Mont Blanc Tours

Towering 15,531 feet (4,734 meters) above sea level, Mont Blanc is Europe’s highest peak and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Straddling the border of France and Italy, this iconic peak is considered the birthplace of modern mountaineering. Enjoy the endless hiking and mountaineering opportunities and the thrilling views from the heights.

The Basics
To get the full Mont Blanc experience, head out on climbing, skiing, or paragliding adventure from Chamonix. For memorable views of Mont Blanc from across the valley, hike to Lac Blanc and see the entire Mont Blanc massif reflected in the lake’s turquoise waters.

To get close to Mt Blanc without climbing it, ride up the Aiguille du Midi cable car. This thrilling cable car whisks riders up to the 12,605-foot (3,842-meter) summit of the Aiguille du Midi for incredible panoramas of the Swiss, French, and Italian Alps. Day trips to the attraction typically leave from Geneva and include round-trip transportation. For equally impressive views from Planpraz and Le Brévent, opt for a gondola ride from Chamonix.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Always pack rain gear and extra layers when visiting Mont Blanc; weather in the Alps can change suddenly.
• Some tours require a significant amount of climbing; check with your operator, and plan to wear sturdy footwear and outdoor clothing.
• The Aiguille du Midi cable car is wheelchair accessible, and there is a cafeteria, a souvenir shop, and a museum at the top of Aiguille du Midi.

How to Get There
The closest international airport is located in Geneva, 52 miles (84 kilometers) northwest of Chamonix. Busses run regularly from the Geneva airport to Chamonix, and many Mont Blanc tours include transportation from Geneva. The Aiguille du Midi cable car is located in the south end of Chamonix, within walking distance of the town center.

When to Get There
Summer is the best time for hiking and sightseeing at Mont Blanc, and July and August tend to be the busiest part of tourist season. The classic Mont Blanc climbing season runs from mid-June through September, although expert climbers may attempt the summit in winter. The Aiguille du Midi cable car is open year-round except for during annual maintenance in November and during poor weather.

The Tour du Mont Blanc
The 110-mile (170-kilometer) Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular long-distance hiking trails in Europe and passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland on its circumnavigation of Mont Blanc. Hikers trek through glacial valleys, mountain passes, and hidden Alpine villages and spend the night at mountain huts along the way.