Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc, France

This is perhaps the very best of the classic Alps walks, passing through three countries and three different cultures in just 8 days. You'll start the tour in Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of the world, travelling up towards the beautiful Bionassay Glacier and the Col de Tricot.You'll also get to climb a 'paved' Roman road believed to have been used by Hannibal, gaze out over the Swiss Trient Glacier and pass through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve.

The best thing about this trip is that it picks out all the best aspects of the longer walks, and links them together with short vehicle transfers. You'll be challenged by a handful of major pass corssings such as the Col de Bonhomme and the Col de la Seigne, plus the fantastic grand finale, full-day hike to Lac Blanc to finish things off nicely!

Brief Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Chamonix Valley

Day 2:
Transfer to Les Houches and take a cable car with some fantastic views of the Bionassay Glacier with the Aiguille de Bionassay looming above. Then go on to climb the Col de Tricot.

Day 3:
Follow the river to Notre Dame de la Gorge before climbing to a paved Roman road believed to have been used by Hannibal. Coming to a refuge at Le Balme, you'll prepare for the climb to the Col du Bonhomme.

Day 4:
Heading towards the refuge Le Mottet, you'll then climb to your next highest point - the Col de la Seigne, perched on the border between France and Italy.

Day 5:
Set off on a long ascent of the Grand Col Ferret. From the top you'll be rewarded with stunning views, spend the night at the beautiful lakeside Swiss village of Champex.

Day 6:
There are two options for today, dependent on the weather conditions. Perhaps the most challenging day of the tour, one option is to climb to the pass known as the Fenêtre d’Arpette.

Day 7:
A grand finale - take a path through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve in order to reach a ridge walk that'll lead ou towards the fantastic Lac Blanc.

Day 8:
Departure day