Hiking and secret panoramas of Mont Blanc
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions59.25 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
At the foot of Mont Blanc , this star-shaped hiking trip immerses you in the majestic world of the Alps . From your base camp in a warm chalet-hotel in the heart of Le Fayet , you explore the secret and unspoiled slopes of the massif, far from the hustle and bustle of the Chamonix valley.
Each day, a new immersion awaits you: spectacular panoramas of Les Houches, peaceful valleys of Les Contamines-Montjoie , alpine atmospheres around Megève, and iconic routes of Saint-Gervais . In a small group, you'll trek across panoramic ridges , shimmering glaciers , and jagged peaks , guided by a passionate leader who combines local knowledge with discretion.
The highlight of the stay: the ascent on board the Mont-Blanc train , up to more than 1900 meters , offering privileged access to unforgettable high-altitude hikes , facing the giants of granite and ice.
A stay designed for mountain lovers , in search of real emotions, preserved nature and authentic encounters , in a friendly and rejuvenating atmosphere.
The highlights
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Star-shaped hikes facing the magnificent panoramas of Mont Blanc
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Varied and unspoiled routes
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A guided tour for a peaceful and enriching experience.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Average elevation gain: 600 m Maximum elevation gain: 800 m
Average length: 11 km Maximum length: 12 km
Average time: 5 hours
The walking pace is slow and steady, with a focus on discovery rather than sport. We take frequent breaks and enjoy the experience.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 660 m
- Average daily descent: 660 m
Management
French
State-certified mountain guide, specialist in the region. A mountain professional, he is committed to:
- Manage your hike safely and effectively: route selection, pace, logistics, health, and adapting to weather and snow conditions.
- To ensure the group's dynamism and cohesion
- To make it easier for you to approach the mountain environment and to passionately share its knowledge of nature with you
- Being available and listening to you
Program
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Welcome and Installation
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Head to your accommodation located in the heart of the village of Le Fayet, just a few dozen meters from the SNCF train station – very convenient. Meet at 6:30 PM for check-in and welcome. Meet your guide for the week, have a short briefing, and enjoy a welcome drink.
Day 1 -
The Miage Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin our stay by heading to the Contamines-Montjoie valley, at the foot of the towering peaks of the Mont Blanc massif. We start in the forest on a lovely, varied, and gradually ascending trail, before emerging into one of the most spectacular valleys in the area, the Miage valley (1600 m). We truly feel like we've discovered "the ideal" at the foot of the Dômes de Miage (3700 m). That's the guide's word! It's our first panoramic view of the Mont Blanc massif.
Day 2 -
The Mont Blanc tramway and the Bionnassay valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
At the foot of the "normal" route up Mont Blanc, a wonderful adventure begins with the ascent to the summit plateau and the viewpoint at 1900m via the St. Gervais train. This spot is renowned among film buffs as the natural setting for the famous movie "Malabar Princess." Facing the Mont Blanc glaciers, this site offers a spectacular panorama that will leave no one unmoved. The view is magnificent and allows for a 360° panoramic vista. A truly exceptional day. Ascent and descent by train.
Day 3 -
The Contamines Valley
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Contamines Valley, a renowned hiking destination, we set off for a truly breathtaking natural setting! Thanks to a shaded path, the ascent will be gradual, and you'll be captivated by local stories about this corner of the Mont Blanc region. This is a generally quiet route that combines all aspects of hiking. The descent in the afternoon, mainly through the forest, will be wonderfully refreshing! This is our guide's secret spot, where he'll share some truly special moments with you.
Day 4 -
The Aravis mountain range
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we are exploring the foothills of the Aravis mountain range. Above the village of Sallanches, a forest path leads us to Plaine Joux. We emerge into high-altitude meadows dominated by the summit of the Quatre Têtes and the Pointe Percée, the highest point of the Aravis (2750 m). At the foot of beautiful cliffs, the view of this valley evokes strong emotions; wildlife is abundant here, and with a little patience, we can observe wild animals.
Day 5 -
The Belvedere on Mont Blanc
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
From Les Houches, on the foothills of the Aiguilles Rouges massif, a climb through the forest leads to the Plan de la Cry (1400 m). The landscape opens up to reveal the Chamonix valley. After a steady ascent through the forest, we arrive at the Plan de Benoï (1900 m). From there, the view of Mont Blanc, with its famous peaks and domes, cannot be described; it must be experienced intensely… Certainly one of the most spectacular panoramic views.
The program ends in the late afternoon with the return to the hotel.
Day 6
Note
The times were calculated based on a pace of 300 meters of elevation gain per hour uphill, 500 meters of elevation gain per hour downhill, and 4 km per hour on flat terrain, in order to allow for a comparison of the different hikes on the same basis. They only include actual walking time; all meal breaks, rest stops, or periods of quiet contemplation must be added.
We may sometimes need to slightly modify the indicated itinerary: either due to organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, changes in trail conditions, etc.) or directly at the guide's discretion (weather, group level, etc.). Rest assured, these modifications are always made in your best interest, for your safety and comfort!
Accommodation
You will be accommodated at the 2-star hotel LA CHAUMIÈRE in Le Fayet / Saint-Gervais
Access
Go to the starting point
The hotel for this stay is located in the Fayet district, a few minutes' walk from the SNCF train station.
You can park your vehicle near the accommodation or in the stadium car park at the entrance to the village.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a comfortable 2-star hotel, in a shared room
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 6
- The transfers planned in the program
- The loan of hiking poles
- The welcome drink
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The journeys to and from the reception location.
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room : CHF164.66 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
During the hike, you must have the following documents in your possession:
- Valid identity card or passport
- Your travel insurance leaflet received upon registration (if you purchased the insurance we offer) or your personal insurance (contract number + telephone number)
- Health insurance card
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- The loan of hiking poles
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of 35/40 litres with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack.
- 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses with side protection.
- a water bottle (1.5 liters minimum).
- 1 Opinel-type pocket knife.
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, health insurance card and assistance contract in.
- Sunscreen + lip balm.
- Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 litre) + cup + cutlery.
- Camera, binoculars (optional).
- A pair of poles is recommended.
For the evening at the accommodation:
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes.
- Toiletries (prioritize the essentials, small sizes, samples and travel kits).
- Earplugs or ear cushions (optional).
- 1 headlamp or flashlight.
Personal pharmacy:
- A tick remover.
- Your usual medications.
- Elastic adhesive strip, Elastoplast type, 8 cm wide.
- Sets of adhesive bandages + disinfectant compresses.
- Double skin (Compeed or SOS blister type).
- 1 pair of tweezers.
Clothing to bring
The principles:
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber).
- a warm fleece fur jacket.
- a waterproof and breathable windproof jacket of the gore-tex type.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose quick-drying clothes, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool (merino wool underwear is comfortable and doesn't develop unpleasant odors), silk, and synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The ideal list: (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- 1 sun hat or cap.
- 1 scarf or neck warmer.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts preferably made of breathable material (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece fur jacket.
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape or a sleeping bag cover if you own the jacket above.
- 1 loose trekking pants.
- 1 pair of shorts or bermudas.
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks. Be careful with cotton as it can cause blisters.
- 1 pair of high-top hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (Vibram type). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand.
- At the beginning and end of the season (May - June and September - October), it may be useful to also have gaiters, gloves and a hat.
