Hike the most beautiful trails around Mont Blanc, sharing big Alpine moments with your family in a friendly group. With an International Mountain Leader guiding the way, we follow paths through the Chamonix Valley and up to viewpoints such as Lac Blanc, where children and adults alike can appreciate the wildlife, glaciers and stories behind these mountains. Each evening, we return to our welcoming chalet, where our hosts create a relaxed, home-from-home setting and cook hearty meals everyone can enjoy.
Activity Areas
Centre-Based
Family
New Family Holidays
Walking
Walking & Trekking
Walking & Trekking Bestsellers
Region & Country & City
Europe: Chamonix, France, French Alps, Mont Blanc
Included in the Price
- All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, six home-cooked dinners and afternoon tea and cake on walking days - All accommodation - All transport and listed activities - Tour leader throughout - Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not Included In The Price
- Travel insurance - Single accommodation (not available) - Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (chalet) - Five days of walking; one free day - Travel by minibus, local train and cable car - Group normally 4 to 12, plus UK leader. Minimum age: 12
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts at Chalet Bedière
Begin your adventure at Chalet Bedière, your cosy base tucked beneath the peaks that surround Chamonix. This afternoon, we take a gentle walk into Chamonix – a nice chance for families to stretch their legs and get our first look at the mountains.
Around 6pm, say bonjour to your tour leader and fellow travellers, where we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a welcome briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together.
Want extra time in Chamonix? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.
Day 2 Walk towards Switzerland via L’Aiguillette des Posettes and Col des Posettes
Our first walk of the week takes us onto the slopes of the Col de Balme, an area known for its wide horizons and for marking the frontier with Switzerland.
We begin with the scenic train ride from Chamonix Central to Montroc-le-Planet. From the station, a gentle warm-up leads us to a zigzag path rising through quiet woodland. As we climb, the tree line thins and the views expand – a great boost for younger walkers – and by late morning we reach L’Aiguillette des Posettes, 7,220ft (2,200m). From this high point, we can trace the full length of the Chamonix Valley, pick out the peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve and follow the ridges that stretch towards Switzerland.
Our route then descends to Col des Posettes before a winding trail guides us to the village of Le Tour. We return to Chamonix by train, the perfect chance to rest our legs and look back at the slopes we’ve just crossed.
Day 3 Spot Alpine animals in Merlet as we hike to the Chailloux chalets
Enjoy a spectacular walk through Merlet animal park – home to deer, chamois, llama and marmots – our International Mountain Leader helping us to pick out the resident animals.
Our route follows a meandering forest path to the high mountain pasture chalets of Chailloux. From this spectacular spot, we can gaze over the Mont Blanc massif and Bossons glacier and share high fives for the day’s effort.
Day 4 Drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel to Italy • Climb to Bonatti refuge and traverse high above Val Ferret to Courmayeur
We start the day with the exciting drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy – always a hit with younger adventurers. From Val Ferret, we make a steady climb to the Bonatti refuge (6,560ft/2,000m), a much-loved mountain spot with superb views across to the Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers of the northern valley.
We then follow a high path that contours above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. If time allows, we visit Courmayeur for an Italian ice cream – a well-earned treat.
Day 5 Free day for optional walks, activities, or sightseeing
Today is yours to shape. Your tour leader can help you pick a walk that suits everyone’s energy levels, or you may prefer to spend time in Chamonix with its shops, cafés, and great outdoor spaces.
Families often enjoy taking a cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m) for extraordinary high-mountain views, or riding the Montenvers train for a close look at the Mer de Glace glacier. Those keen on extra adventure might try tandem paragliding or hire mountain bikes. If you’re in the mood to unwind, the local spa is a peaceful alternative.
Please note: Spaces on the Aiguille du Midi lift should be booked in advance. We’ll brief you on arrival, but you can also check details or book early at www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/.
It is also advisable to book your paragliding flight or spa session in advance if you want to secure your place.
Day 6 Walk from Les Contamines valley across the Col de Voza towards Les Houches
A 35-minute transfer brings us to Les Contamines valley, where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. We begin on a gentle valley path that gradually narrows as we head to the Passerelle de Bionnassay – a suspension bridge that crosses a rushing stream fed by the glacier above. It’s an exciting crossing for families and a memorable part of the day.
We then follow the route up to Col de Voza (5,360ft/1,653m) for wide views up the valley, before descending to Les Houches. If legs are tired, there’s a cable car option (payable locally).
There is one short rocky section with chains used as handrails, plus a small ladder to climb – your tour leader will guide families through safely.
Day 7 Reach Lac Blanc and walk the Grand Balcon Sud
This morning, we take the gondola from Les Praz to La Flégère before starting a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m). Reaching this lake is often a highlight for families thanks to the views of the entire Mont Blanc range opposite.
After enjoying time by the water, we descend to Lac des Chéserys, where the mountains reflect beautifully on still days. There is one small ladder to descend, supervised by your tour leader. A final stretch brings us onto the Grand Balcon Sud before returning to La Flégère.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix or relax in the chalet garden.
Day 8 Adventure ends in Chamonix
You’ve walked alpine paths, looked across to Mont Blanc from some of its best viewpoints, and shared a week of mountain adventures together – but now it’s time to begin your journey home.
If you’d like to extend your stay, your sales representative can help you explore the options.
