Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour around the iconic Mont Blanc massif, traversing the breathtaking landscapes of France, Switzerland, and Italy. This adventure promises awe-inspiring views, challenging treks, and cultural immersion as you journey through picturesque alpine villages and historic paths. Each day offers unique experiences, from crossing international borders to exploring charming towns and enjoying local delicacies. With comfortable accommodations at scenic campsites, you'll have the perfect base to recharge and reflect on the day's adventures. Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a nature enthusiast, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the majestic beauty of the Alps. Join us for an epic journey that will leave you with lasting memories and a sense of accomplishment.
Included
All transport and listed activities
All transport mentioned in the itinerary and cable cars (except where these are marked as optional) are included. Transport and excursions on the three rest/free days are not included. For the transfers to and from Geneva airport we normally use a private coach. Other Exodus groups heading out to trek in the Alps may share this transfer.
The campsites are in stunning settings and sharing an after-trek drink with newly made friends as the sun sets over a glaciated mountain is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors.
Campsites: The chosen campsites are comfortable and modern. On 12 nights, hot showers are available and there are electricity points to recharge batteries. Many campsites have a bar and wifi, plus a lounge or sitting area. We provide a large communal tent (if we do not use the communal area in the campsite), where we eat at tables with benches and have an unlimited tea and coffee station, plus a camp bar. Two remote campsites are in stunning locations but are a little more basic than others and do not have showers. We eat in restaurants on these nights.
Camp life: Accompanying you throughout the trek is a dedicated camp support leader who takes care of the logistics and catering. Your tent is put up for you each night. In the morning, you will be asked to take your tent down (this should take no more than three to four minutes), put your bag in the back of the van and wash your breakfast dish. On four nights out of 14, you will be asked to join a washing up team and help with the dishes that evening – a 20-minute job. Otherwise, you are free to relax and your time is your own.
Tents and equipment: All our equipment is bought with both comfort and practicality in mind and we hope represents a higher quality than most individuals would buy for themselves.
You spend 14 nights camping in roomy waterproof tents designed to sleep three people, but with a maximum of two people per tent. We use modern dome tents incorporating a 6.9ft x 6.9ft (2.1m x 2.1m) inner tent with sewn-in ground sheet and a supplementary 7.5ft x 2.3ft (2.3m x 0.7m) covered porch that is an ideal place to leave your walking boots and poles.
Single tents are available for a small additional cost, as are camping mats and sleeping bags with liner and pillow. Our full-length camping mats are filled with air and foam, which is comfortable to sleep on and provides excellent insulation from the ground. Our sleeping bags have a synthetic filling, as opposed to feathers, with a three-quarter-length zip and provide plenty of warmth.
Worth knowing
Thermal mattress hire: Approximately £36 – please request in advance with your sales representative.
Sleeping bag hire (three- or four-season), pillow and liner: Approximately £73 – please request in advance with your sales representative.
camping: 14 night(s);
We provide 14 breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches, eight home-cooked three-course group meals in camp and four group meals in local restaurants. Due to the small size and remoteness of several of these restaurants, and for speed when serving a large group, these will be set menus.
Breakfast: Usually consist of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread and conserves.
Lunch: Picnic-style lunches will normally include bread, cold meat, cheese, sometimes boiled eggs or tinned fish, fresh salad and fresh fruit. You may wish to bring (or purchase locally) snack bars for an extra energy boost during the day.
Evening meal: Whether in camp or in a nearby restaurant, we endeavour to make dinner something to look forward to. Each day there will be a freshly prepared menu for the whole group, consisting of a soup, salad or similar; a main course of meat, fish or vegetarian served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates; and a dessert.
Beer, wine, bottled water, coffee, tea or other drinks are not included in the price of evening meals taken in restaurants. Coffee and tea are included with the evening meal when we eat in camp and beer and wine are also available for purchase at a modest cost.
Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians – please inform us at the time of booking.
Vegans: If you adhere to a vegan diet, you may find the variety of food offered to be limited, since veganism is relatively uncommon in this region.
The feedback we receive for the food we serve is great but please be aware that facilities are limited and practicality forces us to put our efforts into making one excellent group meal with a vegetarian option. Of course, any allergies will be respected.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
We provide a qualified International Mountain Leader to escort the group on each walking day. Our walking leaders are true mountain professionals. As well as being skilled group leaders, they are there to help assure safety on the mountain. They also impart their knowledge of the wider mountain environment such as flora and fauna, geology, weather and local customs. The leaders are required to prevent anyone participating in an activity if they believe the person is not capable of completing it safely or in a reasonable time. Our support leaders are also vital members of the team and ensure the camp is set up and ready when you walk off the hill (wherever practically possible) and hot, tasty and nutritious food is served.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival at Les Bossons
- Les Chosalets - Arrival day
- More
- Lac Blanc
- Glaciorium
- More
Begin your adventure at the charming campsite in Les Bossons, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the stunning Glacier des Bossons. As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the beauty of the landscape before attending an introductory briefing by the trek crew. Settle into your accommodation at Camping Les Marmottes (or similar) and prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring the Grand Balcon
- Les Chosalets
- More
- Lac De Cheserys
- Lac Blanc
- More
Embark on a short bus ride from Les Bossons to Chamonix, where your trek begins. Journey through Les Praz and ascend via cable car to La Flégère, offering panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. Traverse the Grand Balcon trail, reaching the serene Lac Blanc before descending to the quaint hamlet of Les Frasserands. Return to your campsite at Les Bossons via a scenic valley train, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Day 3 – Day 3: Crossing into Switzerland
- Les Chosalets
- Martigny
- More
- Téleski La Vormaine
- Cascade du Rouget
- Aiguille du Midi
- More
Begin your day with a train ride to Les Frasserands, then ascend to the Aiguillette de Posettes. Continue your journey towards the Col de Balme, crossing the border into Switzerland. Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour. Descend to the picturesque hamlet of Trient, where you'll be greeted by views of the Trient Glacier. Settle into your campsite near Trient, surrounded by the serene Swiss landscape.
Day 4 – Day 4: Journey through the Bovine Route
- Martigny
- More
- Domaine des Iles
- Tourbillon Castle
- Gorges du Dailley
- More
Climb to the Col de Forclaz, offering views into the Rhône Valley and the town of Martigny. Follow the historic Bovine route through lush meadows and alpine pastures, descending to the charming town of Champex. Nestled beside a picturesque alpine lake, Champex provides a tranquil setting for your evening at Camping Les Rocailles (or similar).
Day 5 – Day 5: Discovering the Val Ferret
Day 5: Discovering the Val Ferret
- Domaine des Iles
- Valais Nature Museum
- More
Descend through the woods of Champex into the Val Ferret, passing through the quaint village of Issert. Continue your journey through alpine farming villages, enjoying the vibrant blooms of early summer. Arrive at the remote village of La Fouly, nestled at the base of Mont Dolent. Spend the night at Camping les Glaciers (or similar), surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Mont Blanc massif.
Day 6 – Day 6: Crossing into Italy
- Pré-Saint-Didier
- More
- Gorges du Dailley
- Grande Dixence dam
- More
Ascend to the Grand Col Ferret, the highest pass of the tour, and cross into Italy. Marvel at the stunning views of the Grandes Jorasses as you descend into the Val Ferret. Arrive at Arp Nouva, where you can opt for a bus ride to Planpincieux. Spend the night at Camping Grandes Jorasses (or similar), surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Italian Alps.
Day 7 – Day 7: Rest and Exploration in Courmayeur
- Courmayeur
- More
- Maison Musée Berton
- Orrido di Pre Saint-Didier
- Crevacol
- More
Take a well-deserved rest day in the picturesque town of Courmayeur. Explore the charming streets, visit the historic spa town of Entrèves, or take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car for breathtaking views of the Alps. Alternatively, relax in the thermal baths of Pre Saint Didier. Enjoy the day at your leisure, soaking in the beauty and culture of the Italian Alps.
Day 8 – Day 8: Trekking to Courmayeur
- Courmayeur
- More
- Monte Belvedere
- Roman Bridge
- More
Start your day with a short bus ride to the Tour du Mont Blanc route. Climb to the Bonatti Refuge, then follow a scenic path around Mont de la Saxe, offering exceptional views of the Mont Blanc massif. Descend to Courmayeur, where you can indulge in a delicious Italian gelato. Conclude your day with a bus ride to the stunning Val Veny, where you'll camp at Camping Aiguille Noire (or similar).
Day 9 – Day 9: Crossing the Col de la Seigne
- Les Contamines-Montjoie
- More
- Pavillon du Mont Fréty
- Lago di Belle Combe
- Castle Sarriod de La Tour
- More
Trek along the Val Veny, passing beneath the Glacier du Miage and Lac Combal. Ascend the historic Roman road to the Col de la Seigne, re-entering France. Descend through La Ville des Glaciers to the summer hamlet of Les Chapieux. This challenging day is rewarded with stunning views and the satisfaction of crossing another international border. Camp in the tranquil setting of Les Chapieux.
Day 10 – Day 10: Trekking to Les Contamines
- Les Contamines-Montjoie
- More
- Compagnie du Mont Blanc
- More
Embark on a long trek, ascending to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and contouring to the Col du Bonhomme. Descend along a Roman road to the village of Les Contamines. This demanding day offers spectacular views and a sense of accomplishment as you reach your campsite at Camping le Pontet (or similar).
Day 11 – Day 11: Rest and Exploration in Les Contamines
- Les Contamines-Montjoie
- More
- Lac Blanc
- Les Arcs
- More
Enjoy a day of rest or explore the scenic surroundings of Les Contamines. Take a chairlift or gondola for breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, or ride the cog-driven tramway to the Eagle's Nest. Visit the local market or relax in town, recharging for the days ahead. Spend another night at Camping le Pontet (or similar), surrounded by the beauty of the French Alps.
Day 12 – Day 12: Return to Les Bossons
- Les Contamines-Montjoie
- Les Chosalets
- More
- Glaciorium
- Chiens de Traîneaux
- More
Begin your journey back to Les Bossons, passing through Les Contamines and ascending to Chalets du Truc. Descend to Chalets de Miage, then climb to the Col de Tricot, offering close-up views of the Glacier de Bionnassay. Descend to Les Houches, with an optional cable car ride to Les Bossons. Celebrate your return at Camping Les Marmottes (or similar), completing the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Day 13 – Day 13: Climbing to Brévent
- Les Chosalets
- More
- Les Arcs
- More
Cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and ascend through a pine forest to Brévent, offering panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif. Descend to Plan Praz, then take a cable car to Chamonix. Return to your campsite at Les Bossons, reflecting on the incredible journey and the stunning vistas experienced along the way.
Day 14 – Day 14: Free Day in Chamonix
- Les Chosalets
- More
- Aiguille du Midi
- Les Cinq Lacs
- More
Enjoy a free day for optional walks or sightseeing in Chamonix. Visit the bustling town, explore shops and cafes, or take a cable car to the Aiguille du Midi for spectacular views. Alternatively, ride the mountain train to Montenvers for a close-up view of the Mer de Glace glacier. For the adventurous, consider a tandem paragliding flight. Spend your final night at Camping Les Marmottes (or similar), cherishing the memories of your journey.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Les Bossons
- Les Chosalets - Departure day
- More
Conclude your adventure in Les Bossons after breakfast. Reflect on the incredible journey you've experienced, surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Alps. Begin your return journey home, carrying with you the memories of the Tour du Mont Blanc and perhaps the inspiration for your next great walking adventure.
Similar tours
Download Europe’s biggest travel marketplace to your phone to manage your entire trip in one place
Scan this QR code with your phone camera and press the link that appears to add Europe’s biggest travel marketplace into your pocket. Enter your phone number or email address to receive an SMS or email with the download link.