France | Detour du Mont Blanc: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Val d’Isère

Off the beaten path, through the heart of the French Alps.

"Ken was the perfect guide for our group. He set the pace for a great week of hiking. Everything was memorable including our picnics with story-book views. What a great trek!"- Susan C.

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Trip Highlights:

Enjoy the magic of Mont Blanc–without the crowds.
Discover a hidden gem: the Tarentaise Valley of the French Alps.
Experience two of the Alps’ most iconic mountain towns—Chamonix and Val d’Isère.

For many hikers, the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate Alpine journey—but it’s not the only way to experience Mont Blanc country. Our Detour du Mont Blanc offers the same iconic landscapes and rich mountain culture, but following a quieter, less-crowded route. Beginning in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, just like the TMB, this route shares the same breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif, but instead of following the well-worn circuit, we guide you along quieter, lesser-known paths through the Tarentaise Mountains, weaving through hidden valleys, preserved alpine villages, and landscapes few TMB hikers ever see.

Mont Blanc is much more than a mountain. Massive, complex, and steeped in mountaineering history, it has captivated alpinists since the 1700s. Positioned where France, Italy, and Switzerland meet, it’s visible from high peaks across Western Europe—even from Slovenia on a clear day.

Human habitation in this region predates the Romans, and the area’s history and architecture reflect a rich cultural legacy. Unlike the busier highlands of the Haute Savoie, the terrain along the Isère River is lined with antique hamlets in remarkably remote and peaceful settings.

Our journey begins in Chamonix–Mont-Blanc, the birthplace of modern alpinism, and moves at a relaxed pace through lesser-known gems like Les Contamines, Séez, and Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Mer de Glace, Aiguille du Midi, and the Brévent-Rouges and Mont Blanc chains.

In Sainte-Foy, we explore the vast and varied terrain of the commune, home to over 100 hamlets and dramatic elevation shifts stretching to the Italian border. Highlights include Le Miroir, known for its distinctive colonnaded chalets, and the beautifully preserved village of Le Monal, seemingly frozen in time. We also venture into the high country of Val de Mecuel before arriving in Val d’Isère.

Val d’Isère may be best known for its ski scene, but in summer, it becomes a hiker’s paradise. We explore the surrounding trails, and enjoy a stunning picnic lunch at Lac de la Sassière, with panoramic views of rugged alpine terrain that delights even the most seasoned mountain traveler.

The Isère Valley is as famous for its cuisine as for its scenery, and we make time to savor the best regional specialties in each village we visit. Daily hikes range from moderate to challenging, and two-night stays in the final towns allow for a more relaxed pace at the end of the journey.

If you’re seeking the alpine magic of the Tour du Mont Blanc without the crowds, this off-the-radar route offers the perfect blend of scenery, solitude, and cultural immersion—an exceptional alternative to the well-trodden TMB.

Learn more about the Detour du Mont Blanc: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to Val d'Isère destination

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Chamonix

Travel from Geneva by shuttle to Chamonix. Meet the group for welcome drinks and dinner at 7:00 pm.

Day 2 - Chamonix to Les Contamines

Today’s outing offers extensive views of the Mt. Blanc massif and fabulous north face of the Dômes de Miage and the opportunity visit the lovely little hamlet of the Chalets de Miage. Starting from nearby Les Houches, this hike is an excellent moderate excursion.

Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2640/4000 ft.

Day 3 - Les Contamines to Séez

This is a fascinating and historic hike to the remote Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Exit Contamines to the south on an old Roman thoroughfare past the famous Notre Dame de la Gorge. Ascend through farms to the atmospheric Col du Bonhomme. We will pass the venerable Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and transfer from la Ville des Glaciers through Bourg St. Maurice and up the Petit San Bernard pass to our hotel.

Distance: 12.2 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 4200/3150 ft.

Day 4 - Séez to Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise

From our hotel we begin hiking through high pastures and tiny villages on the north side of the valley. Our trail leads past the wonderfully situated church of Saint Michel with its astonishing views over the Mont Pourri, the Mount Blanc of the Tarantaise mountains. After a picnic at Le Falconnier we descend to Sainte Foy.

Distance: 6.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1200/2500 ft.

Day 5 - Sainte-Foy to Refuge de l’Archeboc

A fabulous day hike in the valley takes us to the Refuge de l’Archeboc, weaving our way up through more high alpine pastures and sparkling lakes. The views get better and better as we climb higher, until we find ourselves just under the Italian border. Retun to our our Sainte-Foy hotel.

Distance: 8.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2500/3800 ft.

Day 6 - Le Monal to Val d’Isère

Today’s hike begins through the village of Le Monal which is classified as a cultural heritage site in France and considered one of the best representations of traditional farming life. We continue into open county following ancient paths high above the main valley. A picnic in the panoramic hamlet of Nantcruet will be a highlight. After lunch in the village we continue to Lac du Chevril and transfer to Val d’Isère.

Distance: 9 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2600/1800 ft.

Day 7 - Val d’Isère day hike to Col de la Bailletta

Our final day begins with a short transfer to our trailhead at the entrance of the Réserve Naturelle de la Grande Sassière. A perfect hour long warm up brings us to the high and wildly scenic Lac de la Sassière before our final ascent to the Col de la Bailletta. We picnic at the high point taking in the most sweeping views of the Isère Valley before hiking back to our Val d’Isère hotel.

Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1800/3300 ft.