Mont Blanc Highlights: France, Italy, Switzerland

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...

Average Review Rating: from 74 reviews.

Robert Allan Wartnaby

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Written June 2012
An excellent holiday and nice to know that at the end of each day, one returned to a chalet with all creature comforts and good food.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
This was my first mountain holiday in four years. I was pleased to find I could still get up into the mountains with my two new hips. A real sense of achievment to be back amongst the peaks and panoramic views. (Sorry folks if I held you up a bit on the upgrades).
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver was an excellent leader, keen to share his extensive knowledge of flora and fauna and of the geography of the region. He lead the group in a very civilized fashion, and kept us all together. The organisation involved was first class and everything ran very smoothly. He gave good ideas for the day off, and provided us with much humour and entertainment throughout. And one must not forget Dillon the amiable foxhound who walked three plus times as far as anyone.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't forget walking sticks. Take a water supply with a feed tube. If you stop to drink - as I do - you get behind all those keen types who drink on the hoof - at least on the upgrades. Mind you, I like to stop , so don't really approve.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Elaine and Oliver work very hard to make a successful holiday. Elaine cooks the food with flair - varied, good quality, giving a mixed diet, and plenty of it. The chalet is homely and in good order - very comfortable but not the Savoy Hotel. A very good atmosphere. Oliver becomes sommelier and maitre d'hote and Elaine appears to do everything else including a bit of taxi driving to pick us up. My wife andI thank both of you.
Catherine Tanner

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Written June 2012
The walks were definitely challenging for an occasional hiker such as myself and the trip notes are well written in this regard. An experienced, individual hiker might find Grade C treks more suitable, however. Views were lovely but not awe-inspiring. I found the chalet very clean, cosy and comfortable. Elaine worked hard in the kitchen to produce well-planned and balanced meals. Word of warning; if you're not used to the French diet be prepared to put on a few pounds despite all the daily exercise! The third floor lounge is spacious and a great gathering spot before and after dinner. Refreshments were economically priced and well-stocked. If you're looking for a reasonably paced holiday with very well-informed and like-minded travellers, this won't disappoint.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Day 3 that took us past the "Spencer Tracey" hut. Best views on the whole trip in my opinion.
All the wildflowers: I grow many of the same in my own alpine gardens at home and it was a delight to see them in their natural environs.
What did you think of your group leader?
I have to agree with some of the comments made by a previous reviewer. Oliver was more than a little cranky at times and certainly overbearing in his admonishments and lectures to a few members of the group. There were wide variances in ability levels and some folks walked ahead of the group at times. This turned out to be unacceptable for safety and liability reasons but I'm not sure that the resultant very public and lengthy dressing down was appropriate. It created some hard feelings and then confusion when the leader's pace abruptly changed part way through the tour. Clearly, it is very important to follow his advice and his lead at all times both for your own safety and that of the group. and to keep things harmonious. Despite his cranky outbusts, Oliver took his job seriously. He was very safety-conscious and always made sure that group members were properly outfitted and equipped. He was a fount of information about the wildflowers, although I found it difficult to engage him in additional conversation on this topic. He obviously knows the routes extremely well and is very fit and capable. Some of the primary routes were off-limits due to remaining snow and rain-related washouts but Oliver chose some alternatives to avoid these hazards. Last but certainly not least, I was extremely grateful that he waited for my delayed flight at the airport in Geneva. I was last to arrive and I think some of the group had been waiting for some time. I appreciated his consideration knowing that alternate transport to the chalet would have been inconvenient and expensive to arrange last-minute. He has a rather eccentric taste in movies which he made available to us in the evenings in the lounge. Good for a few laughs.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take all the mandatory equipment listed. You will need and use all of it. A bandana worked better than a hat for me (and a couple of others). I found my binoculars to be a useless addition and abandoned carrying them after the first day. Be quick on the shutter button if you like to take lots of pics. There wasn't ample opportunity to do so unless during the two daily breaks. If you're not a regular hill walker, be prepared for the effects of steep and long ascents. It took me a couple of days to get my "legs". On the last day, be sure to take more water at the signposted stream on the way up. It's a longer walk than the others and one of our party ended up dehydrated despite relatively cool conditions. The walk into Chamonix on the day off takes longer than suggested and doesn't really follow the river as advertised. But it's popular with locals and certainly very safe. Don't get too concerned if Oliver's directions for getting to and from the chalet, seem vague. You'll find that it's quite easy to get around either walking or by bus. You will receive a free bus pass at the beginning of the trip which comes in very handy. I found the chalet meals to be hearty and filling but I noticed a couple of the bigger, more active chaps, could have used a little extra food. The servings are set so if you're bringing a big appetite, you may want to consider packing or purchasing some snacks.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I thought the the cable car ride up the Aguille du Midi was over-priced and over-rated. But being a resident of the Rockies has probably spoiled me for mountain views. It is much cooler at the top, so be sure to take a sweater or fleece. Generally speaking, I found the service people in both les Houches and Chamonix, and on the bus routes to be friendly and polite. My French is just passable and although there's no need to be fluent, it is well received if you try the lingua franca.
L Y

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Written June 2012
This was a fabulous trip. The views were spectacular, the hikes were challenging enough to make me feel fit by the end of the week, but not so difficult as to make me scramble for life. Oliver and Elaine were magnificent - they constantly made sure that we have fun, are well fed, and are safe.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The view from Aiguillette du Brevent on the last day was spectacular. But the whole week was filled with inspirational moments. We were all taking photos uncontrollably.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver is fantastic! He is knowledgable, fun, funny, and very responsible. He went out of his way to make sure we all feel comfortable. I also thought he was really great at gauging the group's aggregate fitness. His wife Elaine should be mentioned as well. She manages the Chalet and cooks all the delicious meals throughout the week.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Bring wet-proofs as it does rain on occasion, even in the summer! I found walking poles to be really useful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Have fun!
Sarah Quilliam

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Written October 2011
One of the best trips I've been on.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too many to list but special mention though for the beautiful woodland we passed through at the end of the long, long, long descent down from Lac Blanc (who needs ski lifts anyway?) and final 'off piste' climb up the Les Houches peak and seeing the best view in the Alps come up over the horizon.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver is a real gem of a group leader - awful jokes and the Spencer Tracy fan club aside, he's an excellent guide who did a great job of gauging the different levels of the group and getting us all safely up and down the cols with smiles all round. Voila. Elaine did a great job too with the hearty evening meals, sandwiches, and brilliant home made cakes.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The trip is rated a Moderate which I think is about right, albeit at the upper scale. However while you don't need any trekking experience you do need to be reasonably fit as some of the 'up' sections are long and hard (900m plus, and often immediately followed by an equally long 'down' section). I'm in decent shape and go to the gym a few times a week and I found the walks challenging but still enjoyable, so a bit of preparation pays off.
Also, take a wide brimmed sun hat not just a peaked baseball cap, as the sun is strong, even at the end of September, and I have the sunburnt, blistered ears to prove it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'm not sure why Exodus are being so coy about this in the Trip Notes etc but the chalet has a sauna on the top floor! It's not perfect as you need to go back to your own bathroom for cold showers between sessions but it's lovely way to wind down after a walk.
I had a fantastic time and would love to go back - a cross country skiing trip has never looked so appealing...
Rebecca Wenham

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Written September 2011
A fantasic week of being brilliantly looked after by Oliver and Elaine. The views and walks exceed my expectations. Chalet Savoy is a very comfortable place to stay, with everything that you need, especially a hot tub for the post walk soak.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Getting to the top at Brevent, it was a hard climb but the view made it worth it! I took the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi on the first day which gave the most amazing views across to Mont Blanc.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver certainly knows his stuff, he is very enthusiastic about his local environment, people, animals and plants. His jokes are truely terrible, but by the end of the week you are joining in with them too! :) Elaine's cooking is wonderful, you don't go hungry, and it is very impressive how she manages to cater for such a big group!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try and practise climbing some hills before you go, the distances you cover each day are not that far - approx 10 miles, but the ascents and descents at altitute might not be what you are used to. And read the trip notes to get an accurate idea of the planned walks, accomodation and trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was a really good week and was a good group of people, all of mixed abilities. If you go with the view of walking as a group rather than 15 individuals you will have a fabulous time.
Jonathan Stephens

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Written August 2011
Excellent holiday, thoroughly enjoyed the week. Five hikes with a variety of sights and different terrain. The Chalet Savoy is a perfect base for this trip and size of group. Food was fantastic (thanks Elaine) and wonderful tour guide Oliver (except the jokes).
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Best sights for me were at Lac Blanc, where I would recommend you hike to the far side of the lake for photos, plus on the descent from the Brevent, especially the sights back into Chamonix on the short balcony walk before reaching the midpoint refuge. Oh, and the Billberry tart.
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver knows how to run the group well. Very knowledgable and experienced guy, a sheer pleasure to be with. The first two hours on Day 1 seem a little slow, but then you realise that while he is hiking, he is also checking out the group, judging the pace and expertly finding a speed suitable for all. By Day 5, when your legs no longer work, you will realise that a) He is still in front of you and b) He will be doing all this again next week while you recover !
Have to also mention that if Elaine serves the ginger/honey cake for packed lunch, steal/bribe/beg for as much as you can get.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The meeting point for this trip is at Geneva Airport at about 10:30 am on Saturday morning. The Exodus group flight for this trip is the BA flight out of London City airport. This in my mind is quite hard to get to from most places in the UK for say, a 7 am check in. It is also an expensive flight, plus if you want to drive to the airport, the car parking charges are huge.
I flew out on the Friday night instead, Easyjet flight from Gatwick and stayed in the Holiday Inn near the airport. Flight was £105 return, hotel booked on Expedia was about £65 and the next morning my travel consisted of a five minute courtesy bus trip to the airport.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
One tip - even though you are flying in and out of Geneva, you don't really need Swiss Francs (unless you stay extra days). Most of the shopping and food places visited are in France with a couple in Italy, so Euros only are required. Loads of camping /hiking stores in Chamonix if you need the odd piece of kit.
The Wednesday is a planned day off. Plenty of side trips, shopping, cable car rides etc etc , or....have a lie in and then grab a late breakfast in town and let your feet recover for 24 hours. The Hottub is calling, so take your trunks or cossie.
ROSEMARY LEIPER

MONT BLANC HIGHLIGHTS

Written August 2011
A superb taste of Mont Blanc walks in a week - the best bits ! Good weather, good company, excellent leader and cuisine. Challenging but correctly guaged as Moderate and something for everyone.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Can't decide but possibly it was the pedalo on Annecy Lake chiiling out , resting muscles in over 30C with ipod and superb views. Also the last days descent to Chaminox which was breathtaking in more ways than one! The food, the walks ..all of them so different ...Too many good bits to mention really!
What did you think of your group leader?
Oliver was exellent source of local knowledge, had everything perfectly planned and was very mindful of everyone in the group without being pushy. Good company and what about those jokes....again for me...and the film never to be missed.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Not really except walks are challenging but certainly achievable and a flask if gets a wee bit cold on top. I said this in february but thought being the summer wouldn't need it but would have been nice to have. A walking pole also useful.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Brilliant week and just what we needed away from work and home with new people and great scenery. Elaine and Oliver make a great team and am not surprised people go back..like me!