The classic Tour du Mont Blanc

We leave our accommodation to reach Notre Dame de la Gorge, a landmark of Baroque Romanticism. A long climb takes us to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m). This pass has been traversed for centuries by shepherds and their flocks, armies and soldiers, pilgrims, peddlers, and hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The view then opens up to the Beaufortain region at our feet. We head towards the Crête des Gittes ridge to descend into the alpine pastures amidst Tarine and Abondance cows. The milk from these cows delights us with the variety of their cheeses, notably Beaufort, which we will undoubtedly taste during the week. No bags for us that night: in order to preserve the local natural environment and limit the impact of mountain transport, we have chosen not to transfer luggage that day.

*On the morning of that day, you will pack and carry your belongings for two days (no luggage transfer to your accommodation). You will find all your belongings on Day 3 at the gîte where you stayed that evening.

Today we cross our first border between France and Italy, at the Col de la Seigne (2516m). Frequented since antiquity, it is marked by a large cairn and lies on the watershed between the Mediterranean and the Adriatic. The view is breathtaking: a panorama of snow-capped peaks stands out against the Italian side of Mont Blanc. We enter the Val Veny, and the Aosta Valley unfolds before us. We will spend the night in a mountain refuge in this valley, at the foot of the Brenva Glacier, beneath the impressive Aiguille Noire de Peuterey.

*On that day, you will find your travel bag from the previous day, in the evening at the accommodation.

Today we continue our ascent towards the upper reaches of the Italian Val Ferret to reach the Grand Col Ferret, which marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. We hike, admiring the Pré-de-Bar glacier, while Mont Dolent watches over us: it is the meeting point of the three borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy. The pass has been used since antiquity between the Aosta Valley and the canton of Valais. On the descent, we encounter the alpine herders of La Peule. Why not take the opportunity to stop and sample some regional products? It could be a good way to recharge... From the village of Ferret, transfer by local bus via Orsières to the charming village of Champex, on the shores of a pretty mountain lake (or overnight stay in La Fouly and transfer the following morning).

We leave Champex to begin the climb that takes us to the Bovine alpine pastures, amidst the Hérens cows, those beautiful black breeds that are the pride of the Valais region. This balcony trail with its panoramic views encompasses the Rhône Valley and the Rhône bend on the Swiss side, as well as the Grands Combins massif to the southeast. A descent through a lovely forest leads us to the Col de la Forclaz pass. Then, following the Bisses path (a Valaisan term for a water channel carved into the rock or wood), we reach the village of Trient.

Today we return to France, crossing the border at the Col de Balme (2192m). We hike to the Col des Posettes before traversing along a balcony trail to Tré-Le-Champ. Finally, we descend to Argentière or Le Buet to spend our last night.

For this final day, we will explore the Aiguilles Rouges mountain range and nature reserve, which face Mont Blanc. We'll hike up to the Chéserys lakes and then to Lac Blanc, where the panoramic views are breathtaking. We'll descend via a balcony trail through La Flégère and Le Brévent to Chamonix, where we'll part ways in the afternoon (or take the cable car down from La Flégère). The trip will conclude, and the group will part ways, in Chamonix around 4:30 pm.

If you have parked your vehicle in Les Houches, bus No. 1 will take you back to the Bellevue cable car (1 bus approximately every 30 minutes).