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5 Day itinerary in France, Europe

Chamonix best of hikes

Explore the stunningly unique Mont Blanc range on a journey that combines easy and moderate hikes, immersion in Alpine culture, and indulgence in the delicious French cuisine. After each adventurous day in the great outdoors, unwind in comfortable accommodations that offer all the amenities for rela... Read More

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NolwennJulie

By Nolwenn and Julie

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Chamonix

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Hiking

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Aiguille du midi

2

Montenvers

3

Chamonix city center

4

Lac Blanc

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Arrival in Chamonix

Reaching the delightful mountain town of Chamonix Mont Blanc is a breeze, whether by train, taxi, or shuttle bus. Once you arrive, settle into your hotel, wander through Chamonix's charming cobblestone streets, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere before embarking on an unforgettable hiking adventure.


Accommodation: Hotel 3 stars. Lyret hotel or similar depending on the availability at your booking period. 

Accommodation:

  • Mid range price: Hôtel Lyret | 3 étoiles | Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Day 2

place Hike the balcony between Plan de l'Aiguille and the Montenvers.

From Chamonix, take the iconic cable car to the summit of l'Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m / 12,605 ft). Spend some time exploring the area and taking in the breathtaking views of Mont Blanc's summit. Then, descend halfway with the lift to the intermediate station at Plan de l'Aiguille (2,350 m / 7,710 ft), where your hike begins. After a brief descent to the refuge of the same name, follow the renowned Grand Balcon Nord route, which winds beneath the towering Aiguilles of Chamonix, from Aiguille du Plan to Aiguille de la République. The trail takes you past the Blaitière and Nantillons glaciers, and a short climb leads to Signal Forbes (2,200 m / 7,218 ft), offering sweeping views of the Mer de Glace and the northern face of the Grandes Jorasses. After a stop at the Montenvers site, board the famous red cogwheel train for the descent back to Chamonix.


Distance : 9,5 km (6.1 mi) - Ascent : 500 m (1,640 ft). Descent : 500 m (1,640 ft). 4 hrs of hiking.

Accommodation: Hotel 3 stars. Lyret hotel or similar depending on the availability at your booking period. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid range price: Hôtel Lyret | 3 étoiles | Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Day 3

place Blanc and Chéserys lakes

Today, immerse yourself in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges massif, with Mont Blanc towering before you. Prepare for awe-inspiring views of glaciers and legendary peaks soaring above 4,000 meters! Start your adventure by taking the cable car to La Flégère, then embark on the renowned balcony path leading to the breathtaking Lac Blanc (2,352 m / 7,716 ft), where the serene waters perfectly mirror the surrounding mountains. Continue on to the Chéserys lakes, where crystal-clear waters reflect the towering summits of the Mont-Blanc massif, offering an unforgettable visual feast.

Finally, descend on foot back to La Flégère and return to Chamonix by cable car.


Distance : 9,5 km (6.1 mi) - Ascent : 500 m (1,640 ft). Descent : 500 m (1,640 ft). 4 hrs of hiking.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 stars. Lyret hotel or similar depending on the availability at your booking period. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid range price: Hôtel Lyret | 3 étoiles | Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Day 4

place Auguillettes des Houches by Brévent lake

Begin in Chamonix and take the cable car to reach the summit of Brévent (2,525 m / 8,284 ft). Facing Mont Blanc, you'll experience a day of alternating ascents and descents along short slopes, making your way towards l'Aiguillette des Houches. Throughout the hike, you'll be surrounded by the stunning mineral landscapes of the Aiguilles Rouges on one side, and the Mont Blanc massif on the other, with its iconic peaks and glaciers: the Argentière Glacier, Aiguille Verte, Mer de Glace, the Drus, Aiguille du Midi, and Mont Blanc.

The hike concludes with a descent to Parc Merlet and Les Houches. From there, take the local shuttle back to Chamonix and enjoy your final evening in the town.


Note: You can shorten this hike by taking a round-trip between Aiguillette des Houches and the Brévent station, covering approximately 9 km, 550 m of elevation gain and loss, and about 4 hours of hiking.


Distance : 9km to 12,5 km (5,5 mi to 7,7 mi) - Ascent : 200 m (656 ft). Descent : 550 m to 1650 m (1,805 ft to 5,413 ft). 4 hrs to 6 hrs of hiking.

Accommodation: Hotel 3 stars. Lyret hotel or similar depending on the availability at your booking period. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation:

  • Mid range price: Hôtel Lyret | 3 étoiles | Chamonix Mont-Blanc
Day 5

place Good by Chamonix

Enjoy your final breakfast before checking out and take the opportunity to explore Chamonix at your leisure before you depart.

If you'd like to arrive earlier or extend your stay, we recommend booking your accommodation in advance. We can arrange additional nights at one of our partner hotels—just let us know!

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Hôtel Lyret | 3 étoiles | Chamonix Mont-Blanc

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (4)

Transport expand_less

  • Mont Blanc Multi Pass 4 Days. That permit to use all tle cable car and train that you need.

Activities expand_less

  • Aiguille du midi Cable car
  • Montenvers cog train
  • Mer de Glace
  • Bellevue cable car
  • Flégère cable car
  • Brévent Cable car

Not Included expand_less

  • Transportation to reach and leave Chamonix.
  • Any single room needed (requested or for a group with an odd number of people).
  • Dinners and lunches.
  • Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
  • Fees for last minutes bookings depending on the availability in Chamonix hotels
  • Tickets to visit monuments or museums.

About Nolwenn

TEAM LEAD

+1 Local experts

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Expertise: 

Meet local people

Rural home stays

Skiing/Snowboarding

Hiking

Nature & Wildlife

Food & Culinary

From Sea to Summit Born in Normandy, Bred in different places in France and overseas, Studied in London, Worked in Australia, Settled in the French Alps.

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FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$1,195.00 USD