France: Mont Blanc Adventure

Hiking times are based on an average fitness level and group speed, and may vary based on the experience level of our group, which will stay together for all hikes.

Bonjour and welcome to France (via Geneva, Switzerland)! As we settle in, we’ll notice how the peaks frame the town, giving this cozy alpine village its postcard charm. The evening begins with a Group Meeting at 6:00 PM, followed by an included Welcome Dinner.

Included Meals: Dinner

Fuel up on breakfast, then lace up your boots and ready the daypack (larger luggage will be transported separately to our next hotel). This morning, we’ll leave Chamonix by private transfer for Les Houches, then take the cable car up to Bellevue to start our hike. Our route crosses through woodland before opening onto wide, scenic slopes with views across the Bionnassay Valley; we’ll wander past traditional mountain hamlets while the peaks around us grow more striking with each turn. From here, we’ll climb toward the Col de Tricot, and once over the pass, we’ll wind our way down a series of switchbacks to Chalet de Miage. We’ll finish the day by continuing into the valley to reach Les Contamines, a traditional village where we’ll spend the night.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 640m/2,100ft
Descent: 1,275m/4,183ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Approximate hiking time: 4 – 5 hours

Today begins with a short private transfer to Notre Dame de la Gorge. From there, we’ll head deeper into the mountains, gaining elevation gradually through meadows and pastures on the way to the Col du Bonhomme. We’ll keep climbing toward the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, with wide views stretching across the French Alps. Higher up, the terrain becomes more exposed and rugged, with rocky, uneven ground underfoot, while the Aiguille des Glaciers and the surrounding peaks create a soaring backdrop. The trail then drops us into the remote Chapieux Valley, where a private transfer will take us onward to our hotel in Bourg Saint Maurice.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 1,200m/3,937ft
Descent: 900m/2,953ft
Distance: 14.5km/9mi
Approximate hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

Rise and shine! After transferring to Ville des Glaciers, we’ll head toward the Col de la Seigne, the point where the trail crosses out of France and into Italy. The morning’s climb winds through open mountain terrain, growing more dramatic with every step as we near the pass, and once we reach the top, we’ll cross the border and begin our descent into Val Veny, ready to trade our croissants for cappuccinos on the Italian side. This side of the massif rewards us with spectacular views toward the Grandes Jorasses, sprawling glaciers, and the Italian slopes of Mont Blanc. At La Visaille, a private transfer will carry us into Courmayeur, where we can soak up the lively atmosphere of this charming Italian mountain town.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 700m/2,297ft
Descent: 1,000m/3,281ft
Distance: 15km/9.3mi
Approximate hiking time: 6 hours

After a transfer to Val Ferret, today’s hike begins in the valley, gradually climbing toward the Grand Col Ferret, another high point of the trek and the moment we cross from Italy into Switzerland. From the pass, we’ll pause to take in the view back toward the Italian side of Mont Blanc and across to the Grand Combin massif. From here, the route descends through the Swiss Val Ferret, tracing mountain paths and pastures toward La Fouly, where a private transfer will carry us to our hotel in Champex-Lac.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 850m/2,789ft
Descent: 1,000m/3,281ft
Distance: 14.4km/9mi
Approximate hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

Our day starts with a transfer back to La Fouly, where our hike begins through the Swiss Val Ferret, a gentler landscape of green meadows, wooded sections, and small mountain settlements. Traditional chalets and villages line our path, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in the Swiss Alps. After crossing this quieter stretch of the valley, we’ll continue on toward Champex, an adorable lakeside village tucked among forest and mountains, and we’ll finish the day beside Lake Champex, one of the most picturesque spots along this section of the route.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 550m/1,805ft
Descent: 600m/1,969ft
Distance: 15.4km/9.6mi
Approximate hiking time: 5 – 6 hours

Picking up the trail directly from our hotel in Champex, we’ll pass through small settlements before climbing toward grassy Bovine pastures. Once we’re higher up, a scenic trail traces the mountainside, opening out toward views of the Rhône Valley below. From here, the route gradually descends toward the Col de la Forclaz, where a private transfer will take us back into France, a fitting moment to start craving a proper glass of French wine. Our day ends at our hotel in lovely Argentière, a quaint village that’s worth exploring a bit before we gather for dinner.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 800m/2,625ft
Descent: 1,365m/4,579ft
Distance: 15km/9.3mi
Approximate hiking time: 5.5 – 6.5 hours

We’re officially in the home stretch! Today begins with a transfer back to Trient, Switzerland, to pick up the trail where we left off. By this point, our border crossings are about as dramatic as walking from one room to the next. Today’s hike climbs toward the Col de Balme, where we’ll (once again) leave Switzerland and cross back into France. Arriving at the pass marks another highlight of the journey, with spectacular views opening toward Mont Blanc and Aiguille Verte. The remainder of the day is spent descending toward the Chamonix Valley, and depending on trail conditions and our group’s pace and ability, our guide will choose one of two routes, either toward Le Tour or straight on to Argentière.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 1,000m/3,281ft
Descent: 820m/2,690ft
Distance: 11.2km/7mi
Approximate hiking time: 6 – 7 hours

Our final day on the trail is the one we’ve been building toward all along, taking us along the Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges, one of the most scenic sections of the entire route. The path climbs through the mountains toward Lac Blanc, where an exceptional viewpoint opens across the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc massif, revealing a succession of famous peaks and glaciers, including Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, La Mer de Glace, the Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul, Aiguille du Goûter, and Mont Blanc. After lingering over the views at Lac Blanc, we’ll descend toward Le Praz, then triumphantly board a cable car from La Flégère, followed by a transfer back to our hotel in Chamonix. Tonight, we’ll celebrate our success over an incredible Farewell Dinner, toasting to the memories we’ve made and the views we’ll never forget.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 900m/2,953ft
Descent: 1,100m/3,609ft
Distance: 9.6km/6mi
Approximate hiking time: 6 hours

After breakfast, enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport. Safe travels home, and thanks for joining us in France, Italy, and Switzerland!

Included Meals: Breakfast