What is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a challenging 170-kilometre circular hike around the Mont Blanc massif. The route takes you through France, Switzerland and Italy, crosses five major passes, and incorporates spectacular views of Mont Blanc and snow-dusted alpine peaks.
How fit do I need to be to join a Mont Blanc trekking tour?
Our Mont Blanc trekking tour is graded 'challenging' and 'challenging to tough'. This means you'll need to be capable of walking 6-8 hours a day on our small group tour. The terrain can be rough and unstable, and the route includes steep ascents and descents. Many walkers undertake extra training before the trip, and previous trekking experience in a mountain environment is recommended.
When is the best time to walk the Tour du Mont Blanc?
To avoid most of the snow and get the best of the temperatures, book a Mont Blanc tour during June, July, August or early September. The weather can be very unpredictable in the mountains, so always be prepared for rain and chilly evenings, but you can also expect to enjoy some warm and sunny days. If you want to avoid the crowds, the trails will likely be a bit quieter in early September.
What do I need to wear on a Mont Blanc hiking tour?
A good quality waterproof jacket and trousers are essential for your Mont Blanc trip. The weather can be extremely unpredictable and changeable in the mountains, so you'll also need various layers, including a fleece, walking trousers, shorts, sun hat, winter hat, sunglasses, gloves and suncream. We'd also highly recommend taking a pair of trekking poles.
What kind of footwear do I need for a Mont Blanc walking holiday?
To get the most enjoyment from your trip to Mont Blanc, you will need a pair of high quality walking boots with good ankle support and suitable tread. We also recommend that you wear your boots in advance of your trip to make sure they are comfortable and well worn in.
Will I have to carry my luggage during the trip?
We'll organise for your main luggage to be transferred between hotels while you walk. There will be a few nights when you won't have access to your main luggage, so your leader will advise you to pack some overnight things in your daypack. We recommend bringing a waterproof day pack to carry spare clothing, a water bottle, food, camera, suncream etc. See our What to pack for a walking holiday blog and the trip itinerary notes for more information.
What is the accommodation like on a Mont Blanc trekking tour?
We'll stay at a different small, family-run hotel each night during your Mont Blanc tour. These are usually graded 'comfortable' with twin ensuite rooms. When we get to Les Chapieux, we'll stay in a traditional auberge mountain inn where walkers gather to rest and share stories about their adventures in the mountains. The accommodation is basic with shared bathrooms and, in the busy season, we may need to use dormitories, but it is clean and friendly, and all part of the adventure.
Other than walking, are there any other activities I can do on a Mont Blanc walking tour?
Yes! There are various optional activities and excursions that you can get involved with on your Mont Blanc trek with Explore, including mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, and cable car rides.