Hiking around Mont Blanc in 7 days
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration7 days
-
LevelAdvance
-
DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
-
AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions83.69 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on an unforgettable adventure around the Mont Blanc massif , an exceptional route through three iconic countries : France, Italy, and Switzerland. This multi-day trek immerses you in spectacular alpine panoramas , between sparkling glaciers , mythical peaks , and traditional villages .
Each day reveals a new facet of this legendary mountain range, bathed in ever-changing light and contrasting atmospheres . You'll traverse passes and valleys with a smooth progression, savoring the authenticity of each stage and the diversity of the landscapes. Thanks to lighter packs , you'll walk with a light heart, focused on the beauty of the surroundings and maintaining a just-right effort.
This trip invites you to experience one of the great classics of alpine hiking , in optimal conditions of comfort and immersion. An unmissable experience for lovers of wide open spaces , unspoiled nature , and challenges accessible at your own pace.
The highlights
-
Breathtaking views every day
-
An unbeatable mountain hike
-
Sleeping options: dormitories or private rooms
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Average to good walker. 4 to 9 hours of walking per day, with 475 to 1200 meters of elevation gain each day.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1023 m
- Average daily descent: 1079 m
Management
We provide you with an electronic travel pack, which includes access to our smartphone navigation app, a list of your accommodations, and all the necessary documents to ensure a smooth trip. You can also request a printed roadbook for an additional fee.
Program
-
Arrival in St Gervais
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You arrive in the village of Saint-Gervais, where you will check into your hotel room.
Overnight stay in Saint-Gervais in a 3-star hotel with bed and breakfast
Day 1 -
Saint Gervais – Les Chapieux
- Transportation Bus - 00h20 - 13km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 930 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will first be transferred to Notre Dame de la Gorge, from where you will begin your ascent to the Croix du Bonhomme via the eponymous pass. The main highlight of this stage is the spectacular view of the Aiguille des Glaciers.
Overnight stay at the Nova refuge-inn with half-board
7 hours of walking; 15.25 km; + 1200m, - 930 m.
Day 2 -
Les Chapieux – Courmayeur (room option) or Refuge Elena (dormitory option)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1055 m
- Negative elevation 940 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You first drive up to Ville des Glaciers (45 min), where the real hike begins: an ascent to the Italian border (Col de la Seigne). You then begin a descent that will offer you a fabulous view of the Aiguilles de Peuterey and the Mont Blanc de Courmayeur.
Overnight stay in Courmayeur in a 3* hotel with B&B
6 hours of walking, 15.4 km, +765m, -880m
Dormitory option : Transfer by public bus to the bottom of the Val Ferret. From there, allow approximately one hour's walk to reach the superb Elena refuge, located opposite the Pré de Bar glacier.
Overnight stay at Refuge Elena with half-board
7 hours of walking; 17.7km; + 1055m, -940m.
Day 3 -
Courmayeur or Refuge Elena – Champex (Val d’Arpette)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 9km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 880 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A transfer by public bus is planned to the bottom of Val Ferret.
We will then cross the Grand Col Ferret, the gateway to Switzerland, to reach the magnificent village of La Fouly. This section offers superb panoramas: to the east, the Combins massif, and on the Italian side, a breathtaking view of the southern slope of Mont Blanc.
From La Fouly, a postal bus transfer takes us to Champex, from where a pleasant walk of about 45 minutes will lead us to the charming gîte du Val d'Arpette.
Overnight stay at Relais d'Arpette with half-board.
5 to 6 hours of walking; 15 km +600m, -1150m.
(From Courmayeur: +1 hour, +1.7 km and +280m)
Day 4 -
Champex (Val d'Arpette) - La Forclaz (or Trient)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's challenge: the Arpette window, an unmissable part of the Tour du Mont Blanc due to its altitude (2850m) but also because of the spectacular descent to the village of Trient, which will take your breath away in every sense of the word.
If the weather is not suitable or you do not feel up to it, you can go via the Col de Bovine instead.
Overnight stay at the Col de la Forclaz or in Trient (+1.5km), in a mountain inn with half-board.
Via the Fenêtre d'Arpette: 7 to 9 hours of walking; 13.8km; +1100m, -1400m.
Via the Col de Bovine: 5 hours 30 minutes walk; 13.7km; +800m
Day 5 -
La Forclaz (or Trient) – Argentière or Le Tour (dormitory version)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Return to France via the Col de Balme, offering a splendid view of Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Verte. Then a direct descent to the village of Le Tour.
Overnight stay at the Caf Refuge in Le Tour with half-board accommodation in the dormitory option
Overnight stay in Argentière in a 3-star hotel with half-board for the room option
6 to 7 hours of walking; 15.5km (from La Forclaz to Argentière); +1000m, -750m
Day 6 -
Argentière or the Tour - Chamonix
- Transportation Bus - 00h10 - 4km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges: an exceptional panorama, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful alpine viewpoints.
A beautiful climb leads you to Lac Blanc, where a magnificent landscape opens up before you: the Verte, the Drus, the Mer de Glace, the Aiguilles de Chamonix, the Mont Blanc du Tacul, the Aiguille du Goûter, and of course, Mont Blanc itself.
The descent then continues towards Chamonix via Le Praz, with the option of taking the Flégère cable car for a gentler return. You can reach the center of Chamonix by regular bus service, with numerous connections throughout the day.
6 hours of walking; 21 km from Argentière; +900m, -1300m
Day 7
Note
The proposed itinerary may sometimes be slightly modified, particularly depending on hotel availability.
Rest assured that these adjustments are always made in your best interest, to ensure your safety and optimize your comfort.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Saint Gervais le Fayet cable car to St Gervais village.
A taxi transfer is possible from Le Fayet or Chamonix to Saint-Gervais. Access by bus is also possible, depending on the timetable.
Parking is available at the hotel in Saint Gervais, subject to availability, or at Le Fayet train station. You can also leave your car in Chamonix.
Saint Gervais le Fayet cable car to St Gervais village.
Return to your car
Train from Chamonix to St Gervais les Bains – Le Fayet: 40-minute journey.
Price details
The price includes
- Half-board accommodation (except in Courmayeur where the room option is B&B and in Saint-Gervais where it is B&B)
- In a dormitory or in a 2-person room depending on the option chosen
- Luggage transport
- The J2 morning transfer.
- The digital travel file
- Tourist taxes
The price does not include
- Individual drinks
- Lunches
- Dinner in Courmayeur for the room option and Saint Gervais
- Internal transfers except for the one on the morning of J2.
- Site visits
- Insurance
- The travel dossier (paper version)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Discount without baggage transport : CHF-91.48 / person
- Paper travel file : CHF36.59 / unit
- Single room supplement in room version : CHF521.44 / person
- Single room supplement in dormitory version : CHF132.65 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
To transport your belongings
- A small, comfortable 40-50L backpack with a waist belt for carrying your personal belongings and picnic lunch during the day
- One piece of luggage: a backpack or a soft-sided travel bag in good condition. Only one piece of luggage per person; limited to 15 kg per person.
For the midday picnic
- Plastic bowl, box or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- A 1.5 liter water bottle (minimum) is required; a thermos water bottle for winter.
Against the sun and the rain
- High-protection sunscreen and sunglasses
- Hat, cap or bucket hat
- A rain cape or a Gore-Tex jacket and possibly Gore-Tex trousers
Clothing to bring
For hiking:
- Hiking boots that provide ankle support and have a good lugged sole
- Comfortable "hiking-specific" socks (minimum 3 pairs)
- A fleece fur
- Comfortable trousers for walking (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Shorts, t-shirts and technical underwear (quick-drying material)
- A long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying technical fabric)
- Walking sticks (telescopic), very important for making walking easier
Synthetic technical clothing is very high-performing. New merino wool garments have also appeared; they are very high-performing and comfortable to wear, and have the advantage of not developing perspiration odors! (Icebreaker, Ruka, etc. brands).
Generally speaking, avoid cotton, which gets cold when wet.
After the effortback
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers for the evening
- A sleeping bag liner for nights in a dormitory
- Change of clothes and personal linen
- Toiletry bag and towel (mini)
- A mini pharmacy
They traveled with us
