Mont Blanc Hiking Highlights

Overview

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 great 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.

Time your adventure to coincide with one of the Chamonix region’s renowned festivals — from music and mountain guiding events to the world-famous Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc — which you can enjoy during your free time. See the Dates & Prices tab for more information.

Key Information

Activity: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level: Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level: Classic
Trip Code: TWN
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: France
Carbon Footprint: 14.7kg CO2e per person per day
Pace: Approximately five to seven hours walking per day
Five days of walking; one free day
Terrain: Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents.
Altitude maximum 7,717ft (2,352m), average 5,003ft (1,525m)

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Classic nights (chalet)
All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, six home-cooked dinners and afternoon tea and cake on walking days
Immersive itinerary with all transport (minibus, local train and cable car) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

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

Itinerary

First Destination: Chamonix Valley
Next Destination: Chamonix Valley

Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Dinner

Distance:10 km / 6.2 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:10 km / 6.2 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:11 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast

Distance:12 km / 7.5 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:9 km / 5.6 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Chamonix Valley
Next Destination: Chamonix Valley

Welcome to your alpine chalet, your beautiful base for this incredible hiking adventure. Your adventure begins with a walk into Chamonix this afternoon.

Around 6pm, say bonjour to your tour leader and fellow travellers, where we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a welcome briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together.

Want extra time in Chamonix? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Dinner

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 Le Tour.

We return by taking a scenic train ride, the perfect chance to rest our legs and look back at the slopes we’ve just crossed.

Distance:10 km / 6.2 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park through alpine forests and meadows and up to the Aiguillette des Houches (7,500ft/2,285m) for one of the finest views in the Alps – looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to Mont Blanc.

Our descent gives us vast views over the Chaîne des Fiz, an impressive wall of cliffs, as we make our way back to La Bettey and a short transfer to the chalet.

Distance:10 km / 6.2 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From the Val Ferret valley, 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.

Distance:11 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is free for optional walks or sightseeing. Your tour leader can advise on possible hiking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has 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 the 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. If you are feeling adventurous, you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight or rent a mountain bike. For those wanting to unwind, a luxury spa is an enjoyable option.

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/. In busy weeks, pre-booking your paragliding flight or spa is also advisable if you want to secure your place.

Additionally, the itinerary may change depending on which chalet you stay in − the tour leader will discuss these changes with you if they occur. Generally, those in Chalet 1802 have the free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.

Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast

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.

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Distance:12 km / 7.5 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we head 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 Lac 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.

Distance: 5.6mi (9km); Ascent: 1,770ft (540m); Descent: 1,770ft (540m); Activity hours: 7

La Flégère gondola is open for trips between 7 June and 13 September. Outside this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is not included in the price of the trip. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, the cable car cost is 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); Activity hours: 7

Distance:9 km / 5.6 miles
Accommodation:Chalet 1802 or Chalet Bediere
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Call us on 1 844 462 4317

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

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Accommodation

Chalet 1802 and Chalet Bediere

Alpine chalets provide an authentic stay in the Mont Blanc region with comfortable lounges, well-furnished bedrooms with private bathrooms, and a dining room.

Each chalet has a live-in host, meaning they are available should you need them. Meals are prepared by the chalet hosts and enjoyed around a communal table. They’ll make delicious home-cooked meals and scrumptious cakes are provided daily for afternoon tea.

Generally, hosts 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.

Chalet 1802

Mont Blanc Hiking Highlights

Nestled in the wooded suburbs of Chamonix valley, beautiful Chalet 1802 has a tranquil, rural location with a large garden and exceptional mountain views. When it’s time to relax with the group, head to the top floor where you’ll find a large living room with comfortable sofas, bar and pool table. Alternatively enjoy time outside on the decking or grassy lawn. The spacious bedrooms feature a modern Alpine style, combining comfort with character.

Chalet Bediere

Mont Blanc Hiking Highlights

Tucked away on a quiet side street in Chamonix, Chalet Bediere is a beautifully restored 1920s mansion that retains its characterful art deco charm, just a two-minute walk from the town centre.

There is a large open plan living and dining room on the ground floor with comfortable sofas, where the whole group can gather, as well as a terrace with outdoor seating. The large dining table is ideal for group meals prepared by our in-house hosts.

Worth knowing

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.
Your booking confirmation documents names both chalets with your chalet confirmed in your Final Joining Instructions, sent four weeks before departure.
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.
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.
As is usual with accommodation in the Alps, neither of our chalets have air-conditioning. Although days in the valley can become warm, evenings and nights are usually cooler.
We allocate the rooms on the high floors of Chalet Bediere to the first to book, while the two rooms on the lower ground floor, which have smaller windows, are usually allocated to the last to book.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please 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. 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 and 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 they occur.

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.

Insurance: It is essential to have helicopter evacuation cover within your travel insurance.

Key information

Chalet 1802: Route De L’Ecole, 231 Rte de Taconnaz, 74310 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 around 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 a transfer

We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves and you notify us of your wish to do so at least two weeks before departure. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.

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) costs from €46 for a flexible booking and €41.50 for a super saver fixed booking with our partner Mountain Dropoffs.

Book on www.mountaindropoffs.com using promotional code EXOCHX to get these discounted rates. Discounted rates apply to transfers taking place between 13 June and 14 September. The addresses are loaded onto their site and can be found by entering either La Bediere or Chalet 1802.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join this transfer. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, we recommend booking a shared transfer in advance with Mountain Drop-offs (as above). Shared transfers are not available for flights departing Geneva before 9.30am – in this case you would need to request a private transfer with Mountain Drop-offs, which is considerably more expensive (from €295 one-way).

Consider taking the train

Reach this trip by train from the UK or across Europe and lower your carbon footprint. Our partner, Byway, can take care of the planning and booking.

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.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
• United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

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.

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.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

Reviews

Add new review

Eli Eliav

Added August 2026

Excellent guide and hosts a the Chalet

A wonderful experience, with enjoyable hiking, excellent guides, and amazing hosts Dorota Stegman and Hamish Clarke at the chalet Bediere.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were many

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian was a fantastic guide: knowledgeable, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and blessed with a great sense of humor.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Highly recommended

Lillian Woodbeck

Added July 2026

MB Hiking Highlights June 2026

I highly recommend this trip if you are looking to sample the TMB. In my opinion, this tour delivers the perfect balance between activity and leisure. My highest compliments to the MB Highlights Hike Leader Adrian and the Chalet 1802 team Julieta and Odran. The hikes were amazing as expected. Each evening Adrian provided detailed briefings on the next day’s hike with tips to prepare us for the weather and terrain. He suggested a variety of outings for the leisure day and helped us navigate public transportation. Julieta and Odran were the perfect hosts at the Chalet. The accommodations were spacious and comfortable. The meals were top notch. We especially enjoyed the post hike cake breaks and desserts were incredible. There was no weight lost on this trip! Well done everyone.

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing Ibex on our first hike! Taking in the 360 degree views of the ‘giants’ while enjoying a picnic lunch. Having a celebratory beverage at the end of the first hike.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Adrian’s energy and passion for the outdoors was contagious. We especially appreciated his flexibility addressing the needs of individuals and the group. We hiked during a heatwave and Adrian made sure that everyone could participate and suggested variations on request. Thanks to Adrian, everyone had a smile on their face at the end of the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Arriving in Europe before the start of the tour helped us deal with jet lag. Bring a good selection of hiking clothing. We expected cooler weather especially in the higher elevations so we packed accordingly. We experienced a heatwave and ended up hiking in shorts every day! Weather permitting, go on the L’Aiguille du Midi excursion. Bring a charging device. You will take lots of photos!

Annael Annael

My leader Adrian was great! Experienced and took care of each of our levels of experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Ensure you are prepared for the steep climbs and tough downhills.

Read all reviews

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Trip Notes

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Mont Blanc Hiking Highlights

Overview

Discover the wild beauty of the French Alps with the help of an International Mountain Leader

Key Information

What's Included

Positive Impact

Don't Forget To

Highlights

Itinerary

Dates & Prices

Need flights or extra nights? Book through us and fly with confidence

Your Group, Your Adventure

Accommodation

Chalet 1802 and Chalet Bediere

Essential Information

Key information

Getting to the start hotel

Catching your return flight

Consider taking the train

Reviews

Excellent guide and hosts a the Chalet

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

MB Hiking Highlights June 2026

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Mont Blanc- 23rd may 2026

Amazing trip!

Amazing adventure

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Fabulous!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Awesome

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Beautiful views

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

On top of the World

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

Hiking Mont Blank

Most Inspirational Moment

Thoughts on Group Leader

Advice for Potential Travellers

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