Tour du Mont Blanc Nord en liberté
France, Italie, Suisse, Alpes du Nord
Rando walk
Hike feasible in :
The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the most renowned walking trail in the Alps that runs 180km (112 miles) around the Mont Blanc, starting and finishing in Chamonix. This is the highest peak of Europe rising at 4807 m and a must do for all mountain hikers.
This famous and mythical Alpine trek takes place in surroundings of outstanding beauty close to the glaciers and offers a real adventure for trekking lovers in 3 countries : France, Italy and Switzerland.
You are likely to see marmots, ibex and other wild life and be delighted by the fairy-tale like hamlets.
Pedibus, the French Company located in Savoy was a pioneer in the so called TMB as a self-guided tour nearly 20 years ago.
Formerly only experienced hikers could venture into this mountain.
Pedibus proposes to medium walkers a 6 hiking day Tour du Mont Blanc which starts in Courmayer and ends in Chamonix.
The trail starts in front of Brenva Mont Blanc slope, towering over the Italian Val Ferret. The circle around the Mont Blanc leads you to the peaceful Swiss Val Ferret and finally ends at the Red Needles and the Chamonix Valley. Your luggage is transferred from stage to stage which gives the opportunity to discover the most interesting variants.
Travel diary
Day 01 : Meeting point at the train station of Chamonix at 4:30 pm sharp.
The taxi takes you through the Tunnel into Italy and the quiet Val d’Aoste. Night in Monte Bianco Hut, far from the crowded Chamonix. This hut offers fantastic views on the prestigious mythical tracks of the Mont Blanc such as the Aretes du Brouillard (Fog ridges), the Innominata and the Peuterey.
Day 02 : After visiting Notre Dame de la Guérison chapel (Our Lady of Recovery), you walk down to Courmayer (which can also be linked by bus) to enjoy a Cappuccino. If the weather is hot, the tough ascent through the scarce larches will be rewarded at the Pré de Saxe point (2000m) by a breathtaking view over the Grandes Jorasses and the Giant Teeth. A short nap is ideal here before starting the descent to the Italian Val Ferret and Lavachey where you stay for the night.
Elevation gain : +880/-880m Length : 17km Walking time : 5h45
Day 03 : Today the hike starts in the peaceful Italian Val Ferret up to the Glacier du Pré du Bar, that figures in a number of geography books. It is high time to face the tough ascent leading to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), the door to Switzerland. You are in front of the symbolic Mont Dolent where the 3 Italian, French and Swiss borders converge. Night in La Fouly (1600 m).
Elevation gain : +920/-860m Length : 17 km Walking time : 6h
Day 04 : This long gentle stage is an immersion in the mild Swiss Valais. You walk down the Swiss Val Ferret through the charming villages of La Fouly, Praz de Fort, les Arlaches and Issert. The traditional architecture is well preserved and the way is dotted with houses, barns and wooden attics on stilts called “raccard”. Walk through the forest and this maintained landscape up to the climatic station of Champex (1473m). Walk along the lake, take a nap and then reach the Val d’Arpette to spend the night.
Elevation gain : +630/-700m Length : 19 km Walking time : 5h15
Day 05 A slight descent before the ascent which starts gently and ends steeper towards the Alpages de Bovine (1987m). This is a balcony above the Rhone Valley offering wide open spaces and horizons over Martigny, the Valais and the Dents Blanches (White Teeth). The ascent ends in Collet Portalo (2049m) before the descent through a forest of larch trees. Enjoy the night at the Col de la Forclaz (1526m).
Elevation gain : +760/-860m Length : 13 km Walking time : 4h45
Jour 06 : After walking alongside the Bisse de Trient (canal dug into the rock), you climb up the path leading to the Bergeries des Grands (Sheep fold) (2113m) above the Glacier du Trient. Follow the footpath balcony to the Col de Balme (2191m) where you are back in France and the Chamonix Valley. Here is the Mont Blanc side which you discovered 5 days ago. Enjoy the splendid views on the Glacier du Tour and the Aiguille Verte (Green Needle). Night at the foot of the glacier in Tour.
Elevation gain : +900/-1050m Length : 17 km Walking time : 6h15
Day 07 : Climb up the ladders of the Argentière Aiguillette and reach the Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges (the Red Needles Balcony). Later on, appreciate an ultimate nap on the shores of one of the Lakes of Chéséry (2133m). End your hiking trip in a magnificent environment, in front of the Green Needle and the Drus. The arrival is scheduled around 6:00 pm at the station of Chamonix where you can pick up your baggage.
Elevation gain : +830/-1160m Length : 15 km Walking time : 6h15
The walking time has been estimated at a 300 meters per hour in ascents, 500 meters per hour in descents and 4km/hour (2.50 mph) on flat terrain.
Walking times do not include the breaks for lunch, naps or photos.
Imponderables may occur as well as changes that may alter the day by day program particularly regarding accommodation availability but these will be of little consequence on the route. Just trust us; these changes always take into account your own interest, your safety and comfort.
Day 01 : Meeting point at the train station of Chamonix at 4:30 pm sharp.
The taxi takes you through the Tunnel into Italy and the quiet Val d’Aoste. Night in Monte Bianco Hut, far from the crowded Chamonix. This hut offers fantastic views on the prestigious mythical tracks of the Mont Blanc such as the Aretes du Brouillard (Fog ridges), the Innominata and the Peuterey.
Day 02 : After visiting Notre Dame de la Guérison chapel (Our Lady of Recovery), you walk down to Courmayer (which can also be linked by bus) to enjoy a Cappuccino. If the weather is hot, the tough ascent through the scarce larches will be rewarded at the Pré de Saxe point (2000m) by a breathtaking view over the Grandes Jorasses and the Giant Teeth. A short nap is ideal here before starting the descent to the Italian Val Ferret and Lavachey where you stay for the night.
Elevation gain : +880/-880m Length : 17km Walking time : 5h45
Day 03 : Today the hike starts in the peaceful Italian Val Ferret up to the Glacier du Pré du Bar, that figures in a number of geography books. It is high time to face the tough ascent leading to the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), the door to Switzerland. You are in front of the symbolic Mont Dolent where the 3 Italian, French and Swiss borders converge. Night in La Fouly (1600 m).
Elevation gain : +920/-860m Length : 17 km Walking time : 6h
Day 04 : This long gentle stage is an immersion in the mild Swiss Valais. You walk down the Swiss Val Ferret through the charming villages of La Fouly, Praz de Fort, les Arlaches and Issert. The traditional architecture is well preserved and the way is dotted with houses, barns and wooden attics on stilts called “raccard”. Walk through the forest and this maintained landscape up to the climatic station of Champex (1473m). Walk along the lake, take a nap and then reach the Val d’Arpette to spend the night.
Elevation gain : +630/-700m Length : 19 km Walking time : 5h15
Day 05 A slight descent before the ascent which starts gently and ends steeper towards the Alpages de Bovine (1987m). This is a balcony above the Rhone Valley offering wide open spaces and horizons over Martigny, the Valais and the Dents Blanches (White Teeth). The ascent ends in Collet Portalo (2049m) before the descent through a forest of larch trees. Enjoy the night at the Col de la Forclaz (1526m).
Elevation gain : +760/-860m Length : 13 km Walking time : 4h45
Jour 06 : After walking alongside the Bisse de Trient (canal dug into the rock), you climb up the path leading to the Bergeries des Grands (Sheep fold) (2113m) above the Glacier du Trient. Follow the footpath balcony to the Col de Balme (2191m) where you are back in France and the Chamonix Valley. Here is the Mont Blanc side which you discovered 5 days ago. Enjoy the splendid views on the Glacier du Tour and the Aiguille Verte (Green Needle). Night at the foot of the glacier in Tour.
Elevation gain : +900/-1050m Length : 17 km Walking time : 6h15
Day 07 : Climb up the ladders of the Argentière Aiguillette and reach the Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges (the Red Needles Balcony). Later on, appreciate an ultimate nap on the shores of one of the Lakes of Chéséry (2133m). End your hiking trip in a magnificent environment, in front of the Green Needle and the Drus. The arrival is scheduled around 6:00 pm at the station of Chamonix where you can pick up your baggage.
Elevation gain : +830/-1160m Length : 15 km Walking time : 6h15
The walking time has been estimated at a 300 meters per hour in ascents, 500 meters per hour in descents and 4km/hour (2.50 mph) on flat terrain.
Walking times do not include the breaks for lunch, naps or photos.
Imponderables may occur as well as changes that may alter the day by day program particularly regarding accommodation availability but these will be of little consequence on the route. Just trust us; these changes always take into account your own interest, your safety and comfort.
Day 1 at 16:30 sharp in front of Chamonix train station.
If you arrive late: in case of last minute delay, leave a message to the taxi Besson (04 50 93 61 47 or 00 33 4 50 93 61 47).
If you are late (more than 15mn) the taxi will be charged (around 90 €).
Access by train: Chamonix station, plan to arrive the day before
Paris Gare de Lyon : 08h11 2 connexions 14h42 : Chamonix
Lyon Part Dieu : 10h34 2 connexions 14h42 : Chamonix
Marseille : 06h44 3 connexions 14h42 : Chamonix
Indicative schedule to be checked on SNCF website http://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en/
Access by car: Chamonix Station.
www.viamichelin.fr
Car Parks : All the car parks in Chamonix : http://www.chamonix.net/english/transport/parking
You can park in covered secure Parking d’Entrèves, (tel: 00 33 4 50 53 65 71), (address :275 promenade Marie Paradis). Take Chamonix South, road station Chamonix South. Price : aound 48 € per week.
Access by air : Geneva Airport : www.gva.ch
The airport has direct access from Check-in and Arrivals floors to European train. All the train stop at Geneva-Cornavin (town center) : 5 trains per hour, 7mn trip.
Travel tip : around 15 shuttle service Companies between Geneva airport and Chamonix. Low cost and more convenient than trains. They serve all the sites of the Chamonix Valley.
http://www.chamonix.net/francais/transport/transfert
On day 07 at 6:00 pm in front of Chamonix Station
By train: Chamonix station the next day
The next day : Chamonix : 07h14 2 connexions 12h49 : Paris Gare de Lyon
Chamonix : 07h14 2 connexions 11h22 : Lyon Part Dieu
Chamonix : 07h14 3 connexions 13h25 : Marseille
By Air: Geneva Airport : www.gva.ch
Shuttle or train service (see above)
Accommodation before or after the trek:
If you arrive a day before or leave the day after we can reserve additional nights in a “gîte d’étape” (mountain huts). They are all located in the Chamonix Valley (see the prices section underneath).
The shuttles and the small train of the Valley will take you easily to the accommodation or to the meeting point in Chamonix station. This service is charge less for the people staying in the Valley for the night.
Valid Identity card or passport
Insurance : A guarantee which covers “Search and Rescue” expenses is highly recommended. You can subscribe to our French insurance if your insurance coverage excludes this guarantee. In Switzerland particularly this type of Emergency Service is very expensive (around 4000 euros for a medical helicopter rescue)
For your security, we will ask your phone number tat you will have during your trip so that we can reach you case of any problem.
Height gain average : 740 m Maximum : 920 m
Length average : 15 km Maximum : 19 km
Walking time average : 5 h 30 mn Maximum : 6 h 15 mn
It is sometimes possible to shorten some of the steps with shuttles (only available in July and August).
Walking Level:
Level 3 which means 6 hours of walking per day with 600 to 800 m of elevation gain.
You are in a good physical shape and practice sports regularly (several hours per week
Some stages can be shortened taking the bus (extra cost) or the baggage taxi (around 30 € per lift).
Be carefull ! In early season (until the beginning of July), the walking conditions can be more difficult, as there is still some snow in some parts of the trip. Choose this time of the year only if you have experience.
Level of attention: A little attention and a few map reading notions are necessary. You only follow way-marked trails.
Self-guided trips do not have guides. The trip cost includes a Road Book with a detailed description of the route as well as a map of the region in question. Booking a self-guided trip implies that participants have an adequate knowledge of map-reading and orienteering. All participants must conduct themselves in a safe manner and follow the guidelines set in the Road Book.
Any participant must be conscious of risks incurred related to active travel and prepared to unexpected situations (fatigue, animal presence, alteration of the terrain, weather appreciation). You have to get informed at the Tourism Office where the daily weather report is displayed or call a weather forecast phone. In France the Savoy department number is 08 99 71 02 74
The Company cannot be held responsible for accidents caused by the carelessness of the participants (any mistake or change of route) or for any schedule change (late departure, too long picnic…)
Mobile telephone network does not work over the whole mountain area even if it reaches most of the villages (depending on your operator). In a great number of places your mobile will be useless. If you can reach any network, dial the 112 which is the emergency number.
Mountain Hut accommodation or Gîte d’étapes
Beds are equipped with blankets
Rooms are not available before 4:00 pm
The accommodation contact details are provided with your departure file
Dogs are not admitted
Dormitory option :
The dormitories comprise between 4 and 30 beds and include the half board (dinner + breakfast)
Bedrooms or ‘mini-dormitories” option
The bedrooms option means an accommodation in mini-dormitories (from 2 to 4 persons) and includes the half-board (dinner+breakfast). If you are a couple you are likely to share the room with 2 other people. Bathrooms are generally at the upper floor. One night on Day 2 is planned in a 8 person dormitory. The bedroom option is not a hotel-like accommodation, but mini-dormitories in huts.
Confort Option:
We can sometimes offer a bedroom for 2 people with shower, WC (in the room) and in half board (diner + night + breakfast).
Meals : Dinners offer the opportunity to taste local specialties. They are served around 7:30 pm and most of the time depend on a unique daily menu (with no other choice).
Continental breakfasts which can sometimes be served as buffet are served around 7h30 to 8:00 am. If you wish to have it earlier you will have to ask if this is possible to the hut host the day before.
Picnics : The package includes half-board.
You are in charge of the picnics. Picnics can be purchased directly to the hut (around 11 €) but you will have to order them in the evening. Picnics do not vary a lot.
You can also buy your lunch in Courmayeur, La Fouly et Champex.
A Taxi transfer is included on Day 1 between Chamonix and Courmayer. Please be on time or you will be charged for the lift (around 110 € per taxi).
No other taxi transfer included.
Shuttles to shorten some of the steps are only available in July and August.
Your luggage is taxi transferred from hut to hut.
Please, limit your luggage to one bag per person (preferably a back pack or a soft travel bag) that weighs no more than 10kg or you will be charged for EXTRA bags by the taxis!.
The taxis carrying your luggage have sometimes to walk a few hundred meters before reaching the accommodation. The Company can’t be held responsible for any damage on fragile items (computers for example).
A 8 to 9 kg luggage is enough:
The days are full so no need to bring a library;
Wet clothes can dry each night in the hut. No need to bring complete change clothes for every day;
Take a light pair of shoes for the evening;
Try to reduce the toilet things (samples, travel kits)
Once back home, make 3 piles: one with the things you really used, one with the things you barely used, and one with the things you did not use at all. For the next trek, avoid the last pile and ask whether you need the second !
Self-guided
Group of minimum 2 people
3 weeks before the departure you will receive the full documentation by email.
The rest of the documentation will be sent to the first hotel.
One travel documents for 2 to 5 persons. If you want to have extra documentation,
please ask for them when you reserve. You will be charged for it.
.
3 layers of clothes enable to face all the situations:
Breathable long sleeve under sweater (hollow fiber)
Warm fleece jacket
Waterproof and wind stopper jacket (Gore Tex type)
When the weather is fine, the under-sweater may be enough
When it rains, add the waterproof jacket
In severe colds or when you take a break the fleece jacket is necessary.
Bring clothes which can dry easily and quickly (don’t use cotton clothes but prefer wool, silk and synthetic fiber)
Remember to cover yourself before you are cold and to take your jacket off before you are too hot. Sweat is the hiker enemy because clothes are quickly wet and frozen when you stop walking for a while. Rarely would a hiker start the ascent with a fleece jacket.
Ideal list
1 hat or cap
1 scarf
Breathable short sleeve T-shirts (1 for 2 or 3 walking days)
1 breathable long sleeve or shirt
1 polar fleece jacket
1 wind stopper and waterproof jacket with a hood (Gore Tex type)
Large hiking pant
1 short
1 weatherproof pack cover
Hiking socks
Trekking pole/s
Underwear
Bathing suit (option)
1 comfortable pant for the evening
1 light pair of shoes for the evening
In June and September: Gloves/mits, cap,top, pants, gloves, socks, balaclava
PERSONAL GEAR
Rucksack/backpack 35/40 l
Weatherproof pack cover and a large plastic bag to protect the inside of the bag.
High quality Sunglasses
A Water bottle (1.5 l min)
Swiss army knife
Waterproof pocket for money, identity card and Insurance guarantee.
Toilet things (samples, travel kits..)
A quickly dried towel
Earplugs (optional)
Toilet paper + 1 lighter
Sunblock SPF 30+ and lip protection
Picnic plastic box, Knife, fork, spoon, glass
Torch or headlight
1 survival blanket
1 pair of trekking poles
1 sleeping bag liner (sleeping bags are useless)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
First kit Aid :
Your usual medecines
Pain relief drugs (paracetamol)
Sore throat pills, Tweezers
8 cm Adhesive layers (Elastoplast) Sticking plasters (assorted sizes) and toe blister bandages + sterile disinfectant wipes.
Dates and prices
Departure period : each Saturday from June 19th to September 11th
More than 5 people ? : You can choose your departure day.
The ideal season is July and August (before and after the weather conditions can be difficult (fog, snow, firn crossing,…) particularly on pass crossings.
The earlier you book the better. We have no pre-reserved rooms and some of them are already full several months in advance. Thanks to mention several choices of dates. (1 week before or after.)
2021 PRICES : 678 € per person (6 nights)
Extra charge for « mini-dormitories » option : + 132 €
Extra Charge for "Confort" room (if available) : + 132 € + 21 € per night
No single room
Extra night in dormitory option : + 47 €
Extra night in “mini-dormitories” option : + 56 €
Extra night in confort room : + 92 €
All Reservation changes (type of rooms, number of persons, departure date...) suppose a further 50 € fees. ONCE THE RESERVATIONS ARE MADE you will have to follow the program which has been decided. No change in dates and accommodation will be possible.
The price includes
The price includes :
- organisation fees
- Accommodation and half board
- Complete documentation
- The road book and the maps as well as the description of the most interesting variants.
- The taxi transfer between Chamonix and Courmayer on Day 1
- Baggage transfer from stage to stage
The price does not include
The price does not include:
- Lunches and drinks
- The shower tokens
- Any other personal expenses : other buses, equipment, ...
- The trip to the departure point
- Insurances : “Search and Rescue” and trip cancellation 3.9 %
-Everything not stated in the section "the price includes"