Internationale groepsreis Mont Blanc Highlights

Welcome to your comfortable alpine chalet, your beautiful base for this incredible walking holiday. We’ll walk into Chamonix in the afternoon, before a pre-dinner briefing from the walking leader, where you can ask any questions you may have.

Our first walk of the week is on the slopes of the Col de Balme from where we will have views back to Mont Blanc and into Switzerland. From the small hamlet of Montroc we have a short warm-up walk before the trail turns uphill on a steady zigzag path. As the trees thin, the views get even better and by late morning we reach L'Aiguillette des Posettes (7,220ft/2,200m). This is a peak from which we are rewarded with a panorama over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, and around to Switzerland. The path continues down to the Col des Posettes and then on a steady trail becoming ever more winding and finally down to La Tour.

Today we have a spectacular walk from the Merlet park up to the Bel Lachat refuge on the classic Tour de Mont Blanc and GR5 routes. Crossing the beautiful Carlaveyron Natural Reserve, we summit the Aiguillette des Houches (7,500ft/2,285m) for one of the finest views in the Alps - looking directly across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc summit. Passing through alpine meadows we descend by a different route to La Flatière.

Approximately a 35-minute transfer from our chalet brings us to Les Contamines valley which is where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. The day starts on a valley path that narrows and steepens as we climb up towards the Passerelle de Bionnassay, a dramatic suspension bridge spanning a white-water stream that tumbles from the Bionnassay glacier above. The route then brings us round to the Col de Voza (5,360ft/1,653m) with an expansive view up the Chamonix Valley. During the afternoon we trek down to the valley floor although there is a cable car option (payable locally) if you have tired legs. On this walk there is also a short section descending where chains can be used as handrails down a rocky path, plus a short ladder to ascend.

Today is a free day for optional walks or sightseeing. Your leader will be able to advise you on possible walking routes or you may choose to visit the bustling alpine resort town of Chamonix, which has numerous shops, bars, restaurants and cafes. There are several cable car excursions you can make from Chamonix; the most spectacular is the ascent to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m), offering fantastic views of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. It should also be possible to take the mountain train up to Montenvers for close-up views of the glacier, Mer de Glace, or if you are feeling adventurous you could enjoy a tandem paragliding flight. Please note: It is necessary to book a space on the Aiguille du Midi lift and usually the earlier a ticket is bought the better value it is. We will brief you about this on your arrival day. However, if you want to find out more before you travel, or even book your place in advance, you can do so at www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/ If booking, please remember that those in Chalet Chalupa and Chalet Chocolat have their free day on Wednesday and those in Chalet Bediere have a free day on Tuesday.

We drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy. From Arp Nouva we climb up and along to the Bonatti refuge. At just over (6,560ft/2,000m), the view from here is one of the finest on the tour. Mont Blanc itself, the towering rocky peak of Grandes Jorasses, and the glaciers that crowd the northern flank of Val Ferret are there to be admired. Following a dramatic traversing path, we contour high above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. Time allowing, we head off to Courmayeur, the perfect spot for a well-deserved Italian ice cream. Ascent: 1,500ft (450m); descent: 1,804ft (550m); walking time: seven hours Late July and August: Occasional high season weeks in July and August the traffic queue can become very long for the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy, so in these cases we will discuss with the group the option of exchanging the Italian day for an alternative walk. Instead, we will have a fabulous walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley. Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours September and October 2024 departures: From 2nd September 2024, for an estimated 15 weeks, the Mont Blanc tunnel that connects France and Italy will be closed for maintenance works. This means that we are unable to visit Italy on all departures from 2nd September – 12th October 2024. On these dates we will have a fabulous alternative walk with views into Switzerland that follows a panoramic path to the Loriaz refuge high above the Vallorcine valley. Ascent: 2,460ft (750m); distance covered: 9km (5.6mi); walking time: six hours

From our chalet in Chamonix, we walk to Les Praz and take the gondola to La Flégère. From this higher vantage point, we will start a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m), which affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to our south. After plenty of time enjoying the panorama, we descend to Lacs des Chéserys where, on a still day, we will see the mountains reflected in the water. En route there is a short ladder to descend. From here, we descend a little further again onto the Grand Balcon Sud and walk back to La Flégère. What remains of the afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix centre or return to the chalet to relax in the garden. Distance: 5.6mi (9km); ascent: 1,770ft (540m); descent: 1,770ft (540m); walking time: seven hours Please note: the above distance does not include the flat walk from the chalet to the gondola, which is a few kilometres depending on which chalet you are in. Alternatively, we may take public transport. Spring and autumn departures: La Flégère gondola is open for trips between 10th June and 16th September. Outside this time, the gondola is due to be closed and its cost is not included in the price of the holiday. If the timetable changes and the lift is open, the cable car cost will be paid locally (approximately €20). Alternatively, we will enjoy the following spring and autumn itinerary. From Argentière (4,100ft/1,250m) we start our day following the petit Balcon Sud before changing tack and climbing to the Grand Balcon Sud that contours the Chamonix valley. The panoramic views over the valley to Mont Blanc and all the other peaks, valleys and glaciers are breathtaking. From La Flégère we descend via Chalet Floria where we will have time for a cup of tea. Due to the added descent this is a little harder than the summer itinerary, but the views are equally stunning. Distance: 7.5mi (12km) plus any extra flat walking in the valley getting to and from the chalet; ascent: 2,430ft (740m); descent: 3,120ft (950m); walking time: eight hours

Invigorated after a week treading alpine trails, take one final look at Mont Blanc before starting your journey home. Not ready for the adventure to end? You can always speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in this magnificent region.