Chamonix & the French Alps
Rail & Trail Tour
Holiday Type:
Rail & Trail
When:
June to October
Centres:
Chamonix
Length:
6 days (suggested)
Grade:
Flexible
2025 Price:
From £ 850.00
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Traverse the famous Grand Balcon Sud for views of Mont Blanc
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Soak up the atmosphere in the Alpine mountaineering capital
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Visit the stunningly located Lac Blanc
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Discover quiet villages further along the Chamonix Valley
Chamonix attracts adventurers and walkers from all over the world as the perfect base for outdoor activities. The town is long famous for its proximity to Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in western Europe. There aren’t many other places where you can sit in a square, sipping your morning coffee, then step into a cable car and 20 minutes later stand at 3,842 metres, overlooking a glacier at the spectacular Aiguille du Midi.
Traverse the famous Grand Balcon Sud, for best views of the Mont Blanc Massif - perhaps with an extension to the beautiful Lac Blanc, where majestic peaks are reflected in the crystal waters. Head up to the Plan de l’Aiguille via cable car, for a breathtaking walk along the lower slopes of Mont Blanc, to the edge of the aptly named Mer de Glace (“Sea of Ice”). Later, escape to quieter parts of the Chamonix valley, to explore the quiet and historic villages of Le Buet and Vallorcine.
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Our Rail & Trail holidays take you to some of the best hiking destinations in Europe, by public transport. Spend a few nights in each location, in comfortable accommodation, rather than checking in and out daily. Our itineraries are designed to make use of the most convenient train and bus routes, often to locations where cars are not allowed. Included in your package, along with all accommodation, is a Travel Pass which will allow you to travel on local trains and buses for free.
Each day we have set out a specific hiking route which makes the most of the area. A detailed guidebook, map, online mapping and GPX route is provided for each route. However, as this is a self-guided trip, you can of course choose an alternative hike, depending on your preference, and perhaps the weather! Your information pack will therefore also include plenty of alternative hiking routes in each area, of varying difficulty.
Photo Gallery
Chamonix & the French Alps Itinerary
▼ Day 1: Arrive in Chamonix
Easily Accessible by Bus & Train
Arrive in Chamonix, arguably the original capital of Alpine mountaineering. It’s just a 1-hour bus ride from Geneva, where international flights and trains are easily accessible.
Accommodation:
Guest House or Hotel in Chamonix
▼ Day 2: Lac Blanc and the Grand Balcon Sud
13.7km & 897m ascent (8.5 miles & 2942ft)
Discover two classic sights of the Chamonix valley - both absolute must-sees. Take the cable car up to La Flegere for a circular walk up to Lac Blanc. From here the Mont Blanc Massif and its ice-capped peaks sit majestically across the valley, framed perfectly in the crystal clear waters of the Lac Blanc. Return to La Flegere, where you can begin on a section of the Grand Balcon Sud, one of the famous balcony routes of the Alps. The route contours along the side of the valley, high above Chamonix, with the summits of Mont Blanc, Aiguille Verte and the Mer de Glace glacier offering constant amazing views. Continue as far as Planpraz, where you can take a cable car back down to Chamonix.
Accommodation:
Guest House or Hotel in Chamonix
▼ Day 3: Montenvers via the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car
11.8km & 134m ascent (7.3 miles & 440ft)
From the centre of Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car whisks you 1200m higher to the halfway station at Plan de l'Aiguille. Then begin a superb balcony walk along high terraces, with almost no ascent, as far as Montenvers. Here you can peer down at the colossal Mer de Glace (“Sea of ice)” glacier from a stunning viewpoint. A mountain train from Chamonix terminates here, and refreshment is readily available. To return to Chamonix, it’s a couple of hours downhill on a good track zig-zagging through the forest to the valley floor (which can, of course, be skipped by train).
Accommodation:
Guest House or Hotel in Chamonix
▼ Day 4: Vallorcine Valley
10.4km & 253m ascent (6.5 miles & 830ft)
For something a bit quieter, take a 35 minute train to Le Buet in the Vallorcine valley. From here, it’s a pleasant circuit around the valley floor, exploring the many traditional hamlets and farms of this charming area. Terrain varies from riverside paths in shady pine forests, to grassy farmland.
Accommodation:
Guest House or Hotel in Chamonix
▼ Day 5: Aiguillette des Posettes
13.5km & 961m ascent (8.4 miles & 3152ft)
A bit of a climb compared to previous walks, but more than worth it for the views. Take the train from Chamonix to Montroc (30 mins) and head uphill. A great path zig-zags back and forth up the Frettes ridge, until you reach the summit of the Aiguillette des Posettes. The panorama of the surrounding peaks and down the Chamonix valley are more than worth the effort. Descend through dense pine forests back to the valley floor.
Accommodation:
Guest House or Hotel in Chamonix
▼ Day 6: Depart from Chamonix
Easily Accessible by Bus & Train
It’s a straightforward journey by bus to the city of Geneva, which offers convenient international flight and train connections.
Chamonix & the French Alps Route Map
What’s Included?
✔ 5 nights accommodation
✔ Breakfast every morning
✔ Travel Pass for all Public Transport
✔ Detailed Itinerary, Map & Guidebook
✔ GPX Waypoints and online mapping
✔ 24/7 Emergency Phone Number
What’s not Included?
X Travel Insurance
X Flights to and from the holiday
X Lunches
Optional Extras
? Rail Transport to and from the holiday
? Taxi Transfers to and from the holiday
? Luggage Transfers
Accommodation & Prices
On our Rail & Trail itineraries we aim to book all accommodations on a B&B basis. However, we will always ensure that there are options for dinner either at your accommodation or nearby, and provide restaurant recommendations in your information pack.
Standard
2025 Price: from £ 850.00 GBP per person (Request a Quote)
Accommodation will be in en-suite rooms, in a mixture of 2 to 3 star hotels, or good quality, comfortable Guest Houses.
Luxury
2025 Price: from £ 1,190.00 GBP per person (Request a Quote)
Accommodation will be in en-suite rooms, in a mixture of luxury 4* star hotels, or boutique Guest Houses.
FAQs
What is a self-guided holiday? When is the best time to travel? How do I get to the start of my holiday?
Please head to our FAQs page for all answers. Alternatively, please don’t hesitate to send us an email or give us a call with any questions about our holidays.