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| Day 1 |
Arrive in St Gervais. Marvel at the mountains for the first time. Take a wander round the village, have a drink and dine well. |
| Day 2 |
St Gervais to Les Contamines. Two options - for normal walkers a gentle stroll along the oratories and chapels of the "Route du Baroque", while the more determined (and already fit!) can try the 950m climb up to Porcherey for their first really spectacular views before descending likewise to the valley again. (3½ hrs, CUSs 400m, or 5 hrs, CUSs 950m) |
| Day 3 |
The Lacs Jovet circuit. You will be following part of the Tour de Mont Blanc, up the route the Roman legions originally took, returning to Les Contamines for a second night's stay. The goal of this day's walk is to reach the Lacs Jovet, situated at an altitude of over 2000m. (6 hrs, CUSs 1040m).
Shorter circuit: since you will return by the same route, the advantage of this day’s walk is that you can go as far as you choose – take a book and chill out in the meadows, or stop and rest at one of the refuges en route. |
| Day 4 |
Les Contamines to Les Houches. A long and fairly strenuous day taking you into the Chamonix Valley, with two options, medium and frankly challenging. The first plateau reached, common to both routes, the Chalets du Truc, gives you superb views of the bottom of the Glacier de Miage, then either through some unspoilt hamlets and farming communities, or via the Col de Tricot, wild, exposed and breathtaking in all senses. (6-8 hrs, CUSs 1010-1220m, or 4½ hrs, CUSs 700m) with short bus transfer to start) |
| Day 5 |
Les Houches to Servoz. Through woods and meadows to quiet Lac Vert, before descending to the charm of Servoz. If you have the energy - a trip up the Gorges de la Diosaz in the evening! (4½ - 5 hrs hrs, CUSs 600m) |
| Day 6 |
Servoz to Chamonix (Les Bossons). Two options, including the opportunity to reach the high pastures at 1900m, or stay in the woods lower down, then visit the Parc du Merlet where you can see chamois and marmot and, on a hot day, finish up with a welcome swim in the outdoor swimming pool at the Aiguille du Midi Hotel. (4½-6 hrs, CUSs 600m, 2½ hrs more with the higher option) |
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Day 7 |
Chamonix – Aiguille du Midi – Chamonix. The climax of your week - a final (optional) trip up a cable car to over alt. 3800m, for the best views, weather permitting, in the Alps, a walk along the Grand Balcon Nord, and a dramatic view of a glacier, returning to Chamonix via the cog railway for your last night's celebrations. (3–3½ hrs, CUSs 230m) |
| Day 8 |
Depart hotel (or choose to stay further nights). | |
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