One of the classic mountain walks of the world, the Tour of
Mont Blanc circles the highest mountain in Western Europe,
providing walkers with an opportunity to sample the culture and
flavour of the three different countries which share the massif:
France, Italy and Switzerland. Dominated throughout by views of
the highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc itself
(4,056m/15,767ft).
The walk follows ancient pack animal routes with each ascent to
the next pass rewarded by a new and exciting vista of the great
peaks of the Alps.
This
is a long walk of 14 days in the valleys, foothills and high
passes of the Mont Blanc massif. The traverse of the high passes
takes you beneath spectacular glaciers and at other times you pass
through Alpine villages and summer meadows. The Tour de Mont Blanc
is however well within the scope of most walkers. Trails are well
defined and easy to follow. The trail is mostly moderate, but with
a few challenging ascents and the satisfaction of completing one
of the world's great walks provides the finishing touch to a
wonderful holiday.
The self-guided tour is arranged on set departure dates to spread
the huge cost of moving baggage. There can be as many as fifteen
Sherpa walkers travelling at the same time.
JMB19 Sat 19 June
- Fri 2 July JMB26 Sat 26 June - Fri 9 July JMB10 Sat 10 July - Fri 23 July JMB24 Sat 24 July - Fri 6 August
JMB25 Sun 25 July - Sat 7 August JMB07 Sat 7 August - Fri 20 August JMB08 Sun 8 August - Sat 21 August JMB21 Sat 21 August - Fri 3 September JMB22 Sun 22 August - Sat 4 September
13
nights/14 days - The tour starts in the village of Les
Houches at a 3* chalet style hotel facing Mont Blanc.
At Les Contamines we stay at a 3* hotel. At the tiny and remote settlement of Les
Chapieux, we stay at a small but very welcoming auberge. For our
2 nights in Italy we stay at a modern 2* hotel at La
Palud (1370m). It is a short bus ride to the historic town of
Courmayeur. On our first night in Switzerland in the unspoilt Val
Ferret we stay in a small, very comfortable 3* hotel in the
beautifully situated village of La Fouly. We spend two nights
in a 3* hotel by the shores of beautiful Lac de Champex at the
north-eastern end of the Mont Blanc range. On our last night in
Switzerland we stay at a simple inn at Trient (very basic
accommodation).
Back in France we spend one night in a 2* hotel in the ski resort of Argentiere,
just one minutes walk from the centre of the village. For the 2
nights in Chamonix our 3* hotel has excellent facilities.
Finally we return to our popular base hotel in Les Houches
for the last night of the tour.
Note:
Luggage transfers, except on the night spent at Les Chapieux, when
overnight clothing must be carried.
Sherpa Notes
Waymarking
This route is very well waymarked.
Accommodation
and Meals
10 nights in hotels of 2 or 3*, 3 nights in simple hotels more akin
to mountain refuges. Ensuite facilities are not always available. 5
evening meals are included.
Start
and End of Tour Nearest airport is Geneva. Transfers available please see
dossier for further details.
