This is a route that’s been in the back of my mind for a while, and the Exodus Leap Year offer tempted us (me and Hazel) into booking their Mont Blanc Circuit – http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/twb/overview – in July, which will see us hike and camp our way around the Tour du Mont Blanc, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland en route. The last time I was in this area was on a school trip in my third year, and I remember thinking how beautiful it was way back then.
It will be – I know – our first true trek in mainland Europe; we don’t always have to clock up massive amounts of airmiles to get to majestic mountains. I was really impressed to see that Exodus offer a ‘take the train’ alternative to flying to/from the trek’s start and end point in Chamonix – but the Eurostar leg is always a killer in the costings, so we’re flying.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly to Geneva; transfer to campsite at Les Bossons, near Chamonix.
Day 2: From Chamonix the route heads past Lac Blanc to Les Frasserands.
Day 3: Cross over Col de Balme to Switzerland and camp at Trient.
Day 4: Cross Col de Forclaz to Champex.
Day 5: Head up Val Ferret to La Fouly.
Day 6: Climb to Grand Col Ferret, the highest pass of the trek. Descend to Planpincieux.
Day 7: Rest day.
Day 8: Ascend to Monte de la Saxe, then steep descent to Courmayeur and on to Val Veny.
Day 9: Re-enter France across Col de la Seigne and through La Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux.
Day 10: Climb to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and contour around to Col du Bonhomme.
Day 11: Rest day.
Day 12: Cross Col de Tricot and Col de Voza to re-enter Chamonix Valley and descend to village of Les Houches.
Day 13: Probably best views of Mont Blanc today as we make a long ascent to Brévent and then descend to Les Bossons.
Day 14: Free day at Les Bossons.
Day 15: Transfer to Geneva; fly to London.
(I’ve just been scrolling through the photos on http://www.exodus.co.uk/holidays/twb/images … get me to the mountains, now!)
Here’s hoping it’s as good at the Croatia: Islands & Mountains walking holiday we did through Exodus last summer.