The legendary Tour du Mont-Blanc: 7 days staying in guesthouses and mountain huts

You leave your accommodation and head towards 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 make our way 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 you will undoubtedly taste during the week.

An early morning private transfer will allow you to begin your day in the heart of the City of Glaciers. Today you cross your 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. You enter the Val Veny and the Aosta Valley unfolds before you.

For Sunday departures: Val Veny - La Fouly

Today, we continue our ascent towards the Italian Val Ferret to reach the Grand Col Ferret, which marks the border between Italy and Switzerland. You'll hike while admiring the Pré de Bar Glacier and Mont Dolent, the summit that forms the border between the three countries . We descend to the village of Ferret and then La Fouly to spend the night.

For Monday departures: Val Veny - Val Ferret

This morning we took a bus down to Courmayeur, just enough time to enjoy 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 reached our magnificent refuge for our last night on the Italian side. No backpacks tonight; the vehicles don't go up to the refuge so we could better appreciate nature in its purest form. This journey through the Val Ferret will undoubtedly leave you with a sense of the stories of our great guides.

For Sunday departures: La Fouly - Champex - Trient

An early morning bus transfer takes you to the charming village of Champex with its picturesque high-altitude lake. The day begins with a hike up to the Bovine alpine pastures. From there, the view encompasses the Rhône Valley on the Swiss side and the Grand Combins massif to the southeast. You descend through a magnificent forest leading to the authentic village of Trient. An alternative route via the Fenêtre d'Arpette is possible depending on weather conditions and your fitness level.

For Monday departures: Val Veny - Champex

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 will 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 your batteries... From the village of Ferret, a transfer by local bus is necessary via Orsières to the charming village of Champex, on the shores of a pretty mountain lake.

For Sunday departures: Trient - Montroc

Today you return to France by crossing the border at the Col de Balme (2191m). You hike to the Col des Posettes before traversing along a balcony trail to Tré-Le-Champ. Finally, you descend to Argentière to spend your last night. Elevation gain: approx. 1100m, Elevation loss: approx. 1190m, Maximum altitude: 2201m

For Monday departures: Champex - Montroc

You leave Champex to begin the ascent to the Bovine alpine pastures. From there, the view encompasses the Rhône Valley on the Swiss side and the Grands Combins massif to the southeast. You descend through a magnificent forest leading to the authentic village of Trient. An alternative route via the Fenêtre d'Arpette is possible depending on weather conditions and your fitness level. A shuttle will be waiting for you at 4:00 PM at the Col de la Forclaz to take you to Argentière and your next accommodation. Elevation gain: approx. 850m; Elevation loss: approx. 900m; Maximum altitude: 2005m

For this final day, you will explore the Aiguilles Rouges mountain range and nature reserve, which face Mont Blanc. The route ascends to the Chéserys lakes and then to Lac Blanc , where the panoramic views are breathtaking. The descent follows a scenic trail along the mountainside, passing through La Flégère and Le Brévent, back to Chamonix. (You can also take the cable cars back down to the valley). The circuit ends in Chamonix.

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