---
title: "The Col des Montets"
type: "1day-itinerary"
variante: true
lang: "en"
distance_km: 10
elevation_plus_m: 550
elevation_minus_m: 540
difficulty: "Medium"
duration_days: 1
url: "https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/col-des-montets/"
description: "Col des Montets TMB variant: hike from Argentière to Vallorcine through the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. Wildlife watching and Mont Blanc views."
---

# The Col des Montets

The Col des Montets variant crosses the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve between Argentière and Vallorcine, with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif from the opposite side of the Chamonix valley.

## Overview

The Col des Montets is a TMB variant connecting Argentière to Vallorcine through the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges. This 10 km (6.2 mi) traverse with 550 m (1 804 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.

## Stats

- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation gain: 550 m
- Elevation loss: 540 m
- Difficulty: Medium
- Duration: 1 day
- Variant route: yes

## Need to know

## What You Need to Know
The Col des Montets (1 461 m (4 793 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 m (4 108 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 m (4 137 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 m (15 774 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.

## Practical info

- Start: Argentière ({{1 252 m | 4 108 ft}})
- Finish: Vallorcine ({{1 261 m | 4 137 ft}})
- Distance: {{10 km | 6.2 mi}}
- Elevation gain: {{550 m | 1 804 ft}}
- Max altitude: {{1 900 m | 6 234 ft}} (Aiguilles Rouges reserve)

## Day-by-day itinerary

### Day 1: Argentière - Vallorcine (via the Aiguilles Rouges Reserve)

- Distance: 10 km
- Time: 4 h
- Ascent: 550 m
- Descent: 540 m
- Max altitude: 1900 m
- Min altitude: 1252 m

From Argentière, the trail heads north-west out of the village and climbs steadily through conifer forest before opening onto the high pastures of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve. The ascent is consistent with no technical sections, but 550 m (1 804 ft) of elevation gain requires a steady pace - do not rush the first hour.

The high point of the trail sits around 1 900 m (6 234 ft), from which the views down to the Argentière glacier and across to the Mont Blanc massif are exceptional. This is also the most productive zone for wildlife: ibex and chamois frequent the rocky ridgelines, marmots are common in the meadows, and golden eagles patrol the thermals above. Slow down and scan the upper slopes. The Maison de la Réserve at the Col des Montets (1 461 m (4 793 ft)) sits just below the trail high point.

The descent to Vallorcine follows a clear, well-marked path through open grazing land. Vallorcine has a Mont Blanc Express station with connections to Chamonix and Martigny. If you are continuing the TMB circuit, the Col de Balme is approximately two hours from Vallorcine.