Mont Blanc Family Guided Hike from France

This morning you will meet the rest of the group and your guide in the Chamonix Valley town of Les Houches. You will be advised of the meeting point with your tour confirmation (usually 9.30am). There will be a short briefing where you will pack gear in the kit bags provided (to be loaded onto the donkeys) and begin walking. The route follows the classic anti clockwise direction. The first climb of the trip takes you to the Col de Voza (1653m) before crossing the tracks of the Tramway du Mont Blanc to reach Bionnassay. The evening will be spent at Bionnassay in a refuge with shower. 6km/3.8mi, +771m, -539m/+2530ft, -1768ft

The walk today begins with the backdrop of the Domes de Miage and an exceptional view of Mont Joly and the Montjoie Valley. Continue to the pretty Notre Dame de la Gorge church and ascend an ancient Roman road towards the Col du Bonhomme. A steep narrow track takes you through the forest following a narrow gorge to Refuge de Nant Borant and the accommodation for the night (or alternatively you will continue a further 30 minutes to Refuge des Pres). Overnight refuge with shower. 16km/10mi, +213m, -222m/+698ft, -728ft

The walk today is one long ascent to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and a short time later to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m). En route there is ample opportunity to take in the stunning views and appreciate the historic nature of this route from France to Italy. First encounters with marmots are likely, although being quite shy they disappear quickly. Along the route you are likely to encounter snow, particularly earlier in the season, so boots are essential. The Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme is the highest we stay at on this section of the trail and one of the few where vehicle access is not possible. In early season departures where donkey's are unable to cross the Col du Bonhomme, you may need to carry your overnight requirements. From the refuge the views are expansive and impressive and there is also the opportunity to view wildlife such as Ibex and Marmot. There are a number of board games to occupy the kids whilst you relax in the company of your fellow hikers. Overnight refuge with shower. 7km/4.5mi, +1023m, -100m/+3356ft, -328ft

Descend steeply through alpine pastures brimming with wildflowers to the Vallée des Glaciers. Today there will be opportunities to visit cheese farmers and purchase Beaufort Cheese. From here take a short transfer (20mins) to Refuge du Plan de la Lai. Overnight refuge with shower. 8km/5mi, +346m, -876m/+1135ft, -2874ft

Return by transfer to Vallée des Glaciers to commence your walk which will take you across the border into Italy. The ascent to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) is via a series of steep switchbacks which open out to a wide trail when you reach the pass. The view across to the Glacier des Glaciers is superb from this pass. On a cold and windy day, the new information centre is a welcome respite in addition to offering a wealth of facts about the region. Continue to Rifugio Elisabetta which has a prime location, excellent view of the glacier and surrounding peaks and superb Italian mountain cuisine. Overnight refuge with shower. 9.5km/6mi, +727m, -416m/+2385ft, -1365ft

On a good weather day there are extraordinary views on this section of the trail – many believe this is the best walking day on the TMB! Like walking on a balcony with the lofty heights of the south face of Mont Blanc, the dramatic spire of the Aiguille Noire de Peuterey and the tumbling Miage glacier with you throughout the walk which coupled with the profusion of alpine blooms and glacial streams will certainly take your breath away. A picnic stop anywhere along this balcony trail is essential to absorb this view before continuing to the Rifugio Maison Vieille. Overnight refuge with shower. 11.5km/7mi, +400m, -500m/+1312ft, -1640ft

On our last days walk we descend steeply via a series of switchbacks and ski runs to Courmayeur where you can reward the family with a gelato to mark the end of the hike. After a final picnic we say goodbye to our sturdy donkeys. 6.5km/4mi, +0m, -728m/+0ft, -2388ft