Nestled in the foothills of the Mont Blanc Massif, you’ll find the vibrant alpine town of Chamonix. Regarded as the mountain adventure capital of Europe, in recent years, it has become a bustling hub of activity. However, embark on a walking tour of Mont Blanc, and you will soon discover the enchanting serenity and magnificence the trails of this region can offer.
A member of the Headwater Sales team, Lauren Matkin, spent her summer holiday exploring the Chamonix Valley and the classic Italian resort of Courmayeur, just over the border. We love to gain first-hand insight into the areas where we host our trips, so we spoke to Lauren about the highlights of her adventures and asked for her tips and advice for someone visiting this legendary destination.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the oldest treks in the world, so not only does it offer dramatic beauty, but it is also rich in history. The complete trail circumnavigates the Mont Blanc Massif, stretching into France, Italy and Switzerland. Our Walking Tour Du Mont Blanc takes in the highlights of this iconic path, allowing you to immerse yourself in both the French and Italian alpine cultures, staying in Chamonix and Courmayeur.
Lauren recommends spending some time exploring these towns. As bases for winter and summer sports, including skiing, hiking and running, they are buzzing with energy throughout the year. In summer, when these trips run and the snow in the valleys has all but melted, the ‘apres-ski’ culture continues to offer plenty of bars and restaurants for you to visit.
However, the main draw of this destination has to be the spectacular mountain scenery. Lauren loved the peacefulness of the trails that ascend away from the bustle of the towns. Her favourite Walking Tour Du Mont Blanc day was the Aiguilles Rouges: Lac Cheserys & Lac Blanc walk. This route takes you across Les Aiguilles Rouges, where the glaciers and notorious summit of Mont Blanc provide a breathtaking backdrop. “Walking in the bright sunshine with snow around was amazing,” Lauren commented. “While the trails were challenging, covering this terrain gave us a huge sense of achievement.” The highlight of the route this day is reaching Lac Blanc Hut, where you’ll witness an incredible panorama of the beautiful mountain lakes.
Another memorable day is taking a cable car up to Aiguille du Midi at 3,842m high. From here, you enjoy outstanding 360-degree views over the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Lauren reveals that even at this height, you see some remarkable wildlife, such as mountain goats, marmots and birds of prey. “Be sure to go right to the top in the lift,” Lauren recommends. “Here, you can experience the skybox, stepping out into a clear glass box with 1,000m of free air directly under your feet.” It’s a real engineering feat, made super-strong and safe by its custom-built, thick glass panels supported by a metal framework. But the day’s adventure does not end here. On the walk down, you’ll pass the Mer de Glace glacier – the largest one in France, and have the chance to visit the stunning ice cave.
Our Walking Tour Du Mont Blanc trip is rated as an activity level 3. This rating means that a good level of fitness is beneficial. Lauren advises, “The terrain is manageable. It is rocky in some places, so you need to be sure-footed and familiar with walking on this type of ground.” One of her top tips is using walking poles. Poles help protect your knees, particularly on the descents. They also help improve your endurance and aid balance on uneven trails.
Like all our self-guided walking trips, you’re provided with a Headwater map kit and route notes for this holiday. While good navigation skills are helpful, Lauren comments that it is very clearly signposted as you’re walking on the Tour Du Mont Blanc official route most of the time.
After long days in the mountains, having a hearty meal to look forward to in the evenings is always lovely. And, with the outdoor culture in Chamonix and Courmayeur, the food here does not disappoint! With this trip being on a B&B basis, you’ll get to explore all that is on offer in the towns at the end of your day.
Lauren loved sampling all the dishes from the eclectic cultures in Chamonix. However, the local Raclette, a dish made of melted cheese and boiled potatoes often served alongside cured meats, remained her favourite – “one of the best I’ve tasted”, she remarked. In Courmayeur, Lauren explains how the restaurants are more traditional but just as satisfying, with the local polenta being her recommended speciality. This Italian staple is made from ground corn and is soft and creamy when freshly cooked. Try it the traditional way, layered with fontina cheese and drizzled with melted butter for the ultimate indulgence!
Our Walking Tour Du Mont Blanc trip provides accommodation in cosy, well-positioned hotels in both Chamonix and Courmayeur. However, there is the opportunity to upgrade to our Walking Tour Du Mont Blanc Premium trip. Lauren highly recommends upgrading to this 4-star option, staying in Park Hotel Suisse in Chamonix and Hotel Berthod in Courmayeur. It adds an extra touch of luxury that makes it well worth the cost. “Park Hotel Suisse in Chamonix is the only remaining chalet-style hotel in the town,” she explains. With a heated outdoor swimming pool, sauna and panoramic terrace open to all guests, you can really make the most of the vistas while enjoying some well-earned relaxation after an energetic day. “The mountain views from the roof terrace and pool are amazing,” Lauren comments.
Exploring the Tour Du Mont Blanc trails on one of our trips makes for an exciting, memorable holiday. “It’s perfect for people who are active and looking for a challenge,” Lauren concludes. “But it also offers so much for those who enjoy discovering the history and culture of an area or who love to take in a variety of wildlife in stunning surroundings.”
If Lauren’s trip has captured your imagination for an adventure in this region, please click here to view our full section of Mont Blanc walking holidays.
