Reviews

Excellent trip

This is one of our best hiking trips, like our previous trips in the world best trails – Patagonia, Swiss VAT, Alaska, etc. The mountains are beautiful, the hiking is challenging while enjoyable, the facilities are good, even weather is wonderful – five sunny days.

Mont Blanc Highlights

For anyone who enjoys photographing and viewing spectacular landscapes and enjoys shorter walking days and excellent food and drink, the highlight trip ticks all boxes.

The whole trip was extremely well organised with all transport being provided and a free bus pass being available for travelling on public transport. The walks cover a variety of terrains and there are some steep ascents and descents but well worth it for the views. The pace was very comfortable and allowed plenty of photo opportunities and drink stops.

The whole pace of the tour is very relaxed with a 9am set off time and a 4 pm finish. This was unlike any other trek I’d been on and the added bonus was cake and tea waiting for you at the chalet on the return and the choice of finishing the day in the hot tub. This helped the group bond together quickly and the chalet accommodation is perfect with a communal dining area and vegging out area where free tea and coffee was made available.

The location of the chalet was perfect. Chaminox centre is a 10 min walk away and there is plenty of choice should you wish to eat or drink out. Likewise, for the free day, there is plenty to choose from (depending whether or not you go out of season) and we had no problem in filling the free day. Both the tour guide and Sarah and Rich (the chalet hosts) were on hand to provide details of what to do and how to go about arranging this.

Big thanks to Sarah and Rich who really did go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome. Sarah’s cooking is excellent and each night there was a 3 course meal waiting for us which had a specific theme. The home made cake at the end of each walk was also welcome and delicious. The daily picnics were a treat as you were able to choose what you wanted to take and the selection was always healthy and freshly made. They really do a fantastic job and are very approachable, helpful and friendly. They were excellent at recommending places to eat and drink whilst in Chamonix and organised the booking of our paragliding sessions for the free day so we knew exactly where we needed to be and when. Much appreciated guys!

So, I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone who is looking for a more relaxed walking holiday, with a later start time and earlier finish time than the usual trekking holiday. The pace was comfortable, there are some challenging walks due to the terrain and the steepness of some of the climbs but the pace is comfortable and there is plenty of opportunity to stop and take in the sights. Apart from the free day and a few beers there is little else to spend your money on so it is not expensive unless you decide to eat out or shop in Chamonix.

Fab holiday

Good challenging walks and excellent meals

We were lucky to have a week of sun, so had excellent views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks and glaciers, everywhere we went. Walks were a good distance each day, with some challenging parts, but moderated by second-breakfast and first & second lunch stops… And our evening highlight was always dinner at Chalet Chocolat where Zohi and Ben served up beautifully presented, restaurant quality food every day.

A trip of a life time

I am 4 days back from my trip, but a piece of my heart remains in the vicinity of Mont Blanc.
We were a group of 13 hiking enthusiasts from all over the world, based in Chalet Chocolat, Chamonix. My expectations were exceeded in every regard; Chalet Chocolat was so homely – the hot tub is a delight. The staff were 1st class – The hosts Zohie and Ben looked after our every need – and the food – wow – this is not just a hiking trip – with Zohie’s cooking and baking, its a gastronomic adventure too. Paul our leader was so professional and sociable – he was just like one of the gang. He had an abundance of information about the geology and nature (flora and fauna) of the area. The organisation was flawless.. I particularly enjoyed the group briefing every evening; explaining the plan for the day ahead. The hiking itineraries were very varied and I feel that they represented the route very well. Transport and logistics were meticulously planned. The main star of the trip was of course the beautiful hikes and scenery around Mont Blanc – and the weather was fantastic (apart from one hr of rain), but Exodus and their gang made it a trip of a lifetime. On a final note I was lucky enough to be part of a wonderful group of people; fun was had and friends were made; wonderful memories to be relived forever. Also on my day I did a paraglide with Air Sports which was incredible. And the hike from Mer de Glace to Aiguillette du Midi is not to be missed.

Mont Blanc Highlights

The Chalet & Food prepared by the staff was out of this world, it was very comfortable other than the form mattresses.
The Walk Guide was very knowledgeable & friendly; & the walks were of right difficulty but could been slightly longer on a few days.

A great experience

I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the trip and was so impressed with how well we were looked after. All the travel arrangements went smoothly, the chalet was great and the food superb (thanks Zohi & Ben) and our guide Sally was brilliant. I’ll definitely recommend Exodus to my friends and I’m already thinking of another trip.

Wonderful Mont Blanc Hikes

Challenging hikes (for me) of about 8-10 miles per day to either summits or saddles that are part of the Mont Blanc classic circuit. We were blessed with excellent weather and terrific views of Mont Blanc, the glaciers, and the adjacent peaks. This trip fulfilled a lifelong dream of hiking in the French Alps. Great terrain, great guide, and great comrades to enjoy this spectacular place. The Chamonix Chalet was wonderful too, but I was a little challenged in terms of food because I am gluten free and also avoid red meat. I would have liked more cheese choices rather than heavy beet and bean salads for lunch, but the dinners were gourmet! A few times we were a bit rushed to make trains and avoid a long wait at the Mont Blanc Tunnel. This is definitely not a leisurely trip — we were constantly on the go, but it was worth it. Overall, great trip! Thank you Exodus!

Chalet Chocolat - home for a week

A great trip in all aspects! With the stunning scenery all around in every direction, and our very capable guide Sally safely guiding us up and down the sometimes challenging hills on our daily walks around Mont Blanc, days were full and tiring but also fun and energizing.
Our wonderful chalet hosts Zohi and Ben took such wonderful care of us, spoiling us with gourmet meals every evening – and delicious cake after returning from our walks! Really enjoyed the homey feel to the stay as well as the great group of friendly walkers from three continents. Highly recommended.

A great experience

I had never been on an organised walking trip before but I really enjoyed the experience. Travel, food and accommodation were excellent. Our guide was really helpful, knowledgeable and safety-conscious and the scenery was mind-blowing. The days were all set at a level that was fine for the standard of difficulty Exodus had set. All in all a memorable experience that I’d recommend. I’m already thinking of my next Exodus trip!

Mont Blanc Highlights tour is brilliant for moderate level trekkers

Never been on an Exodus Travels tour before but after a fantastic week on the Mont Blanc Highlights tour I couldn’t be happier. The scenery was breath-taking, the daily treks were challenging enough and greatly increased my fitness, and the people I met in our group were great. The chalet accommodation was really good. And the food & three course dinners each night were outstanding. Can’t wait for my next adventure!