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 provides us with a variety of cheeses, notably Beaufort, which we will undoubtedly taste during the week.

An early morning private transfer will allow us to begin our day in the heart of the City of Glaciers. Today we cross our first border between France and Italy , at the Col de la Seigne (2516m). 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.

This morning we descend to Courmayeur , stopping for a quick ice cream before continuing our hike up the Italian Val Ferret in the shadow of the impressive Grandes Jorasses. After La Vachey, we reach either the Walter Bonatti refuge* (2025m) or the Elena refuge* (2061m) for our last night on the Italian side. No backpacks tonight, as vehicles don't go up to the refuges, allowing you to better appreciate the unspoiled nature. This passage through the Val Ferret will undoubtedly evoke memories of our great guides... * Subject to availability at the refuges at the time of final confirmation. An alternative will be offered if necessary. Alternative: +900m / -740m Maximum altitude: 2537m

Today we continue our ascent towards the upper reaches of the Italian Val Ferret , heading for 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 . On the descent, we encounter the alpine herders of La Peule. Why not take the opportunity to stop and sample some regional products to recharge our batteries?

From the village of Ferret, transfer by local bus via Orsières to the charming village of Champex, on the edge of a pretty mountain lake.

Alternative: D+ 850m / D- 900m. Max altitude: 2005m

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 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 . Then, via the Bisses path, we reach the village of Trient. From there, a private transfer takes us to Argentière via the Col des Montets.

Alternative: D+ 1110m / D- 1190m. Max altitude: 2201m

For this final day , we will explore the Aiguilles Rouges massif and nature reserve, which face Mont Blanc. We'll hike up to the Chéserys lakes and then to Lac Blanc, where the panorama is 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). We'll arrive back 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.