Discover the wild beauty of the French Alps with the help of an International Mountain Leader
Hike the most scenic trails around Mont Blanc, enjoying stirring Alpine views each day. Guided by an International Mountain Leader, we discover the wild beauty of the region, including the Chamonix Valley and Lac Blanc, while also taking the opportunity to walk sections of the Mont Blanc Circuit, Europe’s greatest long-distance hiking trail. In the evenings, return to your Alpine chalet, where our welcoming hosts have created a home-from-home atmosphere and cook up a feast.
Highlights
Hike the best Mont Blanc Circuit trails in one week, chosen for their incredible mountainscapes
Join a small group guided by an International Mountain Leader with expert knowledge of the area
Stand by the waters of Lac Blanc to gaze at the snow-capped Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps
Unwind each evening in a comfy chalet, where our welcoming hosts make it feel like home
Key Information
Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (chalet)
Five days of walking; one free day
Travel by minibus, local train and cable car
Altitude maximum 7,717ft (2,352m), average 5,003ft (1,525m)
Group normally four to 12, plus UK leader. Minimum age: 16
Option to travel by train to your adventure
Countries visited: France
What's Included
All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, six home-cooked dinners
Afternoon tea and cake on walking days
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Visas and vaccinations
Single accommodation (not available)
5Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Approximately five to seven hours walking per day
Terrain:
Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents
Day 2
9 km / 5.6 miles
Day 3
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 4
11 km / 6.8 miles
Day 6
15 km / 9.3 miles
Day 7
9 km / 5.6 miles
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
Fly to Geneva, transfer to your chalet. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.
Meals included: Dinner
Day
1
Start Chalet Chalupa, Chalet Chocolat or Chalet Bediere
Welcome to your alpine chalet, your beautiful base for this incredible walking holiday. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.
Meals included: Dinner
Day
2
Drive to the head of the Chamonix Valley; walk towards Switzerland via the trekking peak L'Aiguillette des Posettes and on to Col du Possettes and then descend back towards La Tour
Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc and into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin, the views get even better and by late morning we reach L’Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft/2,200m). This is a peak from which we are rewarded with a panorama over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Posettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour.
Transfer above Les Houches; ascend to the Bel Lachat Refuge, before crossing the Carlaveyron Natural Reserve and summiting the Aiguillette des Houches and the Aiguillette du Brévent
Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic Tour de Mont Blanc and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (7,500ft/2,285m) for one of the finest views in the Alps – looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière.
Starting from Les Contamines valley, we cross the Col de Voza and continue towards Les Houches
Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to Les Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier above. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (5,360ft/1,653m) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) if you have tired legs.
On this walk there is also a short section descending where chains can be used as handrails down a rocky path, plus a short ladder to ascend.
Free day for optional walks, activities or sightseeing
Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you on possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix; the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight.
Please note: It is necessary to book a space on the Aiguille du Midi lift and usually the earlier a ticket is bought the better value it is. We will brief you about this on your arrival day. However, if you want to find out more before you travel, or even book your place in advance, you can do so at www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/
If booking, please remember that those in Chalet Chalupa and Chalet Chocolat have their free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy; climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Val Ferret to Courmayeur
We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (6,560ft/2,000m), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice cream.
Late July and August: Occasional high season weeks in July and August the traffic queue can become very long for the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy, so in these cases we will discuss with the group the option of exchanging the Italian day for an alternative walk. Instead, we will have a fabulous walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley.
September and October 2025 departures: From 1st September 2025, for an estimated 15 weeks, the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy will be closed for maintenance works. This means that we are unable to visit Italy on all departures from 30th August – 11th October 2025. On these dates we will have a fabulous alternative walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley.
From our chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère. From this higher vantage point, we will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m), which affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After plenty of time enjoying the panorama, we descend to Lacs des Chéserys where, on a still day, we will see the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is a short ladder to descend. From here, we descend a little further again onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. What remains of the afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix centre or return to the chalet to relax in the garden.
Please note: the above distance does not include the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola, which is a few kilometres depending on which chalet you are in. Alternatively, we may take public transport.
Spring and autumn departures: La Flégère gondola is open for trips between 10th June and 16th September. Outside this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is not included in the price of the holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, the cable car cost will be paid locally (approximately €20).
Alternatively, we will enjoy the following spring and autumn itinerary.
From Argentière (4,100ft/1,250m) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley. The panoramic views over the valley to Mont Blanc and all the other peaks, valleys and glaciers are breathtaking. From La Flégère we descend via Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added descent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary, but the views are equally stunning.
Distance: 7.5mi (12km) plus any extra flat walking in the valley getting to and from the chalet; ascent: 2,430ft (740m); descent: 3,120ft (950m); walking time: eight hours
Distance covered: 6mi (9km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
8
End Chamonix
Invigorated after a week treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.
Meals included: Breakfast
End Chalet Chamonix or Chocolat
Following breakfast, we say our goodbyes. Those on the group flights will transfer to Geneva; fly to London.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Walking days: Five
Maximum altitude: 7,717ft (2,352m)
Maximum height gained: 2,952ft (900m)
Average walking time: Six to seven hours
Average distance: 9mi (14km)
Terrain: This Mont Blanc trek follows mountain paths throughout, which are generally well maintained. However, every walk has rough, rocky and steep sections where it is important to concentrate on your footing. The steep sections also make this trip unsuitable for vertigo sufferers.
Suitability: The walking hours stated in the day-to-day itinerary, which include lunch and photo stops, are given as approximates only and will vary depending on your group’s pace. Those who are comfortable trekking at a faster pace should be happy with longer breaks while slower walkers should be prepared to walk at a steady pace for longer periods of time. For those without experience of trekking in mountain conditions with rough terrain may find this trip more difficult. The guide can discuss alternative self-guided options if you find certain walks too tough.
Preparation: The longest days can have an ascent of up to 2,952ft (900m) followed by a similar descent. This means walking uphill for two to four hours and the same down again. For this reason, those new to hill walking will likely find the trip quite tough and need to train beforehand.
Itinerary changes: To deliver the best experience, we typically amend the itinerary during spring and autumn, when the bustle of the high season is replaced by a more laid-back vibe, and in late July and August, which is high season. There is also a change for September & October departures. Please see the Seasonal Itinerary Changes section of the Trip Notes for details on the changes.
Additionally, the itinerary may change depending on which chalet you stay in − the tour leader will discuss these changes with you if and when they occur. Generally, those in Chalet Chalupa and Chalet Chocolat have the free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.
The itinerary may also be impacted by weather conditions as your tour leader may need to swap days around to ensure the best possible conditions.
Accommodation: On some weeks, we may be hosting more than one group. In this instance, the groups remain separate (apart from the airport bus transfer) and stay in different chalets. We may also adjust your itinerary to ensure the groups are following different walks each day.
Please note: It is essential to have helicopter evacuation cover within your travel insurance.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Chalet Chalupa:302 Rue de l’Essert, 74310 Les Houches Chalet Chocolat: 1627 Marie Paradis, Les Pelerins, 74400 Chamonix Chalet Bediere: 74 Prom. des Sonnailles, 74400 Chamonix
Recommended arrival time: There will be a short introductory briefing at approximately 1pm, which all are welcome to join but is not essential. The main briefing and all necessary information will be given at approximately 6pm Airport: Geneva (GVA)
Getting to the start hotel
The chalet is approximately a 1hr 15min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves and you notify Exodus of your wish to do so at least two weeks before departure. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the chalet easily by taking a bus transfer with a local company – make sure to book at least a week before your departure date. A one-way transfer (shared with other travellers) will cost approximately €50 with our partner Mountain Drop-offs. Book on www.mountaindropoffs.com using promotional code EXOCHX for an approximate €5 discount. Discounted rates apply to transfers taking place between 17 June and 17 September. The drop-off point for Chalet Chocolat and Chalet Bediere is Chamonix (Centre). The drop-off point for Chalet Chalupa is Chamonix (Les Houches).
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport that’s scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, we recommend booking a shared transfer in advance with Mountain Drop-offs (please see Make your own way section above). Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to arrange a private transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Chamonix Valley Location end: Chamonix Valley
Vaccinations and Health
France
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France, Italy or Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and six dinners are included in the price of the trip. All food is home cooked in the chalet using local ingredients.
Typical meals
Breakfast: buffet breakfasts will usually consist of cereal, eggs, orange juice, croissants, fresh French bread, butter, jam, tea and coffee.
Lunch: picnic lunches will normally include bread, fresh salad, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit.
Evening meal: We endeavour to make dinner something to look forward to, and 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. The price of the evening meal does not include wine, beer, bottled water or soft drinks.
Vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free diets: Although we serve a single menu each night for the whole group, we will happily shop for and prepare alternative menus for vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free diets, but please inform us at the time of booking.
Please note: to reduce food wastage we shop to exact quantities for the whole week in advance, so if you have requested a certain diet please remain with that diet for the whole trip.
Weather
From late May to late October, you can expect fair weather, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and can be surprisingly cold at times, especially at higher altitudes. Expect daytime temperatures between 15C and 25C (59F and 77F) in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30C/86F in July/August), 5C and 20C (41F and 68F) at altitude (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and 5C to 15C (41F to 59F) in the valley at night; possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of snow, even in August.
Chalet Chocolat, Chalet Chalupa and Chalet Bediere
We use three alpine chalets with comfortable lounges and dining rooms. All have a large table where delicious home-cooked meals are served and scrumptious cakes are provided daily for afternoon tea. Chalupa and Chocolat have a private outdoor area and a hot tub, and Bediere has access to communal gardens and is only a five-minute walk to the centre of Chamonix.
Chalets provide a more intimate experience than traditional hotels and the dining room often becomes a hub of living in the evening and a space to share stories from the day. Meals are prepared by the chalet hosts and enjoyed around a communal table.
Additionally, the hosts live on site meaning they are available for any situation that arises. Generally, they won’t enter your rooms to change towels, make beds or clean, but they are happy to help if you feel your room needs a midweek service. None of the rooms have air conditioning but we do provide electric fans.
Friends and family can typically be allocated to the same chalet, even if you have different booking references. Please notify your sales representative at the time of booking if this applies to you.
Chalet Chocolat
A seven-minute train ride (or 25-minute walk) from the heart of Chamonix, this seven-room chalet has a traditional alpine feel, plus a lovely garden and cosy atmosphere. Bedrooms vary in size and shape and some (not all) have access to a balcony.
Chalet Chalupa
In the pretty resort of Les Houches, Chalet Chalupa provides modern chalet accommodation in the Chamonix Valley. It has six well-proportioned rooms and an extensive deck with a fire pit. Twenty minutes from central Chamonix by bus, the chalet provides a spacious and comfortable living space with the amenities of Les Houches nearby.
Chalet Bediere
Set in the heart of Chamonix, this 1920s mansion has five stylish rooms and a communal outdoor space with mountain views. It is decorated in an art deco style and was refurbished in 2023, keeping the original character of the property.
Worth knowing
On booking, your confirmation documents will name Chalet Chalupa; however, you may be allocated to Chalet Chocolat or Chalet Bediere. This is confirmed on your Final Joining Instructions sent four weeks before your departure date.
If you prefer one chalet over the other, please let us know at the time of booking and we will do our best to fulfil your request. Requests for a specific chalet must be made to our customer operations team six weeks before departure at the latest. The walking itinerary is the same for all chalets; however, the order of the walks may differ slightly.
In Chalet Chocolat, one top-floor bedroom has a window in the roof rather than a wall-mounted window, and a large private bathroom on the floor below. There is also a smaller twin room on the ground floor of the property with a private bathroom. Both of these rooms are used as single rooms and are usually allocated to the first solo people to book. The availability of these single rooms depends on the numbers booked per departure and cannot be guaranteed.
For 2025 departures onwards there is the option to pay a single supplement to have a double room for solo use (see Dates & Prices tab for costs).
There are no guest laundry or parking facilities at the chalets. If you are driving, please speak to your operations executive about parking options.
I recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc highlights, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were enveloped by the stunning beauty of the Alps. Our chalet was a true gem, offering incredible views of Mont Blanc that made every morning feel magical.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant hub, bursting with life, charming shops, and delicious eateries. Even though we experienced a couple of cloudy and rainy days, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits or our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we traversed.
A standout moment of the trip was our free day when we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, a highlight that I will cherish forever.
Our guide, Jeffry, was exceptionally professional and organized, making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout our adventure. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the region really brought the experience to life. Additionally, we were so well cared for by our chalet hosts, Tom and Sol, who made our stay comfortable and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made us feel at home.
Overall, this hiking trip was a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Exodus!
I recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc highlights, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were enveloped by the stunning beauty of the Alps. Our chalet was a true gem, offering incredible views of Mont Blanc that made every morning feel magical.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant hub, bursting with life, charming shops, and delicious eateries. Even though we experienced a couple of cloudy and rainy days, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits or our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we traversed.
A standout moment of the trip was our free day when we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, a highlight that I will cherish forever.
Our guide, Jeffry, was exceptionally professional and organized, making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout our adventure. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the region really brought the experience to life. Additionally, we were so well cared for by our chalet hosts, Tom and Sol, who made our stay comfortable and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made us feel at home.
Overall, this hiking trip was a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Exodus!
I recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc highlights, and I can’t recommend it enough! From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were enveloped by the stunning beauty of the Alps. Our chalet was a true gem, offering incredible views of Mont Blanc that made every morning feel magical.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant hub, bursting with life, charming shops, and delicious eateries. Even though we experienced a couple of cloudy and rainy days, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits or our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we traversed.
A standout moment of the trip was our free day when we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, a highlight that I will cherish forever.
Our guide, Jeffry, was exceptionally professional and organized, making sure that everything ran smoothly throughout our adventure. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the region really brought the experience to life. Additionally, we were so well cared for by our chalet hosts, Tom and Sol, who made our stay comfortable and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made us feel at home.
Overall, this hiking trip was a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and wonderful company. I can’t wait for my next adventure with Exodus!
We recently returned from an unforgettable hiking trip with Exodus, exploring the breathtaking Mont Blanc area. From the moment we arrived in Chamonix, we were surrounded by the stunning views of the Alps. The room in our Chalet directly faced Mont Blanc, making the morning views picturesque.
Chamonix itself is a vibrant location, bursting with activity, charming shops and delicious restaurants and cafes. Even though we experienced a few rainy and cloudy days, the weather didn’t dampen our spirits on our hikes. In fact, the dramatic skies only added to the allure of the landscape, enhancing the beauty of each trail we hiked.
Most Inspirational Moment
A standout moment of the trip was on our free day when we took the Aiguille du Midi cable car to the summit of Mont Blanc. The views from the top were absolutely breathtaking, a highlight that I will cherish forever.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide Jeffry, was exceptionally professional and organized making sure that everything ran safely and smoothly throughout our adventure. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the region really brought the experience to life. Additionally, we were so well cared for by our chalet hosts, Tom and Sol, who made our stay comfortable and welcoming. Their hospitality truly made us feel at home.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Overall, this hiking trip was a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and good company.
Ilona Jamieson
Reviewed October 2024
A fabulous trip in so many ways!!
Hiking on Mont Blanc, even late in the season was an experience not to be missed. The weather, though mixed, never stopped our itineraries and we had glorious sunshine on several days. Chamonix and the mountain range are awesome, naturally, but it was the combination of the area with the most welcoming and caring chalet team and the warm artistic vibe of the Art Deco Chalet Bediere that gave this trip such a special place in my heart. Jeffry Oonk, an erudite biologist as well as an experienced and patient mountain guide gave expert guidance and confidence on every section (some quite challenging) of the trails; his instruction, patience and good humour, coupled with a quiet “Well Done” at the end of each trek, was so up-lifting. Clare and Liz made Chalet Bediere a warm and welcoming place; they both went to huge efforts to provide a happy atmosphere, excellent and varied meals and some of the most delicious cakes for afternoon tea, you could imagine. I’m so happy that I was assigned to this particular chalet, with such a brilliant team. We had a small but fabulous group of five; conversations on the hikes and in the chalet were stimulating and full of banter and laughter. I honestly was gutted to leave and end the experience. Thank you to both our chalet team and my group for the most memorable week 💖
Most Inspirational Moment
On reaching the summit of each ascent and taking in the sheer beauty of the white mountain peaks …. Even more so, on a cloudy day, when the clouds parted and the sun-bathed mountains emerged through the gap … breathtaking!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Experienced, informative, patient, supportive, good-humoured and encouraging; one of the best.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do pack lightweight climbing clothing and waterproof outer wear. Trust in your guide, as there will be some sections that are perhaps more challenging than expected; but the trails are well cared for and there are well-placed wall bars/chains for narrow sections. I highly recommend this trip …. So much is packed into the week, but there is also plenty of time to relax after the day’s hikes, have a cosy drink in town with fellow guests and enjoy dinner together each evening.
John Cartwright
Reviewed October 2024
A wonderful week's walking from our base in Chamonix - the art deco styled chalet La Bedière
A great week’s walking in the mountains around Mont Blanc. First off, a big thank you to the team – Jeffry, Liz and Clare – who were excellent. We had pretty good weather given that it was the end of the season. In fact the first day was spectacular – blue skies and sunshine – making for some memorable photos. Jeff is an exemplary guide, showing amazing dedication to his job. He gave us all the information we wanted and more – he’s quite fond of plants me thinks, and knows a lot about them. Our walks always started with a through warm up session, and then the ascent could begin. Quite steep sometimes, but Jeff was always on hand to help anybody of a more nervous disposition on the more challenging sections. And if all that wasn’t enough – he has a good sense of humour too. Liz and Clare were expert chalet hosts – the breakfast was just right, and there was even porridge offered on some days. The lunch items were varied and tasty, and the cake waiting for us at the end of each walk was very welcome. Really nice food for dinner too. Plenty of variety throughout the week. The chalet La Bedière is based in Chamonix and for me is the best of the three on offer unless you really like hot tubs. Nicely furnished, amazingly warm and good sized bedrooms and bathrooms. Centrally located – just ideal.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our first day walking up to L’Aiguillette des Posettes was the highlight of the week because the weather was superb. On a couple of the days mist shrouded the hillsides but even then I enjoyed the terrain and the atmosphere within the forest.
Thoughts on Group Leader
I think I've said enough about him already ;)
Advice for Potential Travellers
You need a reasonable level of fitness, but the walks are all doable unless you really do have bad vertigo. Don't bother with poles unless you use them at home - they're just a hindrance.
Amy Matts
Reviewed October 2024
Mont Blanc Highlights
Overall a wonderful week.
Jeffrey our hiking guide was the best ever as expressed by experienced group travelers. It was my first group hiking experience and he helped me so much giving so many pointers and encouragement. The Chalet Chocolat was adequate. We had the most spacious room. But the Chalet was tough around the edges and could use some modernization. The meals were overall good. Some dishes were excellent but some not so great. Needed more protein for dinner and a little more variety at breakfast.
Most Inspirational Moment
First and third day hikes.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Wonderful. The best ever!
However there was a disagreement with a traveler in our group on the 4 th hike and he pulled out the last day with a sub.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The planning and tour guide and itineraries are wonderful. The accommodations and food are good but definitely not luxurious.
Tina Snodderly
Reviewed September 2024
Fantastic time - Mont Blanc Highlights
Mont Blanc is truly spectacular. Our guide Adrian was exceptional and fun! He changed our hiking schedule as necessary to ensure the best experiences and amazing views . We stayed at Chalet Chalupa in Les Houches. The short bus or train ride into Chamonix was very easy, with our guide showing us all the necessary stops. Our hosts were kind and always helpful. The only improvement I would suggest is offering two dinner options.
Lin Arthan
Reviewed September 2024
Mont Blanc Highlights
Just home from a fab week based in Les Houches, where we felt so at home in a comfortable, happy environment, meeting people from all over the world. Laura, our chalet host looked after us so well with good home made food, suitable for physical demands of the trekking.
Most Inspirational Moment
Th
Thoughts on Group Leader
Adrian, our group leader, was exceptional - very knowledgable, choosing appropriate routes for the varied weather conditions. His very cheery character made for very happy days, we had real fun whilst working hard up those mountains, setting an excellent pace for the group.
Advice for Potential Travellers
A good level of pre holiday fitness is really necessary to get the most out of this trip.
Claire Jandrell
Reviewed September 2024
Wonderful week in Chamonix
Just returned from a wonderful week in and around Chamonix. Our group leader Adrian was fantastic at selecting the perfect route for weather condition and amazing views. He enhanced the group experience challenging and entertaining us. The chalet was comfortable with a lovely bunch of people and a kind and helpful chalet host Laura .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent!! Highly recommend him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take kit for all weather conditions!
Laura Daniell
Reviewed September 2024
Disappointing
I want to try to write a balanced review, so will start with what we enjoyed and what was good.
We stayed in Chalet Chocolat, which was comfortable and well located for going into Chamonix. We especially liked having the use of the hot tub in the evening after hikes. Trip organisation was good overall, with smooth transport to and from Geneva. Our group leader, Maria, was kind and personable; we were unlucky with the weather but he did a good job of keeping the mood upbeat and looking after a group of varying fitness levels.
The chalet experience overall unfortunately ruined the trip. I don’t know what was going on with the hosts (I won’t name them as I don’t want to single them out), who have some glowing reviews from previous guests, but it just seemed as though they had had enough and didn’t want to be there. They did what they were required to do but nothing more. Surly, unfriendly and generally as though they couldn’t be bothered and that we the guests were kind of annoying. Perhaps our expectations were too high, I’m not quite sure. Mealtimes were rushed, with it feeling as though we needed to just clear off the table as soon as possible so they could tidy up. One evening they had friends staying and were having their own little social gathering through the kitchen window – on that occasion they were in such a hurry that the main course got slammed down before we had all finished our starters. The food was sometimes nice but on the whole quite uninspiring. My vegetarian options were especially poor and on two occasions given to me burnt, with no apology or offer of an alternative. We had to constantly interrupt them from being on their phones to ask for small things like some more water for the table. One day we ran out of milk – again with no sort of apology, just “here you can have this oat milk instead”. These are all tiny things that it seems silly to complain about, but against the backdrop of the experience everything just mounted up. On the final day, no goodbye or anything, just a request that we be out of our rooms by 8am so that they could start cleaning. Exodus perhaps needs to look at giving their chalet hosts a bit more ground support – this couple seemed deeply unhappy in their job and I would always look to the company in a situation like this to find a way to make things better for everyone!
Honestly, for price point of this trip we expected a much better experience. We have stayed in chalet accommodation previously for far less money and had a lovely time. Based on the experience this time around we are unlikely to book with Exodus again.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Go into Chamonix and buy snacks and alcohol from the Super U - much cheaper than the honesty bar in the chalet. Multipack crisps are charged at €1.50 per packet and a small bag of fruit and nuts is €3!
There is no proper drying room but you can use your bathroom heater to create your own quite effectively.
Take a hairdryer if you like to have one - there was one in the chalet but only because a previous guest had left it there.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review about your recent Exodus holiday, Laura. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the hot tub after your hikes and that the trip organisation, including transport to and from Geneva, was smooth. It’s great to know that Maria was a fantastic group leader, maintaining a positive atmosphere despite the weather challenges. However, I’m truly sorry to learn that the chalet experience did not meet your expectations. Your feedback regarding the hosts’ attitude and overall service is concerning, and I want to assure you that we take this feedback seriously. We share your disappointment in hearing that your experience with the hosts, did not align with the high standards you’ve come to expect from Exodus. Creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our guests is of utmost importance to us, and it’s disheartening to learn that we fell short in this regard. While we understand that our hosts typically receive positive feedback for their service, it is troubling to hear that their demeanour during your stay felt distant and unfriendly. We recognise that our hosts juggle many responsibilities behind the scenes, and while their busyness may have affected their engagement with guests, it’s certainly not the impression we want to leave with our travellers. Regarding your concerns that the crew seemed unhappy or unsupported, I want to clarify that many of our crew and leaders are longstanding members of our team, returning season after season, which is reflective of the supportive environment we strive to provide for our crew. Please rest assured that these matters will be thoroughly investigated, and we will take the necessary steps to remind our hosts of the importance of actively engaging with guests. We believe fostering a more inclusive and friendly environment is crucial to enhancing our guests’ experiences, and we are committed to addressing this issue moving forward. Thank you once again for your constructive feedback. We are dedicated to improving our tours and providing memorable experiences and hope that you would afford us the opportunity to welcome you back for a journey that truly reflects the high standards we aim to uphold.
Seema Gadhia
Reviewed September 2024
Mont Blanc Highlights
Wow! What an amazing trip! Breathtakingly beautiful! Tim expertly led us through some stunning trails. Clare and Liz were perfect chalet hosts.
Most Inspirational Moment
Having a picnic lunch in a green valley, under clear blue skies looking out onto the mountains on the Bionassy route! A bit surreal!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tim was patient, kind , supportive and fun. He shared his extensive knowledge about the routes, plants, trees, birds and animals with the group which made each route memorable. He also took some amazing pics for us!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Defo put this one on your list!
Cornelia Kastelan
Reviewed August 2024
Excellent!
A huge thank you to our fantastic hosts Sol and Tom as well as to our wonderful, knowledgeable tour guide Tim. This was a great week!
Most Inspirational Moment
Each moment when we spotted birds (including a vulture), butterflies, and marmots
Thoughts on Group Leader
He knew the best routes, told us about the history and nature of the Mont Blanc area, was patient, helpful, and humorous - thank you, Tim!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Highly recommended if you like to delve around the French and Italian pre-Alps
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