If you are looking for a fancy night out before you begin your walking holiday, look no further than Le Cap Horn. The restaurant is a former two-story chalet decorated with a nautical theme. A mix of French-Asian cuisine will delight your taste buds as you sip from their large selection of wines. This lovely dining experience is often quite busy, so be sure to make a reservation if you are determined to visit.

Located in a hotel, this restaurant is ideal for someone looking for comfort food. This restaurant has a bustling atmosphere, kind staff, and affordable prices. Grab a burger or go a bit fancier with duck breast or poached cod. You will leave happy, full, and ready for your walking holiday.

Dining at Le 3842 is an experience that you will never forget. Le 3842 is perched on the summit of the Aiguille du Midi at 3842m, hence the name of the restaurant, and is one of the highest eateries in Europe. There is a cable car that will take you up to this intimate restaurant that features the authentic flavours of the Alps. Everything is made from locally sourced produce and the view is simply incredible. If you are willing to spend the money for this experience, it is well worth it!

Located close to your accommodation for the evening is Le Carnotzet. This charming restaurant offers an extensive menu of delectable regional food. Fantastic for a casual dinner on a warm evening, as you can dine on the terrace. Try one of their delicious fondues, but make sure to leave room for dessert!

Are you looking for a yummy pizza or bowl of pasta? Ristorante Pizzeria La Terrazza creates simple Mediterranean Italian cuisine that will provide you with a hearty finish to a long day. You can take advantage of their a la carte menu, the tasting menu, the special menu, or the Aosta Valley menu to find the ideal meal for you.

This enchanting restaurant prides itself on creating delectable traditional dishes from the Aosta Valley. They focus on creating the perfect blend of flavours and textures while still focusing on the essentials of life: wine, olive oil, bread, and good friends.

Le Vieux Pommier gets its name from the old apple tree that stands in the centre of the restaurant. This restaurant combines the flavours of traditional Valdostan dishes with the local flavours of the Franco-Swiss Alps. Enjoy the high altitude with a mountain pasture salad with goat cheese while sipping on local wines.

If you are looking for eclectic décor, friendly staff, low prices, and a thirst-quenching beer, look no further than Broc’n Pub. This little pub is a fun place to relax and hang out with new friends. Pop on over at the end of the day, just remember that it is cash only!

Instead of grabbing a beer at the end of the day, how about a coffee or tea? La Cabanon offers refreshing drinks that you can enjoy in the final glimmers of sunlight on the terrace. Located in the resort of Champex-Lac in Valais, it is a beautiful way to kick your feet up and chill.

Les Cheserys serves traditional French cuisine with a modern twist. They offer a variety of high-value options such as combining one, two, or three courses. You could try their Black Angus beef, duck breast, or the fan favourite onion soup. If you are feeling lazy, you can simply order take away; if you want to lounge in the sun, there is a lovely terrace waiting for you.

La P’tite Verte is a traditional restaurant that focuses on the tastes of the region. You can try their tasty fondues and precisely cooked meats, finishing the meal with a creamy dessert. The menu even incorporates digestive drinks after meals to ensure that you are left feeling content.

Are you in need of something sweet to end the day? Le Grenier is a restaurant and creperie. They offer mouth-watering foods and desserts on their ever-changing menu. Each day of the week, they offer a different menu composed of fresh and local products. Make sure to save plenty of room for their spectacular desserts!

Hotel L’Oustalet is a charming, family-run, Savoyard hotel at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi. Located close to the centre of Chamonix and the train station, this lovely hotel is the ideal location to begin your walking holiday. Soak up the sunshine in the expansive garden, read a book in the living room, take a dip in the pool, or grab a drink at the bar before retiring to a beautiful wood-panelled room.

Hotel Gai Soleil is a 3* hotel with over 190 years of history. Built in 1823, Gai Soleil has stood the test of time and provided countless memories for thousands of adventurers over the decades. Located in the heart of the town, take in the expansive view of the Montjoie Valley from its peaceful garden. A mix of old farmhouse style and modern amenities make for a relaxing stay after a long day of walking. Each room is unique and designed to provide ultimate comfort. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay.

During this leg of the journey, you have the option to stay at the Auberge de la Nova or the Refuge Mottets. The Auberge de la Nova was the second hotel built in the Les Chapieux, Now the hotel is one of the main stopovers along the trail and provides excellent services for trekkers . The majestic mountain background is the quintessential ending to a long day of fresh mountain air. Breakfast and dinner are included in your stay.

At this section of the trip, you have the option to stay at the Refuge Mottets or the Auberge de la Nova. Nestled in the Valley of the Glaciers, just south of the French Alps, Refuge Mottets is the epitome of peaceful comfort. Try the locally made cheeses, watch the marmots dash around the meadows, or enjoy the glittering of the stars in the darkness of the night before enjoying a well-deserved rest in one of their comfortable rooms. Breakfast and dinner is included in your stay.

At the bottom of the Val Veny, the Rifugio Elisabetta is located in one of the wildest corners of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Here you will be up close and personal with nature, with breathtaking landscapes just outside the door. Other travellers will be on the same circuit as you, so this is the perfect opportunity to make friends, share stories, and learn something new. Breakfast and dinner are included with your stay.

After a night high in the mountains, Hotel Crampon’s 3* amenities are perfect to help you recuperate. The hotel is tucked away on a quiet side street in the centre of Courmayeur. After completing your trek for the day, you will be able to explore the shops, restaurants, and bars just a few minutes’ walk away. Breakfast is included with your stay.

Perched high above the Val Ferret is the Rifugio Bonatti. Named after Walter Bonatti, the famous Italian mountaineer and climber, this mountain refuge provides a lovely place to rest among the wild mountain environment. Enjoy sampling their famous hot chocolate, drink a beer from the well-stocked bar, grab a bite to eat in the restaurant, and get a good night’s sleep in their comfortable rooms. When you awaken, you will be greeted by tremendous views of the mountain peaks and glaciers.

Named after the famous mountain flower, the Hotel Edelweiss upholds the beauty of the flower by maintaining the original , wooden chalet exterior so very typical of picture postcard village scenes. Views over the white-capped mountains or the cosy village of La Fouly can be seen from the stylish rooms, outfitted with modern amenities. In the evening you enjoy a drink in the hotel bar before dining on local dishes. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Hotel Glacier upholds four generations of 3* quality service in its resort-style accommodation. Take a break from the trekking by lounging on the terrace, basking in the sunny gardens or taking a stroll to the picturesque lake, only a few minutes walk from the hotel. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the restaurant as you sample authentic dishes from the region. Comfortable rooms make for a lovely end to a long day.

Located halfway between Chamonix and Martigny, La Grande Ourse is the ideal stop along your walking holiday. At 1300m altitude and at the foot of two glaciers, the most spectacular part of La Grande Ourse is without a doubt the view. Enjoy the hospitality of this family-run hotel at the end of your day. Breakfast and dinner are included with your stay.

An effortless blend of authenticity and modern amenities perfectly describes the Hotel de la Couronne. Nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc trail, in the alpine village of Argentiere, Hotel de la Couronne prides itself on over 150 years of incredible service. Enjoy wooden framed rooms with Wi-Fi and television as a way to relax before hitting the divine restaurant next door. Breakfast and dinner are included with your stay.

You may consider train travel to Geneva. High speed TGV services connect through to Paris in 3 hours and Milan in 5 hours. You will arrive into Geneva Cornavin station where we would suggest changing for the rapid airport connections (10mins) for your Mountain Drop Off transfer.

If you are looking for an alternative method of transportation, we suggest using the travel planning tool Rome2Rio.

Chamonix is the starting and ending village for our walking holidays of the Tour du Mont Blanc. This famous town is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. In the winter, they congregate here for skiing. In the summer, they typically hike the beautiful trails and enjoy nature. There is more here than just the great outdoors! Chamonix offers a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, museums, spas, and bars.

Rise 1800m to the Bellevue plateau in just a few minutes to begin your day of trekking. Take in the glorious 360° view of the Mont Blanc massif as you shave off some of your walking time. By taking the cable car the Bellevue cable car you will reduce your walking time from Les Houches to Les Contamines by two hours and your ascension by about 700-800m.

On the western side of the Mont Blanc massif, sits the quaint village of Les Contamines. This quiet village is the epitome of ease, with an unhurried feel in the atmosphere. Visit the impressive church or enjoy a drink in one of the village bars.

Along your walking holiday, you have the option to cross the Col de Tricot or through Le Champel. By crossing Col de Tricot mountain pass, you will get to walk in the shadows of the beautiful Bionnassay and Aiguille glaciers, as well as cross a suspension bridge over the Bionnassay glacier stream.

If you would like to avoid the mountain pass, you can instead trek through the high alpine pastures and rich woodlands of Bionnassay and Le Champel, which takes you to the village of Les Contamines. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the unique fauna hiding within the small grasses or high in the trees.

Just 3.5km down the river from Les Contamines is Notre-Dame de la Gorge, which marks the beginning of an old mountain road. From the 13th century until the early 19th century, this stunning white church was the centre of spirituality and a sanctuary to the Marian cult. Now, many trekkers stop and pray for safe passage along their journey. Make sure to look up at the beautifully painted fresco!

The Col du Bonhomme is one of the most challenging and rewarding passes of the route. At 2329m, the pass has spectacular views across the alps and it’s well worth enjoying the views here before continuing to ascend to the Col du Croix Bonhomme (2443m).

If time permits after crossing the Col du Bonhomme, you have the option to hike over to the Col des Fours but should only be attempted in good weather (and if the legs are in good shape!). The Col des Fours, at 2665m, is tied with Fenetre d’Arpette for the highest mountain pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The spectacular views are worth the extra effort if you have a little bit of steam left.

La Ville des Glaciers takes you along a wide track gently rising in elevation. High above the views of the glaciers and herds of alpine cowes will have you pausing for many photos. This section also boasts some of the best locally produced Beaufort cheese and if you’re lucky enough you may see cheesemakers in action in one of the many farms.

The Col de la Seigne is a steep climb up from La Ville des Glaciers, at a height of 2516m. At this point in the journey, you will cross over from France into Italy. You will pass through high alpine meadows and get to take in the incredible view of this spectacular mountain border. How often is it that you get to trek from one country to another?

As you descend down into the Vallon de la Lee Blanche, it will open up into a wide, flat area on the northern side of the river. Keep an eye out for the many marmot families that call this valley home. If you happen to hear them squeak, then you know that they think you are a threat!

You will pass this mountain museum along your hike, and if you have the extra time, you may be able to go in. Owned by the Regione Valle d’Aosta, it is a cross-border environmental education centre where they also collect socio-demographic data about the Tour du Mont Blanc. One of the most incredible parts of the museum is the 3D plastic model of the Mont Blanc massif.

After following the trail past Lac Combal and through the Arp Vieille, you will trek along the spectacular balcony trail to Col Checrouit. The epic views of the southern Mont Blanc Massif can be seen here, so make sure to take in as much as you can. Keep your eyes peeled for marmots as well, you never know when they will poke out of their tunnels. Lastly, if you want to take your time and enjoy the ascent, you have the option to take the chairlift down to Courmayeur at the end.

Courmayeur is one of northern Italy’s premier mountain towns, This cobblestone-laden town boasts everything from high-end boutiques to ancient churches. If you feel like shopping, you have the opportunity to experience real Italian shopping with Prada, Gucci, and Fendi. You can also simply window shop, enjoy a local meal or visit the galleries.

Travelling on foot from the town of Courmayeur, you will ascend the steep forested slopes to La Montagne de la Saxe. Witness tremendous views of the Grandes Jorasses and the Italian side of Mont Blanc. Take a moment to rest and soak up the views before continuing on with your journey.

The Grand Col Ferret is a mountain pass rising to 2563m that allows hikers to cross from Italy into Switzerland. At the col you can appreciate views up to Mount Dolent, a shared peak between France, Italy and Switzerland.

Wander through the flower-filled Swiss gardens of the chocolate box village, Arlaches. The medieval wooden buildings are decorated with gorgeous flower boxes. This village will take you back in time to simpler days but keep an eye out for hidden gnomes. This is also a perfect time to stop for a snack or a refreshing drink.

When walking from Champex to Trient you have the option of taking the Bovine Trail or walking the Fenetre d’Arpette. The Bovine Trail is the easier choice of the two; you will walk through pine forests, over glacial rivers, and across the high alpine pastures. Here you will see the famous Swiss fighting cows. Along the way, you will pass the Bovine Hut. We recommend that you stop and enjoy a delicious slice of homemade apple cake. Yum!

If you would prefer more of a challenge than the Bovine Trail, you can choose to take on the Fenetre d’Arpette at a height of 2665m. This is considered the most challenging mountain pass of the Tour du Mont Blanc and should only be attempted in good conditions. You will ascend and descend on a steep rocky trail across boulder fields and endless switchbacks. Once you reach the top, the expansive views are worth the effort!

After crossing back into France, you can choose to either relax at the Col de Balme Hut or hike the Aiguillette des Posettes. Located between Chamonix Valley and the Trient Valley, the Col de Balme Hut is used by many hikers and is the perfect resting place.

If you have some extra energy left, you can add one last short ascent up the ridge of Aiguillette des Posettes to enjoy the sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif. This area is also rich with wildflowers that bloom in beautiful colours.

The Mont Blanc Express train services the whole length of the Chamonix Valley from St. Gervais Le Fayet to Martigny in Switzerland. You will be able to take this train as a shortcut into Chamonix, which will be a welcome reprieve for your tired feet. After your walking holiday, you can also use this train for scenic trips, without much walking, if you haven’t had enough of the beautiful mountains.

You will get to explore deep into the Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve, a biodiverse area of more than 16,000 hectares. Here you will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the agile ibex mountain goats. Along the way, you relax next to the icy blue lakes and whilst you may see other trekkers taking a dip, the national park forbid bathing in mountain lakes.

During your trek, you will use the Plan Praz Cable Car to end a day on your hike with a descent back into Chamonix and then use it again to start the following day at the height of 2000m. This is a beautiful way to end and begin the day, with its fantastic views and the ability to rest.

Hiking up Col du Brevent is the perfect last ascent of your walking holiday. You will have sweeping views over the north and west of the Aiguilles Rouges. As you wander through the high alpine trail, make sure to take a deep breath of that clean mountain air or pause to smell the sweet scents of the wildflowers.

As we end our journey, you have the option to descend to Chamonix via the Brevent Cable Car or walk down on foot and go through Les Houches village and take the train/bus back to Chamonix. By taking the cable car, you will follow the same path as the day before and be returned early to Chamonix to finish the day as you please.

If you wish to have a few more moments of walking among the mountains, you can descend through the alpine woodlands via Les Houches. This charming little village has around 3000 inhabitants and is famous for its large winter sports resort. In the summer, you can experience its historical heritage without the swarms of tourists and perhaps stop for a little snack.

The Mountain Museum, located in a house dating back to 1750, details the mountain way of life over the centuries. There are records displaying traditional dwellings, tools, and everyday objects used by the mountain villagers long ago.

This adorable little train will take you on an educational tour of the city centre. Learn all of the critical facts about Chamonix’s origins, history, monuments, buildings, sports, and activities. You can take the day time or night time tour for an hour of fun.

The Musee Alpin is housed in the former Chamonix Palace. Dating back to the 20th century, this museum shows the history of the first tourists that came to Chamonix to admire the glaciers and to compete in the golden age of winter sports. Here you can see the valley through the eyes of past visitors through photographs, relief maps, paintings, and more.

Start or end your trip in the most relaxing fashion at the 5* Le Spa du Mont-Blanc. You may wish to book in for a massage or facial, lounge in the sauna, or take a dip in the refreshing pool. Le Spa is an idyllic location to prep your muscles for the long haul ahead, or to repair them when you have finished.

Visit the impressive Church of the Holy Trinity in the centre of Les Contamines. This church was completed in 1759 and showcases outstanding features of the baroque heritage in the Savoie region of France. The base of the bell tower was once a part of the ancient Montjoie castle. It somehow managed to survive the French Revolution, the annexation of the Mont-Blanc region, and the Napoleonic wars. However, the secret to making the tin-plated scales that lined the roof, once giving it a golden effect, has been long lost; the roof had to be redone with stainless steel. As you pass through town, it is worth visiting!

Have a need for speed? Try the alpine luge roller coaster! The rail track is 1300m long with jumps, turns, and spins at 540°. The coaster is extremely safe and features easy speed controls, making for the perfect ride to get your heart pumping. You can even go at night time and ride in the dark!

Created as a collaboration between the Mineralogy Club and the town of Chamonix, the Crystal Museum features a wide variety of crystals, minerals, and rocks found within the Mont Blanc region. There is also an interactive section on mountaineering and climbing that will surely engage you.

If you haven’t had quite enough of nature yet, take the time to enjoy the sweet scents of the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden in Courmayeur. Spend a couple of hours strolling through gorgeous gardens, learning about the flora, and taking in the views of the mountains.

The Guides museum, inaugurated in 1929, was originally created by the Duke of Abruzzi. This museum contains guides of the Tour du Mont Blanc over the past century. It highlights detailed notes made by explorers on how they traversed this marvellous landscape. There are other delightful showcases within the museum that will give you perspective and knowledge of the region you are currently trekking.

Can you imagine golfing with the dramatic mountain landscape in the background? There are 5 gorgeous golf courses in the Aosta Valley; there’s one in Courmayeur, Ginod, Pila, Gressoney-Saint, and Cervinia. These 9-hole golf courses are a great way to spend half the day. If serious golfing isn’t your thing, there is also a mini-golf course in Cogne!