Chamonix

Geneva Airport shared shuttle to Chamonix(1.5 hours)

Mountain Drop-Offs or Chamonix Valley Transfers from GVA, ~€35 one way; keep your passport handy as you cross the France-Switzerland border, both Schengen.

Check in near Chamonix Sud or the centre(1 hour)

Areas around Chamonix Sud, Les Pèlerins, or the pedestrian centre put you minutes from the Aiguille du Midi lift and the free valley bus. Pick up your visitor card (Carte d'Hôte) for free Chamonix Bus and Mont-Blanc Express travel.

Walk the pedestrian centre & Arve riverbank(1.5 hours)

Find the Saussure-Balmat statue pointing at Mont Blanc, browse gear shops on Rue du Docteur Paccard, and orient yourself between the Aiguille du Midi (south) and Brévent (north) lifts.

Stop at the Office de Haute Montagne (Maison de la Montagne)(30 minutes)

Free, expert trail and weather advice. Pick the clearest forecast morning this week for the Aiguille du Midi summit.

Welcome dinner at Le Bistrot(2 hours)

Refined Savoyard cooking just off the centre; book ahead. Lighter alternative: Munchie for Asian-fusion or Le Cap Horn on the main drag.

First Aiguille du Midi cable car at ~8:10AM(2.5 hours)

3,842m in two stages, ~€75 return (or covered by the Mont Blanc MultiPass from ~€72/day). Book a timed slot online the night before — clear days sell out. Dress for -10°C even in July.

Step into the Void glass skywalk & summit terraces(1 hour)

Stand in the glass box over a 1,000m drop, take the lift to the very top terrace for the head-on Mont Blanc panorama, then coffee at the 3842 restaurant before cloud rolls in.

Descend to Plan de l'Aiguille (2,317m)(30 minutes)

Get off at the mid-station on the way down to start the classic balcony trail; move slowly and hydrate to ease the rapid altitude change.

Lunch at Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille(1.5 hours)

Rustic terrace refuge with tarte and soup facing the glaciers, ~€18-25 a plate; a Chamonix institution. Book in peak season.

Grand Balcon Nord walk down to Chamonix(2 hours)

Mostly downhill alpine path back to town (or shortcut on the lift if legs are tired). Easy alternative on a tired day: ride the cable car all the way down.

Montenvers railway from Chamonix(30 minutes)

Historic cog train from behind the main station, ~€38 return (MultiPass covers it). First departures ~8:30AM beat the crowds.

Mer de Glace gondola & ice cave (Grotte de Glace)(1.5 hours)

Ride the small gondola down, then descend the staircase carved fresh each year into the glacier. Year markers on the climb back up show how far the ice has retreated.

Glaciorium & Temple de la Nature museum(45 minutes)

Compact exhibits at Montenvers on glacier science and the site's 19th-century history; good if afternoon weather turns.

Lunch at the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers terrace(1.5 hours)

Mountain dining at 1,913m facing the ice; reserve in summer. Or pack a picnic from Super U in town.

Evening apéritif on Place Balmat(1.5 hours)

Wind down with a Génépi or local beer at MBC microbrewery or a centre café, watching alpenglow on the Aiguilles.

Planpraz gondola then Brévent cable car(1 hour)

From the centre to 2,525m, ~€38 return (MultiPass covered). Go in the morning for sharp light on Mont Blanc directly across the valley.

Tandem paragliding flight off Brévent (optional)(1 hour)

Operators like Air Sports Chamonix or Kailash launch from here, ~€110-160 for a 15-25 min flight with a Mont Blanc backdrop. Weather-dependent.

Ridge walk toward Le Brévent summit(1.5 hours)

Short, rocky there-and-back from the top station for the full panorama; chamois are common. Easy alternative: stay on the terrace café.

Lunch at the Bellachat or Planpraz terrace(1 hour)

Simple high-altitude plates with the best Mont Blanc view in the valley.

Spa & relax afternoon at QC Terme Chamonix(2.5 hours)

Alpine thermal spa with outdoor pools facing the peaks, ~€55-70; book a slot. A perfect low-key counterweight to the morning's altitude.

Mont-Blanc Express / bus to Les Praz, then Flégère lift(45 minutes)

Short hop up-valley, then the Flégère cable car (~€19 single, MultiPass covered) to 1,877m to shorten the climb.

Hike Flégère to Lac Blanc (2,352m)(2 hours)

About 2 hours up over rocky, sometimes ladder-assisted terrain; best July-September. Carry layers, water, and check the forecast at the Office de Haute Montagne first.

Lunch at Refuge du Lac Blanc(1 hour)

Lakeside refuge with omelettes and tarte myrtille facing the Grandes Jorasses, ~€18-25. Confirm seasonal opening before you go.

Return via the Grand Balcon Sud(2 hours)

Descend back to Flégère, or extend along the panoramic balcony trail toward Planpraz before riding a lift down.

Recovery dinner at La Maison Carrier(2 hours)

Michelin-listed traditional Savoyard farmhouse dining (part of Hameau Albert 1er); book ahead. Casual alternative: a bubbling fondue at Le Monchu.

Mont-Blanc Express to Les Houches & Prarion / Bellevue lift(1 hour)

10 minutes down-valley; ride the Prarion gondola or Bellevue cable car for forest-framed massif views away from the crowds. In winter this is reliable tree-lined skiing on low-visibility days.

Tramway du Mont-Blanc to the Nid d'Aigle (clear-weather option)(3 hours)

From nearby Saint-Gervais/Le Fayet, France's highest rack railway climbs to 2,372m, ~€40 return; operates roughly June-September. The Mont Blanc ascent trailhead, with superb views and no climbing required.

Easy hike around the Parc du Balcon de Merlet (alternative)(2 hours)

A wildlife park on the hillside with free-roaming ibex, chamois, and marmots, ~€8 — a relaxed, low-altitude rest-day choice if the weather is poor.

Lunch in Les Houches village(1 hour)

Try a terrace in the village centre or the Bellevue restaurant up top for a quiet alternative to busy Chamonix.

Evening back in Chamonix — gear shopping & dinner at Le Cap Horn(2 hours)

Last chance to browse Snell Sports or Ravanel & Co. for souvenirs; dinner of fish and Savoyard plates in the centre.

Slow breakfast & final stroll along the Arve(1.5 hours)

Coffee and a pastry at a centre café; one last look up at the Aiguille du Midi spire.

Last-minute shopping & checkout(1 hour)

Génépi, Beaufort cheese, or alpine gear from the pedestrian centre. Check out and store bags at reception if your transfer is later.

Shared shuttle to Geneva Airport (GVA)(1.5 hours)

Pre-book the return transfer (~€35); allow buffer for the border and airport security. Aim to arrive at GVA 2-2.5 hours before your flight.

Geneva Airport shared shuttle to Chamonix(1.5 hours)

Mountain Drop-Offs or Chamonix Valley Transfers from GVA, ~€35 one way; keep your passport handy for the France-Switzerland border crossing (both Schengen).

Check in near the centre or Chamonix Sud(1 hour)

Stay walkable to the Aiguille du Midi lift and the free valley bus; collect your visitor card (Carte d'Hôte) for free Chamonix Bus and Mont-Blanc Express travel.

Walk the pedestrian centre & Arve riverbank(1.5 hours)

Find the Saussure-Balmat statue, browse Snell Sports and Ravanel & Co., and orient between the south (Aiguille du Midi) and north (Brévent) lifts.

Office de Haute Montagne weather briefing(30 minutes)

Free trail and weather advice; lock in the clearest morning this week for the Aiguille du Midi.

Welcome dinner at Le Bistrot(2 hours)

Refined Savoyard cooking off the centre; book ahead. Casual alternative: Munchie or Le Cap Horn.

First Aiguille du Midi cable car at ~8:10AM(2.5 hours)

3,842m in two stages, ~€75 return (or Mont Blanc MultiPass from ~€72/day). Book a timed slot online the night before; dress for -10°C.

Step into the Void skywalk & summit terraces(1 hour)

The glass box over a 1,000m drop, top terrace for the Mont Blanc panorama, and coffee at the 3842 restaurant before cloud arrives.

Lunch at Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille (2,317m)(1.5 hours)

Get off at the mid-station; rustic terrace refuge with soup and tarte, ~€18-25. Move slowly and hydrate at altitude.

Grand Balcon Nord walk down toward Chamonix(2 hours)

Mostly downhill balcony path back to town; shortcut on the lift if tired.

Montenvers railway from Chamonix(30 minutes)

Cog train from behind the station, ~€38 return (MultiPass covered). First departure ~8:30AM beats crowds.

Mer de Glace gondola & ice cave(1.5 hours)

Ride down then descend the staircase into the glacier; year markers on the climb back show the retreat.

Glaciorium & Temple de la Nature(45 minutes)

Glacier-science and 19th-century history exhibits; useful if afternoon weather turns.

Lunch at the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers terrace(1.5 hours)

Mountain dining at 1,913m facing the ice; reserve in summer.

Easy afternoon: Chamonix Alpine Museum (Musée Alpin)(1.5 hours)

Mountaineering history and old summit gear back in town, ~€6; a relaxed close to the day.

Planpraz gondola then Brévent cable car(1 hour)

To 2,525m, ~€38 return (MultiPass covered). Morning light is sharpest on Mont Blanc directly opposite.

Tandem paragliding off Brévent (optional)(1 hour)

Air Sports Chamonix or Kailash, ~€110-160 for a 15-25 min flight; weather-dependent.

Ridge walk toward Le Brévent summit(1.5 hours)

Short rocky there-and-back for the full panorama; chamois common. Or simply enjoy the terrace café.

Spa afternoon at QC Terme Chamonix(2.5 hours)

Outdoor thermal pools facing the peaks, ~€55-70; book a slot.

Bus/Mont-Blanc Express to Les Praz & Flégère lift(45 minutes)

Short hop up-valley then the Flégère cable car (~€19 single, MultiPass covered) to 1,877m to shorten the climb.

Hike Flégère to Lac Blanc (2,352m)(2 hours)

~2 hours up over rocky, ladder-assisted terrain; best July-September. Layers, water, and a forecast check first.

Lunch at Refuge du Lac Blanc(1 hour)

Lakeside refuge with omelettes and tarte myrtille facing the Grandes Jorasses, ~€18-25; confirm seasonal opening.

Return via the Grand Balcon Sud(2 hours)

Descend to Flégère, or extend the panoramic balcony trail toward Planpraz before a lift down.

Recovery dinner at La Maison Carrier(2 hours)

Michelin-listed traditional Savoyard farmhouse at Hameau Albert 1er; book ahead. Casual: fondue at Le Monchu.

Saturday Chamonix market on Place du Mont-Blanc(1.5 hours)

Local cheeses (Beaufort, Reblochon), saucisson, and Savoyard crafts; great for picnic supplies.

Easy valley walk or e-bike along the Arve / Petit Balcon Sud(2 hours)

Flat riverside paths or a gentle forested balcon trail; rent an e-bike in town if you want more range.

Lunch & coffee in the pedestrian centre(1 hour)

Crêpes, a salad at Le Comptoir des Alpages, or a slow café terrace.

Optional indoor climbing or pool if weather is poor(1.5 hours)

Chamonix's climbing gym or the Richard Bozon sports centre pool — good rainy-day backups.

Drive or bus/train to Annecy(1.25 hours)

~1 hour by car or a bus/train combo via Saint-Gervais; an easy break from altitude.

Wander the Vieille Ville & Palais de l'Île(2 hours)

Pastel canal houses, the medieval island prison, and the Pont des Amours; the 'Venice of the Alps'.

Lunch lakeside in the old town(1.5 hours)

Perch fillets (filets de perche) and a glass of Roussette de Savoie at a canalside table.

Swim or boat cruise on Lake Annecy(2 hours)

Plage d'Annecy-le-Vieux for a swim, or a 1-hour Compagnie des Bateaux cruise, ~€17.

Return to Chamonix for a relaxed dinner(2 hours)

Casual raclette or a light bistro plate back in the valley.

Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur(45 minutes)

By car or SAVDA bus through the 11.6km tunnel (toll ~€53 return by car); arrive in the Italian Aosta Valley.

Skyway Monte Bianco rotating cable car to Punta Helbronner (3,466m)(2 hours)

Spectacular rotating gondola to a 360° terrace facing the Italian side of Mont Blanc, ~€57 return; book a timed slot.

Long lunch in Courmayeur village(1.5 hours)

Polenta, fonduta, and a glass of Aosta red on Via Roma; a relaxed Italian pace versus French refuges.

Stroll Courmayeur & the Mont Blanc panorama(1 hour)

Browse the chic pedestrian street and the church square before heading back.

Return through the tunnel to Chamonix(45 minutes)

Evening back in the valley; light dinner or apéritif at MBC brewery.

Meet your IFMGA guide (Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix)(30 minutes)

The world's oldest guiding company; a half-day glacier discovery or crampon initiation runs ~€90-160pp depending on group size. Book in advance.

Guided glacier walk & crampon basics(3 hours)

Roped travel, crevasse awareness, and ice technique on the Mer de Glace or a Plan de l'Aiguille glacier tongue; all equipment provided.

Lunch at a refuge or packed on the ice(1 hour)

Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille terrace or a packed lunch with your guide.

Easy descent & debrief(1.5 hours)

Ride the lifts down; relaxed evening to recover. Lighter alternative for non-climbers: a guided nature walk on the Petit Balcon.

Flégère lift to the trailhead(30 minutes)

Ride to 1,877m (MultiPass covered) to start the traverse high above the valley floor.

Hike the Grand Balcon Sud to Planpraz(3 hours)

Rolling balcony trail past Lac Cornu turn-offs with constant massif views; moderate, ~2.5-3 hours.

Lunch at La Bergerie de Planpraz or a picnic(1 hour)

Mountain terrace dining at the Planpraz top station, or eat your market picnic with a view.

Brévent cable car back down(30 minutes)

Ride from Planpraz to town rather than walking the steep descent.

Spa or apéritif to recover(2 hours)

A QC Terme soak or a génépi on Place Balmat.

Mont-Blanc Express to Saint-Gervais/Le Fayet(45 minutes)

Scenic valley train down to the tramway base station.

Tramway du Mont-Blanc to the Nid d'Aigle (2,372m)(3 hours)

Vintage rack railway to the Mont Blanc ascent trailhead, ~€40 return; runs roughly June-September. Superb views without climbing.

Short walk at the Nid d'Aigle viewpoint(45 minutes)

Stroll toward the Bionnassay glacier overlook before the train down; carry a layer.

Saint-Gervais village & thermal baths (optional)(2 hours)

Belle Époque spa town; relax at Les Thermes de Saint-Gervais or grab lunch on the square.

Return to Chamonix(45 minutes)

Easy evening; raclette or fondue dinner at Le Monchu.

Guided via ferrata des Évettes / Curalla(3 hours)

Cabled cliff route near Passy/Les Houches with a guide and full kit, ~€60-90pp; good head for heights needed.

Lunch in Les Houches or Servoz(1 hour)

A village terrace away from the Chamonix crowds.

Parc de loisirs / accrobranche (alternative)(2 hours)

Tree-top ropes courses for a lower-commitment adventure or family option.

Balcon de Merlet wildlife park(1.5 hours)

Free-roaming ibex, chamois, and marmots on the hillside, ~€8 — a relaxed alternative if weather closes the via ferrata.

Mont-Blanc Express to Argentière(30 minutes)

Up-valley to the climbing village beneath the Argentière glacier.

Lognan / Grands Montets viewpoint(2 hours)

Ride the lift toward Grands Montets (a freeride mecca in winter) for views of the Argentière glacier and Aiguille Verte.

Walk to the Point de Vue du Glacier d'Argentière(1.5 hours)

Short signed trail to a dramatic glacier overlook; one of the valley's great quieter walks.

Lunch in Argentière village(1 hour)

La Crèmerie du Glacier (legendary croûtes and tartiflette) or a village bistro; book ahead.

Continue to Vallorcine & the Swiss frontier(1.5 hours)

Quiet meadow hamlet near the Col des Montets; stroll, then take the Mont-Blanc Express back. Easy alternative: skip and rest in town.

Slow breakfast & final Arve riverside stroll(1.5 hours)

Coffee and a pastry; a last look up at the Aiguille du Midi spire.

Last-minute shopping & checkout(1 hour)

Génépi, Beaufort cheese, or alpine gear from the centre; store bags at reception if your transfer is later.

Shared shuttle to Geneva Airport (GVA)(1.5 hours)

Pre-book the return (~€35); allow buffer for the border and security. Arrive at GVA 2-2.5 hours before your flight.

Geneva Airport shared shuttle to Chamonix(1.5 hours)

Mountain Drop-Offs or Chamonix Valley Transfers from GVA, ~€35 one way; passport handy for the France-Switzerland border (both Schengen).

Check in near the centre or Chamonix Sud(1 hour)

Stay walkable to the Aiguille du Midi lift and the free bus; collect your Carte d'Hôte for free Chamonix Bus and Mont-Blanc Express travel.

Walk the pedestrian centre & Arve riverbank(1.5 hours)

Saussure-Balmat statue, Snell Sports and Ravanel & Co., and orient between the south and north lifts.

Office de Haute Montagne weather briefing(30 minutes)

Free advice; flag the clearest morning this week for the Aiguille du Midi.

Welcome dinner at Le Bistrot(2 hours)

Refined Savoyard cooking; book ahead. Casual: Munchie or Le Cap Horn.

First Aiguille du Midi cable car at ~8:10AM(2.5 hours)

3,842m in two stages, ~€75 return (or Mont Blanc MultiPass from ~€72/day). Book a timed slot the night before; dress for -10°C.

Step into the Void skywalk & summit terraces(1 hour)

Glass box over a 1,000m drop, top terrace Mont Blanc panorama, coffee at 3842 before cloud arrives.

Lunch at Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille (2,317m)(1.5 hours)

Get off at the mid-station; rustic terrace, soup and tarte ~€18-25. Move slowly at altitude.

Grand Balcon Nord walk down toward Chamonix(2 hours)

Downhill balcony path; shortcut on the lift if tired.

Montenvers railway from Chamonix(30 minutes)

Cog train, ~€38 return (MultiPass covered). First departure ~8:30AM beats crowds.

Mer de Glace gondola & ice cave(1.5 hours)

Ride down then descend the staircase into the glacier; year markers show the retreat.

Glaciorium & Temple de la Nature(45 minutes)

Glacier-science exhibits; useful if afternoon weather turns.

Lunch at the Grand Hôtel du Montenvers terrace(1.5 hours)

Mountain dining at 1,913m facing the ice; reserve in summer.

Chamonix Alpine Museum (Musée Alpin)(1.5 hours)

Mountaineering history back in town, ~€6; relaxed close to the day.

Planpraz gondola then Brévent cable car(1 hour)

To 2,525m, ~€38 return (MultiPass covered). Morning light is sharpest on Mont Blanc opposite.

Tandem paragliding off Brévent (optional)(1 hour)

Air Sports Chamonix or Kailash, ~€110-160; weather-dependent.

Ridge walk toward Le Brévent summit(1.5 hours)

Short rocky there-and-back; chamois common. Or enjoy the terrace café.

Spa afternoon at QC Terme Chamonix(2.5 hours)

Outdoor thermal pools facing the peaks, ~€55-70; book a slot.

Bus/Mont-Blanc Express to Les Praz & Flégère lift(45 minutes)

Up-valley hop then the Flégère cable car (~€19 single, MultiPass covered) to 1,877m.

Hike Flégère to Lac Blanc (2,352m)(2 hours)

~2 hours up over rocky, ladder-assisted terrain; best July-September. Layers, water, forecast check.

Lunch at Refuge du Lac Blanc(1 hour)

Lakeside omelettes and tarte myrtille facing the Grandes Jorasses, ~€18-25; confirm opening.

Return via the Grand Balcon Sud(2 hours)

Descend to Flégère or extend the balcony toward Planpraz before a lift down.

Recovery dinner at La Maison Carrier(2 hours)

Michelin-listed Savoyard farmhouse at Hameau Albert 1er; book ahead. Casual: Le Monchu fondue.

Chamonix market on Place du Mont-Blanc(1.5 hours)

Beaufort, Reblochon, saucisson, and crafts; great for picnic supplies.

Easy valley walk or e-bike along the Arve / Petit Balcon Sud(2 hours)

Flat riverside or gentle forested balcon; rent an e-bike for more range.

Lunch & coffee in the pedestrian centre(1 hour)

Crêpes or a salad at Le Comptoir des Alpages.

Richard Bozon sports centre pool or climbing gym (poor weather)(1.5 hours)

Reliable rainy-day backups in town.

Meet your IFMGA guide (Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix)(30 minutes)

The world's oldest guiding company; a half-day glacier discovery runs ~€90-160pp by group size. Book ahead.

Guided glacier walk & crampon basics(3 hours)

Roped travel, crevasse awareness, and ice technique on the Mer de Glace; all gear provided.

Lunch at a refuge or packed on the ice(1 hour)

Plan de l'Aiguille terrace or a packed lunch with your guide.

Easy descent & debrief(1.5 hours)

Lifts down; relaxed evening. Non-climbers: a guided Petit Balcon nature walk instead.

Mont-Blanc Express to Les Houches trailhead(30 minutes)

Start the TMB at the western valley mouth; carry a light pack with layers, water, and refuge essentials.

Hike over Col de Voza & Col de Tricot(5 hours)

Pass beneath the Bionnassay glacier and cross the famous wobbly footbridge; ~15km with real ascent. Bellevue lift can shorten the start.

Lunch at Refuge du Col de Tricot or Auberge du Truc(1 hour)

Classic TMB refuge stop with soup and tarte.

Descend to Les Contamines-Montjoie(2 hours)

Drop into the Montjoie valley village for the night.

Refuge / gîte dinner & overnight in Les Contamines(2 hours)

Half-board mountain dinner (~€55-70 for bed and dinner); rest for tomorrow's pass.

Climb to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m)(4 hours)

Sustained ascent from Notre-Dame de la Gorge past the Refuge de la Balme; alpine and exposed — start early on a clear day.

Cross Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,479m)(1.5 hours)

The high point of this leg with sweeping views; snow can linger into early summer.

Lunch at Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme(1 hour)

A welcome high refuge for soup and a rest at the col.

Descend to Les Chapieux(2.5 hours)

Long descent into the remote Vallée des Glaciers hamlet.

Refuge dinner & overnight at Les Chapieux(2 hours)

Auberge de la Nova or the gîte; hearty half-board (~€55-70) and an early night.

Hike over Col de la Seigne into Italy (2,516m)(3 hours)

Cross the French-Italian border with the Italian face of Mont Blanc opening ahead; one of the TMB's great moments.

Lunch at Rifugio Elisabetta or in Val Veny(1.5 hours)

An Italian refuge welcome — polenta and a coffee on the Italian side.

Descend to Val Veny & shuttle to Courmayeur(2 hours)

Walk out to the valley bus, or end at the road for a pickup.

SAVDA bus / transfer through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix(1 hour)

Back to the valley via the 11.6km tunnel; a long, satisfying trekking finale.

Recovery dinner & early night in Chamonix(2 hours)

A well-earned raclette and a soak in the hotel.

Long spa session at QC Terme Chamonix(3 hours)

Thermal pools, saunas, and Mont Blanc views to ease trek-tired legs, ~€55-70.

Leisurely lunch in the centre(1.5 hours)

A relaxed bistro or crêperie; no agenda.

Gentle Arve riverside or Petit Balcon Nord stroll(1.5 hours)

Flat, easy legs-loosening walk if you feel like moving.

Apéritif at MBC microbrewery(1.5 hours)

Local craft beer and tartiflette to celebrate finishing the TMB leg.

Drive or bus/train to Annecy(1.25 hours)

~1 hour by car or a bus/train combo via Saint-Gervais.

Vieille Ville & Palais de l'Île(2 hours)

Pastel canal houses, the medieval island prison, the Pont des Amours.

Lunch lakeside in the old town(1.5 hours)

Filets de perche and a glass of Roussette de Savoie.

Swim or boat cruise on Lake Annecy(2 hours)

A swim at the public beach, or a 1-hour Compagnie des Bateaux cruise, ~€17.

Return to Chamonix for a light dinner(2 hours)

Casual plate back in the valley.

Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur(45 minutes)

Car or SAVDA bus through the tunnel (toll ~€53 return by car) into the Aosta Valley.

Skyway Monte Bianco to Punta Helbronner (3,466m)(2 hours)

Rotating gondola to a 360° terrace on the Italian side of Mont Blanc, ~€57 return; book a slot.

Lunch & stroll in Courmayeur(1.5 hours)

Polenta and fonduta on Via Roma; browse the chic pedestrian street.

Drive on to Aosta(45 minutes)

Continue down the valley to the Roman city of Aosta for the night.

Evening in Aosta & overnight(2 hours)

Roman theatre and Arch of Augustus by night; dinner of Valdostana specialties and a hotel stay in town.

Roman Aosta walking tour(2 hours)

The Roman theatre, Porta Praetoria, and the cryptoporticus; 'the Rome of the Alps'.

Aosta market & Fontina shopping(1 hour)

Pick up Fontina DOP cheese and Aosta Valley wine to bring back.

Lunch in Aosta(1.5 hours)

A final Italian meal before the return drive.

Return through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Chamonix(1 hour)

Back to the valley by mid-afternoon.

Relaxed evening in Chamonix(2 hours)

Light dinner and an early night to reset for the next stretch.

Mont-Blanc Express to Argentière(30 minutes)

Up-valley to the climbing village beneath the Argentière glacier.

Lognan / Grands Montets viewpoint(2 hours)

Lift toward Grands Montets (a winter freeride mecca) for Argentière glacier and Aiguille Verte views.

Walk to the Point de Vue du Glacier d'Argentière(1.5 hours)

Short signed trail to a dramatic glacier overlook.

Lunch at La Crèmerie du Glacier, Argentière(1 hour)

Legendary croûtes and tartiflette; book ahead.

Continue to Vallorcine & the Swiss frontier(1.5 hours)

Quiet meadow hamlet near the Col des Montets; stroll, then Mont-Blanc Express back.

Train via Martigny & Visp to Täsch, shuttle to Zermatt(3 hours)

Mont-Blanc Express to Switzerland then SBB; Zermatt is car-free, park or change at Täsch. Bring CHF or a card and your passport.

Gornergrat cog railway to 3,089m(2 hours)

Switzerland's classic rack railway to a panorama of the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa glaciers, ~CHF 132 return; book ahead.

Lunch with a Matterhorn view(1.5 hours)

A rösti or fondue at a Gornergrat or village terrace facing the iconic peak.

Wander car-free Zermatt village(1.5 hours)

The Bahnhofstrasse, old Hinterdorf chalets, and the mountaineers' cemetery.

Return to Chamonix(3 hours)

Long evening journey back; this is a full, early-start, late-return day. Lower-key alternative: a relaxed valley day instead.

Sunrise photo session at Lac des Gaillands or Les Praz(1.5 hours)

Mont Blanc reflections in the still lakes; a Chamonix photographer can guide a workshop (~€90-150) if you want.

Slow breakfast & centre browsing(1.5 hours)

Coffee and unhurried gear or souvenir shopping.

Easy Petit Balcon Sud forest walk(2 hours)

Shaded, flat-ish balcony trail with framed massif views; low-commitment.

Golden-hour shoot at Le Brévent or Planpraz(2 hours)

Ride up for alpenglow on Mont Blanc; last lifts down vary by season, so check times.

Meet your IFMGA guide & gear fitting(1 hour)

A 2-day initiation/ascent package runs roughly ~€300-450pp depending on group size and objective. Boots and technical kit can be rented in town.

Snow and ice skills on a glacier(3 hours)

Crampon technique, ice axe self-arrest, roped glacier travel, and crevasse-rescue basics, typically near Plan de l'Aiguille or the Mer de Glace.

Lunch at Refuge du Plan de l'Aiguille(1 hour)

Refuel on the terrace between skill sessions.

Hut approach & overnight in a high refuge(2 hours)

Walk to a refuge such as the Cosmiques or Albert 1er for an early start tomorrow; dorm half-board (~€60-90). Non-climbers' alternative: a scenic day hike and a town night instead.

Alpine start from the refuge(1 hour)

Pre-dawn departure (often 4-5AM) while the snow is firm; headtorch and full kit.

Guided ascent of an accessible alpine objective(5 hours)

Depending on conditions and fitness, an attempt on a peak like the Aiguille du Tour, Petite Verte, or a Mont Blanc du Tacul flank with your guide.

Descend and return to the valley(3 hours)

Down to the lift and back to town; the weather decides the objective, so stay flexible.

Celebration dinner at La Maison Carrier or Le Bistrot(2 hours)

Mark the summit (or the attempt) with a proper Savoyard feast; book ahead.

Bellevue or Prarion lift in Les Houches(2 hours)

Quiet, tree-framed massif views at the gentle western valley mouth; an easy ride and short walk.

Balcon de Merlet wildlife park(1.5 hours)

Free-roaming ibex, chamois, and marmots on the hillside, ~€8; a calm, scenic afternoon.

Lunch in Les Houches or back in the centre(1 hour)

A relaxed village or town terrace.

Final souvenir shopping in Chamonix(1.5 hours)

Génépi, Beaufort, and alpine gear from Snell Sports or Ravanel & Co.

Farewell dinner & apéritif on Place Balmat(2 hours)

A last fondue or raclette and a génépi under the Aiguilles.

Slow breakfast & final Arve riverside stroll(1.5 hours)

Coffee and a pastry; a last look up at the Aiguille du Midi spire.

Last-minute shopping & checkout(1 hour)

Génépi, Beaufort cheese, or gear; store bags at reception if your transfer is later.

Shared shuttle to Geneva Airport (GVA)(1.5 hours)

Pre-book the return (~€35); allow buffer for the border and security. Arrive at GVA 2-2.5 hours before your flight.