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The Tour de Mont Blanc Diaries Day 1 & 2 – Courmayeur to Chapieux and over the pass into France

Here we go again on the Tour de Mont Blanc! This was the fourth (and we hoped the final) year that my friend Julia and I were back in the Alps, walking a section of the Tour de Mont Blanc. The TMB is one of the great mountain hikes of the world that takes you over 10-12 days on a circular route around the Mont Blanc Massif through France, Switzerland and Italy. We’d really enjoyed our walks in previous years, with bright sunny days and glorious mountain views. The final leg in early September would take us from Courmayeur in Italy where we finished last year, around to Les Houches in the Chamonix valley where we started 3 years before. We had mixed feelings as we set off from our hotel in Courmayeur; excited to be back in the mountains with the forecast for sunshine, combined with relief at knowing that our Tour de Mont Blanc would finally be complete this year.

Setting off on the tour de Mont Blanc outside Hotel Villa Novecento, Courmayeur Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Heather and Julia Setting off on the Tour de Mont Blanc outside Hotel Villa Novecento, Courmayeur

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Day 1 Courmayeur to Rifugio Elisabetta

The day’s walk took us up out of the Courmayeur valley, up through the pretty hamlet of Dolonne and zig-zagging up through forest on a dry dusty path that finally followed the line of the cable car up the mountain. After the first cable car station at Plan Checrouit, the vista opened up and forest gave way to open meadow, with a scattering of chalets. Further up the hill we passed the second cable car station at Col Checrouit and came over the crest to see Refuge Vielle Maison, set in a bowl between one valley and the next, known as the Fauteuil des Allemands (the German armchair).

Hotel Villa Novecento in Courmayeur Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Hotel Villa Novecento where we stayed in Courmayeur

The path now rose again behind the Refuge until we found ourselves on a long balcony path along the Val Veni with mountain peaks to our right across the valley, rising finally to Mont Favre, the highest point of the day’s walk at 2430m. From here it was downhill through meadows and beside a rushing stream down to the milky blue Lac Combal and along a flat, marshy valley until finally the path rose again up to Rifugio Elisabetta at 2195m.

Refuge Maison Vieille above Courmayeur Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
I really enjoyed my iced tea at Refuge Maison Vieille above Courmayeur

Need a guide book for the Tour de Mont Blanc? We recommend the Cicerone Trekking the Tour of Mont Blanc by Kev Reynolds

Highlights of the day

  • We enjoyed our night in Courmayeur at the very comfortable and elegant Hotel Villa Novecento, beautifully furnished in traditional Alpine style with plenty of antiques and interesting local objects.
  • Seeing what we thought was a helicopter rescue below Plan Checrouit, as mountain rescue teams abseiled down from the helicopter onto the cable cars and then down from there to the path. Although it looked like they could be shooting a James Bond movie we concluded that it was just a practice for the coming winter season.
  • A very welcome drink at the jolly Refuge Vielle Maison which appeared suddenly as we came over the crest, like a mirage, with flags flying and cheerful red and yellow sun umbrellas and deck chairs.
Tour de Mont Blanc Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
The perfect picnic spot on the Tour de Mont Blanc above Courmayeur
  • The easy, undulating balcony path of the Val Veni with wonderful views of the mountain peaks and hanging glaciers, where we found a great picnic spot near one of the small green lakes.
  • The final walk of the day along a pleasant, flat path through the beautiful but deserted valley of Vallon de la Lee Blanche with streams and lakes running through it but virtually no habitation as we headed for Rifugio Elisabetta.
Tour de Mont Blanc above Val Veni between Courmayeur & Rifugio Elisabetta Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Tour de Mont Blanc above Val Veni between Courmayeur and Rifugio Elisabetta

Lowlights of the day

  • Climbing up the dry, dusty path through forest from Dolonne, the reverse of what we had experienced coming down to Courmayeur last year – hours of climbing but only glimpses of mountains through the trees.
  • The relentless climb to the high point of Mont Favre at 2430, with endless false crest after false crest to trick you into thinking you’re nearly there. Luckily all the French walkers coming down from the peak were very encouraging and everyone we passed told us “you’re nearly there!”
Rifugio Elizabetta on the Tour de Mont Blanc Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Rifugio Elisabetta on the Tour de Mont Blanc
  • The sinking feeling as we reached the valley at Lac Combal at the end of the day and realised we had at least another hour to walk to Rifugio Elisabetta, when we were quite ready to stop for the day and enjoy a cold beer.
  • The final climb up to Rifugio Elisabetta at the end of a very long day nearly finished us off and we only arrived just before dinner at 7pm, having been on the path for over 10 hours.
Rifugio Elisabetta Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Rifugio Elisabetta on the Tour de Mont Blanc
View from Casermetta information point below Col de la Seigne Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
View from Casermetta information point below Col de la Seigne on the Tour de Mont Blanc

Day 2 Rifugio Elisabetta to Chapieux

The path took us just below Rifugio Elisabetta and past the ruins of the old military barracks, before following a level track along the Vallon de la Lée Blanche. Gradually we climbed uphill past the Casermetta information centre and up to the Col de la Seigne for fabulous panoramic views at 2500m. Over the pass we now crossed the border from Italy into France and descended on endless winding grassy paths to the bottom of the Vallée des Glaciers, where we stopped for a picnic lunch at Refuge de Mottets.

Col de la Seigne on the Tour de Mont Blanc Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
View from the top of Col de la Seigne on the Tour de Mont Blanc

Then it was across the river, through the hamlet of Ville des Glaciers, and along the small road above the river for an hour or more until we reached the village of Chapieux at the other end of the valley. We were thankful that we’d chosen to shorten the route outlined in the guide book, which would have taken us on a further arduous climb up to Refuge Bonhomme, while instead we had a pleasant afternoon sitting in the sunny garden of the Auberge de la Nova, where we spent the night.

Col de la Seigne on the Tour de Mont Blanc Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Col de la Seigne on the Tour de Mont Blanc

I hope you enjoy this short panorama video I made at Col de La Seigne

If you can’t see the video of Col de la Seigne above, view it on my blog here or on YouTube here

Highlights of the day

  • The walk from Rifugio Elisabetta took us past the Casermetta information centre, which is housed in the old Italian border post that has now been restored. We loved the view from the balcony with a board naming all the mountain peaks in view, and the information displays inside about the history, flora and fauna of the area.
  • The view from Col de la Seigne at 2500m with panoramic views, down the valley towards Valon de la Lée Blanche on the Italian side, with the end of Vallée des Glaciers in sight on the French side. We sat beside the rocky cairn at the peak in the sunshine and looked at all the peaks marked on the metal viewing table. This Col, which forms the border between Italy and France saw fierce fighting between the Alpiniste troops of both countries during the Second World War, so it was wonderful to pass so freely and peacefully from one country to the next.
  • A pleasant lunch at the picnic tables outside Refuge de Mottets, with a view down the valley while a galloping white horse and farting donkey entertained us with their antics.
Left: Auberge de Mottets, Right: Reservoir near Chapieux on the Tour de Mont Blanc Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Left: Auberge de Mottets, Right: Reservoir near Chapieux on the Tour de Mont Blanc

Lowlights of the day

  • The walk along the quiet road towards Chapieux was pleasant but unremarkable after the high mountain passes we’d come across. There’s a local bus that runs up and down the valley in July and August which is worth taking to save your legs, unless you’re following the high route directly up towards Refuge de la Croix de Bonhomme.
  • All along the Vallee des Glaciers I had no phone signal and Auberge de la Nova had no wifi which as an internet addict I found a little difficult, although some of you may relish the freedom of being out of touch with the world. As the owner at Auberge de la Nova put it, when I approached hopefully with my iPhone in hand; “No Mobile, no Internet, Juste la Liberté!”
Auberge de la Nova in Chapieux Photo: Heatheronhertravels.com
Auberge de la Nova in Chapieux on the Tour de Mont Blanc

Coming soon.. the next stage of this year’s Tour de Mont Blanc

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Resources for walking the Tour de Mont Blanc

On this part of the Tour de Mont Blanc we stopped at the following hotels and mountain refuges;

In Courmayeur we stayed at Hotel Villa Novecento, a beautifully decorated 4 star hotel with elegant, traditional furnishings and antiques. We paid €114 for an en suite twin room with excellent breakfast and very friendly service.

Rifugio Elisabetta – one of the nicest and best run refuges, in an isolated position at 2200m, with wifi but limited phone signal. We paid €50 per person per night for half board (dinner and breakfast) in a 2 bed private bunk room. You can book by e-mail [email protected] or Telephone +39 0165 844080

In Chapieux we stayed at Auberge de la Nova, a friendly inn at one end of the valley at 1550m with private and dorm rooms and a large restaurant and garden. We paid €43 per person per night for half board (dinner and breakfast) in a 12 person dorm. You can book by e-mail [email protected] or Telephone +33 479 89 07 15 or via the TMB website.

Need a guide book for the Tour de Mont Blanc? We recommend the Cicerone Trekking the Tour of Mont Blanc by Kev Reynolds

My waterproof North Face jacket and walking trousers and Leki Micro Vario walking poles were provided by outdoor clothing specialist, Ellis Brigham who have a wide range of mountain clothing and walking gear you might need for a trek in the mountains, which are available both through their website and UK stores. Connect with them on Twitter @ellis_brigham, on their Facebook page and YouTube Channel

My Berghaus Explorer Light Gore-Tex walking boots were provided by Blacks, with online and high street stores in the UK, specialising in Outdoor Clothing for walking, hiking and trail-running as well as camping and travel gear. Connect with them on Twitter @blacks_online, and on their Facebook page, and YouTube channel

We used the Cicerone Tour of Mont Blanc guide by Kev Reynolds – we found it to be an excellent guide for both the clockwise and anti-clockwise route with detailed route guide, maps, accommodation information and points of interest along the route.

To reach Courmayeur, we flew to Geneva and took our pre-booked airport transfer to Chamonix for €29 + tax one way with Chamexpress, who we recommend for their super-efficient service. In the winter ski season they also operate a direct transfer from Geneva to Courmayeur through AostaExpress, but these do not run in the summer. From Chamonix SNCF station we took the bus service operated by Altibus for the 45 minute journey through the Mont Blanc Tunnel to Courmayeur. During the summer until the beginning of September there are 6 services per day and the cost was €14 one way. After 1 September there may be less frequent departures, so check the SAT website for details.

Last Year on the Tour de Mont Blanc

Walking the Tour de Mont Blanc – my video diary 2012
Avoiding altitude sickness and staying healthy on the Tour de Mont Blanc
The Tour de Mont Blanc Diaries Day 4 – Rifugio Bonatti to Courmayeur, the Italian stage ends

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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Alexandra Roşu

Friday 15th of November 2013

Oh Maybe you'll go to the Dolomites next next year :) Mallorca is also amazing, it's a great choice! I haven't been there myself, but I have friends who have, and they were thrilled! I hope you have a really great time! :)

Alexandra Roşu

Wednesday 13th of November 2013

Hi Heather! I've come across your TMB videos on vimeo and I was so happy to see some of the places I've seen on the TMB. My husband and I did the Tour of Mont Blanc last year, on our honeymoon. It was so amazing!

If you'd like to see some of my pictures, let me know! I also have a travel blog, but it's in Romanian :)

As for next year, I strongly advise you to go do some hiking in the Dolomites, in Italy! I think they are the most beautiful mountains in Europe, you are going to love them! Let me know if you go, I could help you with tips if you'd like!

Heather Cowper

Wednesday 13th of November 2013

@Alexandra so pleased you enjoyed the videos - I have one more to post from this year's 2013 trip once I get round to editing it. I'd love to try the Dolomites, in fact it was on my short list to go next year with my friend but in the end we have decided on Mallorca as it's a combination of mountains and coastal views, which will be a change.

Mark H

Tuesday 17th of September 2013

Congrats on completing one of the world's greatest hikes. Your articles have bought it to life.

Heather Cowper

Tuesday 17th of September 2013

@Mark Thanks, it was quite a relief to finish after 4 years - now we just need to decide where to go next year

Sand In My Suitcase

Monday 16th of September 2013

Looks like this is quite the hike! And the scenery was probably worth being "disconnected" from the electronic world.

Heather Cowper

Monday 16th of September 2013

@Sand in my suitcase- when you're used to having phone signal at all times it's a bit disconcerting to he totally out if contact in Europe - but I suppose an Internet detox is healthy once in a while.

Lauren Meshkin

Thursday 12th of September 2013

I would really like to participate in the Tour de Mont Blanc in the nearby future! The video and photos are breathtaking. Also, that first hotel looks ideal, and that picnic as well ;) Looking forward to the next post!

Happy travels :)

Heather Cowper

Thursday 12th of September 2013

@Lauren - If we can do it anyone can - you just need to be moderately fit and love the mountains! If you decide to go let me know and I can help you with the planning - it's easy to plan the route & book all the accommodation yourself.