Mont Blanc Hotel Trek: France, Switzerland, Italy Walking Holiday

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 19 reviews.

Teg Jones

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written July 2011
We had been on two previous Exodus trips so we expected the organisation to be good and so it proved again. The scenery was never less than beautiful and the display of flowers was stunning, this turned out to be better than we imagined. The walking was fairly strenous but not overly so, enough to give you a degree of satisfaction without exhausting you. It is worth getting into shape beforehand though!Hotels and food ranged from good to excellent so you get a good rest and a good re-fueling every night.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
We had superb weather most days but the morning we were climbing Grand Col Ferret was misty, windy and cold. The leader had told us that this was probably the scenic highlight so we were disappointed that the weather was bad just at this time. We sat down for lunch just over the col, as soon as we could get out of the bitter wind. At that moment exactly the mist started to open up and slowly but surely the whole eastern side of the massif appeared, starting with the summits of the Grand Jorasses. It was stunning! Our leader, Ian, naturally said that was how he had planned it!
What did you think of your group leader?
First class. Set the sort of pace that meant that everyone could cope. Always supportive and patient, knowledgeable and easy-going. Couldn't have asked for better.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travel light. Socks and t-shirt dry overnight so you won't need as many clothes as you think. Exodus recommend boots but I used trail shoes every day and found them fine (but then I always use them).
It is worth getting reasonably fit. The ascents and descents are generally more than most people from the UK will be used to, unless they walk regularly in Scotland or further afield. That said, all our group, in their 50s or 60s, managed it ok.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am seriously thinking of a similar trip in the future, perhaps a "challenging" one.
Paul Freeman

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written July 2011
Great mountainous scenery, lots of wild flowers, very interesting and varied walks and a good choice of hotels.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Firstly, the amazing views of the Mont Blanc Massif throughout the 10 days of walking. The mountainous views were always very stunning, including a number of glaciers viewed on the trek, which were great.
Secondly, when I went in the first two weeks of July, the wild flowers were incredible ! I can safely say that I have never seen so many varieties of wild flowers. This has made me a wild flower enthusiast !
What did you think of your group leader?
Frank was a very good leader. He was very patient and friendly, and very knowledgeable about the Alps.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I found the first two days of the walking a bit tough. This was because I had hardly done any preparation at home for the mountainous walks. I would definitely recommend doing some hill walking practice before the trip.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
It was very nice staying in three different countries on this trip (France, Switzerland and Italy), because the hotels were all uniquely different, and they were of a good standard. All the hotel staff were very friendly.
Richard De Soldenhoff

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written June 2011
For anyone interested in serious walking/trekking, the Tour du Mont Blanc is, indeed, a classic and should be on your list. It is full of variety, contrasts, lovely places to stay and Exodus does it very well.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The constantly changing views of the mountains, valleys and villages were stunning. The late Spring flowers that changed as we progressed were a marvel. The "day off" exploring the (ancient Roman) city of Aosta in NW Italy was an easy excursion and well worth it.
What did you think of your group leader?
Frank Hibbert was excellent. He is hugely experienced; knows the route like the back of his hand and was excellent with the group. It is difficult to think how he could be improved upon.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you can spend a whole day walking, are reasonably fit, especially have a good pair of knees, go for it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Corsica is next on my list!
Jonathan Sprout

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written September 2010
An amazing trip! Each day brought a stunning new world of spectacular views. The hiking was challenging but the trails were well groomed and safe. Our leader, Ian, was as learned, modest, patient and capable as a leader could be. I believe his calm confidence and his love for The Alps helped bring out the best in each of us and helped me experience two fun adventuresome weeks I'll always treasure.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Near the end of the trip, after hiking about 100 miles, we reached the Col de Tricot and looked way down at another beautiful distant valley. When I realized it was Chamonix, the valley where we began our circular trip, the extend of our great walk began to sink in. The two week circle was about to be completed and all I wanted to do was go around it again!
What did you think of your group leader?
Ian is a kind, civil, sensitive, confident, patient and knowledgeable man who lead our group with a passion for hiking and The Alps. His understanding of the topography, the history, the flowers and the weather is beyond what I ever could have expected from a trip leader. I cannot say enough about the respect I have for him and his way of leadership. He set the tone for a group that was as compassionate and interesting as any group with whom I've ever travelled.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Prepare your body by hiking and prepare your mind by learning a little French.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was my first Exodus trip. I shall return!
Pip H

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written August 2010
A wonderful trip, super guide, stunning scenery and flowers, good company.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Each view point, each new flower- it was great.
What did you think of your group leader?
Frank was just perfect! A committed walker, easy going, amenable. Please move him to another route next year and tell me which one it is!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Try to come by train- I came from Exeter by train, easily done and a nice night in Paris.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
PLEASE use some other hotels- some were fine but several were near horribly noisy roads which really detracted from the enjoyment. Les Houches was the pits!
I'm sure you could find some simple B&Bs on back roads.

Also- I was the only person to walk the entire tour- you really should include the 2 sections which were missed out. Ensure the fitness of your clients in advance ie warn them that there are some steep ascents and descents.
Exodus Response
The Mont Blanc Circuit is truly a stunning walk and it is great to see that our clients think so too! Over time our guides have set the itinerary to cover the best sections of the circuit and bus transfers are only taken when the route or roads to access hotels or start points are unsuitable. Although one or two of the hotels used may be a little more basic (as decribed in our trip notes they are 2 or 3 star in rating), they are clean and comfortable.

- Exodus Staff
Sarah Willetts

MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written July 2010
This trip far exceeded my expectations, at the end of the walk i felt a real sense of achievement, the views were absolutely breathtaking, our group gelled well, the leader Frank was a star. All in all a brilliant holiday.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
From start to finish it is the most fabulous walk i have ever done, every day was equally as good as the previous. The paths and route have been choosen for the best views ever, our lunch stops were always in the most panoramic places. Just fantastic!!!
What did you think of your group leader?
Frank was a brilliant leader, the briefing every evening was informative, he left nothing to chance, finding out and checking weather and route conditions ,as we did encounter quite a lot of snow, he always made sure everyone was safe and comfortable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be as fit as you can be to enjoy it but if you are thinking about this trip it is a MUSt
sheila boal
MONT BLANC HOTEL TREK

Written June 2010
We had a brilliant trip. At times it was hard work but the sense of achievement each day more than compensated for that. Scenery was stunning, leader did a great job,plenty of food and good company.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Coming over Grand Col Ferret from Switzerland and looking down into Italy for the first time.
Staying at Les Chapieux- only inhabited in the summer.
Contouring round in snow to Col du Bonhomme
Reaching the summit of Brevent on the final day of the trek, after climbing 1680metres of ascent.
What did you think of your group leader?
Frank was marvellous. He was relaxed and unassuming in manner, but very professional and organised. His control of the pace made the long days more manageable. He kept an eye on everyone unobtrusively and also seemed to enjoy his job!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The more hillwalking you do in advance the more you will enjoy it. This is especially true for people in our age group (60+).
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is serious hillwalking. The trip notes perhaps suggest that it's easier than it is.
We though it was good value.