Les Contamines to Les Chapieux - Tour Mont Blanc

Start : Gîte Le Pontet and the camping site. (2585 Rte de Notre Dame de la Gorge, 74170 Les Contamines-Montjoie)

(S) Leave the Gîte Le Pontet and the camping site, taking the bridge over La Bonnant and up to the TMB trail.

(1) Bear right past the little chapel dedicated to Saint Antoine and a golf range (with high netting). Keep following the TMB signs and the track between trees to eventually reach the picturesque chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge.

(2) Having explored the chapel, continue on the main track by the side of the river Le Bonnant, climbing steadily to reach the Pont Romain.

(3) Continue into the hamlet Nant Borrant and past the Refuge Nant Borrant. The route heads into the woods and continues to climb with the stream now on the left-hand side. Ignore the turn-off to the left to the designated campsite and continue past La Rollaz. The route continues climbing to cross over Le Bonnant again and reach the Refuge de la Balme.

(4) After a short rest and maybe a hot drink, continue up the track bearing left onto the footpath. The climb is a bit steeper but levels out after about 1 Km. The stream is still on the left.

(5) Cross it a little further on after 1.5 Km or so and zig-zag up the mountain. The route crosses the stream a couple of times, then leaves it to climb up to the Col du Bonhomme at 2,329m.

(6) It's a good place to stop for lunch (there's a small hut for shelter if needed) before making the descent down to Les Chapieux. The path stays at more or less the same height climbing to 2,480m to pass the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme and then cross the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme at 2,433m.

(7) Now it's all downhill, dropping quite quickly and crossing a number of streams along the way. Keep following the TMB signs and heading South.

(8) Go past the Chalets de Raja then bear left to go down the zig-zag path to Les Chapieux. Bear left at the road to reach the Les Chambres du Soleil (E).

Start : Gîte Le Pontet and the camping site. (2585 Rte de Notre Dame de la Gorge, 74170 Les Contamines-Montjoie) in Les Contamines

Facilities : Food and drink is available along the route but make sure you have enough water, especially in summer.

Note : Wear a hat and use suncream. If it's winter, make sure you have strong boots and check the weather before venturing out on the mountains.

Enjoy the views and take your time. Take care of yourself and look out for wildlife along the way. Just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.