Mont Blanc Circuit

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Jane Shankster

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written September 2008

  Fabulous scenery, excellent guide, great cook, good company, ok weather, lousy departure times at both ends 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  A short walk, late in the afternoon after stormy weather with just one other person - probably the only time I felt we had really got away from everything.  We saw a deer, had atmospheric views of the Val Ferret and saw no one else.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I thought Jane Toothill was excellent.  She was calm, patient, not in the slightest bit patronising with less able group members, had a wry sense of humour and was extremely knowledgeable about the area.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The fitter you are the more you will enjoy it.  Having said that it is possible to walk yourself fit at the first week is relatively easy.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Although City Airport is excellent in terms of processing passengers, it is difficult to get to early in the morning, even for people living in London.  I would rather pay an extra £25 for a later flight and suffer the inconvenience of public transport instead of having to get up at a ridiculous time which neccessitates taking a taxi.

   
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  Louisa Richardson

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written September 2008

  What a treat to be out on foot in the fresh air surrounded by superb scenery at all times! The mountain views just got better and better as the days went by and well worth the physical effort it took to reach the best view points. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Completing the Mont Blanc Circuit on the last day and realising that I had actually done it! There were so many inspiring views throughout the trip that it would be impossible to pick a favourite. Mont Blanc looks spectacular from any angle - and we saw it from quite a few different ones!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent - couldn't have asked for a better leader. Carey is obviously extremely fit and was always cheerful and energetic. She is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the walking routes.  She allowed the group members to walk at their own pace which was good for everyone. Mark was also excellent; we enjoyed many culinary delights from his camp kitchen and welcomed the plentiful supply of tea and coffee he gave us.

   

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do try and do some hill walking in the weeks before you go to optimise your fitness level; there are some serious ascents and decents on the walks and the fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy them. I think most people would find using a pair of walking poles beneficial, even if you've not used them before - they can really help reduce the load on your legs, particularly on the knees. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Don't expect to lose weight on this trip! There are many refuges en route which serve some extremely delicious cakes and tarts plus you will also get well fed each evening.

   
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  John Stone

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written July 2008

  This holiday was made by the weather and the group, but is a classic in itself. We would be careful about to whom we recommended it due to the sustained physical effort involved. (We are both 67) 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  • Magnificent scenery
  • Wild flowers

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Jane was very good - knowledgable, professional, hard working and respected.

   A plug for Anton, the cook/support guy. He did an excellent job producing meals under campsite conditions.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be fit for eight hour hikes, climbing and descending around 1000m daily.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  • This format, deprived as it was of individual accommodation, TV etc., led to excellent social interactions within the Group. To us this was a highlight.
  • There was much stated interest in sharing photographs afterwards. I have set up identities on Flickr and Snapfish on behalf of the Group to do this.

   
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  Robert Sharp

  MONT BLANC CIRCUIT

  

  Written July 2008

  The weather, the group, the food and of course the scenery all combine to make an unforgettable holiday for me. A true classic trek. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There was so much variation in the walking from peaceful meadows to snow covered passes. Of particular delight to me was the number of keen eyed botanists in the group and the richness of the alpine meadows. The walking was pretty good as well.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent. Jane was safety conscious without being restrictive and Anton was an resourceful cook for the evening meals. Briefings were all that could be wished for. After a while things just seemed to run themselves, always a sign of a good tour leader.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  London City airport early in the morning for the flight out is a bit horrible to get to. Get a cheap hotel room in one of the nearby lodge hotels seems to be the best solution.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Don't be tempted by the thought of additional comfort to take the similar hotel based trip take this camping one. It's a lot more fun on the camping trip.

   
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  Peter Coville

  Where to get the best mid-walk drink

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The best refuges:  La Peule (just before leaving Switzerland) - fantastic Vin Chaud with loads of fruit;  Refuge La Croix de Bonhomme - Leffe on tap and good cakes; Refuge Bovine (on the Bovine path) - great Onion soup and a friendly kitten!; Rifugio Bertone (just as you enter Italy) - The hot chocolate is like hot mousse - tasty and the spoon stands up in it!  The prize for the best cake must go to the inch-deep Blueberry Tarte at Refuge Miage below the Col de Tricot (TRY IT!).

  Great meal out in Les Contamines at "l'Air du Temps".  Very friendly staff.

  Looking out at the Mont Blanc Massif from the gondola - and seeing the tiny ice climbers crossing the massive Seracs of the Grand Glacier.

  Walking up the Ferret valley back towards France - what a beautiful and quiet place.

  Dinner in Lex Chapieux courtesy of Francois the fantastic chef at Auberge Rosa.

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Nice young bloke - needed to relax a bit but was very good at keeping to a good pace for everyone.  Safety was obviously his top concern. 

  However your days off are your own concern so make sure you do a bit of research about what you want to do.  I recommend the mini-golf or the adventure tree-walk in Les Contamines, and the cable car ride across the Mont-Blanc Massif is a must.  If you want to spend a day walking on the glacier or canyoning make sure to book in Chamonix before you go!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take a warm sleeping bag as it got down to -2 degrees a couple of nights (early September).  A down jacket might also be a good idea if travelling in June or September as the nights in camp can be chilly.  A nice thick thermarest camping mattress and pillow is also a must to avoid cramps from hard rocks - remember you are not carrying your own luggage!!  I woudl recommend that you take your thermarest carry bag as it makes packing the rucksack much easier and it can be stored separately in the van.  Finally a Camelback or Platypus makes drinking on the move a LOT easier and makes for better hydration.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Great trip - take the camping option as it brings the group much closer together.

   
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  Sheila Tunley

  A snowy welcome to Italy

  

  Written September 2007

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Fantastic ViewsrnGreat walksrnGreat company

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  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go with an open mind and enjoy

   

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