Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek

Your journey begins at our campsite in Les Bossons, with wonderful views of Mont Blanc and the dramatic, crevassed Glacier des Bossons – especially at sunset. Around 6pm we meet the tour leader and your fellow travellers for a welcome briefing, then share dinner together to celebrate the adventures ahead. If you would like extra time in Chamonix, you can arrange additional hotel nights before the tour through your sales representative.

From Les Bossons (3,320 ft / 1,012 m), we take a short bus to Chamonix, walk to Les Praz and ride the cable car to La Flégère (6,100 ft / 1,860 m). We follow the Grand Balcon on the far side of the valley from Mont Blanc, enjoying superb views of the massif to the south. We contour then climb to Lac Blanc (7,715 ft / 2,352 m), descend and traverse high above the valley, before a steep drop to Les Frasserands (4,500 ft / 1,371 m) to catch the scenic valley train back to camp. In the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders and steep steps with handrails to descend.

After a scenic train ride to Les Frasserands, we climb steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (7,200 ft / 2,201 m), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (7,190 ft / 2,191 m) to cross from France into Switzerland. We enjoy excellent views of the Aiguille d’Argentière and the Aiguille du Tour with its glacier. After lunch we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (4,250 ft / 1,296 m), where there are lovely views of the Trient Glacier.

We climb first to the Col de Forclaz (5,010 ft / 1,527 m), then continue to a viewpoint looking directly into the Rhône Valley and the small Swiss town of Martigny. We follow the historic Bovine route (6,720 ft / 2,049 m) through meadows and high alpine pastures before descending to Champex (4,880 ft / 1,486 m), a lakeside town with a picturesque alpine setting.

Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc massif, we walk south, descending through woods into the Val Ferret and on to Issert (3,460 ft / 1,055 m) and other pretty alpine farming villages. Early in the season – June and July – the flowers can be superb, including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village of La Fouly (5,250 ft / 1,600 m), at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit marks the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy.

Following the same valley beside the river La Drance, we climb to the Grand Col Ferret (8,320 ft / 2,537 m) – the highest pass of the tour. Crossing into Italy, the valley becomes the Val Ferret, with stunning views from the col dominated by the Grandes Jorasses. We descend the valley to Arp Nouva (5,800 ft / 1,770 m). From here you can take an optional bus to Planpincieux (5,250 ft / 1,600 m).

Today is free for you to rest or explore at your own pace. You might wander the picturesque older quarters of Courmayeur and Entrèves – ideal for photographers – or ride the Skyway cable car from La Palud to Pointe Helbronner (11,350 ft / 3,461 m) for close views of the highest peaks. Tickets can be purchased online or locally at La Palud. Alternatively, you could unwind in the spa baths at Pré Saint Didier, a short bus ride from Courmayeur – advance booking is recommended at https://www.qcterme.com/en/pre-saint-didier/qc-terme-pre-saint-didier.

We start with a short bus ride to rejoin the Tour du Mont Blanc, then from the road (5,500 ft / 1,675 m) climb to the Bonatti refuge (6,640 ft / 2,025 m). We follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe towards Courmayeur, with exceptional views of the south face of the Mont Blanc massif, the towering Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers along the Val Ferret. In the afternoon we make a long, steep descent to Courmayeur, where you can treat yourself to an Italian gelato, before a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (5,020 ft / 1,530 m).

We climb gently along the Val Veny beneath the moraine of the vast Glacier du Miage. Passing Lac Combal, the gradient steepens as we follow the old Roman road to the Col de la Seigne (8,250 ft / 2,516 m), where we re‑enter France. A fairly steep descent leads through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870 ft / 1,789 m) and on to Les Chapieux (5,090 ft / 1,553 m), a small hamlet inhabited only in summer. This is one of the longer walking days – the experience of travelling beneath a glacier and over the high pass makes the effort worthwhile.

At the southwest corner of the circuit we turn north and climb again on a longer day. We make a steep ascent to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,130 ft / 2,478 m), then contour to the Col du Bonhomme (7,640 ft / 2,328 m). We descend on an old Roman road to our campsite in Les Contamines (3,870 ft / 1,180 m).

A day to rest or enjoy independent exploration. You can choose from short or long walks in the area – many accessed by chairlift or gondola – with spectacular views of Mont Blanc, and there are mountain cafés for a scenic lunch. Alternatively, you could take the Mont Blanc cog railway to the Eagle’s Nest, the starting point for many aiming to climb Mont Blanc. You might also browse the half‑day market in Les Contamines, or simply relax in town or at camp and recharge for the days ahead.

Today is long but rewarding as we make our way back towards the start of the trek. We walk through Les Contamines, ascend to the Chalets du Truc (5,614 ft / 1,720 m) and descend to the Chalets de Miage (4,120 ft / 1,560 m). From here we climb steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950 ft / 2,119 m), then descend close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay for superb views of the north side of the Mont Blanc massif. A short ascent brings us to the Col de Voza (5,418 ft / 1,652 m), where we re‑enter the Chamonix Valley and descend to Les Houches – depending on the time of year, you can opt to take the Bellevue cable car down. A short bus ride returns us to camp in Les Bossons (3,320 ft / 1,012 m).

We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb through pine forest to reach our high point at Brévent (8,290 ft / 2,525 m), with panoramic views across the Mont Blanc massif and the valley. We descend to Plan Praz (6,460 ft / 1,970 m), then take the cable car to Chamonix and walk back to our camp at Les Bossons (3,320 ft / 1,012 m). It is possible to take the cable car down from the top – this extra journey is payable locally if you choose not to walk. Our final day on the circuit is long, with a tough climb of more than 4,920 ft / 1,500 m, but it offers the finest views of Mont Blanc and neighbouring peaks. On returning to Les Bossons, we will have completed the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Today is free for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader can suggest walking routes, or you might visit lively Chamonix with its many shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. Several cable car excursions start here – the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600 ft / 3,842 m) for fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train to Montenvers for close views of the Mer de Glace, or, if you are feeling adventurous, enjoy a tandem paragliding flight.

Our adventure ends in Les Bossons after breakfast. Invigorated by days on alpine trails, take a last look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. If you are not ready to leave, you can speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.