Mont Blanc offers an unusual variety of spectacular scenery, from terrific glaciers, the Mont Blanc Massif to alpine lakes, mountain streams and charming villages. Here nature reserves have protected the rare wild flora and fauna that abound in the higher reaches.
Your trip starts in Argentiere, nestled in a bustling valley at the foot of the highest range in Europe, the Mont Blanc Massif.
On a clear day, a visit up the Aiguille de Midi (3842 meters above sea level) is breathtaking-you will feel on "top of the world". You then start your walk following the mountain streams along the valley bottom from Chamonix to the town of Argentiere. During the next walking day, you will cross from France into Switzerland to the village of Finhaut at 1237 meters above sea level which (as the name implies) is perched high on the mountain with spectacular views.
Cable cars and chairlifts enable you to ascend to Emosson Lake. Prehistoric dinosaur tracks are also close at hand above Vieux Emosson Lake. Gorges such as the Trient gorges or the Tete Noir gorges make an interesting walk. You will also be able to walk along the mighty Trient glacier to Lac Champex.
The walks are generally between six and nine miles per day with the option of shorter walks.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix (1,5 hours). You will be met by your guide at Geneva airport at 2 pm at the arrivals hall. You will then be transferred by mini bus from Geneva airport to Chamonix. The bustling town of Chamonix is at the foot of the Mount Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain. You will arrive in time for evening dinner and welcome drinks at the hotel bar. Followed by dinner, your guide will outline the week's itinerary in more detail.
Day 2: Train to La Mer de Glace and stroll back down. Afternoon offers free time in Chamonix. Options include taking the cable car to the Aiguille de Midi at 12,000 feet, strolling around the streets of Chamonix or walking along the river bed towards Argentiere and back.
Day 3: Chamonix-Col de la Forclaz- Finhaut (6 hours). You’ll take a cable car to Le Brevent and stroll along the high alpine ridge, passing by Lac Blanc and Col des Montets. One of the Mont Blanc most memorable hikes, you will be rewarded with stunning views over the Mt Blanc and the glacier d’Argentiere. There is a lovely lunch stop at La Flegere. From here you are driven through the border to Switzerland where you will overnight in peaceful Finhaut.
Day 4: Today the group takes the bus to Lake Emosson. You then walk along one of Europe’s most impressive route and up to the lake of Vieux Emosson, where prehistoric dinosaur tracks are still to be seen. Return via the same way and then back down to Finhaut (5 hours return).
Day 5: You are driven to Col de la Forclaz where you start today’s walk. Today you will walk alongside the Trient Glacier and over the Col du Fenètres before reaching the crystal clear lake of Champex (6 hours). A rare selection of alpine flowers and mountain goats are common along this valley. Picnic lunch en route today. Today’s walk will take you to the highest point of the trip at 8,800 feet and will offer you amazing views over the Trient glacier.
Day 6: Today you take the chair lift to La Braye and walk to the Orny mountain hut overlooking the Orny glacier. You walk back to Champex Lac allowing time to explore the Botanical garden and outdoor swimming pool (4 hours).
Day 7: You will be transferred after breakfast from Champex to Geneva airport for your departure flight. Approximately an 1 ½ hours drive.
2008 Dates: July 26-August 1, August 23-29, August 30-September 5.
Meeting Point: Geneva Airport. Transfers are included at pre-set time.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking mainly on tracks and paths, sometimes steep. Walk between 6 and 9 miles a day with option of shorter walks.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$2,025 per person, shared; $235 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 6 nights accommodation
- 5 days of guided walking
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- Guide
- Transfers to/from Geneva airport at pre-set time
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Switzerland
Walking Tours
Glacier Tours
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