The "white mountain" exerts a special wonder - and not only for alpinists. There is no other way: you simply have to be impressed by the Mont Blanc massif with its glittering glaciers, sparkling mountain lakes and steep rock faces. The famous Tour du Mont Blanc leads once around the mighty massif and through three countries: France, Switzerland and Italy.
Details of the tour around the eastern Mont Blanc massif
This trekking tour with Eurohike is dedicated to the eastern part of the Mont Blanc circuit. Already on the first stage, a scenic highlight awaits you that is second to none: via an old pass road and a scenic descent, the route leads to the "Lac de Champex" and into the so-called "Canada of Switzerland".
If there is one thing not lacking on this trip, it is wonderful mountain valleys, such as the Val Ferret. Here the route leads to the Italian side of the massif, where the outstanding views can be admired even better over a capuccino. After a detour to the delightful Courmayeur, the route continues swiftly into the Veny Valley and finally you reach the French border via the last pass of the trip.
Highlights of the hiking tour with Eurohike
The imposing Mont Blanc massif: At 4,807 metres, Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the group of the same name and also in the Alps, but its "partners" are almost on a par with it. Eleven of the 24 peaks of the massif exceed 4,000 metres. In contrast, there are deeply sloping mountain valleys.
Enjoy the "Lac de Champex": Dark green forests, picturesque wooden buildings and a lake at 1,467 metres above sea level that seems both inviting and mysterious. Every now and then you may encounter a fisherman, and in warm temperatures you can explore it yourself by boat or stand-up paddle board.
Beautiful mountain valleys: Whether the Val Ferret, the Vallée des Glaciers or the Veny Valley - you simply have to experience these places for yourself and then you may be able to decide where you like it best. We can't by the way, they are all just beautiful....
Historical retrospection in Courmayeur: Located in the Italian Aosta Valley, it's not just wonderful Italian delicacies that can be enjoyed and architectural sights explored here. In the Museo Duca degli Abruzzi you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history of local alpinism.
Useful information about trekking on Mont Blanc
Experience in alpine trekking is required here, as the Tour du Mont Blanc is no walk in the park and even requires some preparation. But believe us: it pays off - and how! These experiences will accompany you all your life. Our route, into which we have put our extensive experience, will also inspire you.
We also cover the western part of the Tour du Mont Blanc in our travel repertoire - why not take a look? General information on climbing Mont Blanc can be found here.
The little town Martigny lies in an idyllic spot close to river Rhône. Go for a walk and visit the castle La Batiaz or endulge yourself in one of the many restaurants.
Early in the morning by bus or transfer to Trient. Your first hiking day starts by climbing the legendary old pass trail to Col de la Forclaz, an important junction between Rhônetal and Chamonix. From the top of the pass, a beautiful forest trail guides you up and over the Collet Portalo peak to the mountaineer station Alp Bovine. Take rest on the alpine pasture before starting heading on a spectacular descent along high cliffs and across rustling mountain brooks. A typical farmhouse with homemade products awaits you in the valley. You can stop here to take a break. A gentle climb through small villages and woods takes you to the Lac de Champex lake that has crystal clear water. Not without reason is this place called the “Canada of Switzerland”: dark wooden houses and extensive, lone woodlands surround the frozen lake.
Good forest roads will take you down to the valley of the Dranse river; you will now follow its course through the quaint mountain villages of Valais. A beautiful path soon takes you further up, above the ravine of the mountain brook, till you reach the upper end of Swiss Val Ferret at La Fouly. You will be amazed by the sanded cliffs and massive glacier flanks that you will see all around you. Rock climbers and high alpinism enthusiasts will find countless bivouac huts as base camps for their mountain adventures. A cable car ride to the panorama point is a tempting proposition in the afternoon or you can simply enjoy total relaxation in the dreamlike alpine surroundings.
The first high pass and mountain pass to Italy awaits you here! After climbing the Alpe Peule, where you can stock up on supplies, you will hike on good roads till you reach Grand Col Ferret (2537 m). You can enjoy fascinating views of the Italian Val Ferret, which is flanked by greenery on one side and has rock edges and glaciated walls on the other. When you climb down, you will directly reach Refuge Elena, where you can sip an original espresso while enjoying an overwhelming view of the glacier from the terrace. A beautiful hiking trail along the stream will finally guide you to the valley. You will spend the night in a small chalet hotel directly at the valley head; a dreamlike, idyllic spot, where the nights are especially peaceful.
Your first climb in the morning will bring you to a great alpine path, which offers a wonderful mountain view and leads to Refuge Bonatti. You must not miss the halt at this legendary alpine hut! At this point, you have to make a choice: you can take the shorter and more levelled route along the mountain flank or you can cross two more passes and hike on the alpine path across the summits. Both offer a great alpine experience! Both routes meet in the cosy Rifugio Bertone, where cappuccino and cakes await the hikers. You will reach the pretty Italian town of Courmayeur in the afternoon. It is famous for its great alpine history and its panoramic views of Mont Blanc. The beautiful pedestrian area, well-kept bars and cafés attract people to visit this place.
In the morning transfer or by bus (depending on the season) to Chalet du Miage. On the sixth day, you will hike through the Veny valley, where you will discover impressive lateral moraines, bizarre limestone formations and hidden glacial lakes. Through the wide valley floor, you will hike to the alpine club hut called Rifugio Elisabetta. You can enjoy delicious Italian cottage specialities on its terrace. Via the Col de la Seigne (2516 m) pass, you will now reach the region of Hoch-Savoyen in France! Your destination is Vallée des Glaciers (valley of glaciers). You will then climb down to the leisurely French Alps location called Bourg-Saint-Maurice, which is located right next to river Isère.
approx. 4.5 hours
15 km
850 m
750 m
Day
7
Departure or extension
Tour character
You need to be physically fit to cope with the partially long legs of the hike. Hiking experience in alpine regions is a must. Though there are almost no exposed sites, one needs to be surefooted for the treks across the high mountain passes!
Die Trekking-Tour war sehr beeindruckend und die Panoramablicke auf den Mont Blanc und die Bergtäler einzigartig! Die Betreuung vor Ort hat super funktioniert und der Gepäcktransport war sehr hilfreich.
SabrinaHuberanswered:
Sehr geehrter Herr Meister, vielen Dank für wunderbares Feedback. Es freut uns sehr zu hören, dass Ihnen diese Trekking-Tour so gut gefallen hat und Sie zufrieden mit dem Gepäcktransport waren.