Francetrek - Alps and Provence Holidays
 
 

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Holidays & Walks

Graded in order of walking difficulty

 
 
 

Treks
 

 

 
Pat Heffron is a qualified mountaineer, holding the Mountain Instructors Certificate and the European Mountain Leaders Award. He has over 30years experience of adventure leadership and is a qualified diver, skier, canoeist, rock climber and mountain biker.
Pat Heffron is a qualified mountaineer, holding the Mountain Instructors Certificate and the European Mountain Leaders Award. He has over 30years experience of adventure leadership and is a qualified diver, skier, canoeist, rock climber and mountain biker.
Pat Heffron is a qualified mountaineer, holding the Mountain Instructors Certificate and the European Mountain Leaders Award. He has over 30years experience of adventure leadership and is a qualified diver, skier, canoeist, rock climber and mountain biker.
 

 

The Best of the Tour of Mont Blanc

 

From E750 this 7 night/6 day moderate full daily walking holiday based in a Chamoix Valley hotel presents the gems of Mont Blanc and surrounds. Specifically designed by Pat through years of experienced guiding in the region, this Francetrek walk combines the usual full tour of Mont Blanc, without the daily moving from Hotel to Hotel. By being based in one hotel only, and making full use of the cable cars and mountain railways where possible, ensures that more time is spent enjoying the scenic wonders, views, balcony paths in France and Switzerland and the altitude walks, and less time on the ascents from the valleys - with ample time for photographs, studying the flowers, or relaxing on the terrace of a mountain hut and knowing you’ll return to a comfortable hotel at the end of the day.

Suitable for recreational, average fitness walkers, graded moderate, with times varying between 3 to 6 hours daily. A comprehensive kit list will be provided on booking.

 

2012 DATES

(Saturday PM to Saturday AM - 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of activities)

23 – 30 June; 1 to 8 Sept;Other dates available on request (minimum of 4). Maximum of 8. 
Francetrek reserves the right to cancel if less than 3 persons book.

 

Views of the Mont Blanc range from the balcony paths

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS: E950 per person is based on minimum of 4 persons, twin share, staying at Hotel Labrador, Les Praz de Chamonix, one of the best situated 4 star hotels in the Chamonix Valley, secluded from the daily hustle and bustle, but still within 10 minutes drive of the town. Situated on a golf course this attractive timber deluxe hotel has the best views of Mont Blanc and the Aiguilles. The rooms are light and airy, with large French windows leading to a private balcony, and the well-equipped bathroom has all the usual extras. Breakfasts are taken in a separate rooftop dining area, while a separate chalet dining room, serves excellent meals. There are also many restaurants in Chamonix. Includes 7 nights accommodation in ensuite room, 7 breakfasts. Single supplement on request.Evening meals are not included but there at least 4 restaurants within 5 minutes walking time.
Or E750 per person (minimum 4) twin share, staying at Hotel Rhododendrons, Les Praz de Chamonix. This is a comfortable 2 Star hotel, situated 220m from the centre of the village of Les Praz, with pleasant alpine views, but closer to the road than other hotels. The rooms are all ensuite, some with balconies. There is a delightful outdoor dining terrace with wonderful views of the Mont Blanc range. Includes 7 nights accommodation in ensuite room, 7 breakfasts. Single supplement on request
OTHER INCLUSIONS AND TRANSFERS: Transfers from and to Geneva Airport, all cable cars and trains in Chamonix, guiding all week and taxi service to Chamonix in the evening if required, accommodation and breakfast in your chosen hotel. EXCLUDED is: lunches/picnics, dinners, drinks with meals, and any entrance fees.   

Explore the best of Mont Blanc with your expert guide and enjoy some of the best walks within the region. The easily enjoyable 3 to 6 hour walks reflect the variety and outstanding beauty of this mountainous region of Europe. Only light packs are required and we return to comfort hotel accommodation and excellent food each day. The aim is to enjoy the countryside, valleys, rugged snow-capped mountains, and of course, the best scenic wonders of nature.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

We can also help with accommodation if you wish to extend your stay.

Day 1 Saturday. Meet for transfers from Geneva Airport by 1pm. The drive to Chamonix takes approximately 2 hours. Settle in on arrival at your chosen hotel, before all gathering at 6pm at the Rhododendrons for ‘Welcome’ drinks and a briefing by Pat, your guide for the week. You are then free to enjoy dinner in your hotel or a local restaurant.

 

Day 2 Sunday. Our first day begins by taking the Flegere cable car to La Flegere at 1877m. The views of the Mont Blanc range are breathtaking, so its time for the cameras! Our walk leads up an easy, but rocky paths to the Lac Blanc, with masses of alpine flowers being seen enroute. Walking at the usual comfortable pace, it takes about 2 hours to reach the lake at 2352m. We then explore beyond the lake if the snowline is not too low. A pit stop and coffee break is taken at the attractive refuge before we set off down and around the balcony walk that leads us to the Col des Montets. The path is steep, but well made and leads down to the col, with a little visitor centre where more refreshments and facilities are available. Depending on time we then either take the bus back to Chamonix, or walk to Le Tour and take the train. Distance 8kms, ascent of 500m, descent of 800m/5hrs with stops.

Day 3 Monday. Today’s delightful walk begins at the Col des Montets and climbs steeply through crisp forest, opening to the slopes of L'Aiguillette des Possettes, a favourite spot to see Chamois. As we walk up the rocky path to the summit at 2201m there are outstanding views over the entire Chamonix Valley, extending into Switzerland. The climb is about 500m, so we allow a gentle 3 hours with stops. If preferred, there is an alternative route that skirts the Aiguille. From either, the path leads down and across to our objective, The Col de Balme at 2100m. Here we stop for a good break, refreshments and necessities. Again, there are more delightful views into Switzerland. Our return journey takes ud through wild flower covered meadows and grazing mountain cattle. Depending on the time we will either head straight to the cable car at the Chalets de Charmillon at 1912m or, around the path leading to the Albert Premier Refuge. This is a wonderful balcony path, leading eventually to a small path down to the cable car. Return to Le Tour and a drink in a bar before returning to your hotel. Distance 10kms, ascent of 600m, descent of 200m/6hrs with stops.

Day 4 Tuesday. Today is a shorter venture, but one that provides excellent views of Mont Blanc and the glaciers. We take the cable car to La Flegere again, and then follow the balcony path through forest and meadows to the Plan Praz terminal of the Brevent cable car at 2000m. Here we enjoy an early lunch before taking the cable car down to the centre of Chamonix. Those who wish to walk down will enjoy a 1000m descent through the forest and open slopes on a good path. At 2.30pm our group is booked on the famous cable car run up to Auguille du Midi where we enjoy breathtaking, wide sweeping views of the region.  Distance 5kms, alternate descent of 1000m/3hrs with stops, depending on weather.

Day 5 Wednesday. Traverse from Les Houches to Les Contamines via the col de Voza. OR..Drive through tunnel to Courmeyeur and walk the superb balcony walk along the Mont de la Saxe..beatiful flowers and views.

This is one of the most famous parts of the Mont Blanc tour, with outstanding views of the Mont. First we take the Tramway du Mont Blanc from St Gervais up to Bellevue. From here a very scenic walk leads around the Glacier du Bionnassey, via an impressive suspension bridge and up to the Col du Tricot. A steep descent then leads to the Chalets du Miage. These chalets are sit in a delightful alpine meadow, complete with cows with their bells, and masses of alpine flowers. Here we can enjoy lunch in one of the wooden chalets. After lunch a short, but steep ascent leads up and over towards Les Contamines, the path leading us down through forest until we pop out at the church in Les Contamines. A bus then then returns us to St Gervais.

Distance 10kms, ascent of 500m/5hrs with stops.

Day 6 Thursday. Today we switch to the other side of the valley for a fascinating walk along the Balcon Nord. The quaint Montenvers Mountain Railway takes us up through the forest to the 19th Century station/hotel of Montenvers at 1930m.There is time to visit this interesting alpine museum, as well as the ice grotto. From the balcony the famous Mer du Glace Glacier and the Dru Mountain form one of the major viewpoints of the Alps. Our 40-minute walk leads up to the Signal Forbes at 2198m, with outstanding views, alpine flowers, and the home of marmots. We then follow the balcony path perched between the high snow and glaciers of the Aiguilles and the deep Chamonix Valley. Our lunch picnic spot is in a sheltered corner with views across the valley to the Aiguilles Rouge. After lunch a gentle stroll leads to the Plan d'Aiguille cable car station, and we descend in the cable car to Chamonix. Time for a break in Chamonix before returning to Les Praz. Distance 7kms, little ascents and descents /4hrs with stops.

Day 7 Friday. Our last days walk provides the best overall views of Mont Blanc itself, from the summit of The Brevent at 2525m. With a keen eye one can even see the well-marked trail indicating the Alpinist's route to the top of Mont Blanc. The walk can start from the mid station of the Brevent cable car, or from the top depending on how people feel. The 500m ascent to the Brevent is on a good, but rugged mountain path, with one short section of ladders. We allow 2 hours here. From the summit our route descends to the Refuge Bellachat on a good path. Here we enjoy lunch on the terrace, with the enormous panorama of Mont Blanc stretched in front. Our 3 to 4 hour walk down is long, but the path is good and the views ever changing, via the glaciers and down to Chamonix at 1100m. As the path wanders in and out of woodland there is vast shady areas to enjoy. On arrival in Chamonix, enjoy a well-deserved drink or ice cream. Return to Les Praz for supper. Distance 15kms, 500m ascent and 1500 descent /6hrs with stops.

PLEASE NOTE. We can also offer a day walk in Courmayeur in Italy. A superb alpine flower journey up to Mont de la Saxe with a savage aspect of Mont Blanc on the right. There would be a small extra charge for the tunnel. Return to Les Praz for supper. Distance 15kms/5hrs with stops.

 

Day 8 Saturday.  This morning our minibus departs for transfers to Geneva at 9.15am, arriving at about 11.30 depending on the traffic.

If you wish to stay on, or partake in alpine climbing, we can also arrange this for you. 

For bookings or enquiries phone us on

0033 475 276 829 or mobile 0033 678 554 023

Email: Francetrek@aol.com

www.Francetrek.com

 

The col de Brevent and the ladders to the sumit

 

Pat Heffron is a qualified mountaineer, holding the Mountain Instructors Certificate and the European Mountain Leaders Award. He has over 30years experience of adventure leadership and is a qualified diver, skier, canoeist, rock climber and mountain biker.
Pat Heffron is a qualified mountaineer, holding the Mountain Instructors Certificate and the European Mountain Leaders Award. He has over 30years experience of adventure leadership and is a qualified diver, skier, canoeist, rock climber and mountain biker.