Mont Blanc Half Circuit
8 Days from 4500 AUD ex Courmayeur
Accommodation
7 Nights Hotel Stay
Transportation
Mostly on foot
Guest and Luggage Transfers included
Included Meals
7 Breakfasts
6 Lunches
6 Dinners
Trip Grade
Category 3
High Heart Rate Holiday
Group Size
10 – 12 Maximum
Can you imagine wandering on winding paths through green forests and rolling meadows topped by breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif, with its hanging glaciers and peaks crowned by majestic Mont Blanc itself? Can you smell the fresh mountain air, see the flower spotted fields, hear the dangling bells of the cows lining the trail?
What will you visualise after passing over the next Col, through the next forest and valley? Which country, language, and culture will await. What typical regional food will tease your palate tonight?
Our fully guided 8 Day tour of the half Circuit of the Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB) offers you a unique, immersive experience into the heart of Europes’ Alpine region. This half circuit of the TMB offers those who are short on time some of the best aspects of the trek, known for its breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity.
The Tour du Mont Blanc, circumnavigating Europe’s highest mountain, remains one of the most iconic treks among hikers and adventurers. Taking you mountain high and valley low, covering all kinds of terrain, with pristine mountain views after every turn. The half trek will be taking you along the iconic “balcony” through Italy, Switzerland, and France covering the Eastern, Northern, and Western sides of the trek around Mont Blanc.
Hiking days on this fully supported trek range from 5-6 hours on average to peak days of 8-9 hours. Nights are spent residing in boutique hotels nestled in local villages along the way.
Together with your guide, you will cover roughly 100km in 6 days, exploring some of the best parts of Mont Blanc’s massif with its valleys and bordering ridges flowing into Italy, Switzerland, and France. Each passing valley presents its unique culture, architecture, and landscape to you and your group to explore.
This challenging but literally breathtaking adventure will take you into the alpine region in the heart of Europe, while visiting three different countries among like-minded people, sharing your stories over a delicious meal sourced from local produce each night.
A fantastic TMB booked through No Roads. Our guide amazing, the Hotels charming, the food so much better than ever imagined. Every minute of every day was perfect. Would happily travel with them again. Sophie Scott-Young Australia
An amazing experience would thoroughly recommend. Having done several other No Roads trips, this one was a luxury in many respects, no tents & the pleasure of a hot shower & glass of wine at the end of each day! Terrel Taylor Australia
“I had the most awesome time. The whole trip was so much fun. The countryside was beautiful, trekking challenging, food divine, guide was gorgeous and people were lots of fun. Thank you so much for the experience”. Carol Hill Australia.
The Tour Du Mont Blanc is an approximately 170 km hike circumnavigating, Mont Blanc, the White Mountain, Europe’s highest peak, which is shared by Italy and France.
Officially measuring 4,809m Mont Blanc’s summit varies depending on the height of the snow cap covering the summit.
The half circuit of the Tour Du Mont Blanc will start at the Italian village of Courmayeur, half point of the trek, and lead you through Italy, Switzerland and France ,finishing in Chamonix.
Dating back centuries, the official trekking season for the Tour Du Mont Blanc is only open from the 15th of June to the 15th of September.
Taking on this half trek will give you the opportunity of seeing some of the highlights of the popular TMB and its unfolding staggering scenery. This is the perfect option for trekkers who might be time short or can’t commit to the tour due to other reasons.
Why No Roads?
Fully Guided
An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary adventure.
Our multi-lingual certified mountain guides (all are UIMLA: Union of International Mountain Leader Association), are passionate about the nature that abounds around Mont Blanc. While you need to ensure you get into adequate physical shape for the trek, your guide will look after all the required preparation for trekking safely in the mountains, setting the path for you to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Are you ready to get enthralled by their fascinating stories?
Boutique Hotels
The Tour Du Mont Blanc is lined with all kinds of accommodation from mountain refugios to boutique hotels. Unlike many others, our trek differs in accommodating our guests only in comfortable family-run boutique hotels. We do not stay in any refugios along the trek.
Luggage Transfers
Our Tour Du Mont Blanc is fully supported and your luggage is transferred to your new destination each day. This gives you the chance to enjoy your daily walks while only carrying a light day pack.
Meals
What more can we say about the food than it is locally sourced from the countries you are walking through. Even if you are not familiar with any local culinary delights from Switzerland, the cuisine of Italy and France should trigger your culinary imagination.
We are very passionate about food and have integrated a few extraordinary local dining experiences in some of the villages to share the variety of local specialties with our guests.
Half Trek Option
Unlike many of the shorter TMB itineraries out there this option gives you the opportunity to walk the Half Tour Du Mont Blanc with an ease of mind. This fully guided and supported tour might be shorter in duration but no shorter in any of the other advantages delivered by our committed team to ensure an unforgettable experience.
The Mont Blanc Half Journey
Check into your hotel and meet your guide for a trip briefing today evening. Free time to yourself. Stay in Courmayeur.
After a relaxing breakfast, we set off up a path from Courmayeur crossing a torrent then climbing steeply through thick larch forests (some of the most beautiful on the trail) on a good path to the Rifugio Bertone (1989m). This is a great place for a cappuccino. From there, if the weather is good we can take the high route ascending the Mont de la Saxe ridge, a wide grassy ridge dotted with wildflowers which has superb views of the Italian side of Mont Blanc and the South Face of the Grandes Jorasses, before crossing the airy summits of la Tete Bernarda (2534m and la Tete de la Tronche 2584m). After three and a half hours, we reach Refuge Bonatti before heading down to the valley floor to Val Ferret. Low route alternative would be an easier option with less altitude gain, and also with a reduction of the final time. Transfer back to Courmayeur and return back to our accommodation. (B, L, D)
This morning we transfer to Val Ferret from where we head up to the Grand Col Ferret the frontier between Italy and Switzerland. Along the way, we will stop at Refuge Elena for a morning tea or coffee. There are spectacular views towards Mont Dolent whose summit divides three countries, Italy, France and Switzerland. From there we head down to la Peule which is a great place for lunch. Here we will have our picnic lunch made of local produce such as cheeses, cold cuts and bread (delicious). From here it is another 2 hours through wildflower meadows along sinuous streams to the village of La Fouly where we will check into the delightful Hotel Edelweiss, where a hearty dinner awaits. (B, L, D)
A small mountain road comes up the Swiss Val Ferret to La Fouly from Champex but we are able to walk on the opposite side of the valley on a path which meanders through pleasant pine forests. We pass through the village of Praz de Fort and to the well-preserved village of Issert. We hike along the narrow street between old chalets and grain stores in their original condition. This day is notable for the beautiful old Alpine buildings that we pass.
The trail then branches off the main valley and climbs gradually around the hillside, traversing above the pretty village of Champex with its deep blue lake. (For those who wish to shorten this day it is possible to take a local bus from La Fouly to Champex.) e continue along the lakeshore and finally climb 200 meters to the most charming hotel Splendide and its great mountain view (1627m).
This day is notable for the old chalets and grain stores in their original condition, lining the narrow streets and if the weather is fine this will be topped by a dip in the crystal clear waters of the lake if you wish. (B, L, D)
One of the best mountain days on the whole trek takes us across the Fenetre d’Arpette (2665m). This high Col lies at the head of the Val d’Arpette and the crossing is one of the finest variants on the TMB circuit. The ground is fairly rough but never technical and when we reach the pass we are rewarded with a fantastic view down to the Trient Glacier and across into the glacial bowl of the Plateau du Trient with the Aiguille du Tour (3544m) rising above (Crossing the plateau de Bovine is an easier or bad weather alternative).
From Col de Forclaz we will transfer down to Argentiere, where we spent the night. (B, L, D)
Note: The above-mentioned trail is one of the TMB’s variants. This will be done if the group is appropriate and the weather conditions are good. Alternatively, we will continue on the normal TMB route to Col de Foclaz via Bovine. This is a 5hr journey over 13 km with an ascent of 757m and a descent of 797m.
In the morning we transfer back to Col de la Forclaz The second last big climb of the TMB sees us ascending 900 meters to reach the Col de Balme (2200m). This ancient pass forms the border between Switzerland and France and as we descend down towards the village of Le Tour on the French side a spectacular panorama opens up across the entire Mont Blanc range and we find ourselves gazing down the valley towards Chamonix
We return to our accommodation in Argentiere where we savour a local meal and after a nice bed to rest in. (B, L, D)
From Argentiere, we transfer to the Col des Montets and ascend via Cheserys lakes into the Aiguilles Rouge on a spectacularly high-level path known as the Grand Balcon Sud. In this elevated position, we can gaze across the valley towards huge Argentiere Glacier and the tremendous Aiguille Verte (4122m). At Cheserys we can make a detour to Lac Blanc (2352m), a famously photogenic spot where the Chamonix Needles can sometimes be wonderfully reflected in its still waters. After lunch, we continue on for another 3 hours to Planpraz cable car that will take us directly into Chamonix. Tonight the end of our tour will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
This morning your return transfer from Chamonix to Geneva airport is waiting and you are off to your next destination. (B)
Journey Extensions
Check out our Journey Extensions for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.
If you would like to explore Chamonix from another angle and your are into wine and food this is the perfect way of combining both. Collect and sample gourmet foods and wine from 3 well known artisan shops in Chamonix and be guided to one of the many beautiful picnic spots in town to enjoy this french feast with family and friends and the breathtaking backdrop of the Besson Glacier.
Includes
- Pick up transfers from Geneva airport to Courmayeur
- Pick up transfers from Chamonix to Geneva airport
- 2 nights in Courmayeur hotel with 1 breakfast
- 1 Night in Chamonix hotel with 1 breakfast & 1 dinner
- Qualified Mountain Leader
- Luggage transportation throughout
- Any fees and permits
- 4 nights accommodation in cosy hotels along the trail (twin-share)
- All meals as noted (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Picnic lunches and lunches in mountain Refuges
- Lift tickets at Belle Plan Paz.
Note: This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants and is based on twin sharing. For booking inquiries please contact our office directly on 03 95988581 or email Irene at irene@noroads.com.au.
Excludes
- Insurance
- International Flights
Your Guides and Safety
Our handpicked professional guides who come from a range of backgrounds and are registered and licensed IFMGA members who work for us regularly. All mountain lovers, they skied, climbed, and hiked many of the routes around the area and spend their days exploring the Mont Blanc range and many other mountain ranges in the world.
The guide will ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun, and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid.
This trip is for those who love the mountains and their scenery.
Those who might be a bit time short and still want to enjoy wandering this epic trek.
Who enjoy being active and making new friends along the way.
Those who favour a bit of comfort, honouring a nice meal and room each night.
Those who enjoy travelling a bit slower and who have an interest in getting to know the local culture and history of the places they visit.
Immerse yourself into this special experience of exploring the heart of Europe, its magnificent nature, its people and culture, step by step.
Wanderlust or the Art of Hiking the European Way
Have you been lucky enough to trek in Europe before? If yes, you are probably hooked too and will know exactly what I’m talking about. However, if you have never been trekking in Europe, be assured, a new passion will be born!
Europe has a strong hiking culture and the comfort and luxury trekking in Europe is known for, is unlike anywhere else in the world. With its mountain refugios offering delicious food along the way, passing through picturesque villages lining the path, stopping for some souvenirs, a coffee, gelati, or cake. The family-run boutique hotels accommodating you, guaranteeing a quiet and replenishing night’s sleep before waking up to a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, bread, muesli, and homemade jams each day.
Trekking in Europe is trekking in style! Once you have tasted it, it is hard to go back and you will want to do it again and again!
Worry not, we love trekking in Europe too and have more beautiful treks in Europe on offer for you.
Food and Culture
Bonjour, Boungiorno, Grüezi,
The Tour Du Mont Blanc with its trails leading through the neighbouring countries of France, Italy, and Switzerland awaits with its culinary delights and typical culture of the local regions.
Walk over the borders of Italy, Switzerland, and France getting mixed up with their languages and enjoying the stories and culture of the regions.
Taste the food of the Haute Savoie and the hearty dishes of the villages you are walking through. Feast on fresh baguettes with cured meats local cheeses and satisfy your sweet tooth with a Cappuccino or Gelato along the way.
We get asked a lot of questions about the Tour Du Mont Blanc. The following are certainly the most common however if you have another question please let us know or the answer may be found in our Trip Notes section.
How hard is the Tour Du Mont Blanc?
Although the Tour Du Mont Blanc is known for its legendary beauty offering some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the world, it is no walk in the park and it is a challenging trek. The devil lies in the detail with its multiple ascents and descents covered along the way. However, we have good news, walking half the trek means you will almost only have to tackle half of the ascents and descents.
Most of the trail is well maintained but you will encounter a few rocky sections and knee challenging ups and downs.
Good preparation is the secret to a successful and enjoyable trek and No Roads will support you with adequate training tips. If you are a reasonably active person who puts in a bit more training to prepare for this trek you will be rewarded with an exceptional experience
Do I have to carry my passport along the trail?
The answer is “no”. You do not have to carry nor show your passport when you cross the borders into Italy, Switzerland, and France on the trail. Surprisingly, without the border stones marking the borderline you would not even notice and find yourself suddenly surprised by a new language. For us Australians, this is an amazing experience to remember!
What are the Refugios like on the TMB?
Europe has a network of Huts and Refugios offering board and lodging to hikers along the trails. While No Roads is differing from other operators in only accommodating our guests in boutique hotels, we love the food and the vibe in the refugios. We will enjoy some of our lunches and will always have time for a cappuccino and cake in the refugios, mingling with the crowd.
The Tour Du Mont Blanc or TMB is one of the most beautiful and popular treks in Europe. Walking the Half TMB will give you a glimpse of why Europeans do trekking so well. No tents nor dried food along this trek. This might be your first trek ending with an unexpected surprise on your scale. But it is hard to choose between the artisan cheeses and charcuterie or the homemade blueberry tart! Not to mention the beautiful European-style buffet breakfasts and the three-course dinners.
With access to a nice warm shower and a comfy bed to rest your head each night this trek is definitely one of the luxurious ones.