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Mont Blanc Family Hiking Adventure

Activity

Family

Overview

Explore the French Alps with an International Mountain Leader who makes the outdoors fun and engaging for all ages

Hike the most beautiful trails around Mont Blanc, sharing big Alpine moments with your family in a friendly group. With an International Mountain Leader guiding the way, we follow paths through the Chamonix Valley and up to viewpoints such as Lac Blanc, where children and adults alike can appreciate the wildlife, glaciers and stories behind these mountains. Each evening, we return to our welcoming chalet, where our hosts create a relaxed, home-from-home setting and cook hearty meals everyone can enjoy.

Key Information

Trip Code: FWN
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: France

What's Included

All accommodation: 7 Classic nights (chalet)
All breakfasts, five picnic lunches, six home-cooked dinners and afternoon tea and cake on walking days
Immersive itinerary with all transport (minibus, local train and cable car) and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. On this trip, local taxes (approximately €10) are not included.

5 days of Family

Pace:

Five days of walking; one free day
Approximately five to seven hours walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents.
Altitude maximum 7,717ft (2,352m), average 5,003ft (1,525m)

Day 2: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 3: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Day 6: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 7: 9 km / 5.6 miles

Highlights

Hike family-friendly sections of the Mont Blanc Circuit, chosen for their big mountain views
Travel in a small group led by an International Mountain Leader who brings the Alps to life for all ages
Reach Lac Blanc and look across to Mont Blanc, a moment children remember long after the trip
Settle into a cosy chalet each evening, where our hosts create a welcoming base for the whole family

Itinerary

First Destination: Chamonix
Next Destination: Chamonix

Meals included:Dinner

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Chamonix
Next Destination: Chamonix

Begin your adventure at Chalet Bedière, your cosy base tucked beneath the peaks that surround Chamonix. This afternoon, we take a gentle walk into Chamonix – a nice chance for families to stretch their legs and get our first look at the mountains.

Around 6pm, say bonjour to your tour leader and fellow travellers, where we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead during a welcome briefing. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome over dinner together.

Want extra time in Chamonix? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Meals included:Dinner

Our first walk of the week takes us onto the slopes of the Col de Balme, an area known for its wide horizons and for marking the frontier with Switzerland.

We begin with the scenic train ride from Chamonix Central to Montroc-le-Planet. From the station, a gentle warm-up leads us to a zigzag path rising through quiet woodland. As we climb, the tree line thins and the views expand – a great boost for younger walkers – and by late morning we reach L’Aiguillette des Posettes, 7,220ft (2,200m). From this high point, we can trace the full length of the Chamonix Valley, pick out the peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve and follow the ridges that stretch towards Switzerland.

Our route then descends to Col des Posettes before a winding trail guides us to the village of Le Tour. We return to Chamonix by train, the perfect chance to rest our legs and look back at the slopes we’ve just crossed.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out on a rewarding walk from Le Bettey, following quiet trails through alpine forests and open meadows as we gain height toward the Chalets de Chailloux (6,300ft/1,920m).

Our tour leader paces the ascent carefully, sharing insights into the mountain landscape as the Chamonix Valley opens out in front of us, Mont Blanc rising clearly across the way.

After taking time to enjoy the view, we descend to Merlet. Here, we round off the day with a visit to Merlet Animal Park, where elevated paths give close-up views of alpine wildlife – ibex, chamois, red deer and marmots are all regular sightings – so cameras at the ready.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start the day with the exciting drive through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy – always a hit with younger adventurers. From Val Ferret, we make a steady climb to the Bonatti refuge (6,560ft/2,000m), a much-loved mountain spot with superb views across to the Grandes Jorasses and the glaciers of the northern valley.

We then follow a high path that contours above the valley before descending towards the valley floor. If time allows, we visit Courmayeur for an Italian ice cream – a well-earned treat.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is yours to shape. Your tour leader can help you pick a walk that suits everyone’s energy levels, or you may prefer to spend time in Chamonix with its shops, cafés, and great outdoor spaces.

Families often enjoy taking a cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (12,600ft/3,842m) for extraordinary high-mountain views, or riding the Montenvers train for a close look at the Mer de Glace glacier. Those keen on extra adventure might try tandem paragliding or hire mountain bikes. If you’re in the mood to unwind, the local spa is a peaceful alternative.

Please note: Spaces on the Aiguille du Midi lift should be booked in advance. We’ll brief you on arrival, but you can also check details or book early at www.montblancnaturalresort.com/en/.

It is also advisable to book your paragliding flight or spa session in advance if you want to secure your place.

Meals included:Breakfast

A 35-minute transfer brings us to Les Contamines valley, where we start our walk back towards the Chamonix Valley. We begin on a gentle valley path that gradually narrows as we head to the Passerelle de Bionnassay – a suspension bridge that crosses a rushing stream fed by the glacier above. It’s an exciting crossing for families and a memorable part of the day.

We then follow the route up to Col de Voza (5,360ft/1,653m) for wide views up the valley, before descending to Les Houches. If legs are tired, there’s a cable car option (payable locally).

There is one short rocky section with chains used as handrails, plus a small ladder to climb – your tour leader will guide families through safely.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we take the gondola from Les Praz to La Flégère before starting a circular walk to Lac Blanc (7,715ft/2,352m). Reaching this lake is often a highlight for families thanks to the views of the entire Mont Blanc range opposite.

After enjoying time by the water, we descend to Lac des Chéserys, where the mountains reflect beautifully on still days. There is one small ladder to descend, supervised by your tour leader. A final stretch brings us onto the Grand Balcon Sud before returning to La Flégère.

The afternoon is free to enjoy Chamonix or relax in the chalet garden.

Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You’ve walked alpine paths, looked across to Mont Blanc from some of its best viewpoints, and shared a week of mountain adventures together – but now it’s time to begin your journey home.

If you’d like to extend your stay, your sales representative can help you explore the options.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

Skip the hassle: We’ll handle your trip from start to finish, with competitive flight prices, deposit-only payments, and full ATOL protection available.

Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.

View Details

Accommodation

Chalet Bedière, Chamonix

In the heart of Chamonix, Chalet Bedière is a beautifully restored 1920s mansion that blends its art deco character with plenty of modern comfort. With six spacious rooms and a big open-plan living and dining area, there’s lots of space for families to relax. The comfy sofas are ideal for games or chatting after a day outdoors, and the terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy some fresh mountain air.

A live-in host is on hand throughout the week, helping the chalet feel warm and friendly. They prepare home-cooked meals for the whole group to enjoy together around the large dining table, and there’s a fresh cake waiting each afternoon – always popular with younger adventurers.

The hosts do not usually enter rooms during the week, but if you need towels refreshed or a quick tidy, they’re happy to help.

Worth knowing

There are no guest laundry or parking facilities at the chalets. If you are driving, please speak to your operations executive about parking options.
We allocate the rooms on the high floors of Chalet Bedière to the first to book, while the two rooms on the lower ground floor, which have smaller windows, are allocated to the last to book.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Walking days: Five
Maximum altitude: 7,717ft (2,352m)
Maximum height gained: 2,952ft (900m)
Average walking time: Six to seven hours
Average distance: 9mi (14km)

Terrain: This Mont Blanc trek follows mountain paths throughout, which are generally well maintained. However, every walk has rough, rocky and steep sections where it is important to concentrate on your footing. The steep sections also make this trip unsuitable for vertigo sufferers.

Suitability: The walking hours stated in the day-to-day itinerary, which include lunch and photo stops, are given as approximates only and will vary depending on your group’s pace. Those who are comfortable trekking at a faster pace should be happy with longer breaks while slower walkers should be prepared to walk at a steady pace for longer periods of time. Those without experience of trekking in mountain conditions with rough terrain may find this trip more difficult. The guide can discuss alternative self-guided options if you find certain walks too tough.

Preparation: The longest days can have an ascent of up to 2,952ft (900m) followed by a similar descent. This means walking uphill for two to four hours and the same down again. For this reason, those new to hill walking will likely find the trip quite tough and need to train beforehand.

Accommodation: On some weeks, we may be hosting more than one group. In this instance, the groups remain separate (apart from the airport bus transfer) and stay in different chalets. We may also adjust your itinerary to ensure the groups are following different walks each day.

Insurance: It is essential to have helicopter evacuation cover within your travel insurance.

Key information

Chalet Bedière: 74 Prom. des Sonnailles, 74400 Chamonix
Recommended arrival time: There will be a short introductory briefing at approximately 1pm, which all are welcome to join but is not essential. The main briefing and all necessary information will be given around 6pm.
Airport: Geneva (GVA)

Getting to the start hotel

The chalet is approximately a 1hr 15min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:

Take a transfer

We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Make your own way

You can reach the chalet easily by taking a bus transfer with a local company – make sure to book at least a week before your departure date. A one-way transfer (shared with other travellers) costs from €46 for a flexible booking and €41.50 for a super saver fixed booking with our partner Mountain Dropoffs.

Book on www.mountaindropoffs.com using promotional code EXOCHX to get these discounted rates. The addresses are loaded onto their site and can be found by entering La Bedière.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, we recommend booking a shared transfer in advance with Mountain Drop-offs (as above). Shared transfers are not available for flights departing Geneva before 9.30am – in this case you would need to request a private transfer with Mountain Drop-offs, which is considerably more expensive (from €295 one-way).

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter France, Italy or Switzerland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations
• United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel.html

Typical meals

Breakfast: buffet breakfasts will usually consist of cereal, eggs, orange juice, croissants, fresh French bread, butter, jam, tea and coffee.
Lunch: picnic lunches will normally include bread, fresh salad, cold meats or tinned fish, cheese and fresh fruit.
Evening meal: We endeavour to make dinner something to look forward to, and each day there will be a freshly prepared menu for the whole group, consisting of a soup, salad or similar, a main course of meat, fish or vegetarian served with a selection of vegetables and carbohydrates, and a dessert. The price of the evening meal does not include wine, beer, bottled water or soft drinks.
Vegetarian, gluten and dairy-free diets: Although we serve a single menu each night for the whole group, we will happily shop for and prepare alternative menus for vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free diets, but please inform us at the time of booking.

Please note: to reduce food wastage, we shop to exact quantities for the whole week in advance, so if you have requested a certain diet please remain with that diet for the whole trip.

August in Chamonix brings warm, mostly sunny days around 25C (77F), with crisp, comfortable mornings and evenings. Trails are clear of snow, lifts are fully operating, and daylight is long. These stable, family-friendly conditions make hiking easier and safer for children, offering accessible routes and spectacular scenery without harsh alpine cold.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.