Tour Overview
The circuit of Mont Blanc is one of the finest walking routes in the Alps. It is in reality a series of paths linking the seven valleys that surround the highest mountain in Western Europe. To complete the whole circuit normally takes a fortnight, but for those with less time this one-week trip takes in the outstanding sections, from Trient in Switzerland to Les Contamines in France, and Italy's Aosta region. We stay the entire week at the comfortable Chalet Savoy, situated in the quiet hamlet of Les Chavants, near Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley. Using our own transport we travel out each day to rejoin the walk where we left off; most transfers are short, and after each day's walk we return to the chalet, avoiding the need to carry luggage, or pack and unpack each day. The chalet has 9 bedrooms all with private facilities, and evening meals are taken in the rustic wood-beamed dining room or in the garden with its superb mountain views and outdoor hot tub.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Chalet Savoy in Les Houches.
Day 2
From Les Houches we drive to Trient (1340m) in Switzerland. As we start our ascent we have good views of the Trient Glacier. We continue up past the shepherds' huts at Les Herbagères to the Col de Balme (2191m), which we cross to re-enter France. We then descend to the Col des Possettes (2000 m) and skirt around the Aiguilette des Possettes to the Col des Montets (1460m) and on to Tre le Champ from where we take transport back to the chalet. (7 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 900m up and 800m down).
Day 3
We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Le Vachey (1640m) we climb up to the Bonnatti refuge where at just over 2000m The view from here is one of the finest on the tour: Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired as we traverse the slopes of Monte de la Saxe high above the Ferret Valley. A long descent takes us down to Courmayeur (1250m) to soak up some Italian atmosphere. (7.5 hours walking, 450m up and 800m down)
Day 4
Leaving on foot from the chalet (1080m) we admire the picturesque hamlet of Charousse and quaint Savoy farm houses as we climb to the Col de Voza (1653m) where we enjoy sweeping views of the Chamonix Valley and Aravis mountains. We continue via the little village of Champel to Les Contamine commune (1015m).(7 hours walking, 570m up and 640m down)
Day 5
Free day for optional walks or sightseeing. There are many good walks directly from the chalet – the route of the 'Tour du Pays du Mont Blanc' passes right through the garden of the chalet. Your leader will be able to advise of possible routes. Or you may choose to visit the busy Alpine resort of Chamonix, which is only 20 minutes away by bus or train and has numerous bars, restaurants and cafés. There are several téléférique excursions you can make from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m), which has fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace. For those seeking some adrenaline, there is tandem paragliding, canyoning and rafting, plus many more supervised adventure sports. Another popular option is to take a trip to nearby Annecy, the 'Venice of the Alps'.
Day 6
We drive back to Col des Montets and then climb to the beautiful Lac Blanc the highest point of the day's walk (2351m), a spectacular setting with fine views. Normally we will be able to see Ibex. We then descend and continue to La Flegere, from where we take a téléférique back down to the valley floor to join our transport.(7 hours walking, 900m up and 460m down).If the Flegere lift is closed, we will proceed as normal to the beautiful White Lake (Lac Blanc) as featured in the brochure. Then we will loop round to the Grand Balcon Sud and descend on a different route to the starting point. This will make a total climb of 950m and descent of approximately 950m but the diversion will actually enhance the walk and make the extra effort well worthwhile. According to the schedules we have received we only anticipate this happening on the first departure (May 30 th) and on the final two departures of the season: (19th and 26nd September).
Day 7
This morning we take the téléférique up to Plan Praz (at 1999m, the mid station on the way to Brevent) and then walk up to Brevent (2525m) for panoramic views across to the Mont Blanc massif and down towards the Chamonix valley. We then descend to 1370 meters where we are picked up by chalet minibus and transferred to the chalet.(7 hours walking, 530m up and 1150m down).According to the schedules we have received, the Brevent lift should be operating on every tour with the exception of the last departure (26th September). However, should there be an unexpected change in scheduling or should bad weather or late snow dictate, we will enjoy a spectacular walk from the parking of the animal park (1370m) up to the Belle Lachat refuge on the classic TMB route, then cut across to the Les Houches Peak (2280m for one of the finest views in the Alps before descending a different route to La Flatiere (1370m).
Day 8
End Les Houches.
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