France Mont Blanc Hiking Private Adventure Tour
Spectacular Alpine Hikes from Chamonix
- Available: June, July, August, September
- Activity: Level 3
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels
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Group Size:
2-7 Guests
Min Age: 16
Highlights
- Exclusive, flexible itinerary allows you daily hiking options in one of the Alps' most spectacular locations
- 5 nights at a comfortable 4-star hotel in Chamonix-no need to repack every day!
- Add a quick visit to one of Europe's most elegant cities and still miss only a single work week
Itinerary
Arrive in Geneva
Day 1
Arrive at the airport in Geneva, Switzerland. You will be picked up at 12:00 p.m. for a transfer by private car to the mountain-ringed resort town of Chamonix, France. The transfer takes approximately 1½ hours, and once at the hotel, you'll have time to rest a bit or explore the town before meeting the guide for a "welcome" dinner and orientation.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix
Accommodation: Auberge du Manoir
Accommodation: Hotel PrieureTransportation: 1.5-hour private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Selection of Day Hikes
Day 2
We've chosen several outstanding options for day hikes amid the splendid scenery of the Mont Blanc area. The trails traverse France, Italy, and Switzerland so you'll get a full complement of the fantastic scenery. Breakfast and lunch are included each day. After breakfast, the guide will lay out a variety of fixings for a delectable gourmet picnic lunch, including special regional cheeses and cold cuts, yogurt, fresh breads, plenty of fruits and vegetables, chocolate, and trail snacks. You'll fix your own lunch and carry it in your daypack. Each night you're free to take dinner in a local restaurant of your choice. We'll have a festive farewell dinner at the end of our final day of hiking (Day 5).
Possible excursions include the following:
Aiguille du Midi-Montenvers (France)
In 1741, the first tourists to Chamonix were transported to Montenvers on the backs of mules in order to admire the glaciers. Today, most travelers take a bright red cog train up the steep slopes to reach the Mer de Glace (Sea of Ice), the second-largest glacier in the Alps. We begin our hike from the hotel, crossing the town of Chamonix and entering the forest. Ascend a steep trail passing the Blaitiere farm to reach the "Grand Balcon," from where we have a fabulous view of the Chamonix Aiguilles towering above us. We traverse below these towering peaks toward the Montenvers railway sitting high above the Mer de Glace glacier. We may see alpinists on the glacier. Return to Chamonix by the cog railway. (5 hours hiking)
The Lakes of the Aiguilles Rouges (France)
North of Chamonix the massif of the Aiguilles Rouges offer beautiful views of the Mont Blanc massif. A telepherique allows us to quickly escape the valley floor for hikes to luminescent mountain lakes. According to the group's hiking abilities (and the weather forecast), two hiking options are available: one to Lake Cornu, a five-hour hike with an ascent/descent of 1,500 feet; or a hike to White Lake, an easier three-hour hike that offers a reduced 600-foot ascent and a 1,500-foot descent.
Courmayeur to Bonatti Refuge (Italy)
On the Italian side of Mont Blanc is the resort town of Courmayeur (4,014'), spectacularly situated beneath the Grand Jorasses and Brenva Glacier. Here the views of Mont Blanc are Himalayan in scale - the mountain rises in a breathtaking abruptness from the Veny Valley to the summit 10,000 feet above. We'll hike two hours from the town to the Bertone Refuge, with its views of the entire Aosta Valley of Italy. We can continue to the well-known Bonatti Refuge, which faces the famous peaks and needles of the Grandes Jorasses. From here we descend into the Val Ferret, a beautiful valley connecting Italy and Switzerland, and meet a waiting vehicle that takes us back to Chamonix. (6 hours hiking, 2,100' up, 1,500' down, 35-minute transfer)
Emosson Dam (Switzerland)
Not far from Chamonix in Switzerland is a dam from which there are several splendid hiking options. Starting from the Passet Pass, we follow a trail to a terraced plateau with unobstructed views of the Tour Glacier, neighboring Swiss summits, and a background view of the summit of Mont Blanc. We descend through the wild and narrow Veudale gorge and reach a transfer vehicle for a return to Chamonix. (7 hours hiking, 2,100' up and down, 1 hour total vehicle transfer)
The Combe of Fours (France)
With a little distance from the Mont Blanc massif, we can get a full appreciation of just how magnificent it really is. Just above the village of Sallanches in the Aravis massif is a small valley where reclusive mountain goats called chamois live undisturbed. From this valley, we'll have views of the Mont Blanc massif in all its majesty. (6 hours hiking, 2,400' up, 2,400' down, 45-minute transfer)
The Junction (France)
This is another challenging hiking option, one of the best the region has to offer. A classic route on the circuit, this trail connecting two glaciers is absolutely spectacular. (8 hours hiking, 3,600' up and down)Accommodation: Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix
Accommodation: Auberge du Manoir
Accommodation: Hotel PrieureActivity: 5-8 hours/up to 10 miles hiking with 600-2,400' elevation gain & loss
Transportation: Up to 1.5 hours private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Return to Geneva & Depart
Day 6
Transfer to the Geneva airport for your homeward-bound flight. One group transfer is included, and will be scheduled to coordinate with your departure flight. Extra transfers can be arranged with an additional cost.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
2 to 3 guests from $5,195 per person double occupancy
4 to 7 guests from $4,695 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
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June, July, August, September
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Laurent Langoisseur
Laurent hails from Normandy, France, having grown up in Argentan. In 1991, he obtained his European Mountain Leader certification, and in 1995 he was awarded the coveted patch of the Compagnie des Guides. Laurent has been guiding for MT Sobek since 1995, and is a senior guide on our Alps trips, he has hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc close to 100 times! When he isn't guiding for MT Sobek, he teaches First Aid and Mountain Rescue to mountain and hiking guides. During the winter, he's a ski patrol monitor in the mountains above Chamonix.
Florence Simond
A native of Chamonix, Florence is a descendant from two of the area's oldest families. After growing up in the Chamonix Valley, "Flo" spent several years in the south of France, and then traveled abroad to South America and Asia. She returned to her ancestral home, where the mountains now form an integral part of her life. She has led nearly 50 trips to the Alps, not counting how many times she has done this trip for her own fun! In addition to being an accomplished hiking guide, Flo is a skier and climber. As a member of the Compagnie des Guides, she follows in the footsteps of her forefathers.
Beatrice Mugnier
Beatrice is a native of Chamonix, France, and has been guiding professionally in the Alps since 1989. She comes from a family of mountain climbers and her grandfather was also a professional mountain guide. Aside from being an expert hiking guide, Beatrice is also an avid climber and accomplished skier, and is a ski instructor during the winter months. She loves the mountains and will share her enthusiasm and in-depth experience with you during your trip.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 3. Although the trails are in excellent shape, this is a hard hike. You should be able to walk 10 miles per day for 6 days with elevation gains between 1,000' and 4,000'. You do not need to be a great athlete to do this tour, but being in good shape is highly recommended.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 2
5-8 hours/up to 10 miles hiking with 600-2,400' elevation gain & loss
Accommodations
Based in Chamonix, France at the foot of Mont Blanc, this trip offers comfortable accommodations in a 4-star hotel with the most common amenities.
Grand Hotel des Alpes-Chamonix
Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc in the heart of Chamonix, the Grand Hotel des Alpes is centrally located, just minutes from the lake, the lift to the Aiguille du Midi, and the old town. The traditional blue shuttered building, built in 1840 but newly renovated, offers 30 handsome rooms with extensive amenities including concierge service and afternoon tea.
Auberge du Manoir
This hotel was transformed from a farm into a beautiful alpine chalet. Complete with a fireplace lounge, travelers can enjoy hearty traditional alpine breakfasts each morning, and ideal scenario before days of adventure and exploration in the Alps. Much like many of the other accommodations in the Alps, the hotel offers a nice spa complete with an outdoor jacuzzi and sauna. The rooms are charmingly furnished in addition offering televisions and WiFi. Overlooking Mont Blanc, the Auberge du Manoir is just a few minute walk to the city center, and the perfect place to recharge on an adventure through this alpine environment.
Hotel Prieure
Experience classic Alpine hospitality in downtown Chamonix at one of the "Best Mont Blanc" unique mountain hotels. Completely renovated in 2015, chalet-style rooms feature en suite bathrooms, complimentary tea/coffee, free wifi, and mini-bar. Just a short walk to the Aiguille du Midi cable car!
Weather
The days can change from hot to cold and wet. Snow is even possible in the high passes. Come prepared for everything.
FAQs
What is the food like on this trip? I'm gluten free. Will I find enough to eat?
There will be plenty of meats, cheeses, salads and fresh fruit. If you are gluten free, your guides will consult with the restaurants to ensure you have plenty to eat.
If I want to skip a day of hiking and rest, can I do so on this trip?
Yes, you can skip a day of hiking and rest.
Do you supply hiking poles that I can use or borrow?
No. We recommend that you bring your own hiking poles. They are very useful on this trip.
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