Complete Tour of Mont Blanc – 10 Days Self-Guided

Day 1: Les Houches – Bionnassay

Meeting is at 9am at the Prarion car park in Les Houches. Your day will begin with an ascent through a picturesque forest, taking you to the summit of Prarion, which stands at 1969 meters above sea level. Up there, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama, offering a 360-degree view of the surroundings. The day will continue with a peaceful descent to the charming Fioux refuge, where you’ll spend the night in an enchanting setting.

Day 2: Bionnassay – Les Contamines

The second day of this adventure promises to be a breathtaking visual experience! Your route takes you along majestic glaciers, crossing the Col de Tricot at 2,120 meters in altitude and passing through the tranquil Truc alpine pasture. A picturesque descent leads us to the charming village of Les Contamines, where you will spend the night.

Day 3: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

Follow the ancient Roman Road for a spectacular ascent towards the Cols du Bonhomme (at 2,408 meters) and des Fours (at 2,665 meters) – your morning mission. After an outdoor lunch with breathtaking panoramic views, you will continue your journey towards the Chapieux Valley, nestled at the end of the Tarentaise*. This region is famous for its contribution to the production of the delicious Beaufort cheese!

*If accommodation is not available in Les Chapieux, the itinerary will be slightly modified in order to find accommodation in a different place.

Day 4: Les Chapieux – Col Chécrouit

Today, a splendid day opens up, offering majestic views of Mont Blanc! After a short transfer to the start of the hike*, your journey begins with an ascent to the Col de la Seigne, at 2,514 meters in altitude, marking the border between France and Italy. You then enter the Aosta Valley region through Val Veny, revealing the Italian side of Monte Bianco. The day comes to an end in the warm atmosphere of an Italian refuge, a memorable stage of your journey.

*If you have spent the previous night in an accommodation out of the hamlet of Les Chapieux, an extra €115 will be charged for the transfer from your accommodation to La Ville des Glaciers, the starting point for the hike. This price is valid for up to 8 people.

Day 5: Col Chécrouit – Refuge Bonatti

Let’s kick off the fifth day of your adventure by descending the slopes to Courmayeur, often dubbed the Italian ‘Chamonix,’ and strolling through the picturesque alleys of its old village. Your route then takes us towards Val Sapin, heading to the Bertone refuge, where exceptional panoramas await you. By the end of the day, you’ll reach the Bonatti refuge*, situated at 2,025 meters above sea level and named in honor of the famous Italian mountaineer. From there, you’ll embrace the breathtaking view of the Frébouze glacier, gracefully stretching out before you.

*In case of unavailability at the Bonatti Refuge, a local bus can take you back to Courmayeur where your accommodation will be booked. Overnight stay at a hotel with your luggage.

Day 6: Bonatti – La Fouly

6 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 900 m (2,950 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent

*If you’re staying in Courmayeur, you take the local bus from Courmayeur heading towards Arnouva.

At daybreak, your route leads you towards the majestic Mont Dolent, a place where the borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy meet. As you reach the summit of the Grand Col Ferret, standing at 2,537 meters, you enter Switzerland, greeted with warmth! A gentle descent takes you through the Peule alpine pasture, getting you closer to La Fouly, a charming little village nestled at 1,600 meters in the heart of the beautiful Valais.

Day 7: La Fouly – Champex

4 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 650 m (2,130 ft) ascent / 650 m (2,130 ft) descent

On this day, get ready to explore the Swiss Val Ferret with its charming traditional villages before arriving at Champex and its beautiful lake. Your journey concludes with a short ascent to our accommodation, a comfortable inn imbued with a soothing atmosphere, providing an ideal setting for your evening.

Day 8: Champex – Trient

Accommodation: at an inn – Choice 1: 715m (2,345 ft) ascent / 925m (3035 ft) descent – 5 hours walking time – Choice 2: 915m (3,002 ft) ascent / (4,135 ft) 1260m – 7 hours walking time 

For this eighth day of hiking, an exceptional stage awaits, providing a panoramic view from the heights above Martigny. The vineyards of the Rhône Valley, visible in the distance, testify to Switzerland’s rich winemaking tradition. Your descent takes you to Trient, a small village, following the Bisse du Trient trail. Depending on your preferences and conditions, an option comes out: the opportunity to pass through the Fenêtre d’Arpette, at 2,665 meters in altitude, along a magnificent alpine route. Do not hesitate to ask to the refuge keeper the day before, or to contact us, to know the best itinerary.

Day 9: Trient – Le Tour

5 hrs walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 1,000 m (3,280 ft) ascent / 850 m (2,790 ft) descent

Time has come to make your way back to France. Throughout the day, the views of the picturesque Chamonix Valley get revealed in front of you, becoming more and more impressive. Your destination for the night is the charming village of Le Tour, where you will stay in a welcoming lodge, ready to provide you with a warm and friendly night.

Day 10: Le Tour – Chamonix

7 hrs walking time – 1,350 m (4,430 ft) ascent / 850 m (2,790 ft) descent

For this memorable final day, you head towards the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. The trail leads you along a panoramic balcony offering breathtaking views of the majestic Mont Blanc, one of the most iconic landscapes of the Chamonix Valley.

You then begin your descent towards La Flégère, followed by a stunning balcony crossing to Planpraz. If you wish, you can take the cable car down to the heart of Chamonix. From the bottom station, local buses are available to move back to Prarion car park in Les Houches.

And so, the loop of your adventure comes to an end with unforgettable memories.