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.

How hard are the treks and what fitness preparation will I need to do?

So you are thinking of signing up for a summer adventure, now is the time you make sure you fit and ready in order to get maximum enjoyment out of your trek. The Tour du Mont Blanc, Walkers Haute route, Traverse of the Gran Paradiso are all great challenges and preparation is the key to achieving your goal.

All of the treks we offer are physically demanding you will be travelling over rugged and mountainous terrain with a sustained amount of ascent and descent on a daily basis. Make sure you are aware of the daily distances travelled and the height gain & descent so you know what to expect.

Trek grading: We grade our treks from 1 to 5 (1 being relatively easy & 5 being extremely hard), each trek receives a grade depending on the difficulty of terrain and numbers of days of sustained trekking.

To explain in more detail:

GRADE 1 EASY: Chamonix valley walks: Easy: General walking fitness on flat & easy terrain, no previous walking experience required. All the trails will be flat with no elevation or descent, walking distances can vary between 6- 14 kilometres depending on the route.

GRADE 2 DEMANDING: Chamonix treks: A reasonable level of fitness is required, at home you do regular exercise each week. During the walks you will experience a degree of height gain & descent during the walk in addition to a distance of between 12-18 kilometres each day. Hill walking experience is advisable so you have knowledge of what it takes to walk in the mountains.

  

GRADE 3 STRENUOUS: Tour du Mont Blanc, Tour of the Vanoise: These treks are strenuous & a good level of fitness needed before you arrive. The height gain & descent are in the region of + or – 1200 metres per day or a period of 8- 11 days without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents.

GRADE 4 TOUGH: Walkers Haute Route: This is a very physically demanding trek which requires an excellent level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. You need to have plenty of mountain walking experience & exercise on a regular basis. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 mts per day for a period of 11 days without a break. The terrain is difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents.

GRADE 5 EXTREME: Traverse of the Grand Paradiso: This is the most physically demanding trek we offer & a supreme level of fitness is required for the type of terrain you will encounter on this trek & previous mountain trekking experience is essential. Each day the trek has continued and substantial height gain and decent of over + or -1500 mts per day for a period of 9 days without a break. You will trek to an altitude of over 3000 metres & the terrain is remote, exposed & difficult at times with steep & rocky ascents & descents.

Guide to training

Level of fitness, which best describes you?	Training required
You exercise on a daily basis. You regularly walk in the mountains in your home country. You take a trekking holiday every year.	If this is you then you will have absolutely no problem, keep up the good work & enjoy!
You exercise a few times a week. You regularly walk sometimes in the mountains. You have taken trekking holidays in recent years and coped well.	The same applies if this is you then you will have absolutely no problem, keep up the good work & enjoy! Possibly do some more walking in the mountains & carrying a rucksack to get used to the extra weight.
You do some exercise but not on a regular basis, you do some walking and have walked in the mountains before. You have taken a trekking holiday before but not for many years.	You do some exercise so that’s a good start, from now until the trek start date make sure you get out at least a couple of times a week. To build up endurance skills get out walking building up to 15- 20k in distance. You need to make sure there is height gain & descent to build up leg strength. By the time the trek date arrives you need to be comfortable walking 15-20k per day with 1000m of height gain and descent. You also need to carry a rucksack to get used to the extra weight.
You don’t take regular exercise and haven’t walked in the mountains for a number of years. You have never taken a trekking holiday before.	All is not lost although there is no time to lose in terms of starting your training, maybe enlist the help of a personal trainer and let them work out a program for you. Start easy, get out walking on flat easy routes, and build up the distance over a number of weeks. Once the distance has increased and you feel fitter start to introduce some hill walking. By the time the trek date arrives you need to be comfortable walking 15-20k per day with 1000m of height gain and descent. You also need to carry a rucksack to get used to the extra weight.

Fitness for Participation

It is essential if you undertake one of these treks that you understand, realise and accept the potential risks and hazards that can be over and above those associated with normal ‘package’ holidays. All clients are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking and departure that they are mentally and physically capable of participating in the itinerary as described in the brochure, the full itinerary and all activities it demands. Each trek is given a trek grading please refer to this information to establish whether you can undertake the trek. Any illness or disability of you must be declared and the information given to us before the start date. Mont Blanc Treks Limited and anyone else working in association with us cannot be held responsible for any accident or mishap that may occur in connection with any part of, or services connected with the tour. You are responsible for your own wellbeing & by agreeing to our terms and conditions you agree not to take any legal proceedings against Mont Blanc Treks Limited or its employees.

Nutrition & hydration

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. Each day you will be burning lots of calories & loosing essential fluid 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 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 daily do some research beforehand and trial what works best for you.

For more information contact Sara at: info@montblanctreks.com or visit out website www.montblanctreks.com