Are you planning to take on the Tour du Mont Blanc in a week? Then you have come to the right place! This blog post will provide a phased planning guide for you to maximize your experience and make the most of your trip.
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Step 1: Argentiere -Trient – Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a challenging 8-day trek that takes you around the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc. The first stage of the trek begins in Argentiere, a charming mountain village in the Chamonix Valley, and ends in Trient. This section of the tour is relatively easy and is an ideal way to get acclimatized to the altitude.
The route follows the Valley des Glaciers, a narrow valley that stretches between the Aiguille Rouges to the north and the Aiguille du Midi to the south. Along the way, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of glaciers, wildflowers, and snow-capped mountains. This stage of the tour takes you past traditional Alpine villages and chalets, giving you a taste of the traditional culture of this region.
The route begins with a gentle climb from Argentiere and then descends into Trient. As you pass through Trient, you’ll have spectacular views of the valley and the surrounding peaks. The final stretch of the route passes through meadows and farms before arriving at Trient. From here, you can continue to Orsieres, your next stop on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Step 2: Trient – Orsieres
This stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most beautiful and challenging legs of the entire journey. Starting in Trient, you’ll follow the TMB trail as it winds through the Alps and up towards the highest peak in the area, Mont Blanc. You’ll ascend nearly 1800m throughout this section, so it’s important to plan your route and make sure you have the proper gear to complete it.
The first stop on this leg of the tour is Col de la Forclaz, a stunning pass between the two valleys that you’ll traverse on your way to Orsieres. Here, you can take a break, admire the views, and fuel up before continuing. The next stretch takes you up the Val d’Entremont, winding past secluded mountain hamlets and through stunning mountain scenery. Once you’ve reached the top of the valley, you’ll head down towards Champex-Lac, where you can take in yet another stunning view before continuing towards Orsieres.
As you descend further down into Orsieres, you’ll have an opportunity to marvel at the breathtaking views of the Arolla Valley and the majestic Mont Blanc. Once you’ve reached Orsieres, you’ll be treated to a well-deserved rest at one of its many cozy chalets and hostels. With its cobblestone streets and traditional Swiss architecture, Orsieres is one of the most charming stops on the TMB tour. Take a few moments to explore the town before setting off for the next leg of your journey.
Step 3: Orsieres – Arnouva – Tour du Mont Blanc
The third leg of your Tour du Mont Blanc in 8 days journey will take you from Orsieres to Arnouva. Starting in Orsieres, you will be following a section of the GR5 Trail towards the beautiful village of St. Jean de Sixt, located on the banks of the river Arve. From here, you will have stunning views of Mont Blanc and its surrounding mountains, as you make your way up toward the Col de Balme.
Once you’ve made it up to the col, you can take a break at the nearby mountain refuge for lunch and take in the incredible views. Afterward, your path will continue onwards toward the villages of Trient and Les Varrilands. Be sure to take some time to explore these quaint alpine towns before heading toward Arnouva.
As you make your way toward Arnouva, you will pass by some spectacular alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and amazing views of the valley below. After passing through a few more small villages, you will eventually arrive in Arnouva where you can rest for the night before starting on the fourth leg of your Tour du Mont Blanc journey.
Step 4: Arnouva – La Palud
Day 4 of the Tour du Mont Blanc will take you from Arnouva to La Palud. This section of the tour is one of the most challenging, but it is also one of the most beautiful.
The route begins in Arnouva and follows the valley of Val Ferret. Along the way, you’ll pass through several picturesque villages, including Ferret, Pre de Bar, and La Fouly. You’ll also have a chance to admire some stunning mountain scenery as you make your way up to La Palud.
As you make your way to La Palud, you’ll pass through two high passes: the Col des Montets and the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Both of these passes offer stunning views of the mountains surrounding them, so be sure to take your time and savor the scenery!
Once you reach La Palud, you’ll have the chance to explore the town and its surroundings. This small village is known for its breathtaking views of the Aiguille Verte, as well as its abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing. It’s the perfect place to relax after a long day of trekking.
By the end of Day 4, you’ll have completed a significant portion of the Tour du Mont Blanc and will be ready to tackle the remaining sections. With careful planning and careful navigation, you can make it to La Palud in one day.
Step 5: Courmayeur – Les Chapieux – Tour du Mont Blanc
The fifth day of your Tour du Mont Blanc journey will take you from Courmayeur to Les Chapieux, following the Val Veny and Val Ferret. This section of the tour is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty and is a favorite among experienced hikers.
The day begins in the beautiful resort town of Courmayeur, located in the shadow of Mont Blanc. After enjoying a hearty breakfast in town, you’ll begin the trek with a climb up to the Col de la Seigne at 2537m. As you ascend, you’ll be able to take in the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
From the Col de la Seigne, you’ll continue to Les Chapieux, descending through meadows and forests and passing some stunning alpine lakes along the way. You’ll also have an opportunity to admire the impressive waterfalls that pour down the sides of the mountains.
When you reach Les Chapieux, you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of the village’s local restaurants. Make sure to save some energy for tomorrow, as you’ll be setting off early to tackle the final stretch of your Tour du Mont Blanc.
Step 6: The Chapieux – The Contamines
The Chapieux – The Contamines
The sixth day of your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary takes you from The Chapieux to The Contamines. You’ll leave The Chapieux and make your way up to the Col des Fours, a pass with stunning views of glaciers and mountains. From here, you’ll follow a ridge down to the Refuge de La Balme before continuing to Bonhomme. Then, you’ll descend a steep trail until you reach the small village of The Contamines.
Once in The Contamines, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the valley and the mountains that surround it. You can also take a short side trip to Lac des Cornes and admire the impressive waterfalls. Make sure to take some time to explore the area, take pictures, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
At the end of the day, you’ll have an overnight stay at one of the cozy lodges in The Contamines, where you can relax and recharge for the next stage of your journey.
Step 7: Les Contamines – Chamonix – Tour du Mont Blanc
The final stage of your Tour du Mont Blanc experience will take you from Les Contamines to Chamonix. It is a beautiful, yet challenging hike with stunning mountain views and lots of adventure.
The first part of the journey takes you up to the Armancette Valley, where you will be able to take in the majestic beauty of the surrounding mountains. As you climb higher and higher, the view of Mont Blanc, Aiguille de Blaitière, and Aiguille des Glaciers will begin to take shape.
Once you reach the Col de Balme, you will have completed the steepest part of the hike. The trail then flattens out and descends into Les Houches, a quaint village nestled in the valley below. This is where you will stop for lunch before continuing to Chamonix.
As you follow the trail along the Arve River, it will eventually lead you to Chamonix. Here you can soak up the views of Mont Blanc and end your tour with a well-deserved celebratory drink!
This final stage of your Tour du Mont Blanc journey is sure to be an unforgettable experience. You will witness breathtaking views, take in the fresh mountain air, and enjoy some peaceful moments as you reflect on your amazing adventure.
Step 8: Chamonix – Argentiere
The final stretch of your Tour du Mont Blanc journey starts with a climb from Chamonix to the Col des Montets. After a brief descent, you will ascend again, to the Pointe de l’Arpette, at an elevation of 2,466 m (8,082 ft). Here you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Valley Blanche and Mont Blanc massif. You will then descend steeply through rugged terrain and continue to the Lac Blanc, where you can take a break and soak in the stunning surroundings.
Your next stop will be at Les Houches, where you can explore the nearby town and the forests. Then, it’s time for the last major ascent of the Tour du Mont Blanc: to La Flegere at 1,850 m (6,070 ft). From here, you will have spectacular views of the Aiguilles Rouges, the Chamonix Valley, and the Mer de Glace.
Finally, you will descend back to Argentiere, completing your 8-day Tour du Mont Blanc journey.
Everything you need to know before you travel to Tour Du Mont Blanc – Tour du Mont Blanc
Everything you need to know before you travel to Tour Du Mont Blanc
Before you begin your 8-day Tour du Mont Blanc journey, it’s important to make sure you’re adequately prepared. This includes having the right equipment, food, clothing, and safety considerations. Here’s what you need to know:
Equipment: For the Tour du Mont Blanc, you will need a good quality backpack, waterproof jacket, trekking poles, comfortable hiking shoes or boots, a sleeping bag, and a map or GPS device. You may also want to bring a light tent, depending on where you plan to stay each night.
Food: Bring along high-energy snacks such as trail mix and dried fruits that are easy to carry in your backpack. Make sure you have enough food to last the entire trip.
Clothing: The weather in the Alps can change quickly, so you need to be prepared for all types of conditions. Bring along plenty of layers and make sure to pack a hat, gloves, and warm socks.
Safety: Be aware of the changing conditions on the trails and take precautions accordingly. Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Bring a first aid kit and know how to use it.
With the proper planning and preparation, your Tour du Mont Blanc experience will be one to remember!
Congratulations on reaching the end of this planning guide for your Tour du Mont Blanc in 8 Days journey! We hope it has been helpful and that you are now ready to take on this amazing challenge. As you prepare for your upcoming trip, remember to take precautions such as packing the proper clothing, supplies, and any necessary medications. Additionally, make sure to keep an eye on weather forecasts and trail conditions as they can change quickly.
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