Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 4-5
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Premiere & Casual Hotels
Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 4-5
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
Premiere & Casual Hotels
2027: Jul-Aug
Epic Alpine Journey Through Switzerland, Italy and France
Trek the stunning high mountain passes along the famed Tour du Mont Blanc route, where summer meadows burst with wildflowers and cows graze against a backdrop of dramatic peaks as you move through the Swiss, Italian and French Alps.
Highlights
- Traverse Col de la Forclaz, Col de la Seigne, and Col du Tricot, three rugged mountain passes along the world-renowned Tour du Mont Blanc trail
- Circle the Mont Blanc massif for ever-changing perspectives of Western Europe’s highest summit
- Hike to Champex-Lac high in the Swiss Alps, a lakeside village known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful lake
- Trek from Switzerland into Italy via the Grand Col Ferret, climbing to panoramic views before descending into a radiant Alpine valley
- Discover the character of the Alps in its most iconic towns—from vibrant Chamonix to the charm and café culture of Courmayeur
Start Lausanne, Switzerland
End Geneva, Switzerland
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Start your journey along the famed Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) from the Col de la Forclaz • Take in a vista of the Swiss skiing mecca of Martigny, located at the crossroads between Italy, France and Switzerland • Lunch at a local auberge alongside other TMB hikers • Descend through shaded woodland toward Champex-Lac, a tranquil lakeside village where the lake’s reflection echoes the magnificent mountains that surround it • A hearty Alpine meal prepares you for the week’s epic journey.
Night 1
This family-run hotel captures the essence of Alpine living, with glacier views as its backdrop. Weathered timber, cozy interiors and the hush of the surrounding peaks create a serene retreat, with trails just outside your door.
Day 2
Hike from Switzerland into Italy through the wide Alpine pastures of the Swiss Val Ferret • Climb to open meadows dotted with traditional farm buildings before tackling the high mountain pass of Col du Grand Ferret • Enjoy expansive views of glaciers, rugged peaks and the dramatic southern side of the Mont Blanc massif • Taste the spirit of the Alps in the vibrant Italian cuisine.
Night 2
Perched above Courmayeur, this collection of modern chalet-style buildings frames sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif. Sleek design softened by warm alpine materials creates an atmosphere that’s both refined and relaxed. Enjoy elevated Italian dining, with the town’s vibrant center and world-class trails just moments away. (spa, pool)
Day 3
Hike through high pastures and rocky slopes of Val Veny to the scenic border pass of Col de la Seigne • Descend into the French Alps’ remarkable Vallée des Glaciers, passing through lush meadows and awe-inspiring mountain landscapes. • Sample creamy Beaufort cheese, whose rich character comes from cows nourished on Alpine flowers • Explore the authentic village of Beaufort.
Night 3
With polished yet understated décor, this retreat rests in the heart of a traditional Savoyard village. Featuring thoughtfully designed rooms and a relaxed wellness-focused atmosphere, its central location provides immediate access to Beaufort, known for its artisanal cheese producers and nearby hiking. (spa, pool)
Day 4
Follow a historic path along an ancient Roman road, where the slabs of stone laid by Roman builders are still visible • Wind through classic Alpine landscapes of forests, meadows and mountain ridges • The striking baroque chapel of Notre-Dame de la Gorge is a pilgrimage site that adds a strong sense of history to our hike • Dine at a restaurant that prides itself on using local ingredients to artfully showcase the flavors of the region.
Night 4
Set on a quiet terrace above Saint-Gervais, this inviting hotel offers sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif from a peaceful village setting away from the larger resorts. Intimate in feel, the property blends contemporary elegance with warm Savoyard materials and features a restaurant highlighting elevated regional cuisine sourced from nearby farms. (spa, pool)
Days 5-6
Hike the stunning Alpine crossing of Col de Tricot • Climb to a high, grassy col where you're treated to sweeping views of the Miage Glacier and the dramatic southern face of Mont Blanc • From the top of the cog railway, look out over France’s largest glacier, the Mer de Glace • From Montenvers, the view extends to the famous peaks Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses • Take the balcony hike to Plan de l’Aiguille for a new perspective on the other side of the Chamonix Valley • Ride a picturesque cable car back down to Chamonix • In this lively Alpine hub, mountaineering heritage and modern energy create an unmistakable buzz—the perfect way to cap off a truly memorable mountain adventure.
Night 5
Dating back to 1849, this refined garden retreat was fully reimagined with elegant, contemporary interiors that honor its alpine heritage. With elevated, locally inspired cuisine at its signature restaurant, Le Matafan, and uninterrupted views of Mont Blanc, it offers a classic Chamonix experience. (spa, pool)
This trip has an activity level range of 4-5
- Activity
- Activity Level
- Mileage
- Elevation
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
This challenging hiking trip is unique within Backroads for its Activity Level of 4-5. Even the shortest options are rated Level 4, often with no mid-hike bail-out option. The elevation—some mountain passes take us to more than 8,000 feet above sea level—and the fact that we stay only one night at each hotel, with no layover days, add to the challenge.
We ordinarily staff our trips with three leaders: two leaders out on the trail providing support—so that everyone can have the experience they want, whether it’s an easygoing walk or a rigorous hike—while the third leader moves the van from trailhead to trail end. This trip is a little different, as our routes are a combination of mountainous loop trails and point-to-point hikes, which are not readily accessible by van. This means you’ll still have the same two leaders providing excellent trail support, but without the need for a third leader or a van.
While the summer months in this region tend to be warm and sunny, the weather in the mountains can still be unpredictable. Careful packing is essential for your comfort and overall enjoyment. Be prepared to carry multiple layers each day of the trip—warm base layers, a windbreaker, a rain jacket and rain pants, and even a down jacket, hat and gloves for our day hiking on the glacier.
While the hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region’s generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
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