Tour du Mont Blanc Day 4: A Delicious Walk Through Swiss Hamlets

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Tour du Mont Blanc Day 4: A Delicious Walk Through Swiss Hamlets

Tuesday, July 15th, was our fourth day on the TMB, and it offered a wonderful change of pace. Today promised a gentler journey through charming Swiss villages, enchanting forests, and picturesque valleys. [3 minute recap video]

Pastries, a Lake, and a Mushroom Trail

We started our morning leaving the Relais d'Arpette (and its infamous chili) behind, walking back down the beautiful bisse trail we had loved so much the day before. Our first stop was the town of Champex-Lac, where we immediately located a boulangerie-pâtisserie. The shop was filled with incredible treats, and we might have overdone it, buying lunch supplies and a few (or more than a few) items for the trail.

With our bags full of deliciousness, we walked to the stunning lake that gives the town its name. The morning was quiet and still, with a little fog hanging over the water, creating gorgeous reflections. Leaving the town, we entered the woods on a delightful path known as the "Mushroom Trail." The trail was full of fun, whimsical wooden carvings and signs about mushrooms that were spread out over several miles. We didn't make it far before breaking into our first treat from the bakery: a fantastic apricot pie that was even better than the scenery.

A New Friend and a Valley of Villages

The day was full of charming discoveries. We passed through several small Swiss hamlets, admiring the traditional barns built up on stone pillars to protect them from rodents. In one village, while stopping for water at a fountain, we made a new friend. A lovely dog, sitting with a ball at his feet, was clearly waiting for a hiker to come by and play. I happily obliged, throwing the ball for him a few times before continuing on our way.

This was a very different kind of hiking day, with more time spent on quiet roads and paths connecting these tiny communities, but it was beautiful in its own right. As we moved through the valley, the trail began to climb again, rewarding us with wonderful views of the farmland below. It was the perfect spot to stop for another pick-me-up: a raspberry cherry tart that was just what we needed. Not long after, we passed a surprisingly gorgeous waterfall, the Torrent de Treutse Bô.

Before reaching our destination, we found a fantastic stream to soak our tired feet and share one last treat—an apple cake that was also delicious. Finally, we pushed on to the town of La Fouly, where our hotel for the night had the most amazing views.

Day 4 by the Numbers

A gentler day on the trail, but still a good distance with plenty of delicious stops.