Overview
Walk the best of Mont Blanc Circuit in France and Italy
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, Mont Blanc. It normally takes a fortnight
to complete the whole circuit, but for those with less time this one-week
Exodus tour takes in the most outstanding sections with beautiful mountain
highlights each day. Throughout this walking holiday we are based in the
delightful chalet with dramatic views of Mont Blanc, and use a mix of
private bus and local trains and buses to travel out each day to re-join
the next stage of our walk covering beautiful sections of the famous circuit.
At the end of each day we return home for afternoon tea, or for those who
wish, a dip in the chalets bubbling Jacuzzi.
Highlights
* Walk surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery
* Stay in a comfortable chalet with outdoor hot tub
* Walk with IML qualified Mountain Leader
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart London
Fly to Geneva; transfer to your chalet. There is plenty of time to walk
into Chamonix in the afternoon before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking
leader.
Day 2
Drive to the head of the Chamonix Valley; walking towards Switzerland via the
trekking peak L’Aiguillette des Posettes and onto Col du Possettes and then
descend back towards La Tour.
Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col du Balme from where we
will have stunning views back to Mont Blanc as well as into Switzerland. From
the small hamlet of Montroc (1380m 4400ft) we have a short warm-up walk
before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin out,
the views get ever better and by late morning we reach Aiguilette des
Possettes (2200m 7220 ft). This is a stunning peak from where we are
rewarded with a superb panoramic view over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguille
Rouge national park and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the
Col du Possettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and
finally down to La Tour. (1450m 4750ft).
6 hours walking. 820m – 2700ft up, 730m 2400ft down
Day 3
Drive to the head of the Chamonix Valley; walking towards Switzerland via the
trekking peak L’Aiguillette des Posettes and onto Col du Possettes and then
descend back towards La Tour.
Today we have a spectacular walk from (1370m 4450ft) up to the Bel Lachat
refuge on the classic TMB and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron
Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (2285m 7500ft) for
one of the finest views in the Alps – looking directly across the Chamonix
Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by
a different route to La Flatire (1370m 4500ft).
7 hours walking. 900m 2950ft up, 930m 3050ft down
Day 4
Starting from the Les Contamines. Valley we cross the Col de Voza and
continue towards Les Houches.
Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to the les
Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix
Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb
up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge
spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier a few
100 meters higher up. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza
(1653m 5360ft) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the
afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car
option (payable locally) for those with tired legs.
7 hours walking, 11km 7 miles, 560m 1840ft up, 610m 2000ft down
Day 5
Free day for optional walks, activities or sightseeing.
Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be
able to advise you of possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the
bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars,
restaurants and cafs. There are several cablecar excursions you can make
from Chamonix, of which the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du
Midi (3842m – 12600ft), offering 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 Glaceor if you are
feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem Paragliding flight.
Day 6
Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy; climb to Bonatti refuge and
traverse high above the spectacular Ferret Valley to Courmayeur.
We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy for a chance to soak up some
Italian atmosphere! From Arp Nouva (1770m 5805ft) we climb up and along
to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (2000m 6560ft), 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. Following a dramatic traversing path we contour high
above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing,
we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian
ice-cream.
7 hours walking. 450m 1500ft up, 550m 1804ft down
Day 7
Starting from Argentiere; walk up to and along the Grand Balcon Sud to Plan
Praz then descend by cable car.
From Argentiere (1250m 4100ft) we start our day following the petit
Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that
contours the Chamonix valley to Plan Praz (2000m 6560ft) from where we
descend by cable car back to Chamonix. The Grand Balcon Sud is a stunning
must do walk in the valley and looks over to Mont Blanc and the Mont Blanc
massif. The views of snowy peaks, soaring cliffs, fractured glaciers and
lush green forests ensures this trek is not just a highlight in the valley
but the whole of the Alps.
(Due tomaintenanceon the Flegere cablecar this walk has been amended from
our previously advertised walk to Lac Blanc. This trek is a little longer
than the original and is equally beautiful).
7 hours walking. 800m 1690ft up, 100m 330ft down
Spring and Autumndepartures – The Plan Praz cablecar is open for trips
starting between 15th June and 7th Sep. Outside of this time the cablecar is
due to be closed and its cost is no longer included in the price of the
holiday.If thetimetable changes, and the lift is open, then the cable
cost will be paid locally. Approx 20 euro.Alternativelywe willfollow a
Springand Autumnitinerary which is the same as above butinstead of
walking from Flegere to Plan Praz we will walk off the mountain from Flegere
via thecharming Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due
to the added decent this is a little harder that the summeritinerary but
the views areequally stunning.
8 hours walking. 740 m 2430ft up, 950m 3120ft down –Distance
covered: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 8
End Chamonix.
Following breakfast we say our goodbyes. Those on the group flights will
transfer to Geneva; fly to London.
