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France, Italy & Switzerland
The Majestic Mount Blanc Circuit
Walking Tour - 8 Days
Boasting the highest and most spectacular mountains
west of the Caucasus, the Alps are one of the classic walking areas in Europe,
if not the world. Every valley, meadow, and glacier are accessible by the thousands
of miles of well-marked paths that grace this region. There are walks for all
levels, and the Tour du Mt. Blanc,a challenging circuit around Western Europe’s
highest peak (Mt. Blanc, 15,771 feet), is the most popular. From the international
mountaineering and ski resort of Chamonix, France, we make our way along a network
of meticulously tended trails into Italy and Switzerland, each with its own unique
language, cuisine, history and landscape. This journey offers a wide array of
scenery, and a panorama that is in constant motion. Our days
are spent exploring valleys replete with wildflowers, tracing paths that have
been used since Roman times, and climbing serpentine trails alongside tumbling
glaciers with crenellated spires serving as the backdrop. Each day presents us
with a new and astounding view of the majestic Mt. Blanc. Evenings are spent in
comfortable alpine
inns and hotels, where we indulge in hearty cuisine, and toast each day as a worthy
accomplishment.
Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie;
5-hours, challenging (elevation gain: 1968’; elevation loss: 3936’)
We meet in Chamonix, and transfer by bus to the nearby village of Les Houches,
for a cable car ascent to Bellevue (literally “beautiful view”), and the start
of our walking circuit. Today’s walk offers exceptional views of the Chamonix
Valley, bounded to the south by the glaciers and soaring rock spires of Mt.
Blanc and to the north by the Aiguilles Rouges, and provides a fine introduction
to the unique flora of this region. Alpine orchids, purple gentian and saxifrage
are among the flowers that adorn the area, and are protected as part of this
incredible nature park. After crossing a suspension bridge, with breathtaking
views of the Glacier of Bionnassay, we climb to the Col de Tricot. A steep descent
brings us to the summer village of Le Miage, named for the amazing snow-capped
peaks (Les Domes de Miage) that lie before it. We continue for thirty minutes
to the Chalet de Truc, where we have a picnic lunch. Following lunch, we have
a short but steep climb before descending along a rocky road with several switchbacks
into the lovely alpine village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, once home to chamois
hunters, and today a popular mountaineering and ski resort.
Our simple hotel is ideally located, with views
of Mt. Joly, as well as a beautiful 17th-century church with bold paintings
on its exterior. There are other fine examples of churches in the area, but
this one is particularly stunning due to its grandeur and setting. There is
time to explore the town, and relax, before dinner at a nearby restaurant. The
Savoyard (or regional) cuisine is excellent, and refuels us for the next stage.
Hotel Le Grizzli, Les Contamines-Montjoie
Les Contamines-Montjoie – Les Chapieux; 7 hours,
challenging (elevation gain: 4000’ to Col du Bonhomme, elevation loss: 2625’)
After breakfast, we transfer by minibus to the end of the valley, and the start
of what may be one of the most challenging walks of the tour. The trail begins
at the chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge, a pilgrimage site at the foot of the
Gorge de Bon Nant. From the church, we walk along an old Roman road that climbs
steadily through a beautiful conifer forest. Leaving the woods, we cross broad
level alpine pasture, passing rustic chalets, as we make our way to La Balme.
We continue our ascent, pausing occasionally to look back on the dramatic valley
below, or snack on tasty alpine chocolate. By mid-day we reach the Col du Bonhomme
(8180’), where we stop to take in this breathtaking panorama. Lunch is served
at a refuge with many views. With the most difficult part of our day complete,
we savor the views over a leisurely meal of salad with local cheese and meats,
or omelette à la Savoyard, before meandering down to the valley. Our final destination
for the day is Les Chapieux, a summer village at the southern limit of the Mont
Blanc massif. We relax at the lively outdoor café, rewarding ourselves with
a refreshing panaché (beer and lemonade) or pamper our feet in the nearby glacial
stream. Our simple inn is renowned for its hospitality and delicious cuisine.
Dinner may feature free-range chicken prepared with herbs and roasted potatoes,
accompanied by a locally produced vintage.
Auberge-Refuge De La Nova, Les Chapieux
Les Chapieux - Courmayeur; 6 ½ hours, moderate
to challenging (elevation gain: 2385’; elevation loss: 2748’)
We say “au revoir” to France today, and “buongiorno” as we enter the Aosta region
of Italy, tracing the footsteps of countless Roman legionnaires before us. Our
walk begins at La Ville des Glaciers, and climbs eastward, passing a rustic
auberge where weary travelers sometimes enlist the help of a mule or two. After
3½ hours, we reach the Col de la Seigne (8300’); this “hill”, with a broad,
flat landscape, represents a saddle of transfluence between the ancient glaciers
which extended along the Aosta and Savoy slopes. We descend along an easy winding
trail to the Elisabetta Refuge, a spectacularly situated stone chalet, beneath
the Aiguille (literally “needle”) of Combal, where we stop for lunch. This area
is dominated by some of the most impressive summits of the Alps: Mont Blanc,
Grand Paradis, Grand Combin, Cervin and Mont Rose. The valley enjoys a certain
regional autonomy, and French is spoken by its friendly population. We continue
on foot to La Visaille, at the base of the spectacular Glacier of Miage (whose
snow-capped domes we saw for the first time two days ago), where we transfer
to the resort of Courmayeur, Italy’s elegant counterpart to Chamonix. You are
free to explore this charming town on your own, and enjoy dinner at one of its
many fine pizzerias or trattorias.
Hotel Berthod, Courmayeur
Courmayeur – Champex; 6 hours, challenging;
(elevation gain: 2493’; elevation loss: 3073’; highest elevation: 8321’)
Following a buffet breakfast of local specialties, we have a thirty minute transfer
to Arnova, and the start of today’s walk. We continue our exploration of the
Val Ferret along a winding footpath with a view of the Glacier du Triolet, and
the imposing granite peaks of Mont Dolent (12,543’) and the Grand Jorasses.
The climb continues through glacial streams and alpine meadows, home to alpine
wildlife ranging from the talkative marmot to the agile chamois, whom we may
catch frolicking on the glacier after crossing the Grand Col Ferret (8321’).
This pass, in use for several centuries, serves as the Italian-Swiss border,
between Val D’Aosta and the canton of Valais. Our descent brings us along a
dirt trail with a profusion of wildflowers, the sound of the Swiss cow bells
echoing across the hillside. We have clearly entered “Heidi” country, and the
tidy chalets, with geraniums spilling from the windowboxes, greet us as we enter
the sleepy village of La Fouly. We transfer to Champex, an attractive summer
resort on a lake that bears its name. There is time to relax, swim, or take
advantage of the jacuzzi, before dinner at this comfortable, family-run hotel.
Hotel Glacier & Sporting, Champex
Champex – Le Trient; 6 hours, moderate (elevation
gain: 2300’; elevation loss: 2300’)
Our walk today begins from the picturesque town of Champex. A coniferous trail
winds north across alpine pastures providing great views of Martigny and the
Rhone Valley. After a picnic lunch, we continue on to our destination, the tiny
village of Trient, which lies just below. Our lodging for the evening is a simple
family-run inn that allows us to stay on the traditional Mt. Blanc circuit.
This evening’s meal may feature traditional cheese fondue or raclette,
accompanied by a glass of fendant, the fine local wine for which the
area is famous.Hotel Le Cafe Moret, Trient
Trient – Montroc; 5 ½ - 6 ½ hours, challenging
(elevation gain: 3000’ to Col de Balme; or longer option to Refuge Albert Ier:
4600’; elevation loss: 2300’-3940’)
Today we bid Switzerland farewell, as we ascend a steep trail from Trient, passing
through a tranquil larch forest to the Col de Balme. For those who prefer a
more leisurely day, lunch can be taken at the mountain hut on the Swiss-French
border. This area offers splendid views over the Rhône Valley and Bernese Alps
of Switzerland, and France’s Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc massif, L’Aiguille
Verte and Les Aiguilles Rouges (the “green” and “red” needles or peaks). Others
may choose to continue the ascent, tracing a winding path that follows the Glacier
of Tour all the way to the Refuge Albert Ier, where we stop for lunch. Upon
descending to the village of Tour, we may pass novice mountaineers practicing
techniques along the glacier. There is an option to descend by cable car from
Col de Balme to Le Tour. The remainder of our walk is along a paved road that
brings us to our lovely hotel.
Les Becs Rouges, Montroc
Montroc – Lac Blanc - Chamonix; 5 ½ hours moderate
to challenging (elevation gain: 3254’; elevation loss: 1570’, not including
the cable car descent)
Our final stage of the circuit is one of the most beautiful, with the Lac
Blanc (White Lake) being the highlight. Most people seek the famed reflection
of the mountains in the lake’s still waters, which often remain frozen until
the end of June. By August though, most of the lake is free from ice and snow,
and the views of the Mont Blanc massif from this vantage are breathtaking.
As we enjoy a picnic lunch, we can identify the various aiguilles and
peaks that captured our attention for the past week. Following lunch, we descend
along a rocky trail for 1½ hours to the La Flégère cable car for a panoramic
ride into the valley. It is a twenty minute walk along the glacially fed Arve
river to Chamonix, where an inviting heated swimming pool awaits our arrival.
We reunite for a farewell feast, during which, after 100 miles of walking, we
can indulge to our heart’s content.
Hameau Albert 1er, Chamonix
Departure from Chamonix
After a copious buffet breakfast, you are free to continue your exploration
of Chamonix, or depart for your next destination.
Itinerary Changes
Please bear in mind that this is a typical
itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due to season, special events
or weather. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements
are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate
change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.
Journey Highlights
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Magnificent
glaciers, alpine pastures, tranquil high-altitude forests |
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Abundant
alpine wildlife and wildflowers |
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International
resort towns of Chamonix, France and Courmayeur, Italy |
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Renowned
walk to Lac Blanc |
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Contrasting
cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland |
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Inn-to-inn
circuit |
Price: $2,698
Departure Dates:
July 1, 2003 July 15, 2003
August 5, 2003 August 19, 2003
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