The Col des Montets
The Col des Montets is a TMB variant connecting Argentière to Vallorcine through the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges. This 10 km6.2 mi traverse with 550 m1 804 ft of ascent delivers sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif from the opposite side of the Chamonix valley. Accessible to intermediate hikers, the trail crosses alpine meadows rich in wildlife - ibex, chamois and marmots are regularly spotted along the route.
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What You Need to Know
The Col des Montets (1 461 m4 793 ft) is a road pass between Argentière and Vallorcine in the Chamonix valley. The TMB variant avoids the road entirely, following trails through the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges - one of the best-preserved natural sites in the French Alps. You cross subalpine habitats with exceptional flora and fauna on both sides of the pass.
The route starts in Argentière (1 252 m4 108 ft) and climbs steadily through pastures and conifer forest before reaching the open high ground of the Aiguilles Rouges reserve. The descent follows a clear path down to Vallorcine (1 261 m4 137 ft). There are no technical sections - this is a genuine medium-grade day hike, suitable for anyone who wants mountain scenery without exposed ridgelines.
Key Points Along the Route
The Maison de la Réserve sits at the Col des Montets road pass and runs a permanent exhibition on alpine ecosystems and local geology. It is worth a stop if you are passing through. Entry is free.
The views of the Mont Blanc massif from the upper trails of the Aiguilles Rouges are among the most complete in the region. You see the Aiguille Verte, the Grandes Jorasses and Mont Blanc (4 808 m15 774 ft) from an angle that most TMB hikers never reach.
Accommodation and Onward Route
Vallorcine is the natural endpoint of this variant. From here you can pick up the main TMB route toward the Col de Balme and Switzerland. The Mont Blanc Express train connects Vallorcine to Chamonix and Martigny if you need to adjust your schedule. Book accommodation in Vallorcine or at the Col de Balme refuge well in advance - beds disappear fast in July and August.
The Col des Montets variant is regularly overlooked by hikers focused on reaching Switzerland. That is a mistake. The traverse of the Aiguilles Rouges reserve puts the Mont Blanc massif directly in front of you from a vantage point that the standard valley-floor route cannot match. Allow extra time at the Maison de la Réserve - the exhibitions on alpine geology and ecosystems are free and genuinely useful context for the terrain you have just crossed.
Wildlife: ibex, chamois, marmots, golden eagles at altitude.
Transport: The Mont Blanc Express serves both Argentière and Vallorcine - useful for adjusting your stage or cutting short if weather deteriorates.
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