- Home
- About
- Hike
- Bike
- Guides
- Canada
- A Guide to Biking From Banff to Jasper, Alberta
- A Guide to Biking the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
- A Biking Guide for Quebec’s Eastern Townships
- A Guide to Biking British Columbia’s Gulf Islands
- Niagara Area Bike and Wine Tour Guide
- A Guide to Visiting and Biking the Okanagan Valley in BC
- A Guide to Biking Prince Edward County, Ontario
- Vancouver Airport Layover Guide
- A Bike and Wine Tour Guide for Victoria to the Cowichan Valley
- US
- Europe
- South America
- Canada
- Adventures
- Destinations
- Travel Resources
- Advertising
- Contact
Les Houches to Les Contamines on the Tour du Mont Blanc
I’m hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland over 9 days with my daughter. After just a few days on the trail, we’re both realizing that we’re trying to cover too much ground over too few days. At least you the reader will be able to benefit from my mistakes.
There will be several posts on this world class hike as I have access to an internet connection – and the energy to write something after a full day.
We started the hike in Les Houches, just a 25 minute bus ride away from Chamonix. It’s extremely easy to access from the Geneva airport with AlpyBus providing quick door to door service in just 90 minutes for about 23 Euros. There are plenty of places to stay in Les Houches – and I can personally recommend Hotel Slalom – which sits directly across from the beginning of the hike.
Street view of Hotel Slalom in Les Houches
The first day from Les Houches to Les Contamines is demanding enough to get your attention and to test how well your fitness program has worked.
It’s a steep climb immediately (Grouse Grind kind of steep if you’re from Vancouver) followed by a steep descent and then an undulating track for the balance of the day. In total you can expect to hike 16 kms, climb 646 m (I think that’s low!!) and descend 633 m.
Here’s a look at the type of scenery you encounter on Day One – when the sun is shining.
View of Les Houches from my hotel window
View from a cafe about an hour up from Les Houches
Paraglider having fun
Beautiful mountains seen on Day 1 on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Magnificent views on the first day of the Tour du Mont Blanc
Geranium decorated cabin
Another beautiful mountain valley - on the way to Bionnassay
Looking up the valley towards Les Contamines
Colour coordinated doorway
There are plenty of places to buy food along the way – beginning just about an hour from the start of the climb. It’s easy to fill water bottles all day too. We had a great lunch in the hamlet of Bionnassay.
Les Contamines offers lots of accommodation choices – across all price ranges, including camping. You can also stay at the Refugio du Fioux (2h,40 mins out), Bionnnassay and in Le Champel – 3½ hours out.
In all expect the first day to take 5 – 6 hours without stops.
Other posts related to the Tour du Mont Blanc:
- Day 2 on the Tour du Mont Blanc: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
- Day 3 on the Tour du Mont Blanc: Don’t Make My Mistake
- A Saturday on the Tour du Mont Blanc (mostly photos)
Leigh McAdam
You might also like:
4 Responses to Les Houches to Les Contamines on the Tour du Mont Blanc
Leave a Reply
About
I’ve been all over the world – to all continents but Antarctica and to a grand total of 53 countries. I’ve always got some sort of an adventure planned – even if it’s only a weekend. I thrive on change and travel provides that.
Feel free to email me at
leighmcadamtravels@gmail.com
STAY CONNECTED
Book Reviews
Book Review: Leading at the Edge
Tweet Though it’s been almost 100 years since Shackleton’s ill-fated voyage, his leadership style and lessons in the face of adversity still ring true. Those lessons are used as a backdrop for Dennis N.T. Perkin’s book, Leading at the Edge. Dennis brings his considerable talent as the CEO of The Syncretics Group, a company that specializes in [...]
Magnificent views! Hope you’re enjoying your Tour de Mont Blanc adventure. That’s quite taxing though – taking it in 9 days. Looking forward to reading your accounts of this hike.
Michael recently posted..All About Hiking And Holidays In My 7 Links
The geranium looks nice and mountain view looked stunning. I wish I could be able to have a tour through France, Italy and Switzerland. Thanks for the stunning photos.
@Daniel – Stunning scenery – on first 4 days & then torrential rain blocked views. Better again today on Day 6
@Michael – Taking it in 9 days is dumb. In hindsight 11 days would be best and that still doesn’t give you a rest day. There have been a few long ones so far and don’t want to even think about the day after tomorrow. Stay tuned….