Hikes in this valley
No hikes published in this valley yet.
Hiking in Mont-Blanc Country
Mont-Blanc Country is the region surrounding the roof of Europe, the legendary Mont Blanc culminating at 4,808 metres. It is here, in the Chamonix valley and on the slopes of the massif, that mountain climbing was born as a sport in the 18th century. Today, the area remains one of the most popular in the world for trekking, mountaineering and high-altitude hiking. But it also offers beautiful accessible outings, far from the alpinists' technical routes.
Chamonix and the legendary valley
Around Chamonix, classics abound: the Mer de Glace from Montenvers, the Lac Blanc (2,352 m) with its incredible panorama over the Mont-Blanc range, the Aiguillette des Houches, the Col de la Terrasse, the Tête aux Vents. The Grand Balcon Nord and the Grand Balcon Sud are balcony routes that allow you to cross the valley at mid-height, with permanent views of the needles and glaciers. These balconies are walkable from late June to October depending on snow.
Saint-Gervais, Les Contamines and the Val Montjoie
Further south, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and Les Contamines-Montjoie open onto the Val Montjoie, a quieter family-friendly valley. Trails are numerous: the Mont Joly tour, the Col du Joly, the Aiguilles Croches, the Tré-la-Tête refuge. The Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve, the largest in Haute-Savoie, hosts chamois, ibex and marmots, and protects the upper glacial basins of the southern Mont-Blanc slopes.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc and legendary routes
Impossible to talk about this region without mentioning the Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB), a ten-day route around the massif passing through France, Italy and Switzerland. It is one of the most famous treks in the world. Day hikers can walk its finest stages: from the Col de Voza to the Tré-la-Tête refuge, from the Mottets refuge to the Col de la Seigne, or the crossing of the Col de Balme to Switzerland. Warning: in high season (July-August), start early and book refuges well in advance. The ideal season runs from late June to early October.