Experience Overview
If you’re looking for unforgettable alpine views, rewarding hikes and a fantastic place to rest your head each night, you’ve come to the right place. Set out on an eight-day hiking adventure through the Alps where you’ll explore the white landscapes on foot each day before returning to your base in Chamonix. With cable car rides included on several days, you’ll spend more time exploring and less time tackling tiring climbs – and with an International Mountain Leader guiding the way, you can trust that you’re in safe hands.
Highlights
- Spend a week hiking the French Swiss Alps to see some of Europe’s most beautiful natural sights, including glaciers, lakes and mountains.
- Soar over spectacular scenery and soak in unbeatable views during a series of cable car rides, meaning you can walk through the region’s best landscapes without the tiring climbs.
- Explore with an experienced International Mountain Leader – a highly qualified guide who will ensure the group’s safety while bringing the scenery to life.
- Stay in a historic hotel in the heart of Chamonix , surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Unpack just once and enjoy an epic location that can’t be topped.
- Hiking can really work up an appetite, which is why all meals are included on hiking days, ensuring you’re fuelled up for your adventures.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3180
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: On Foot,Cable Car,Train,Public Bus,Private Vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: ZFXM
Starts: Chamonix, France
Finishes: Montets pass, France
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Demanding
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (5), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3200 (CAD 400 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenue! Welcome to the French Alps. It’s recommended that you fly into Geneva airport, where bus transfers are readily available to Chamonix – the French town where you’ll be based for this adventure. When you arrive, settle into your accommodation – a historic and scenic hotel, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, that’s been run by the same family since its opening in 1914. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your local leader and the other traveller. After, maybe get to know each other over dinner in one of Chamonix’s local restaurants.
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning you’ll take a cable car up to Bellevue. Not only does this cable car journey make the day’s hike more pleasant, you’ll also be treated to spectacular sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the Chamonix Needles, the Mont Blanc massif and the Aravis Range. Hike along the path of famous Tour du Mont Blanc, in the forests below the Bionnassay glacier, before hiking up the little summit of Tete de la Charme (1882 m). Descend to the village of Bionnassay for a taste of typical life in the mountains, and perhaps visit the local museum. Transfer back to your accommodation in Chamonix and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Included Activities:
- Bellevue cable car ride
- Tête de la Charme summit hike
Optional Activities:
- Bionnassay museum visit (6 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up and breathe in the fresh mountain air before heading out for another active day. Catch a train to the village of Le Tour, then start your hike through the Balme mountain pastures, first crossing through the untamed Posettes pass. Take some time to admire the iconic needles of the Mont Blanc massif, stretching from the Aiguille du Tour through the Drus and the famous Aiguille du Midi. You’ll also be able to see across to Switzerland and the Emosson Dam. Return to Chamonix by train and enjoy and evening at leisure.
Included Activities:
- Col de Balme & Col du Posettes guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to take on your own adventure. You may like to spend some time exploring the numerous bars, cafes and restaurants that line the streets of Chamonix. Or perhaps you’d rather set out in search of breathtaking views – there are several cable car excursions available from Chamonix, one of the most spectacular being the ascent to Aiguille du Midi (3842 m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. If you fancy getting active, there are loads of mountain biking, white water rafting, paragliding and hiking options in the area.
Optional Activities:
- Aiguille du Midi cable car ride (100 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today’s hike will lead you to Lac Blanc, also known as the mirror of Mont Blanc. First, climb into the mountains on the Flegere cable car, which offers amazing alpine views that can only be seen by those travelling this way. After your ride, begin your hike towards the lake – one of the most beloved and celebrated walking routes in the region. Follow a high balcony path while keeping an eye out for wildlife – marmots, ibex and eagles are all frequently spotted along this trail! When you arrive at Lac Blanc, take some time to admire the snowy peaks in the reflective water – this is one scene you won’t forget. Give your legs a well-earned rest and return via the Flegere cable car, descending into the beautiful valley below.
Included Activities:
- Flégère cable car ride round trip, Lac Blanc guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your hike today will lead you from Chamonix to Mer de Glace – France’s largest glacier. Lying above the Chamonix valley, this sprawling stretch of ice is one of the region’s most impressive sights. Walk uphill through dense patches of forest, taking in fantastic views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. After reaching the glacier, you have the option to continue a downhill loop back to Chamonix, or you may prefer to take the Montenvers train for a shorter scenic trip back.
Included Activities:
- La mer de Glace guided hike
Optional Activities:
- Montenvers Train trip (30 EUR)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll take the cable car up to Brevent Station for perhaps the best view of Mont Blanc and the expansive Chamonix Valley – what better way to celebrate your last full day in the French Alps! Look over the Brevent Pass, then continue hiking to the Bel Lachat refuge and up to Brevent Lake, the perfect spot to pause and admire the landscape. Soak in views of the Mont Blanc massif and a land of ice and rock below. In the afternoon, take a scenic cable car ride, dropping from 2500 m all the way to Chamonix, sitting at 1000 m above sea level. Tonight, you may like to gather with your group for a final dinner to look back on everything you’ve seen and achieved over the past week.
Included Activities:
- Brévent cable car ride, Brévent pass & Bel Lachat guided hike
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast today, but for those keen to keep the fun going, there’s time for one last walk. Speak to your leader about the option of an unaccompanied bus ride and 1-hour signposted walk through flower-covered meadows to the Col des Montets. If you would like to extend your stay and need help organising additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Optional Activities:
- Col des Montets guided hike - Free
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Sally - Traveled, September 2023
Mont Blanc Highlights was a terrific tour. The hikes around the Mont Blanc area were spectacular and the inclusion of cable cars and chair lifts to access the higher meadows was great. Coming back to a comfortable hotel room at the end of the day was a real bonus. Danny our guide organised delicious picnic lunches and was very knowledgeable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/05/2023
Heather - Traveled, July 2023
If you’re a walker this trip is a Must. The scenery is incredible, the guide is experienced and staying in Chaminoix is ideal
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Nina - Traveled, June 2023
This was a fantastic tour in a great destination! Chamonix is so beautiful and the walks were challenging and the views were super rewarding.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
Nancy - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was amazing, far-surpassing all of my expecations! The scenery is extremely beautiful, the hikes are well thought-out, the included meals and transporation are all good. Best of all, our Mountaineering Guide was awesome--he was extremely knowledgable, personable, and helpful, and made the trip truly enjoyable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/09/2023
Susan - Traveled, June 2023
Our Mont Blanc Highlights trip was lovely. The daily hikes were the perfect length and offered breathtaking views. Our guide, Bene, was wonderful (and fun!) and took excellent care of our group. And our hotel was quite comfortable and conveniently located in Chamonix. Intrepid also provided very helpful pre-trip information. Communication was excellent between the time of booking through the trip..We had an amazing time and would highly recommend this tour and Intrepid Travel.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/02/2023
Hansel - Traveled, June 2023
A fantastic trip in an amazing location! Tour was well organized, group was great, and our guide (Bené) did an excellent job. Make note of the physical rating - the hikes were reasonably challenging but I felt well prepared. In hot weather some hikes would be a little more difficult.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
Nina - Traveled, August 2023
This trip was a brilliant experience to meet new people and hike everyday. The hikes were of medium difficulty but our tour guide nicole was exellent and looked after everyone on the trip. She made the experience of Intrepid!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Stephen - Traveled, September 2023
Hiking in Chamonix with Intrepid left a wonderful glow which lasted for the rest of our European trip. This was clearly a highlight! Challenging hiking with incredibly beautiful vistas! Our guide, Julia shared a wealth of information with our small group which truly enhanced our experience. Looking forward to our next Intrepid adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/27/2023
Steven - Traveled, September 2023
It is a great way to hike in the alps. Staying in one hotel with a spa for the whole week was wonderful. Every hike was different & very doable from 7.5 to 4.4 miles.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/15/2023
cindy - Traveled, August 2023
Mont Blanc Highlights was a amazing trip. Our mountain guide Pierre was 10/10. He challenged us and encouraged us, but also made modifications to accommodate the groups’ fitness levels without compromising anyone. He was thoughtful and kind. Coming back to the gorgeous hotel each night was fabulous as we could make the most of the charming town of Chamonix and rest up in a comfortable bed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Emily - Traveled, July 2023
This hiking trip was just what I needed after a little international travel hiatus following the pandemic. It was great to be active outdoors and meeting new people in such a beautiful place (who were all awesome by the way!! We were lucky to have such a great group!). Hikes were challenging and consistent with the physical rating on the website, and the breathtaking views at every turn make it very worth it and rewarding. I hope to return and do the full Tour du Mont Blanc at some point so this was a great preview. We all loved Oliver, he was truly an excellent tour leader! He kept a reasonable and steady pace for all, found perfect scenic spots for lunches while also creating beautiful spreads for us in minutes, answered all of our many questions (and by “our” I mean “my”), was our personal on tour animal whisperer and professional photographer, sharing his work with us each day. He also navigated us through unpredictable weather so we were never trapped on a mountain in treacherous conditions (huge!) and was good with altering timing/length of hikes based on our level of fatigue and likelihood of scenic views. Overall, Oliver was incredibly kind, friendly, knowledgeable and made this experience especially special and wonderful. Bravo Oliver!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/24/2023
Sylvia - Traveled, July 2023
If you are energetic and like trekking but don't want to organise it yourself this is an excellent trip. The scenery is out of this world and the demands were not daunting. Chamonix is a beautiful village and the day off in the middle is a lovely sojourn. It is not for those who are unfit, who don't want to make any effort, are not resilient or have had no experience with difficult conditions or the wrong gear. I loved this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Lynne - Traveled, July 2023
I have just got back from doing the Mont Blanc Highlights tour, wow just fantastic beautiful scenery every day, and probably the best tour leader you could imagine. Thanks Danny for a wonderful trip anyone who travels with you can guarantee a fantastic time.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/22/2023
Lucky - Traveled, August 2023
Amazing trip . Had a great tour guide a local woman called Nicole who knew lots about the area and kept a nice pace .would definitely recommend the mont blanc/chamonix trip to a friend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Cheryl - Traveled, June 2023
This trip was wonderful with breathtaking views from the mountains. Our guide, Nicole, was amazing and her knowledge of the mountains really made this trip exceptional. I do think that the physical rating should be upgraded to at least a 4, some of those hikes were really difficult.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Julia - Traveled, June 2022
A beautiful, active, delicious trip! During the hikes there were breathtaking views along the way, the town was picturesque, and even the view from the hotel courtyard was just lovely. The Hotel Richemond and the proprietors were a charming highlight: so friendly and good-naturedly accommodating to our non-French-speaking ways. Their food recommendations were spot-on. The hotel is centrally located and it was great fun to stroll around, with plenty of local shops and restaurants to explore. This was our second time traveling with Intrepid on a 3/5 activity rating trip (first was Italian Lakes: Hike, Bike, & Kayak, which was fabulous). This trip was significantly more strenuous. From our group, those who felt most comfortable with the difficulty of the hikes were people who hike as a consistent hobby, and/or who are very physically active regularly. I'm not a fan of heights, and so I stayed very cautious at a few points, but those moments were a very small portion of any given hike, and were far outweighed by the fun and beauty. We were happy that we chose the June trip over one in July or August (no A/C in the hotel, windows open helped a lot but even so we used the personal fan we brought). It might tell you something about this trip that even though the hikes left us physically exhausted, we overall are glad we went and would like to come back to visit charming Chamonix and its gorgeous views, outdoor adventures, and delicious food! 4.5/5 stars overall which I'll round up to a 5!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/13/2022
Jodi - Traveled, July 2022
A gorgeous way to experience Chamonix Mont Blanc. You will be taken to unreal and spectacular places without having to do any research or planning. The trip is rated a 3 out of 5, but the hikes, combined with the elevation, are quite intense. Hiking regularly to prepare for this trip would be a good idea. Also, if you can, arrive a day or two early to acclimate to the elevation. We spent a day prior to the start of the trip going to Mer de Glacé which was amazing and helped me to acclimate a bit. Nicole, our guide, was amazing with her knowledge of the area and took us to unreal lunch spots. It was an incredible nature reset!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/01/2022
Thomas - Traveled, June 2022
This trip was outstanding in every respect! The hikes were exhilarating and the scenery was spectacular. Our guide was welcoming and knowledgeable, and everyone in our group was friendly and engaging. The hotel was charming and the restaurants where we ate were uniformly good. I literally enjoyed every minute!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2022
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