Tour Du Mont Blanc: Trekking In 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 15 reviews.

Frances Anne

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Written August 2012
A trek through the most impressive scenery I've encountered in Europe
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What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was Rupert, an international mountain guide who obviously new the area well . A convivial chap and skilled leader in many ways - he really enhanced our enjoyment of this holiday. 5 star.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take flip flops for the evenings as boots have to be left at the door of the refuges.

Is there anything else you would like to add?
Be prepared not to get much sleep in the dorms, some of the bunks are 6 beds wide and you may find yourself in the middle surrounded by snorers!
Michael Foy

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Written July 2012
A really good trip, with some great views and hard intense days but a lot of fun, overall an excellent trip.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The col climbs were often very tough with 1,000m of height gain in 3 - 4 hours! As well as this the weather was very changeable and we had a number of rainy days which meant making sure waterproofs were close to hand and that things didn't get to wet.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alison was knowledgable and friendly and seemed to have a lot of mountain walking experience which was very reassuring. A very good leader.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack as light as possible and certainly don't take more than a 35 litre pack, it is unlikely you would use all the stuff in a bigger pack and you will really appreciate the lighter load as you carry it day after day across the trip.
Our leader showed us what she was taking and it was minimal my advice would be ask yourself if you really need it before packing it in your pack for the main trek.
Richard Brown

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Written June 2012
My first group trekking trip and it won't be my last; infact I am already planning more adventures with Exodus! I chose this particular trip as a taster or starter to see how I coped with challenging walking. The whole trip worked out really well from flights to the walk and accomodation.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Meeting the 12 others in my group who were all fantastic people! Everyone had a good chat during the trip and we all got on well with each other (I hope we can all stay in contact!). The scenery around Mont Blanc was breath taking of course and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere back at base in Chamonix.
What did you think of your group leader?
A real inspiration to me to see how he organised the group and kept in control. The bag packing briefing was really well done and I learnt a lot about what I didn't need on the trip. Graham was a very responsible leader heading off quickly at one stage whilst the group took lunch to make sure that a refuge was open then came back again to give us the all clear!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take note of how little you need on the walk! Less is more but don't forget the important clothes such as waterproof trousers!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'll be booking my next trip with Exodus very soon. My goal for the future is to go to Everest base camp.
Peter Kavanagh

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Written June 2012
We had a great mix of people in our group - very cosmopolitan, young and old, with an international flavour and a wide range of hiking expertise. There was a great sense of camraderie where those with greater experience helped and encouraged those with less experience. This might have frustrated those with more 'individualistic' attitudes but this was a group holiday after all so teamwork is important. Less experienced hikers responded well to the general positivity and grew in confidence as the week progressed. This is a physically demanding trek and enjoyment will definitely be enhanced by having a good level of basic fitness. A rustic element is part of the overall experience so be prepared for dormitary sleeping facilities for 3 nights, but this was very nicely counter-balanced by staying one night in a comfortable hotel midway through the week.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were 2 stand-out on a personal level during our trip:
While all 13 members of the group successfully completed the demanding 1-week itinerary, special mention is due to the oldest member of the group, who, at 75 years of age, was an absolute inspiration to everyone, some of whom were less than half his age. Another group member whose pre-trip training was severely curtailed having been hospitalised for pneumonia 2 months before departure showed utter determination in admirably defying the odds to get up all of the most challenging ascents and just never gave up.
There were coutless moments of scenic inspiration.
What did you think of your group leader?
Graham, a top-class guide, did an excellent job. He managed the spectrum of ability in the group very skillfully so that everyone successfully completed each days' walk. He was gently engaging with everyone and did not insinuate himself socially in any excessively imposing way. He had helpful suggestions and advice on clothing options, and gave regular tips for cost-saving measures when buying foodstuffs to take with you each day. He had a great knowledge of local terrain and prevailing conditions which gave a very comforting sense of confidence to all of us. At the end of each day he did a summary of our progress with the aid of a map, and sumarised what to expect on the following days walk. All of this greatly added to our sense of enjoyment.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Don't expect luxury accomodation on route - it is adequate and appropriate to the rustic nature of what you are doing in the surroundings you are in.
A good basic level of fitness is highly desirable. It is physically tough but not excessively so for those with a reasonable level of fitness. Although challenging, it is relatively short. I would consider it a good preparation for those considering longer treks of a demanding nature (such as the GR 20 in Corsica or Everest base camp).
Those with a sense of sociability and teamwork will find this more rewarding than those with strongly independent, individualistic attitudes.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The food is pretty basic and relatively unexciting - gourmet food enthusiasts will not get the opportunity to indulge their tastebuds much over the course of the week! Nevertheless we had one vegetarian in our group and his needs were more than adequately catered for.
Daniel Smith

Mont Blanc Circuit - Quick and Light(ish)

Written June 2012
A fast and (preferably) light tour around the iconic Mont Blanc Massif. With an emphasis on seeing the highlights of the Mont Blanc circuit, you can definitely expect your money’s worth of walking when trying to cover as much of the amazing scenery as this trip takes in.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Just being in the surroundings makes you want to get out and walk. There was never any reservation on waking each morning. Anticipating what was to come and looking forward to each day meant I couldn’t wait to get started each day!
What did you think of your group leader?
Graham led us with humour, panache and a very finely judged approach. It’s easy when leading in potentially hazardous environments to set rules in stone and forget that the group is composed of adults, not children requiring herding for a to b. Graham was able to move the group at a pace that kept most people happy most of the time, provide plenty of stops for information, breath catching, photos and snacks. If you find yourself being guided by Graham, consider yourself lucky – he’s as good as I’ve come across in my adventures.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Travel light. No, lighter than that. A bit lighter still... Save that half used toothpaste tube and use it on this trip. Take a smaller bit of soap, not a massive new showergel bottle. There’s no getting away from it. You walk up hills a lot on this trip. The lighter the bag, the easier it is. You come down them too. Your knees will thank you for leaving the hardback bestseller back in Chamonix. For example, two tee-shirts (one day, one night) will see you through the week easily. If you must, you could even wash the daytime tee and dry it overnight. If you're wondering why I say all this, what with three litres of water, lunch, an SLR and a bit too much in the way of clothing, my bag was 17kg, joint heaviest on our trip. I figured I could cut four kg out easily and will do next time!

Earplugs are a must for a good night’s sleep in the dorms. Someone will snore. Someone will get up for a wee. If you’re used to dorm living, this will be normal to you. If you’ve never stayed in dorms before, fear not – these were some of the nicest I’ve experienced, with comfy beds, nice and warm. They may feel cosy, with fellow travellers in close proximity, but embrace it and enjoy it!

Watch the guide. If they put a jacket on, it’s probably going to get wet. If they’re in a tee-shirt, it’s looking good.

Get some training done. Each day contained a significant climb and descent. Our group was described as averagely fit and we spent between six and eight hours walking each day. The fitter you are, the more time you can spend looking at the magnificent views, instead of staring down at your feet on a never ending trudge. I absolutely promise the views are worth the extra effort.

If you get a nosebleed and use a tampon to staunch the bloodflow, be prepared for your fellow walkers to point, laugh and take photos. Thank you Richard for this most memorable of moments.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you love walking and want to cover some ground in a week, take in some world-class views and blow away any lingering cobwebs that have accumulated since your last holiday, this is a great trip. If told I was leaving on Saturday to repeat it, I would be on that plane with no hesitation.
Stephen Salt

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Written September 2011
Despite incorrect information regarding car parking in Chamonix, the trip itself was a great experience, thanks to the group leader. Mine wasn't the only experience in the group of admin problems and incorrect information, I'll let the others comment on that.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The final day up to Lake Blanc was amazing and a wonderful experience. The views were stunning and the weather and company perfect.
What did you think of your group leader?
Graham Hickman has a love for the mountains and a passion to share it that is obvious to everyone. His knowledge, wit and experience, together with a few little extra trips thrown in made this a special trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes, double check everything you get told by the admin team, unfortunately the opinion of their accuracy was not high!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
For me the saving grace was the quality of the group leader - excellent!
Aileen Mc Coy

TOUR DU MONT BLANC

Written July 2011
This was a fantastic trek, taking in 3 countries in a week. The scenery was stunning and varied, as was the weather.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Climbing up to the highest pass, looking back at what we had already covered and looking ahead into Italy.
The flowers were fantastic all along the route, but especially at his point which made it all the more stunning.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alison was fantastic; appeared very laid back but was very skilled at managing the group. She demonstrated what was in her rucksack at the beginning of the trip. As a result most people carried a lot less, making the trip much more manageable and enjoyable..you really do NOT need lots of changes of clothing, when staying mainly in mountain huts.
She was also clearly very fit and experinced in the mountains, and always cheerful and positive.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Ensure you have a good level of fitness and have walked in mountains beforehand; it makes it much more enjoyable.
Do not take too much stuff; quick drying gear which can be washed out and dry overnight is ideal, but be prepared for rain/sleet/snow.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If taking anyting extra, make it a pair of socks!...