The day before – Welcome in Saint-Gervais
Meeting with your mountain leader at 6:30 p.m. at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office. This initial meeting will cover final logistical details and provide a detailed overview of the itinerary.
Day 1 – Mont Blanc Tramway – Miage Hut
Departure from Saint-Gervais via the Mont Blanc Tramway, the cog railway inaugurated in 1909. The Bellevue Plateau, located between the Saint-Gervais and Chamonix valleys, marks our starting point. A balcony trail offers superb views of the Mont Blanc royal route and the Aiguille de Bionnassay. We then descend to the Are Plateau before reaching the suspension bridge over the Bionnassay Glacier. A steady ascent through the alpine pastures leads to the Col du Tricot (2120 m), following in the footsteps of the first guides. A final easy descent brings us to the Miage pastures, considered one of the most beautiful sites in the Val Montjoie. Overnight at the Miage hut.
Elevation gain 700 m / Elevation loss 500 m – Actual walking time: 6 hours
Day 2 – Armancette Valley and Tré-la-Tête Hut
The day begins with a climb to the Truc Plateau, one of the oldest alpine pastures in the Val Montjoie, featuring traditional farms, including the Auberge du Truc, a former milk collection site. A descent through the forest leads to Lac d’Armancette. We then follow a balcony trail overlooking the valley, facing Mont Joly, to reach the Tré-la-Tête hut, a historic starting point for major ascents in the massif, notably those to the Dômes de Miage.
Elevation gain 900 m / Elevation loss 800 m – Actual walking time: 6 hours
Day 3 – Rollaz Forest and Prés Alpine Pasture
A descent through the Combe Noire forest leads us to the peaceful Laya alpine pasture, nestled among spruces near a protected peat bog. We cross the Sources Froides, a quiet natural spot within the Contamines Nature Reserve. After passing the Nant Borrant hut and traversing the Rollaz Forest, we reach the Prés alpine pasture. A few more minutes bring us to the new Prés hut, offering a magnificent sunset over the southern slopes of Mont Blanc.
Elevation gain 700 m / Elevation loss 600 m – Actual walking time: 6 hours
Day 4 – Mont Joly Ridge – Mont Joly Hut
We head toward the Col de la Fenêtre to cross into the open alpine pastures of the Beaufortain. A balcony traverse leads to the Col du Joly, then to the Aiguille Croche, a Saint-Gervais enclave between Megève and the Contamines-Montjoie. A good exposed trail takes us to Mont Joly (2525 m), the highest point of our trek, offering a 360° panorama of Mont Blanc and the Prealps. We then descend to the Mont Joly hut, an old building that once welcomed spa visitors transported by mule.
Elevation gain 1000 m / Elevation loss 850 m – Actual walking time: 8 hours
Day 5 – Mont Joly Hut – Saint-Gervais
After a final evening at the hut and a good night’s rest, we set off for the last stage. The route follows either the ridges or forest trails, crossing the alpine pastures of Saint-Nicolas de Véroce and Saint-Gervais. It is also an opportunity to discover Hermance, a local cheese related to Beaufort. The descent follows the “chemin des écoliers” down to Saint-Gervais.
Elevation loss 550 m – Actual walking time: 3 hours
Elevation gains and walking times are approximate and may vary.
Depending on the weather and participants’ level, the mountain leader may adjust the itinerary.
This five-day trek explores the hidden slopes of the Val Montjoie, a landscape shaped by alpine pastures, spruce forests, and hanging glaciers of the Mont Blanc massif. The route connects iconic locations such as Miage, Armancette, Tré-la-Tête, and Mont Joly, while offering daily new perspectives on the Aiguille de Bionnassay and Mont Blanc.
The guiding thread of the trip is also human: meeting the people who bring the valley to life—alpine farmers, shepherds, hut keepers, and mountain artisans. Between historic routes, balcony trails, and more exposed passages, the trek alternates alpine atmospheres, forest crossings, and discoveries of the mountain’s rural heritage.
A rich, well-balanced itinerary, suitable for strong hikers and perfectly adapted for a first guided alpine trekking experience.
Departures on Mondays: 29 June, 20 July, 17 August, and 7 September.
Other dates available on request for pre-formed groups (subject to hut availability).
Directly on our website or using the dated and signed registration form, accompanied by a 40% deposit and any optional insurance fees. The balance must be paid 60 days before departure.
The trek is guided by a state-certified mountain leader. Groups of 4 to 6 participants maximum for more conviviality in group departures, and 1 to 8 participants for private trips.
For a hiker in good physical condition, trained and experienced in day mountain hikes. Between 6 to 8 hours of walking per day on trails. Sections over scree or snowfields depending on snow conditions, exposed passage on the 4th day along the Mont Joly ridge. Carrying personal belongings and packed lunches for 5 days, with a backpack weight not exceeding 12 kg (including water).
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any doubts about the required level.
Rates for group packages
€930 per person (minimum 4 people, maximum 6 people)
Rates for private packages (maximum 8 people per private guide):
The price includes
The price does not include
Repatriation
Having “assistance–repatriation” insurance is mandatory to take part in our trips: it must cover you in high mountains for search and rescue by helicopter. If you do not have “assistance–repatriation” insurance, we can provide one at a rate of €5/day.
Cancellation
We also offer optional “cancellation” insurance at a rate of €12/day. This insurance does not take into account the sporting nature of our trips. It must be purchased at the time of registration to take effect. As a reminder, the cancellation insurance covers you from the moment you register until the day of your course, in case something happens and you are unable to attend. We apply cancellation fees as specified on our registration form and in our terms of sale. These fees may be reimbursed by the cancellation insurance if your reason for cancelling is covered.
If you pay by credit card, feel free to check the insurance included with it.
As a reminder, in the event of cancellation you must file your claim with the insurer within 5 days of the accident or reason for cancelling, otherwise it will not be valid (then check whether the reason for cancellation is covered).
Insurance fees are non-refundable.
The weight of your daypack should not exceed 12 kg. Leave room for the packed lunches provided each day.
Clothing
Accessories
Personal first-aid kit
Other
You will meet the guides the day before departure at the Saint-Gervais Guides Office (43 rue du Mont Blanc, 74170 Saint-Gervais), located inside the tourist office in the village center, at 6:30 p.m. Please let us know if you cannot attend; the briefing can be done by phone.
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You can call us at (+33)4 50 47 76 55.
