DAY 1

You begin your alpine adventure with an ascent of the Aiguille du Midi (12,637 feet) via one of the world’s most famous cable cars. The ride ends at the top of the highest of Chamonix’s “needles,” from which you have a breathtaking view of France, Switzerland, and Italy. While appreciating the panorama, your guides introduce you to the Chamonix valley and famous peaks, such as Monte Rosa, the Grandes Jorasses, and on a clear day, the unmistakable Matterhorn. You continue with a second cable car transfer to the lower station of Plan de l’Aiguille and the start of your walk at 7,545 feet. The trail leads along the granite base of the Chamonix Aiguilles with no significant ascent or descent. The first of several simple but delicious picnic lunches awaits in a peaceful and splendid setting. Here you may savor fresh “pain campagnard” (country-style bread) and Savoy cheeses such as Beaufort or Emmental.

This afternoon you reach your final destination, greeted with striking views of the renowned Mer de Glace (literally “sea of ice”) glacier. This glacier was a favorite destination of writers such as Victor Hugo, George Sand, and Mary Shelley, who all gleaned inspiration from its sublime beauty. The day ends with a delightful ride to Chamonix on one of the oldest cog railways in the region, in use since 1908.

Your welcome dinner is at a restaurant within walking distance of the hotel, overlooking the river. Your sophisticated menu features some of the staples of French cuisine, complemented with exotic accents.
Hotel l’Oustalet, Chamonix

DAY 2

Following breakfast, you embark on a journey to the Col des Montets for a full day of hiking in the Aiguilles Rouges (red needles) Nature Reserve, directly facing the Aiguilles de Chamonix and Mont Blanc, peeking above all others. The hike takes you by several glacial lakes, including the Lac Blanc, which is frozen for eight months of the year and only reveals its remarkable emerald green color during the warm summer season. You might also be lucky enough to spot an ibex or a marmot from this trail that is known by the locals as “the hike not to be missed in the Chamonix Valley region.”

Lunch may consist of a picnic or a hearty meal on the terrace of an alpine hut. You return to the valley and your home in Chamonix via cable car, where there is an option of walking to the hotel, or you may transfer by bus.

This evening you are free to explore the car-free center of Chamonix on your own and to choose one of its many restaurants for dinner.
Hotel l'Oustalet, Chamonix

DAY 3

This morning you take a 20-minute train ride from Chamonix to the small French village of Vallorcine, which is only a few miles from the Swiss border. From Vallorcine you ascend through the forest and eventually reach lush alpine meadows filled with wildflowers.

Your destination today is the Loriaz Refuge, which occupies buildings once used by alpine shepherds to protect themselves and their flocks from the elements. At the refuge you enjoy a picnic lunch featuring delicious local products, perhaps including a fresh blueberry tart. From this vantage point, you encounter breathtaking views of the Bernese Oberland Mountains in Switzerland and both the Mont Blanc range and the Aiguilles Rouges in France.

You descend by a gentler trail that was once used as a stagecoach route, and eventually reach the village of Buet, where you board a train for the short journey back to Chamonix.

Dinner is at a family-run inn perched above the village, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Your Chef is also a passionate gardener and his culinary creations as well as flower arrangements are directly inspired by his lush, sun-drenched backyard.
Hotel l'Oustalet, Chamonix

DAY 4

This morning you bid farewell to your French home and cross the border into Italy and the town of Courmayeur (this drive takes less than one hour, depending on traffic). Courmayeur, like Chamonix in France, has long been established as the skiing and mountaineering capital of the Italian Alps. Despite its status as an international destination, the town has retained the character of a small, traditional Italian village—cobblestone streets, chalet-style architecture, and cozy bars and restaurants.

Following your hotel check-in, you hike from Courmayeur to the Refuge Bertone, from where you have your first views from the eastern side of the Mont Blanc range, known as the “wild” side because it is less developed than its “sister” on the western French side. Ultimately you arrive at the Refuge Bertone, named for the Italian mountaineer Giorgio Bertone, overlooking the Glacier de la Brenva and neighboring glaciers. After enjoying a freshly prepared lunch at the refuge, you descend into the Val Ferrat and transfer to the hotel via public bus.

Before a classic Italian dinner at a welcoming family-owned restaurant in town, there is time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities such as the Jacuzzi, sauna, or perhaps a massage.
Hotel Berthod, Courmayeur

DAY 5

Your day begins in the Vallée de Cogne and the village of Valnontey, and offers an opportunity to explore the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, the first national park established in Italy in 1922 to protect the dwindling ibex population. Your hike follows a trail through the park, which features extremely diverse habitats—larch and fir trees, alpine meadows, rock walls, and glaciers—and provides many opportunities to spot alpine wildlife such as ibex, marmots, and chamois. Reaching 8,200 feet, your efforts are rewarded with a copious lunch of locally-grown salads accompanied by country-style bread with charcuterie, or a hearty quiche.

In the afternoon you continue your journey through the park and learn more about its flora and fauna. You also walk the narrow streets of quaint hamlets with traditional alpine architecture.

This evening you may choose to stroll the many lively streets of Courmayeur, which blends mountaineering traditions with state-of-the-art sporting facilities. Dinner is on your own.
Hotel Berthod, Courmayeur

DAY 6

Today you take a 15-minute bus ride from Courmayeur to the trailhead, where you begin climbing through a magnificent larch forest. Before long you reach open meadows and the Bonatti Refuge, named for the Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti, famous for his many climbing accomplishments as well as a controversial summit of K2, which resulted in the accusation that he used oxygen for himself that was meant for other climbers. You continue hiking past the refuge before stopping for a picnic, during which you behold an incredible panorama that includes the south faces of both Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses, both mythical names in the world of mountaineering.

As you descend by a gentle path that traverses above a river valley, you hear the tinkling of cowbells from nearby hills. Arriving at the end of the trail, you return by bus to Courmayeur, where you have time to refresh at the hotel before reuniting later in the evening for dinner. Originally the oldest tavern in town, the modernized restaurant still highlights the massive stone fireplace, vaulted ceiling, and old wood floors—a perfect setting for your farewell feast.
Hotel Berthod, Courmayeur

DAY 7

Following breakfast, you are free to extend your stay in this hiking paradise or depart at your leisure for your next destination.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1, 2 & 3

Hotel l'Oustalet
Chamonix, France

A typical Savoyard-style hotel in a peaceful setting offering a warm welcome and cozy accommodations.

Nights 4, 5 & 6

Hôtel Berthod
Courmayeur, Italy

A three-star, family-run country house hotel in an ideal location in the center of town. The inn offers twenty-five unique rooms with splendid views. Jacuzzi, sauna, and massages are available.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Claire Thiolière

A native of the world-renowned alpine resort of Chamonix, Claire hails from a family of mountain guides and photographers.  She traveled extensively in her youth throughout Africa and returned to France where she received a Masters degree in Geography and Geomorphology.  She is a certified guide who has been leading people throughout the Alps for more than twelve years.  An avid hiker and skier, Claire‘s enthusiasm for her spectacular corner of the globe is apparent to all who travel with her on the Mont Blanc Circuit.

Bernadette Ducoulombier

Bernadette moved to Chamonix from Paris at 19, and turned her passion for the mountains into a lifelong career as a hiking guide, first earning her guiding certificate, then expanding into Nordic walking and snowshoe tours. She is delighted to introduce guests to the beautiful Chamonix valley, Mont Blanc, and its surrounding ranges, and when not guiding spends time with her husband and two daughters.

Corinne Jouin

Corinne has been a certified hiking guide in the Chamonix valley since 1994, fulfilling her career goal of working with people outdoors. Living abroad as a child and traveling throughout her life, she also led hiking tours in the Middle East. Originally trained as a graphic designer, she applies her creativity to the Swiss folk art of silhouette paper cutting, and also enjoys exploring the Alps with her family.