring us to the Italian border at the Col de la Seigne (8,300′). Hiking down the Val Veny, the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif and Mont Blanc itself will dominate the scene with its myriad of glaciers and towering rocky peaks. Transfer by bus to our hotel in Courmayeur, Italy.
Day 6: Rest day in Courmayeur. The day can be spent exploring the town’s narrow streets, sampling the local pastries and cuisine, day hiking, or taking a series of cable cars up to Point Helbronner and into the heart of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Day 7: Depart Courmayeur.
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