What a perfectly marvelous trip: A great workout every day, the luxury of no responsibilities, good company, and amazing landscapes. - C.H. – Washington
From the Geneva Airport, you’ll be transferred to your 4-star hotel in the heart of charming Megève. Originally, Megève was a destination for French aristocracy—even before the Rothschild family developed it as one of the first ski resorts in the Alps and an alternative to St. Moritz. We’ll meet this afternoon for a brief orientation and walking tour through the village. Dinner in Megève. (D)
Ascent: 200 feet | Descent: 200 feet | Distance: 2 miles (may vary)
The farming hamlet of Megève has evolved into a chic ski village in recent years, but for summer hikers there’s still plenty of traditional charm and commanding views. Today's hike will give us our first great panorama of the Mont Blanc range. We'll hike to the Petit Croisse Baulet, and enthusastic guests have the option to continue to the larger peak, Croisse Baulet. (BSD)
Ascent: 1946 feet | Descent: 1932 feet | Distance: 5.1 miles (may vary)
Croisse Baulet Option: Ascent: 3114 feet | Descent: 3114 feet | Distance: 8 miles (may vary)
Our hike today in the Mont d'Arbois area takes us to visit a typical alpine farm. We'll have lunch at the farm and discover the traditional alpine way of life and hearty mountain fare. (BSD)
Ascent: 2208 feet | Descent: 2208 feet | Distance: 7.5 miles (may vary)
A short shuttle ride takes us to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, where we'll take the Mont Blanc Tramway, the highest rack railway in France, from Saint Gervais to Col de Voza. Our hike between Prarion and Bellevue yields spectacular views of the Bionnassay Glacier and allows us to discover the beginning of Chamonix valley. (BSD)
Ascent: 2025 feet | Descent: 492 feet | Distance: 6 miles (may vary)
From the valley floor, we take a cable car to La Flégère at an elevation of 6160 ft., then hike on to Planpraz. This belvedere trail offers a fantastic panorama of the Mont Blanc Range. After a picnic at Planpraz, we'll take the cable car up to the summit of Brévent, Chamonix’s second most favorite mountain, and then down to Chamonix. Guests will get some free time to explore Chamonix and eat dinner on their own. (BS)
Ascent: 1312 feet | Descent: 1312 feet | Distance: 4.5 miles (may vary)
The Aiguille du Midi is the highest vertical ascent cable car in the world, and speeds us to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi—an ascent of over 9000 feet—in just 20 minutes. From the top we have commanding views of the Mont Blanc, its glaciers, and the valley below. After soaking in these inspiring views, we'll descend to the cable car's halfway station, where we'll embark on the Grand Balcon Nord trail towards the Mer de Glace, France's largest glacier. Guests will also enjoy views of the Aiguille du Dru (3754m) and the Grandes Jorasses (4208m) which surround the glacier. (BSD)
Ascent: 242 feet | Descent: 1432 feet | Distance: 4 miles (may vary)
Guests have two hike options for the day. It’s a short transfer from Chamonix to Argentière or to Le Buet depending on the chosen option. Option one is to walk to the pristine Bérard River valley, where guests will encounter an impressive waterfall and then embark on a beautiful mountain river walk. Option two involves a scenic cable car ride to a glacier view hike. This short hike yields jaw-dropping views of the Argentière Glacier and a perfect vantage point from which to study this immense glacier and it seracs. Afterwards, guests will enjoy some free time and dinner on their own. (BS)
Bérard River Option: Ascent: 985 feet | Descent: 985 feet | Distance: 4 miles (may vary)
Argentière Glacier Option: Ascent: 926 feet | Descent: 926 feet | Distance: 5 miles (may vary)
Departing Chamonix, we head to explore the medieval town of Annecy with its cobblestone streets, winding canals, and pastel-colored houses—all overseen by the medieval Château d’Annecy. Nestled against a crystal-clear alpine lake, Annecy is one of the most beloved towns in France's Haute-Savoie region. Enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your journey through the French Alps, and overnight in Annecy. (BSD)
Ascent: 200 feet | Descent:: 200 feet | Distance: 2 miles (may vary)
A shuttle back to the Geneva airport will be provided after breakfast. It is a simple 50-minute ride to the airport - please plan your departure flights accordingly. (B)
A Note On Hiking Stats
Daily distance measurements may vary depending on the device you use to record them. Use our listed stats as an estimate and a reference point while training for this tour.
We rate this trip as moderately strenuous. You should be an experienced hiker in good physical condition. You should be capable of walking 5-7 hours per day on good trails with some steep ascents and descents, averaging 1500 to 2500 vertical feet per day at an elevation up to 8500 feet above sea level.
