Tour du Mont Blanc Short Break
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Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Journey along a section of the Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB, Europe's most famous long-distance trail, on a fantastic five-day walk from Les Houches to Courmayeur. A perfect plan for those who prefer to walk comfortably and experience the Alps without committing to a longer trip.
Explore the Les Contamines Nature Reserve and share the route with TMB walkers from all over the world. Stop by the remote Glacier Valley and enjoy a refreshing beer on the sunny terrace at a mountain hut.
To finish this unforgettable route through the Tour du Mont Blanc, tour the Italian part of the Aosta Valley and stay the last night in the charming Courmayeur, where you can toast with a glass of Genepi, a liqueur made from alpine flowers.
- Explore this sample of Europe's most famous classic long-distance walk
- Discover Les Houches, in France, until reaching Courmayeur in Italy
- Take in the majestic alpine views of the famous Mont Blanc massif
- Try Savoie's delicious mountain food, including local cheeses and Genepi
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Les Houches
The beautiful village of Les Houches is easily reached by train or bus from Geneva Airport in just over an hour.
Upon arrival, you can settle into a comfortable hotel, stroll around the town and prepare for your adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Upon arrival, you can settle into a comfortable hotel, stroll around the town and prepare for your adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Overnight in Les Houches
Hotel Chalet Du Bois
Chalet Hotel du Bois is a 3-star hotel located on the main street of Les Houches, just 5 minutes from the main cable cars and ski slopes, Merlet Park and Mont Blanc walking routes.
Its rooms feature satellite TV, a modern private bathroom with toiletries, and the balconies offer views of Mont Blanc in the French Alps.
It features an indoor and outdoor pool and its Caprice restaurant serves traditional French dishes and Savoie specialties.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Its rooms feature satellite TV, a modern private bathroom with toiletries, and the balconies offer views of Mont Blanc in the French Alps.
It features an indoor and outdoor pool and its Caprice restaurant serves traditional French dishes and Savoie specialties.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Les Houches to Les Contamines 10,5 miles | 17 km
Start the Tour du Mont Blanc route by climbing from the Chamonix Valley in Les Houches to Bellevue, or by taking the Bellevue cable car for a short 10-minute tour (recommended).
From Bellevue, you can choose between taking a challenging route or an easier one. The challenging route will be through the idyllic Chalet de Miage, which is dominated by the Dome du Goéter and Aiguille de Bionnassay mountains as it passes just below the mouth of the Bionnassay Glacier.
It is an 18 km ascent to 1,440 metres of altitude, and a descent of 1,262 metres. After passing the Chalet de Miage, you descend to Les Contamines.
The easiest option takes you through beautiful forests and alpine meadows through Bionnassay to Les Contamines. There are 17.3 km in ascent and a climb of 1,036 metres, with a descent of 853 metres. On the two routes you can reduce the time (2 hours approximately) and the effort (900 metres in ascent) using the cable car.
From Bellevue, you can choose between taking a challenging route or an easier one. The challenging route will be through the idyllic Chalet de Miage, which is dominated by the Dome du Goéter and Aiguille de Bionnassay mountains as it passes just below the mouth of the Bionnassay Glacier.
It is an 18 km ascent to 1,440 metres of altitude, and a descent of 1,262 metres. After passing the Chalet de Miage, you descend to Les Contamines.
The easiest option takes you through beautiful forests and alpine meadows through Bionnassay to Les Contamines. There are 17.3 km in ascent and a climb of 1,036 metres, with a descent of 853 metres. On the two routes you can reduce the time (2 hours approximately) and the effort (900 metres in ascent) using the cable car.
Overnight in Les Contamines
Hotel Chalet La Chemenaz
This peaceful chalet-style family hotel is close to the ski slopes and Lake Pontet, where you can swim.
It offers 38 cosy rooms with spectacular views, a balcony, a private bathroom, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna and jacuzzi. In addition, a large garden, a bar and a restaurant called "La Trabla", which is located around a fireplace and serves an exquisite variety of local dishes, such as raclette.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers 38 cosy rooms with spectacular views, a balcony, a private bathroom, satellite TV and free Wi-Fi.
The hotel has a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna and jacuzzi. In addition, a large garden, a bar and a restaurant called "La Trabla", which is located around a fireplace and serves an exquisite variety of local dishes, such as raclette.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Les Contamines to Les Chapieux 12 miles | 19 km
For the first 5 km, you'll walk along the bottom of the valley to the Chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, or take a bus for this stretch if you wish.
Continue the road going around and climbing constantly along Chemin Roman, through the Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve, and head towards the distant Col du Bonhomme mountain pass.
As you ascend, be amazed by the increasingly rugged sights of the high peaks. Afterwards, you will quickly reach the landscapes of Col du Bonhomme (2,329 metres). Walk an hour more in the middle of rugged, rocky terrain, and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme will appear.
Be ready and climb up to Col des Fours (2,665 metres) and then descend dramatically to Les Chapieux.
Les Chapieux: if there is no accommodation available at Les Chapieux, you will have your accommodation at Bourg-Saint-Maurice. We will make the corresponding arrangements so that you can have the necessary transfers between the towns.
Continue the road going around and climbing constantly along Chemin Roman, through the Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve, and head towards the distant Col du Bonhomme mountain pass.
As you ascend, be amazed by the increasingly rugged sights of the high peaks. Afterwards, you will quickly reach the landscapes of Col du Bonhomme (2,329 metres). Walk an hour more in the middle of rugged, rocky terrain, and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme will appear.
Be ready and climb up to Col des Fours (2,665 metres) and then descend dramatically to Les Chapieux.
Les Chapieux: if there is no accommodation available at Les Chapieux, you will have your accommodation at Bourg-Saint-Maurice. We will make the corresponding arrangements so that you can have the necessary transfers between the towns.
Overnight in Les Chapieux
Refuge Les Mottets
Extensively renovated in 2010, Refuge Mottets offers accommodations in original agricultural buildings, dormitories and private rooms.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Les Chapieux to Courmayeur 12 miles | 20 km
Leave France and head to Italy, departing from the Col de la Seigne Pass which is 750 metres above the Refuge des Mottets. It will seem that you can touch the steep south side of the Mont Blanc massif, formed by irregular peaks, hanging glaciers and deep waterfalls. The spectacular views will surprise you!
Descend along a path adorned by alpine meadows and cross the Elisabetta refuge towards the Val Veny valley. Choose here between the difficult option or the easy one.
On the difficult route, climb through Col Checrouit to Courmayeur. On the easy one, cross the mouth of the huge Miage Glacier to the village of Visaille, where you can take the bus to Courmayeur.
Descend along a path adorned by alpine meadows and cross the Elisabetta refuge towards the Val Veny valley. Choose here between the difficult option or the easy one.
On the difficult route, climb through Col Checrouit to Courmayeur. On the easy one, cross the mouth of the huge Miage Glacier to the village of Visaille, where you can take the bus to Courmayeur.
Overnight in Courmayeur
Hotel Bouton d’Or
Located just minutes from Courmayeur's pedestrian centre, the family-friendly Hotel Bouton d'Or overlooks the Chetif and Checrouit Mountains and enjoys an Alpine style in the Aosta Valley.
Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a mini-bar. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.
The hotel serves a daily continental buffet breakfast and offers a free shuttle service to the Dolonne ski slopes, 1 km away.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a mini-bar. The private bathroom includes a hairdryer and free toiletries.
The hotel serves a daily continental buffet breakfast and offers a free shuttle service to the Dolonne ski slopes, 1 km away.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Courmayeur
Stay in Courmayeur one or two more nights for local walks and a relaxing cappuccino, while watching people wander around the square.
We suggest you take the cable car to the Torino Refuge and Punta Helbronner Mountain, from where you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif.
To return from Courmayeur, you can, by public transport to Chamonix and then take a shared transport to Geneva Airport. If you are travelling with more than 2 people, it is advisable to take a private taxi transfer from Courmayeur directly to Geneva Airport.
End of our services.
We suggest you take the cable car to the Torino Refuge and Punta Helbronner Mountain, from where you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif.
To return from Courmayeur, you can, by public transport to Chamonix and then take a shared transport to Geneva Airport. If you are travelling with more than 2 people, it is advisable to take a private taxi transfer from Courmayeur directly to Geneva Airport.
End of our services.
Itinerary map
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- 1 night accommodation in a refuge in a shared room
- Daily Breakfasts
- Evenig meals on days 1, 2 and 3
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & transfers
Geneva Airport is the best way to reach the Chamonix Valley. From here, you can take a train, but the best option is to take a pre-booked shuttle service.
If you take the train, it must be the one going to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. For your return, there are frequent trains between Chamonix and St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet.
You can also reach it by road. You must take the A40-E25 Mont Blanc-Chamonix motorway, exiting at Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet.
To return from Courmayeur you can take a public bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Chamonix, and then take a shared shuttle back to Geneva Airport. Chamonix also has a train station if you prefer to take one to another destination in France.
If you are travelling with more than 2 people, it is worth taking a private taxi transfer from Courmayeur directly to Geneva Airport.
If you take the train, it must be the one going to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. For your return, there are frequent trains between Chamonix and St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet.
You can also reach it by road. You must take the A40-E25 Mont Blanc-Chamonix motorway, exiting at Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet.
To return from Courmayeur you can take a public bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Chamonix, and then take a shared shuttle back to Geneva Airport. Chamonix also has a train station if you prefer to take one to another destination in France.
If you are travelling with more than 2 people, it is worth taking a private taxi transfer from Courmayeur directly to Geneva Airport.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 33 lbs (15 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What should my physical preparation be?
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a walk with a moderate-strenuous rating and with daily ascents and descents of 1,000 m, on average, therefore you must be an experienced walker who is looking for a challenge.
If you don't have an active lifestyle, we recommend walking regularly in mountainous terrain and doing cardio exercise for at least 6 months before taking on this walk.
How early should I book my trip?
We suggest you make the reservation as soon as possible, as soon as you have decided your travel dates, as this destination is very popular and accommodation sells out quickly.
What if I can't complete a stage?
Some sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc are very easy to pass on, using public transport. There are others that are more complicated, time consuming and costs are higher.
What is the best time to travel?
The tour season runs from early July to mid-September. If you travel during these months, you should be prepared to walk long distances every day. In the itinerary description, you can check the daily distances with and without shortcuts.
Public transport in the area is limited in the month of September, therefore, certain 'shortcut' options will not be available.
We recommend that you avoid taking the tour during the last weekend of August, as Chamonix hosts the famous Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc race, which causes the region to be very busy and most accommodation is pre-booked.
Is this route for me?
The tour of this route is perfect if you want to explore the famous Tour du Mont Blanc walk as part of a long holiday in France or Europe, if you have an long, free weekend, or if you have interest in mountains, national parks and alpine walking.
You will have a comfortable alpine experience, staying in comfortable hotels and a traditional mountain cabin. We suggest that the minimum age of travellers be 12 years old.
Is this route recommended for solo walkers?
The Tour du Mont Blanc is suitable for solo walkers with experience and confidence in walking on alpine terrain. This route has gained great popularity in recent years.
The routes are on high alpine terrain with rain, fog, thunderstorms and snowfall at any time of the year. You should be sure to be able to walk alone in difficult terrain, on snowfields and to navigate in conditions of low visibility.
While this is a challenging walk, in most cases you'll meet other walkers, so you can do it if you're a lone walker. If you are doing this route for the first time, we recommend more suitable alpine alternative routes.
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