Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route bag transfer.

Do you need bag transfer? Well that is a personal question & is entirely up to you & whether you want to be fully sufficient carrying your own kit or if you wish to lighten the load & just carry a day sack. We offer bag transfer on all of our trek whether you are trekking guided or self guided. Some bag transfers are included in the price (guided treks) & some are at a supplement & depending on the trek & the distance travelled will very much depend on the cost.

All our guided treks include bag transfers so the option is there whether you decide to take it or not. Bags are available on all nights apart from when staying in the mountain refuges & more remote locations.

On our self guided treks this is again optional & is charged at a supplement. Providing bag transfer on Tour du Mont Blanc is more straight forward than on the Walkers Haute Route or Traverse of the Gran Paradiso & this is reflected in the cost.

Tour du Mont Blanc Bag Transfer

On the Tour du Mont Blanc bags are available in all locations apart from when staying in any of the following refuges:

Refuge Bellachat, Chalets des Miage, Refuge Nant Borrant, Refuge de Balme, Refuge Croix de Bonhomme, Refuge Nova, Refuge Mottets, Refuge Elizabetta, Refuge Lac Combal, Refuge Randonneur, Refuge Bertoni, Refuge Bonatti, Refuge Elena, Refuge Lac Blanc & Refuge Flegere.

Bag transfer is included in the cost of all the Tour du Mont Blanc guided treks. For our self guided treks the cost will be as follows for our standard itineraries, if you have a tailor made itinerary please ask for a quotation.

To give you more information:

Walkers Haute Route bag transfers

On the Walkers Haute Route bags are available in all locations apart from when staying in any of the following refuges: 

Cabane Mont Fort, Cabane Prafleuri, Cabane de Dix, Cabane de Moiry, Cabane Bella Tola, Hotel Weisshorn, Hotel Schwartzhorn & the Europahutte.

Bag transfer is included in the cost of all the Walkers Haute Route guided treks. For our self guided treks the cost will be as follows for our standard itineraries, if you have a tailor made itinerary please ask for a quotation.

If you opt for baggage transfer, there is a weight limit of  15kg for each bag. This is for health and safety and logistical reasons. Bags need to be ready for collection at 8am each day & left in the designated area in each hotel/ accommodation. Your bags will be delivered to your next accommodation by 6pm at the latest. Bag transfers are not available at certain locations due to the remote nature, see individual trek for further information.

You will be given a bag strap & tag so we can easily identify your bags each day. 

To give you more information:

For all other trek bag transfers, for example the Traverse of the Gran Paradiso please ask for a quotation.

For further information on any aspect of bag transfer contact Sara at: info@montblanctreks.com   or take a look at our bag transfer page on the website:  http://www.montblanctreks.com/bag-transfer   

Find out more information on our Guided & Self guided treks see our website:

Walkers Haute Route: The Walkers Haute Route also features as one of the worlds top ten treks & is approximately 180km in length, the route crosses 11 high mountain passes with 12,000m of ascent through France and Switzerland the Haute Route walk makes for a fabulous challenge.

Tour du Mont Blanc:   The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day.

What's the food like on the Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route?

What will the food be like on the Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route?

We get asked many times about food offered on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Walkers Haute Route & Traverse of the Gran Paradiso. And quite rightly so, it’s a very important element of your trekking holiday.

The enjoyment of eating local cuisine after a long hard day in the mountain is such an enjoyable part of the experience. You will be burning lots of calories each day so fuelling up during the day & when you get to each destination is essential & of course delicious!
One of the most important things in addition to fitness is your nutrition & hydration during the trek. Poor nutrition & hydration can severely affect your physical performance & it is important to get your nutrition & hydration right, you will be burning lots of calories & loosing essential fluid each day so it is imperative you carry the right kinds of food & enough water with you to avoid dehydration & malnutrition.

It is advisable to drink plenty of water before you sent off on each day’s trek so you are fully hydrated. A pack lunch can be bought from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from the accommodation if ordered the night of arrival. If you are not familiar with the kinds of food & drink that would be good when exerting yourself on a daily basis do some research beforehand and trial what works best for you.

So, what is on offer & what is provided when clients have dietary requirements.

On all of our treks guided or self-guided breakfast will be provided each day, 3 course evening meal is also provided on all nights apart from your first & last night, please see individual trek information for further clarification.

When trekking on the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Walkers Haute Route you will be trekking through 2 or 3 countries, France, Italy & Switzerland and each county has its own specialities. Its the mountains so its good calorific hearty food, plenty of local cheeses, dried meats, bread & pastries, sweat pies made with local fruit & fresh salads. Local specialities tend to be Fondue- melted cheese with lots of tasty bits to dip in, Tartifalette- baked potatoes, cheese & bacon, Rostie- grated potato, cheese, meet & egg & of course delicious Pasta & Pizza in Italy.

Breakfast: This varies depending on accommodation, some locations are more basic than others. But you can expect at least cereal, milk, break & jam. When staying in hotels they will offer a more substantial breakfast including yogurt, cheeses, cold meats, eggs & pastries.

Lunch: This is not included & you will need to purchase a picnic to carry with you each day. This can be bought from local bakeries or supermarkets or when staying in more remote locations it can be ordered from the refuge on the night of arrival. Allow approx. 10 euros each day for your picnic. Make sure you take plenty with you, don’t reply on stopping for lunch en-route although on some days this will be possible it’s always good to have your own provisions in case the refuge or café is closed or very busy.

Evening meal: when on the trek, this is provided & will consist of 3 courses, typically you will have soup or a salad for the starter, meat or vegetarian option for the main course and a dessert or cheese.

Dietary requirements: If you have any specific dietary requirements you must let us know at the time of booking & then we will inform each accommodation so they are prepared. It is advisable to remind them on arrival as they have many many guests each day & sometimes requests do get overlooked. The accommodations we use will do their best to accommodate specific requests however it is advisable if you are lactose or gluten free to carry additional food supplies, for example gluten free bread with you in your bag transfer so you can supplement the food provided if need be.

Drinks: Drinks with the evening meal are not included & we ask that all drinks bought at the accommodation are paid for at the time so we don’t have any additional bills to chase after you have departed.

For further information on any aspect of food & dietary requirements contact Sara at: info@montblanctreks.com

Find out more information on our Guided & Self guided treks see our website:

Walkers Haute Route: The Walkers Haute Route also features as one of the worlds top ten treks & is approximately 180km in length, the route crosses 11 high mountain passes with 12,000m of ascent through France and Switzerland the Haute Route walk makes for a fabulous challenge.


Tour du Mont Blanc: The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day.

Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation

What kind of accommodation is on offer on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Accommodation: For our standard trek we use 3* hotel, auberge or mountain refuge accommodation depending on location. Rooms are on a twin/ double basis unless requested otherwise. Single rooms are available most nights at a supplement. Twin rooms are available in the Refuge Mottets & Refuge Bonatti at a supplement and are subject to availability. Please request your room preference at the time of booking.

Meal arrangements: Bed, breakfast and 3 course evening meals will be included with the exception of Chamonix & Courmayeur, which will be breakfast only. Please let us know any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

The following gives an idea of the typical accommodation used by Mont Blanc Treks on the Tour du Mont Blanc, this list is not exhaustive & we have many more options from 5 star hotels to remote mountain refuges along the route.

CHAMONIX Hotel l’Arve
You will receive a welcome in the great mountain tradition; treat yourself to the pleasures of a comfortable setting, a family atmosphere and an oasis of calm right in the heart of the Chamonix. Facilities include bar, lounge, sauna and gym. Meal basis: B&B

LES HOUCHES Hotel du Bois
Situated in Les Houches the 3* Hotel du Bois features an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, 2 saunas and free Wi-Fi in charming surroundings. Meal basis: HB

LES CONTAMINES Hotel Christiania
Ideally situated just a step from the center of the village, the 2* hotel Christiania welcomes you for your stay. The hotel has a cosy traditional restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and bedrooms with en-suite facilities. Meal basis: HB

VILLE DES GLACIERS Refuge Mottets
Located south of the Chain of Mont Blanc at 1864m and on the Tour du Mont Blanc route below the Col du Seigne. The refuge has great atmosphere with dormitory accommodation and twin rooms, hot showers and good food. Meal basis: HB

COURMAYEUR Hotel Crampon
The owners are happy to welcome you in the 3* Hotel Crampon. The hotel entirely renovated offers to the guests a warm and friendly atmosphere between modernity and tradition. Facilities include: En-suite rooms, bar, lounge and laundry service.

VAL FERRET Refuge Bonatti
This fabulous Refuge is located at an altitude of 2025m, it was opened on August 2, 1998 and was named after the world famous alpinist Walter Bonatti and explorer. Facilities: Dormitory accommodation and twin rooms (supplement), hot showers and great food. Meal basis: HB

LA FOULY Hotel Edelweiss
The Edelweiss is a small 3* chalet-hotel in the heart of the Fouly. It offers 20 hotel rooms, all with shower or bath and WC and cable TV they also have several dormitories for 7 to 10 people. Other facilities include bar and comfortable lounge with Wi-Fi. Meal basis: HB 

CHAMPEX LAC Hotel du Glacier
Comfortable rooms including some that overlook the lake are equipped with shower or bath, Toilet, TV, telephone and radio. The Hotel du Glacier has a fantastic restaurant offering modern and traditional cuisine. Meal basis: HB

TRIENT Auberge Grande Ourse
The Auberge Grand Ourse is located at 1300m in the village of Trient. The auberge has been recently refurbished and has rooms and dormitories with shared facilities (hot showers and WC). The auberge has a cosy bar and restaurant serving good local food. Meal basis: HB

ARGENTIERE Hotel Couronne
Hotel La Couronne is situated in the alpine village of Argentiere. The bedrooms are traditional and furnished with TV, private bathroom with shower or bathtub. Free Wi-Fi access. Les Cheserys Restaurant serves homemade Savoyard Tradition Menus in a magnificent mountain setting. Meal basis: HB


Meal basis: HB= Breakfast & Evening meal, B&B= Breakfast only

For further information on Tour du Mont Accommodation contact me at: sara@montblanctreks.com


Find out more information on our Tour du Mont Blanc Guided & Self guided treks see our website:Tour du Mont Blanc: 

The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day.

Alpine towns on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Where to go & what to see in Chamonix & Courmayeur

Chamonix, France
Steeped in history Chamonix is the mountaineering & off-piste skiing capital of the world. It is truly a stunning place tucked in under the shadow of Western Europe’s highest peak. For century’s explorers, scientists & mountaineers have travelled here to get up close to this impressive environment.

Chamonix has expanded under the influence of tourism and has developed through several different architectural periods. The town is dotted with a rich and diverse architectural heritage where traditional and modern styles rub shoulders. Wander through the town and outlying villages and you will discover baroque churches and protestant chapels dating from several hundred years, hotels and palaces from the golden age, « Art Deco » facades, traditional farmhouses, colossal villas and chalets contrasting with modern constructions. It is this architectural diversity that contributes to Chamonix's unique and indefinable charm.

For more information visit www.chamonix.com


Aiguille du Midi From the center of Chamonix, a 20 mins ride in the Aiguille du Midi cable car takes you to the gateway to the high Alps at a height of 3,842 m.

Montenvers mountain railway The Montenvers rack railway starts from Chamonix and, in 20 minutes and in total safety, reaches the bottom of the Mer de Glace (1,913 m), France’s largest glacier (7km long, 200 m thick). This historic site marked the start of Alpine tourism in the 19th century and offers a panoramic view of famous peaks such as Les Drus and Les Grandes Jorasses.


Town center Enjoy wandering streets of Chamonix, browsing the shops & having a coffee with the back drop of Mont Blanc as you sit and relax.

Eating out
Here are a few suggestions from some of the top restaurants in Chamonix to good value hearty meals.
Restaurant Albert 1er- Gastronomic. With its two stars in the Michelin Guide, the Albert 1er restaurant proposes subtly modernised French cuisine
influenced by Mont-Blanc and the nearby Piedmont region of Italy. See: www.hameaualbert.fr 

L’Impossible- Organic vegetarian - Italian – Gastronomic. An atmospheric restaurant set in a genuine 1754 farmhouse, magnificently decorated with its large chandeliers and its fine fireplace. See: www.restaurant-impossible.com

Caleche- Traditional Savoyard dishes. A delight for the eyes and the palette! This authentic "Chamoniard" restaurant is decorated with a thousand artifacts from a bygone era. 


The menu offers a refined choice of traditional Savoyard dishes and French Cuisine, not to mention an extensive wine list. 
 See- www.restaurant-caleche.com

Satsuki- Asian cuisine - Japanese Authentic & unique in the region, here is your Japanese restaurant of choice! 

In its pure & air-conditioned surroundings, where tranquility reins, you can enjoy the classic dishes that are Sushi, Sashimi, Tempura, Tonkatsu, Sukiyaki... prepared by our Japanese chef Tatsuya Ishizaki, and brought to your table by charming and friendly staff; if you prefer, all our dishes are available to take-away. See: www.satsuki.eu

Le Munchies- Asian fusion, 87 Rue des Moulins. Swedish owned which always has an interesting menu and a great atmosphere.
Néapolis - Pizzeria – Italian, 79 Galerie Alpina. Great atmosphere, good service and good value food.
Chambre Neuf - Traditional – Brasserie, 272 av Michel Croz. Lively atmosphere, good value food.

MOÖ Bar Cuisine - Organic vegetarian, 239 avenue Michel Croz. Recently opened with lively atmosphere.

Courmayeur, Italy
Charming alpine town Italian style, definitely on a par with Chamonix with great food, wine & Italian coffee. Located at the meeting point of three countries, Italy, France and Switzerland, Courmayeur (1224 m.) is the essence of the Alps. With its international character and a deep-rooted alpine identity, Courmayeur is a place of encounters and contrasts. 


The spectacular views on the southern side of Mont Blanc is a backdrop of amazing landscapes, Courmayeur is a product of centuries-old alpine culture committed to its environment and dedicated to offer the best to all those that love mountains.

For more information visit https://www.lovecourmayeur.com/

Helbronner cable car This amazing piece of engineering is 15 km long and includes 3 sections and links La Palud to Punta Helbronner & the cable-car was first open to the public in1948. In 2015 the new state of the art Skyway cable car was opened to the public, see here for further information: http://www.funiviemontebianco.com/it/

Open air Spar at Pre-St Didier Since 1700, thermal waters have been part of the history and traditions of the valleys of Mont Blanc. Do not miss a visit to the spa at Pré-Saint-Didier, located just a few kilometers from Courmayeur. Take a dip in the warm waters flowing from the heart of the mountain. With a temperature of around 37°C, the waters are famous for healing rheumatic and muscular disorders, skin ailments and blood circulation problems. 
There is also a broad range of spa treatments including: swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, massage. 

http://www.termedipre.it  
Town center Enjoy wandering streets of Courmayeur, browsing the shops & having a fabulous Italian coffee with the backdrop of Mont Blanc as you sit and relax.

Eating out
Here are a few suggestions of where to eat out in Courmayeur, good value hearty meals and great Italian food.

Pizzeria l'Etoil- Restaurant-Steak House: An excellent restaurant, decorated with great taste, overlooking the Massif du Mont-Blanc, and a summer terrace. A wide selection of pizzas, meat dishes, desserts and regional and Italian wines. See: http://www.pizzeriaetoile.net

Pizzeria du Tunnel Restaurant: Main courses, Pizza, Pasta and specialties: the oldest Pizzeria in Courmayeur. You can enjoy delicious pizza by wood-fired oven cooking. The restaurant offers a wide range of specialties from the local to the international cuisine. See: http://www.pizzeriadutunnel.it

Restaurant Chalet Joli Characteristic for its stained-glass windows, offers a simple cuisine but tasty. The flavors stand out in both classic dishes that are typical of the region. See:  http://www.chaletjoli.com
www.chaletjoli.com


Pizzeria La Piazzetta In the center of Courmayeur, in the pedestrian street. Valle d'Aosta and Italian delicacies with a fine selection of fine wines with a great atmosphere. See: http://www.ristorantelapiazzetta.info

For further information on Chamonix & Courmayeur contact me at: sara@montblanctreks.com


Find out more information on our Tour du Mont Blanc Guided & Self guided treks see our website: Tour du Mont Blanc: The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day.

What gear will I need on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Mont Blanc Treks guide to what trekking gear to use on our treks.

Being prepared is the key to fully enjoying the experience, there is nothing worse than being out & about in the mountains & not having the correct kit. 
For multi day treks you will need a range of good quality kit that will keep you cool in warm weather and dry if things get a little inclement for Tour du Mont Blanc & Walkers Haute Route multi day treks. This list is not exhaustive but feel that the majority of items listed will be essential to your comfort and enjoyment of the trek. If you require any further information or advise about the kit needed for individual treks please just get in touch. 
Treks with bag transfer needn’t carry a change of clothes apart from the nights you are in mountain huts where as treks without bag transfer we recommend you travel as light a possible without leaving out any of the essentials listed below. If you have a bag transfer at a mid point don’t forget you can always replenish your kit at that point.

FOOTWEAR needs to be supportive and with a good grip. Boots are recommended, but there are currently some very good “approach shoes” available which can be more comfortable on hot summer days. Trainers are definitely NOT recommended. Paths can be stony, sometimes we encounter scree type terrain and it is not uncommon to be walking through snow and heavy rain even during the summer.

WATERPROOFS jacket & trousers are essential and need to be functional for the various conditions mentioned above. They need to be carried and so it is your preference as to their weight.

WARM CLOTHING is another requisite. You may not need it throughout the duration of the trek, but conditions can change quickly and you could easily be in desperate need of a hat and gloves at high altitude. You will be best off “layering” so that you can adjust the amount of insulation you require throughout the day. A thermal, wicking base layer is recommended for comfort, ease of wear and ease of laundering.

Do I need walking poles?
Lightweight poles are readily available nowadays and are heavily recommended by us for trekking. They are particularly beneficial for downhill sections, which can be both tiring and wearing on the knees. They are also a benefit for keeping balance etc on other difficult sections.

Food & Drink: You will have to carry food & drink in addition to the things mentioned above. A pack lunch can be bought from local supermarkets when staying in villages or from the accommodation if ordered the night of arrival. It is important to get your nutrition right, as you will be burning lots of calories each day. It is essential you carry enough water with you so you don’t get dehydrated during the day. On some days it may be possible replenish your water at certain places but this is not always the case. Water purifying tablets are useful in case you run out of water and have to use a mountain stream.

Washing kit: The majority of the time you will be staying in good quality hotels therefore it is easy to wash and dry kit through before the next day. Hotels will provide towels and soap so if you carry a towel make sure its small as you will only require this for the nights when in mountain huts.

Packing your sack: It’s a good idea to have a trial at packing your rucksack beforehand to maximize space, check the weight & get rid of any un-needed items! When packing your sack make sure you pack anything not needed during the trekking day at the bottom and essential gear, food & water at the top. If you are not used to trekking with a heavier rucksack take it out with you when training during the months beforehand.

Take a look at the table of trekking gear below & if you have any additional questions please get in touch & ask for a copy of our ‘Packing List’ document for further information or take a look at our http://www.montblanctreks.com/trek-kit-list page on our website.
Contact me at: sara@montblanctreks.com

Happy trekking!


Find out more information on our Guided & Self guided treks see our website:
Tour du Mont Blanc: The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the world’s top ten 'must do' treks & it's not hard to understand why as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day.

Walkers Haute Route:The Walkers Haute Route also features as one of the worlds top ten treks & is approximately 180km in length, the route crosses 11 high mountain passes with 12,000m of ascent through France and Switzerland the Haute Route walk makes for a fabulous challenge.

Gran Paradiso & other treks we offer:
Trekking through the Gran Paradiso trail is a must for all adventure lovers. With vivid colours, large ice masses and green meadows, the national park of Italy offers a fantastic glimpse of Europe’s true beauty.