Experience Mont Blanc in an unparalleled way – by hiking, biking, and kayaking your way around the massif. You’ll delve deep into the history, culture, and cuisine of France, Italy, and Switzerland with plenty of time to soak in the views.
Start - End: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc - Geneva
Total trip: 12 days
Average group size: 12 people
Level: 4
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Experience the best of France, Italy and Switzerland's mind-blowing landscapes on our 12-day Tour du Mont Blanc. Each day will awaken your senses as you cross vast green valleys, walk through magnificent forests and cross mountain passes.
You'll wander the lively mountain town of Chamonix, kayak on Lake Annecy, hike through the picturesque Upper Rhone Valley and bike the L'Arve River Trail. With plenty of time to stop and take in the views, there's no doubt you'll make memories that'll last a lifetime. While most trips circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif by foot, we've taken it a step further to not only experience its spectacular geography but also explore the history, culture and cuisine of France, Italy and Switzerland with expert local guides. Settle in and enjoy the continuous awestruck moments awaiting on the Mont Blanc Circuit.
Mer de Glace
Stand in awe at Mer de Glace, where the ice groans beneath your feet and the sheer scale of this ancient glacier reminds you just how wild the Alps truly are.
The Ville de Glaciers
Hike with the sound of rushing streams and distant cowbells fills the air, and a well-earned wedge of fresh Beaufort cheese tastes like pure alpine magic.
Into Switzerland
That moment when you cross into Switzerland — Rolling green meadows, storybook chalets, and the postcard-perfect views.
Arve River Trail
Feel the rush of crisp mountain air as you ride the L'Arve River Trail, weaving through charming alpine villages with Mont Blanc towering beside you.
Lake Annecy
Glide across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy, paddling beneath soaring peaks and past fairy-tale castles that seem to rise straight from the shoreline.
Aiguille du Midi experience
The world drops away beneath your feet, Mont Blanc feels close enough to touch, and the 360° views will leave you breathless — in every sense of the word.
Explore Chamonix
Welcome to the adventure capital of the Alps, vibrant Chamonix — home of mesmerizing peaks, world-class skiing, and a mountaineers paradise with Mont Blanc as the backdrop.
Grotto de Glace experience
The sparkling ice formations and surreal frozen sculptures will transport you into a glittering world beneath the glaciers.
Annecy Old Town
Wander through the charming cobbled streets of Annecy’s Old Town, where pastel-colored houses line the canals and every corner holds a hidden café.
Beaufort cheese factory
Watch skilled artisans craft the iconic golden wheels of Beaufort amid the rich aroma of freshly made cheese — each bite a perfect blend of alpine tradition and flavor.
Courmayeur and Aosta Valley
Discover Italy’s smallest region where ancient Roman history meets vibrant mountain culture in the mountain resort of Courmayeur.
Upper Rhone Valley
Vineyards stretch across sun-drenched slopes, the river winds through quaint villages, and the stunning snow-capped peaks offer amazing vistas.
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You’ll meet your group in the French Alps town of Chamonix – one of the most iconic mountain towns in the world. Nestled in the heart of a dramatic U-shaped valley, the views of the northern side of Mont Blanc are dramatic from anywhere in town, especially from our accommodation in the heart of Chamonix. If you arrive early, you’ll have time to rest up and explore the town before meeting for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
Meals: Dinner
Today you’ll hike just above Chamonix to the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice). As a warm-up for our hike in the coming days, we’ll take a train up through the fir trees that flank the north side of the Mont Blanc massif, to Montenvers, overlooking this incredible glacier. From Montenvers we’ll hike further up through trees and boulder fields to Le Signal Forbes – a lookout point affording unsurpassed views of the Mer de Glace Glacier and huge granite spires that rise sharply from the moraine walls. On our descent, we’ll have incredible views of the upper Chamonix Valley and the Aiguilles Rouges Mountains. Before boarding the train back down to Chamonix, we’ll take a gondola down to Mer de Glace’s Grotto de Glace (Ice Cave). Every year, a new ice cave is dug into the bowels of the Glacier, enabling us to walk inside the incredible sea of ice!
After making our way back down to Chamonix, you’ll have this afternoon to relax in town, take in the views and dining highlights, or pick up any last-minute items you might need for our hike.
Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 3.19 miles (5.4 kilometers), 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,430 feet (436 meters) ascent, 1,430 feet (436 meters) descent
This morning we’ll leave Chamonix by Gondola up to Brevent 8,410 feet (2,563 meters), one of the highest peaks in the crystalline Aiguilles Rouges range, which stands opposite the Mont Blanc massif. From here we’ll hike across the Carlaveyron Plateau, the views of the north face of Mont Blanc, the Fiz range and the Chamonix valley are second to none!
We’ll drop down to the village of Les Houches, our home for the evening, before meeting our local hosts and settle in for a hearty French mountain meal.
Accommodation: Hotel Les Campanules, Les Houches
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 7.5 miles (12 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 623 feet (190 meters) ascent, 4,396 feet (1,340 meters) descent
This morning we’ll drive a short distance to Annecy, the capital of the Haute Savoie region and one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. To kick off our day we’ll take to sea kayaks and circle part of this stunning crystal clear lake, exploring its numerous coves and beaches along the way.
Later we’ll head back to Annecy town wherewhere you’ll have lunch on your own, and the chance to explore its narrow cobbled streets and 16th-century gothic architecture. With an outlook of the French Alps and an unmatched elegance, Annecy is the perfect place to lose yourself or simply sit on the sidewalk and watch the world go by!
Accommodation: Les Chemenaz Hotel, Les Contamines de Montjoie
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Kayaking: 1.5-2 hours
We’ll return to the Mont Blanc Circuit this morning after a short drive to Val Montjoie where we’ll begin our hike on an old Roman road to Plan des Dames. After a short break, we begin a gradual ascent of the Col du Bonhomme – an iconic mountain pass and the gateway to the Beaufortain region, famous for its unique cheeses.
After breaking for lunch here, we’ll drop down into the sweeping wildflower meadows in the valley below to Les Chapieux where we’ll jump in our vehicle and drive a short distance to our accommodation for the evening, in the hamlet of Bourg St Maurice.
Accommodation: Hotel Autantic, Bourg Saint Maurice or Hôtel l'Alpin, Landry
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 10 miles (15.9 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,050 feet (1,233 meters) ascent, 2,220 feet (678 meters) descent
After breakfast we’ll head back to Les Chapieux where we’ll visit a local family-run Beaufort cheese factory that has been making cheese for hundreds of years, having passed down their traditional methods of production generation after generation. After our visit, we’ll begin our ascent of the “Vallee des Glaciers” (Valley of the Glaciers). Our first destination is the Col de la Seigne – the pass that straddles the border between France and Italy and is an amazing place to view the southern side of the Mont Blanc range. As you stand with one foot in France and the other in Italy, you’ll be confronted with astounding views of huge glaciers, massive rock spires and the broad ‘U’ shaped valley down into the Italian countryside.
We’ll make our way down the valley, passing through green pastures and alpine streams. Our home for this evening is the village of Courmayeur, a picture-perfect Italian village at the head of the Aosta valley. Welcome to Italy!
Accommodation: Hotel Croux or Hôtel Berthod, Courmayeur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 10 miles (16.1 kilometers), 5-7 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,400 feet (735 meters) ascent, 2,740 feet (836 meters) descent
Roman monuments, medieval castles, vineyards, and quaint villages define the Aosta Valley as one of Europe’s quintessential mountain regions, all against an incredible backdrop of steep snow-capped peaks. Today you’re free to explore Courmayeur and the surrounding area. Over hundreds of years, the local people here have perfected the “l’art de vivre” (the art of living), through exquisite mountain cuisine, beautiful architecture, and fine wine. A day exploring the eateries, art galleries, and vineyards of Courmayeur will recharge your culture batteries well and truly!
If you’re keen to stay active today, there are plenty of adventurous options available, including hiking, cycling and golf to name just a few. Enjoy!
Accommodation: Hotel Croux or Hôtel Berthod, Courmayeur
Meals: Breakfast
We’ll leave Courmayeur this morning and hike up through dense larch forest and onto alpine meadows leading up to Rifugio Bertone, where we’ll make a brief stop for an espresso and soak in the jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc. From here we’ll continue on to the Mont de la Saxe balcony trail overlooking the Italian Val Ferret, looking straight across to some of the highest peaks of the Mont Blanc massif and the tumbling glaciers that descend the southern side of the range into the valley below. They look so close, you’ll feel like you can throw a stone and hit the highest peaks – it’s a sight you have to see to believe.
After lunch, we’ll drop down into the Val Ferret and green pastures of the Lavachey where we’ll enjoy a classic home-cooked Italian/French meal prepared by our local hosts.
Accommodation: Hotel Croux or Hôtel Berthod, Courmayeur
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 8.7 miles (14 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,870 feet (570 meters) ascent, 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) descent
Close to our accommodation, the trail to Switzerland begins, over one of the Mont Blanc regions’ most renowned passes – the Grand Col Ferret. The massive granite spires of the south side of the Mont Blanc range are our backdrop on the ascent to the Col Ferret, followed by the astoundingly beautiful views of the Swiss Val Ferret, the Glacier de l’A Neuve and the village of La Fouly that lies beneath it.
We’ll hike down to La Fouly through classic Swiss pastures, before a short drive to Champex Lac, a picture-perfect lakeside village and our home for the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Glacier or Hôtel Sunways, Champex
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 9 miles (14.6 kilometers), 4-6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,450 feet (748 meters) ascent, 2,673 feet (815 meters) descent
After a beautiful transfer through the vineyards of the Swiss Rhone Valley, we’ll start our hike from Le Peuty, making our way up through lush, verdant forest as we head towards our last border crossing over the Col du Balme at 7,188 feet (2,191 meters). We’ll catch views of the beautiful pink church of Trient below us as we climb, passing a collection of 500-year-old stone buildings nestled amongst the soaring peaks around us, and as we crest over the Col de Balme and cross back into the France, we’re welcomed by spectacular views of the Chamonix Valley. Finally we'll reach a mountain refuge for a delicious homemade lunch with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Alguilles Rouges, before hiking down the valley to transfer to Chamonix for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hiking: 6 miles (10 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2,920 feet (890 meters) ascent, 2,329 feet (710 meters) descent
This morning we set off from Chamonix for a leisurely bike ride through the lower Chamonix Valley. This round trip takes us along the trails to Les Praz, Les Bois, and up to Les Tines, before cycling back along the river to Chamonix.
After lunch, we’ll take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from downtown Chamonix to high above the valley to the granite needle peak building at 12,604 feet (3,841 meters). Aside from marveling at this incredible feat of engineering, you’ll be blown away to find yourself so close to the summit of Europe’s highest peak, taking in once-in-a-lifetime views of The Alps from a high altitude perspective.
Later, we’ll head back to Chamonix to spend the final evening of your trip together with a delicious dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Pointe Isabelle, Chamonix
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Biking: 7.2 miles (11.6 kilometers), 3 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss: 954 feet (291 meters) ascent, 954 feet (291 meters) descent
Today is the last day of your trip around Mont Blanc. We’ll drive back to Geneva this morning in time for afternoon flights. If you’re staying in Chamonix or Geneva, we’re happy to help out with suggestions on other things you can do in the area. Either way, you’ll go home relaxed and refreshed after your active journey around one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world, and enjoy a quintessential European Alps experience in true Active style.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
On the first day of the trip, we'll meet you at Hotel Pointe Isabelle in Chamonix for a group briefing in the hotel lobby at 6pm before dinner with your fellow adventurers.
You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at either of the above hotels directly, or any other hotel in Chamonix, though you must make your own way to the Hotel at the pre-designated time.
Your trip ends with a drop-off at the Geneva Airport (GVA) in time for flights below. If you’re staying on in Geneva you can take a transfer from Geneva Airport to Central Geneva via regular train services.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Geneva by 12pm. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city prior to your trip start.
Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Geneva after 12pm for both domestic and international. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.
We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in France. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, lodges and hotels and you’ll have your own bathroom everywhere.
While there are laundry facilities at some locations, they may not be convenient or there may only be one machine to service your entire group. We recommend bringing enough clothing to only have to do laundry once or not at all during your trip. The best time will be either during your time in Chamonix or we recommend to do laundry in Courmayeur at Hotel Croux, it costs 20 Euros per bag and it’s a GREAT service.
You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this trip, with daily hikes typically ranging from four to six hours. While peak physical condition isn’t required, you should be accustomed to regular aerobic exercise—ideally including hills, stairs, and carrying a backpack. The more preparation you do before your adventure, the more you'll enjoy the active, outdoor experience once you're on the trail.
Please head to our Fitness Guide for great tips on how to prepare along with a workout plan!
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By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.
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