Statistics: mileage 4.77 ascent 372′ descent 3937′ 3 hours
We were up so early the next morning at Bellachat that when we peered over the porch’s edge, we could see all of Chamonix’ city lights still twinkling in the valley several thousand feet below us – a poignant experience on our last morning of this marvelous trek.
Resuming the descent, we found the trail was once again a narrow track on the side of the mountain which made us very careful as we climbed over rocks on the trail.
Soon we entered a forest and began a rigorous downhill march, almost 4000′ in 4.75 miles. As we approached our final destinations, Les Houches and the hotel from which we had begun this trek, we glimpsed through the trees a gigantic statue which (we later learned) was built in 1933/34 and named Le Christ Roi (Christ the King). At 82′ tall, it overlooked the entire Chamonix valley.
Just minutes later we were in Les Houches and in the Chalet Hotel Campanules. We arrived before check-in time but, generously, the hotel management offered to let us clean up and store our backpacks. We then walked into Chamonix to do some gift shopping for friends at home in California.
The hotel staff had become aware of our venture and, as we walked into the dining room for our evening meal, they began clapping and cheering for us! The management treated us to a dessert wine and all were gracious and kind. What a lovely evening to end our adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc!
Wow! I so loved reading about your adventure! My mom, sister and I plan to go on this too!
Juliana, you will love it! This is one of my favorite treks. Be prepared to make lots of new friends!