Sample the delights of the Tour du Mont Blanc [TMB]
Fact File:
a) Theme
Mont Blanc Trails [TMB] gives the guardedly audacious the chance to fulfill a relative goal. You do not want to walk the whole of the Tour du Mont Blanc [TMB], or at least not at this particular moment in time, but you are keen to hike a bit of it, and see what all the fuss is about – aren’t you?
![Mont Blanc Trails [TMB]](http://www.enlightened-traveller.co.uk/Upload/looking%20up.jpg) This walking tour in Mont Blanc brings Europe’s best walks within easy reach of the healthy and relatively-fit hiker. The section we have selected is arguably unrivalled around Mont Blanc, so you see the best sights available: the Col de Balme, as you cross the Franco-Swiss frontier; the 'Grand Balcon du Sud', surely the finest stretch of trail in Europe, with the most magnificent of views over the Mont Blanc Massif; and dinner on the shores of Lac Blanc. Your five hours of walking on Day One get you totally-immersed and fully up to speed; whilst Day Two and Three see you averaging three-and-a-half hours a day. So you can go unhurried and marvel in the ambiance, alpine flora and fauna. Furthermore, if the weather forecast is adverse (and late afternoons can see some variable weather in the Alps) you can get most of the walking done in the morning, and enjoy your destinations to the full.
Mont Blanc Trails [TMB] comprises luggage transfers, three comfortable accommodations as well as what might just be your first opportunity to experience a mountain chalet-refuge. You’ve always secretly admired those who use them, haven’t you? But don’t worry – it’s only for one night, there are hot showers available, a restaurant and the bunk beds are conveniently arranged in alcoves of six to allow for greater privacy. But why do it? There are substantive gains to be reaped from a stop-over in this middle-mountain chalet: firstly, you don’t have to climb down from the alpine circuit at the end of the day and walk up the next morning. Secondly, and more importantly, you get to appreciate one of the finest hiking locations anywhere in Europe with just a few other shrewd overnighters once the day hikers have descended. You’ll value the peace and tranquility here just as you do the nights when nanny and granddad have the children. The location is supplied by helicopter and not reachable by car, mountain bike or quad – so there’s another reason to come, but just on this occasion, pack light, with only your overnight essentials and savor the relative isolation. You main luggage awaits you in the valley below.
Our walking tour in Mont Blanc is designed to be enjoyable and without the ‘slog factor’ and vertigo-inducing ladders. You also get to finish in the cradle of popular alpinism, Chamonix, so you can say you’ve been there, and either visit the fine mineral museum or buy that t-shirt.
b) Further details
Please ask us about the option for shortening the descent on Day 2 (below) if required.
c) Model hiking tour: Mont Blanc Trails [TMB]
Day 1: Arrival at Trient (Franco-Swiss border).
Probably by taxi or bus from nearby Martigny [Switzerland].
Night in Trient, Switzerland.
Day 2: Trient to Argentière
Approx. 5 hours. 9 miles -13 kms, with 1030 m altitude gain and 1080 m descent.
Night in Argentière, France.
Day 3: Argentière to Lac Blanc
Approx. 3.5 hours, via the 'Grand Balcon du Sud' that avoids the tall metallic ladders. 6 miles-9 kms, with 1100 m altitude gain.
Night on the banks of Lac Blanc.
Day 4: Lac Blanc to Chamonix
Approx. 3 hours. 6.5 miles-10 kms, with 1300 m descent; or 3 miles-4.5 kms, with 470 m descent plus cable car (not included).
Afternoon & night in Chamonix.
d) Access
Best access is via Geneva airport or TGV Paris-Geneva. Then fast train from Geneva to Martigny plus short taxi-ride to first hotel near Trient.
e) Accommodation
-
One welcoming, family-run mountain hotel
-
Two comfortable 2-star hotels located in the Chamonix valley
-
One comfortable mountain chalet-refuge, with electricity, hot food, showers and a view to treasure.
f) What's included
Included
-
3 nights B&B
-
1 night half-board in mountain chalet
-
Luggage transfers*
Hiking Insight Notes™ that empower & make orientation easy
-
1:25,000 map
-
Themed vacation dossier
-
Emergency telephone help-line service with British backup
* Note that your luggage cannot be delivered to the chalet-refuge, but will be awaiting you on your arrival in Chamonix.
Not included
-
Lunches and any other meals
-
Travel and entrances to any optional sites or cable cars
-
Travel, hiking and personal insurance
-
Personal expenses
g) 2010 Prices
Based on two people sharing: €460.00 or £415.00
Single person: €595.00 or £540.00 |