Tour du Val Montjoie 5-day trek in the Mont Blanc region

The second stage begins with a short climb to reach the Alpage du Truc. Here you can admire the view of the Aiguille de Bionnassay and the Dômes de Miage.

The hike continues to La Frasse, a hamlet in the village of Les Contamines Montjoie. The path through the forest takes you to Armancette, then along a balcony path to reach the Tré la Tête refuge. Along this path, you overlook the upper Val Montjoie and in particular the village of Les Contamines. On arrival at Tré la Tête, you can observe marmots and chamois.

You’re on your way to the third stage of your journey. You’ll take a winding path through a spruce forest to reach the verdant Laya plateau. Along the way, you can admire the Combe Noire waterfall, a torrent flowing from the Tré la Tête glacier. You then pass over the famous Roman bridge. Then you arrive at Nant Borrant, a charming refuge where it’s good to rest and eat!

The day’s hike isn’t over yet. You continue on your way to the Plateau de la Rollaz. Ahead of you are the Aiguilles de la Pennaz and the Roches Franches. You can also see the impressive Col des Chasseurs. A final ascent brings you to the refuge des Prés in the large alpine pasture of the same name. This newly renovated and enlarged refuge offers you the comfort of sleeping in pretty rooms. The view is breathtaking. You can admire the sunset over the Mont-Blanc massif.

You’ll start today’s hike at the Col de la Fenêtre. The trail takes you into the Savoy Alps, to Hauteluce, a neighboring commune of Les Contamines Montjoie. The trail winds along a balcony to the top of the Bûche croisée chairlift, on the slopes of the Contamines ski area.

You’ll then pass over the Col du Joly, the border between the Savoie and Haute-Savoie departments. The route takes you up to the aiguille Croche, a peak culminating at 2,487m. The trail becomes steeper and more vertiginous, following the ridge to reach Mont-Joly via some steep passages.

This balcony trail offers you an extraordinary view of the Mont-Blanc massif. Your arrival at Mont-Joly at an altitude of 2525m is rewarded by the spectacle of the landscape around you. A 360° view of the surrounding valleys and snow-capped peaks. With a front-row seat to the Mont-Blanc, you can appreciate the calm and serenity of this place.

You then begin the descent to the refuge du Mont-Joly, the highest restaurant in the Evasion Mont-Blanc domain. This small refuge welcomes you for the last night of this journey.

The last day has arrived. It’s time to return to the valley. Taking the paths through the forest or along the ridges, you’ll cross the alpine pastures of Saint-Nicolas de Véroce. To finish the hike, you’ll follow the schoolchildren’s path to reach Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc.

On your return to civilization, all that’s left to do is enjoy the charm of the village, a drink on the terrace, a visit to the museum, or a good meal at one of Saint-Gervais’ many gourmet addresses.