Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 09:36
Tour du Mont Blanc Camping Trek Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: France, Italy, Switzerland
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
4 out of 7 - Moderate / Challenging
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TWB
- Carbon Footprint: 10kg CO2e
Trip Overview
A spectacular point-to-point trek with three rest days to enjoy the beautiful mountain surroundings
Ranked among the best hikes in the world, the Tour du Mont Blanc takes in three diverse countries – France, Switzerland and Italy – and offers the greatest mountain scenery in Europe. Experience has taught us that 15 days is the perfect duration to fully appreciate this memorable circuit around Mont Blanc – 10 days of trekking complemented by three rest days.
Overall the trekking will feel tough with long walking days but the three rest days are incorporated to give you time to rest the legs whilst enjoying three fascinating alpine towns.
Courmayeur is an old worldly Italian gem with windy pedestrian streets lined with chic shops and delightful cafes, bars and restaurants. A short, free, bus ride away is the luxurious QC Therm Spa and wellness centre, a lovely treat. Les Contamines and St Gervais are charming alpine towns with interesting local markets, electric bike hire and gondoliers taking you up to stunning view points. The last free day is in Chamonix, the vibrant heart of the Mont Blanc massif, with a wide choice of activities to try, including paragliding and taking the Aiguille du Midi cable car up to 12,605ft (3,842m) for spectacular, close-up views of Mont Blanc.
Led by an experienced International Mountain Leader, you will climb over six mountain passes, cross beneath colossal glaciers, meander through beautiful alpine meadows, and discover picture-postcard villages. We sleep in comfortable campsites throughout the trek, often with outstanding views that aren’t possible from a hotel room. Tents are modern and spacious – designed for three people but only allocated to two – and an unlimited number of single tents is available. For those seeking a little more comfort, mattresses and sleeping bags are also available to hire.
While getting back to nature is a rewarding, energising experience, we recognise that having a comfortable stay along the way can make a camping trek even more special. Delicious three-course meals are on the menu when in camp, and five restaurant meals are also included during the trek. Your baggage is transported between each location by our dedicated camp support leader and van, and tents are put up by our camp crew before you arrive at each campsite, leaving you free to enjoy the inspiring scenery found only on this classic trek.
Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador:
“Having climbed Mont Blanc several times, I know just how beautiful this landscape is. And this Exodus trip is the best way to see the massif from all angles. Trekking through three different countries, Italy, France and Switzerland, this action-packed itinerary will see you pass by alpine meadows, glaciers and some of Europe’s most panoramic mountain passes. If you’re an avid hiker – this trip is a must.”
At a Glance
- 14 nights supported camping in comfortable campsites (hot showers available on 12 nights)
- 10 days point-to-point trekking with vehicle support; three rest days
- Eight days challenging and two days moderate walking (see trip notes for more details)
- Camping support crew to carry baggage between campsites and put up tents
- Maximum altitude 8,323ft (2,537m); average 5,003ft (1,525m)
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- See some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe
- Cross beneath colossal glaciers and meander through beautiful alpine meadows
- Walk in the shadow of the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc (15,781ft/4,810m)
- Get back to nature on one of the most sustainable Exodus trips
- Enjoy the rewarding experience of completing the Mont Blanc circuit in full
- Three rest days to explore the alpine towns of Courmayeur, Les Contamines and Chamonix.
- Part of the Aldo Kane collection
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging) – it involves 10 days of walking; two days at a Moderate level and eight days at a Challenging level. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Most of the days are long, quite often involving an ascent of 900m-1,200m (or 3,000ft-4,000ft), equivalent to three to four hours walking uphill, followed by a similar descent. Although the paths are well maintained, there are sections that are rough underfoot with sometimes loose rocks, so you need to be confident in your footing and balance. On Day 2, there are two metal ladders to descend en route from Lac Blanc. These are secured against the rock, consist of approximately 12 steps and are not difficult to climb down. The route throughout is non-technical; however, we will be walking mountain paths and this trip is not advised for severe vertigo sufferers.
Please be aware that on Days 6 and 8, we take a short bus transfer to avoid trekking on busy roads.
Most people trek the Tour du Mont Blanc anti-clockwise. From years of experience, we have discovered that trekking the route clockwise allows for quieter trails and avoids a tough ascent on the first couple of days. The views and walks are just as beautiful in this direction.
As this is a group holiday, you need to be confident your fitness will allow you to enjoyably walk at a consistent and steady pace that matches the group average, therefore allowing the group to finish the day at a reasonable time. You will also enjoy the trek a great deal more if your fitness allows you to walk the route in relative ease. A Challenging graded day would be equivalent to walking between three to five hours uphill and a similar time downhill, so up to nine hours in total depending on the pace (including breaks).
Due to the lower altitude, climate and overall comfort of this trek, it is graded Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging). The Activity Level reflects the overall endurance required for this trip, not just the ease of any particular walk. Other treks with a higher Activity Level, requiring a higher overall endurance due to their remoteness, lack of facilities or average weather etc, may have shorter, easier walks. Please read the daily itineraries below when make comparisons to other walks/trips you may have done before.
If you are unable to walk during the itinerary and want to opt out of a day, please note this can sometimes be a little tricky, depending on your position on the circuit. To reach the next point, you will need to take a public bus (which run at limited times) or taxi (which can be expensive in more remote locations). Our support vehicle is not suitable for carrying passengers so please be aware of this when deciding to book this trip.
All ascents, descents and walking distances listed below are approximate. We have decided the most accurate method is to map the routes carefully using Google Earth. That said, it is impossible to obtain a completely true figure of the distances walked. Due to the inherent inaccuracies of defining an exact waypoint with a GPS and the cumulative overall inaccuracy this causes, you may find that our distances and GPS distances you obtain on trek with your personal GPS/phone may differ by quite a margin. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Please note: It is essential you have helicopter evacuation cover for this trip.
Group
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. 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.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 5
Max group size: 14
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Les Bossons
- End City: Les Bossons
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Geneva; transfer to campsite at Les Bossons, near Chamonix
On arrival to Geneva airport we take a bus transfer to our start point just outside Chamonix, France (approx 1hr 15 transfer time). Wonderful views from the campsite of Mont Blanc and the dramatic crevassed Glacier des Bossons, especially at sunset. Those not flying with the group join us at the campsite in the afternoon. In the evening there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew.
Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Start at Les Bossons, near Chamonix
Our start point is the campsite in Les Bossons, which has wonderful views of Mont Blanc and the dramatic, crevassed Glacier des Bossons, especially at sunset. In the evening, there is an introductory briefing by the trek crew.
Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Follow the Grand Balcon Sud from Chamonix to Les Frasserands
From Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m), we have a short bus journey to Chamonix from where we walk to Les Praz and take the cable car to La Flégère (6,100ft/1,860m). The trail today is named the Grand Balcon and is on the opposite side of the valley from Mont Blanc, affording excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. Initially, we contour and then climb to reach the high point of the day, Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before dropping steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (4,500ft/1,371m), from where we take a scenic valley train back to our campsite. In the afternoon, there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend.
Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Cross over Col de Balme to Switzerland and camp at Trient
After a scenic train ride up the valley to Les Frasserands, we begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (7,200ft/2,201m), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (7,190ft/2,191m) where we follow one of the paths across the border from France to Switzerland. Enjoy excellent views all morning of Aiguille d’Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch, we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (4,250ft/1,296m), where we will have lovely views of the Trient Glacier.
Campsite: Camping near Trient
Cross Col de la Forclaz to Champex
We climb first to the Col de Forclaz (5,010ft/1,527m) and then onwards to look directly into the Rhône Valley and the small Swiss town of Martigny. We follow a historic path used to take the cows to summer grazing, the ‘Bovine route’ (6,720ft/2,049m), which takes us through meadows and high alpine pastures before descending to Champex (4,880ft/1,486m), a town beside a picturesque alpine lake.
Campsite: Camping Les Rocailles, Champex Lac
Head up Val Ferret to La Fouly
Now on the east side of the main Mont Blanc massif, we walk south, descending through woods to the Val Ferret and on to Issert (3,460ft/1,055m) and other pretty alpine farming villages. If you are visiting early in the season (June/July), this is a great day to see flowers in bloom, including orchids. We continue up the valley to the remote village of La Fouly (5,250ft/1,600m), which lies at the foot of Mont Dolent, whose summit marks the meeting point of France, Switzerland and Italy.
Campsite: Camping les Glaciers, La Fouly
Climb to Grand Col Ferret, the highest pass of the trek
Following the same valley and the river La Drance, we climb to the Grand Col Ferret (8,320ft /2,537m), the highest pass of the tour. Now in Italy, the valley is also called Val Ferret. The mountain views from the col are stunning, with Grandes Jorasses dominating the scene. We walk down the valley to Arp Nouva (5,800ft/1,770m) where we take an optional bus to Planpincieux (5,250ft/1,600m). For the first and last trip of the season, the bus may not be running and we may need to walk to camp.
Campsite: Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret
Rest day
Today is free for you to rest after the first week’s exertions. The nearby former spa towns of Courmayeur and Entrèves have picturesque older areas that are worth a visit, especially for keen photographers. We also highly recommend the Skyway cable car from La Palud to Point Helbronner (11,350ft/3,461m), which gives close-up views of all the big peaks. Tickets for the cable car can be purchased online or locally at La Palud. Alternatively you might wish to relax and recover in the spa baths at Pre Saint Didier a short bus ride from Courmayeur. It is recommended to book in advance for the spa to avoid disappointment, by clicking https://www.qcterme.com/en/pre-saint-didier/qc-terme-pre-saint-didier .
Campsite: Camping Grandes Jorasses, Val Ferret
Climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above the spectacular Val Ferret around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur and on to Val Veny
We start with a short bus ride to pick up the Tour du Mont Blanc route, and from the road (5,500ft/1,675m) climb up to the Bonatti refuge (6,640ft/2,025m). Today, we follow a beautiful contouring path around Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur. The views of the south Mont Blanc massif are exceptional, as are those of the towering peaks of the Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of the Val Ferret. In the afternoon, we have a long, steep descent to Courmayeur (4,030m/1,230m) where there will be time to stop for a tasty Italian gelato before taking a short bus ride into the spectacular Val Veny (5,020ft/1,530m).
Campsite: Camping Aiguille Noire, Val Veny
Re-enter France across Col de la Seigne and through La Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux
Today’s trail climbs gently along the Val Veny, beneath the moraine of the massive Glacier du Miage. Passing Lac Combal, the gradient becomes steeper as we follow the old Roman road across the Col de la Seigne pass (8,250ft/2,516m), marking our re-entry into France. A fairly steep descent brings us through La Ville des Glaciers (5,870ft/1,789m) and finally to Les Chapieux (5,090ft/1,553m), a small hamlet only inhabited in summer. This is one of the longer walking days, but the experience of walking beneath a glacier and over the Col de la Seigne pass make the challenge well worth it.
Campsite: Camping in Chapieux
Climb to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and contour around to Col du Bonhomme
We have now reached the southwest corner of the circuit and turn north to climb once again. Today is a longer day; first we make a steep climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,130ft/2,478m) and then contour around to the Col du Bonhomme (7,640ft/2,328m). We then descend (again on a Roman road) to our campsite in Les Contamines (5,900ft/1,180m).
Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines
Rest day
A chance to rest or enjoy independent exploration. There are short and long optional walks in the area, many accessed by a chairlift or gondola, with spectacular views of Mont Blanc. Mountain cafes make a nice place for a scenic lunch. Alternatively, you could take the Mont Blanc cog-driven tramway to the Eagle’s Nest – the starting point for many aiming to conquer Mont Blanc itself. Otherwise, time can be spent visiting the half-day market in Les Contamines, or you can simply relax around town or in camp and recharge your batteries for the days ahead.
Campsite: Camping le Pontet, Les Contamines
Cross Col de Tricot and Col de Voza to re-enter Chamonix Valley and descend to village of Les Houches
Today will be another long but rewarding day as we return to the start point of our trek. We walk through Les Contamines, ascend to Chalets du Truc (5,614ft/1,720m) and then descend to the Chalets de Miage (4,120ft/1,560m). From here, we take the trail that climbs steeply to the Col de Tricot (6,950ft/2,119m) before descending very close to the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay, where we will enjoy fabulous views of the northern side of the Mont Blanc massif. Eventually, we make another short ascent to reach the Col de Voza (5,418ft/1,652m), where we re-enter the Chamonix Valley and descend to the village of Les Houches (dependent on the time of year, there is an optional cable car descent from Bellevue to Les Houches). A short bus ride takes us to our camp in Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m).
Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Some of the best views of Mont Blanc today on the long ascent to Brévent; descend to Plan Praz
We cross to the north side of the Chamonix Valley and climb through a pine forest. The high point of the day is Brévent (8,290ft/2,525m), from where there are panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif and Chamonix Valley. We walk down to Plan Praz (6,460ft/1,970m), then descend by cable car to Chamonix and walk to our camp at Les Bossons (3,320ft/1,012m). It is possible to take the cable car descent from the top (dependent on the time of year). This extra journey will be payable locally should you choose not to walk.
Our last day on the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit is long, with a tough climb of more than 4,920ft (1,500m), but affords the best views on the whole trek of Mont Blanc and neighbouring peaks. On our return to Les Bossons, we will have successfully completed the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Free day at Les Bossons
Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader can advise you of 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, of which 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 Mer de Glace glacier, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight.
Campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, Les Bossons
Transfer to Geneva; fly to London
For those on the group flight, this will depart in the morning and will arrive in the UK the same day.
End Les Bossons
The adventure comes to an end in Les Bossons after breakfast. Start your return journey home, and perhaps start planning your next great walking adventure.
Accommodation
Comfortable camping
Campsites throughout the trek are comfortable and modern. On 12 nights, hot showers are available and there are electricity points to recharge batteries etc. Many campsites have a bar and wifi, plus a lounge or sitting area for relaxation. 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. 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.
Accompanying you throughout the trek is a dedicated camp support leader who will take care of all the logistics and catering. Your tent will be 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.
You will spend 14 nights camping in roomy 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 etc. The tents are waterproof.
Single tents are available for a small additional cost, as are camping mats and sleeping bags with liner and pillow. Our camping mats are a full-length air- and foam-filled variety which are comfortable to sleep on and provide 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.
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.
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.
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.
Single supplement from £ 190
Food & Drink
We provide 14 breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches, eight home-cooked three-course group meals in camp and five 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.
Transport
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.
Weather & Seasonality
From late June to early October, expect fair weather. However, all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It does rain and can be surprisingly cold at times, especially on the high passes. Daytime temperatures are in the range of 15C-25C (59F-77F) in the valleys, although it can sometimes reach 30C (86F) in July and August; 5C-15C (41F-59F) on the passes, though it will feel colder if wet and windy; and 5C to 15C (41F-59F) in the valleys at night, possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of lying snow, especially in the early season, and snowfall even in August and September, when we may find new snow on the passes. Please note, the days are shorter on September treks, so we start early to make the most of the available daylight.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start campsite: Camping Les Marmottes, 140 Chem. des Doux, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
Phone: +336 13 41 12 50
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Geneva (GVA)
Getting to the start campsite
The start campsite 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. 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 start campsite relatively easily by taking a bus transfer with a local company. Book this at least a week before your departure date. A shared bus transfer will cost approximately €50 per person one way if booked in advance with our partner Mountain Drop-offs. Book on their website (www.mountaindropoffs.com) and quote the promotional code EXOCHX for a small discount. Please note, the discounted rates only run from 17 June to 17 September in 2023. Outside this time, the full price will be charged.
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 for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen 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: Les Bossons
Location end: Les Bossons
What To Take
Essential Equipment
All camping equipment is provided except for your own sleeping bag and mat: the equipment we use is of a high standard and includes roomy three-person tents, a dining tent, stools, lighting, all pots, pans, stoves, crockery and utensils. The support vehicle carries the camping equipment and your luggage from campsite to campsite while on the trek for all days. The support driver collects fresh food supplies each day and will normally have the dining tent up and the kettle on by the time you arrive at camp in the afternoon.
You will need to bring:
- Four-season sleeping bag: Some camps are over 5,000ft (1,525m), surrounded by snowy peaks and glaciers, so it can be cold at night. Sleeping bags can be hired from us locally – please book in advance
- Sleeping mat or Therm-a-Rest; these can be hired from us locally – please book in advance
- Walking boots with good ankle support (trainers are not suitable)
- High-quality waterproof and windproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Daysack of 30-40 litre capacity
- Sunhat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Warm hat and gloves (even in August)
- Lightweight down jacket or warm two/three-season fleece jacket
- Warm casual clothes for sitting in the communal tent for dinner and relaxation
- Head torch
- Large water bottle/Camelbak
- Full-size towel
- Walking poles – lightweight and collapsible are the most suitable type so you can put them in your pack when not needed. These are inexpensive to buy locally
- At some campsites, it will be possible to wash clothing, should you wish
All luggage is transported between the campsites by the support vehicle. Please note, we must limit you to one item of luggage (weighing a maximum of 33lb/15kg) per person to be carried in the support vehicle. This should ideally be packed in a sturdy kitbag or holdall. Your sleeping bag and mat can be transported outside of your bag and are not part of the 33lb (15kg) allowance.
Optional Equipment
- Umbrella
- Swimming costume (be aware some swimming pools in this region insist males wear fitted trunks/Speedos)
- Gaiters
- Earplugs
- Flip flops or comfortable shoes for walking round camp
- Tupperware if you prefer a bit more protection for your packed lunch and to reduce plastic waste
- Snack bars for an extra energy boost throughout the day
- Maps: The recommended maps for this trek are the two sheets 3630 Ouest and 3531 Est issued by IGN series at a scale of 1:25,000. The best alternative is the single sheet 1:50,000 map issued by Rando-Editions `Pays du Mont-Blanc’ (sheet A1). Any other maps need several sheets to cover the area.
Practical Information
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
France
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France. 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/europe/france
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/france
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/France.html
Italy
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. 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/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html
Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.
Switzerland
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter 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/europe/switzerland
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/switzerland
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Switzerland.html
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.
Italy
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.
Switzerland
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.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
France's time zone: Europe/Paris (UTC +02:00)
Italy's time zone: Europe/Rome (UTC +02:00)
Switzerland's time zone: Europe/Zurich (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
France's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Italy's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard), F (two round pins), and L (three round pins in a row) – 230V, 50Hz
Switzerland's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and J (three round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
France's currency: Euros (EUR)
Italy's currency: Euros (EUR)
Switzerland's currency: Swiss francs (CHF), but euros (EUR) are widely accepted
ATM Availability
Coffee, cake and snacks purchased from mountain cafés are still best bought in cash, but cards are accepted everywhere else. There are plenty of ATMs in Chamonix, Courmayeur and Les Contamines (€) and also at other points along the route.
While walking in Switzerland, drinks and snacks can be bought in Euros, so it is not necessary to have Swiss Francs.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
The cost of the extra lunches varies depending on whether you want to picnic or eat in a restaurant, and an average of €17 per lunch should suffice. For the dinner not included, allow €25. You will also need money for drinks in cafes or huts during the walks and drinks in restaurants where we take our evening meal. Typically, a large café au lait or a soft drink costs between €5-€6, and a glass of beer €6-€8. A bottle of wine can be bought for approximately €10-€20 in these restaurants.
There are several extra excursions in Chamonix, exact prices and details will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to what is normally available:
- Tandem paragliding flight: €135 from Brevent or Aiguille du Midi middle stations
- Return ride on Aiguille du Midi cable car: €70 per person, or buy a mulitpass covering all lifts for the whole valley for the same price. The cable car from Entrèves to Helbronner on the Italian side is slightly cheaper, you would need to take a bus from the campsite in Planpincieux to Courmayeur, this is approximately €2
- Mont Blanc Tramway, Saint Gervais – Nid d’Aigle €40 round trip
- Montenvers cog railways – Mer de Glace €35 round trip
- Courmayeur Spa from €54 for a five-hour pass qcterme.com/en/pre-saint-didier/qc-terme-pre-saint-didier
All prices are subject to change.
Tipping
Although optional, a tip for the walking and support crew at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a reasonable starting point, we suggest a contribution of €40 per person per leader. Smaller groups may wish to give a little more per person. It is customary and appreciated to leave a small tip when settling your drinks bill at group meals in restaurants.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips which improve life for the people and places we visit, and look after the planet we explore. Find out more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here, and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People: How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Income and opportunity is provided to locally-owned campsites, transfer companies and restaurants in the destination communities. An emphasis is placed on eating locally produced food that is bought in nearby shops and supermarkets, and supporting local enterprise.
- Several stops on our route are quite rural and the locals there depend heavily on tourism as a means of income, therefore our visit greatly benefits them. In turn, the local population works hard to keep the area in good condition.
Places: How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels.
- By travelling in a small group, led by a local guide, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- Guides ensure that visitors always stick to official paths. The paths themselves are constructed in a way to be robust and resilient to the traffic they support, and are therefore less susceptible to erosion.
- We recommend and encourage everyone to use rubber stoppers on their walking poles to minimise erosion.
- Generally, camping uses much less energy than a hotel. By their very nature, campsites are green, open spaces and the surrounding areas are usually kept wild.
- Walking trips like this have very little detrimental impact on the environment and the locals, as it is a quiet, low impact activity requiring comparatively few resources to support.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively eliminate or reduce waste. On this trip, we recommend drinking tap water, which is safe to drink, thus eliminating the need for plastic water bottles, and also encourage visitors to reuse sandwich bags (or bring them from home). When buying food for included lunches, we buy in large quantities with a reduced need for packaging.
Planet: How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
- Some campsites on the itinerary have fit solar panels to help with the heating of water. All campsites have measures that help to limit water usage; this is usually a push button timer on the tap.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances. When dinners are not cooked in camp, we use local, family-run restaurants who serve locally produced and freshly prepared meals.
- Although meat is a dinner option on most days, we have adapted menus to serve more and more vegetarian and low-meat dishes that contain a high proportion of fruit, vegetables and natural non-processed ingredients.
- Baggage for this trip is moved from camp to camp in the same vehicle that we use for another Mont Blanc trip. By sharing one vehicle for two trips, we move baggage more efficiently and reduce the need for extra vehicles on the road.
- All transfers in the local area use public buses or electric trains. Airport transfers are shared between 5 trips, reducing the need for multiple transfer vehicles.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish behind in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring your own re-usable water bottle on this trip; tap water is safe to drink.
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.