Rising directly opposite the Mont Blanc massif, the Aiguilles Rouges (the “Red Needles”) are named for the iron-rich gneiss that gives their sharp peaks a warm, reddish glow. This demanding loop hike takes us deep into the heart of the range, along high mountain trails that pass some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Alps: crystal-clear alpine lakes, wild and rugged sections where few people venture (especially in September) and a succession of iconic peaks with ever-changing views. Despite their proximity to the Mont Blanc range, the Aiguilles Rouges remain refreshingly quiet, offering space, silence and raw alpine atmosphere. If conditions allow, we’ll aim to summit Mont Buet (3,096 m), one of the great panoramic viewpoints of the region. From its broad summit, the horizon opens wide onto the Mont Blanc massif and far beyond.
This trek is designed for hikers with some mountain experience who are looking for a rewarding alpine journey in remote terrain. While the paths are non-technical, the route includes several big days with significant elevation gain, requiring good fitness and comfort in the mountains. In exchange, you’ll enjoy quiet trails, wide-open landscapes, and a deep immersion in wild alpine scenery, all the way to our final descent back to Servoz.
From the village of Servoz, we ease into the mountains with a steady climb, first through quiet forest and then into open alpine terrain. As the valley drops away, wide views unfold, leading us to the beautifully located Refuge de Moëde Anterne: our home for the night, with Mont Blanc already peeking into view.
For those with energy to spare, a short walk leads to the serene Lac de Pormenaz; for everyone else, it’s time to slow down and enjoy the setting.
Day two is the heart of the adventure: a long, demanding mountain day through some of the wildest terrain of the Aiguilles Rouges. We start early, following remote high trails with expanding views, before tackling the sustained climb toward Mont Buet (3,096 m), conditions allowing. From above, the panorama stretches wide across Mont Blanc and the surrounding Alps.
A long descent then leads us down through alpine meadows and forest, following the Eau de Bérard all the way to Village du Buet.
On day 3, we wrap around the Aiguilles Rouges and arrive on their eastern side, stepping into the Chamonix valley with the Mont Blanc massif rising directly ahead. A steady climb leads us past the beautiful Lacs des Chéserys and up to the iconic Lac Blanc, where we spend the night at its perfectly placed refuge. With gentler distances but ever-expanding views, this is a day to settle into the rhythm, enjoy the changing light, and take in one of the Alps’ most celebrated panoramas.
Today we stay high in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges, moving across rocky alpine terrain with a gentle rhythm of climbs and descents. Close-up views of the range’s deep red rock alternate with shimmering mountain lakes, while vast panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif unfold on the opposite side. Passing below Aiguille Pourrie and finishing via the iconic Brévent, we end the day with a gentle descent to Refuge de Bellachat: a beautifully placed final stop, surrounded by wild alpine nature and unforgettable views.
The final day closes the loop back to Servoz, with a last stretch high in the mountains before a long descent. We start with gentle ups and flats toward the Aiguillette des Houches, taking in one final 360° panorama of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges, and the valley below.
From there, the trail leads down a stunning ridge and through quiet forest, gradually returning us to Servoz: the perfect finale to an unforgettable mountain journey.
Practical information
When
This hike will take place from 13th until the 17th of September 2026.
Please note: these are the hiking days. To ensure you arrive on time and have enough time to travel home, we recommend adding an extra day before and after the trip for travel.
Price
The price for this trek is €890,00.
This includes:
-> Professional guidance by a mountain leader
-> 4 overnight stays in mountain huts
-> Tourist tax
-> 4 breakfast meals in the huts
-> 4 dinners in the huts
-> 4 picnic lunches
-> Informational booklet with extensive information about the trail to be fully prepared for this adventure
…and does not include:
-> Transportation to and from the start and end point
-> Snacks for the trail
-> Overnight stays at the start and end points
-> Travel insurance (including repatriation)
-> Personal expenses
-> Lunch for day 1
Accommodation
During the trek, we’ll spend our nights in cosy mountain huts along the way. These are small, welcoming refuges with shared dorms — usually one big room where about 20 hikers bunk down together. No need to bring a full sleeping bag: mattresses, blankets and pillows are provided. But to keep things clean and comfy for everyone, it’s mandatory to bring a sleeping bag liner and a pillowcase (a clean T-shirt works too in a pinch).
And: no stress about bookings, we’ve already reserved all the huts, so your bed in the mountains is waiting for you!
Transport
Transportation to and from the start and end point is not included in the price. You can take the train to Servoz train station, the starting point of our hike.
Food along the way
No need to stress about meals — the mountain huts we’ll stay at take care of everything. Each one provides a hearty dinner, a solid breakfast, and even a packed lunch (pique-nique) for the next day’s hike.
The only things you’ll need to bring yourself are snacks for the full trek (since we won’t pass any shops or resupply points) and your lunch for day one. That’s it! Everything else is sorted, so you can just focus on walking, eating, and enjoying the mountain magic.
FAQ
This trip is for experienced hikers who love exploring lesser-known trails and occasionally enjoy the challenge of more technical paths. With around 1200 m of elevation gain per day (and 1450 m of elevation gain on the biggest day), a moderate fitness level is required.
The loop starts and ends in Servoz, a charming mountain village in the Mont Blanc valley. We meet at the train station, where trains regularly go between Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains-Le-Fayet and Servoz.
Aha, gear! Probably the most important thing when you head out in the mountains. Here’s a list of the things you’ll need:
Clothes
-Hiking shoes (boots or trail runners, depending on your preference)
-Cap*
-Warm hat
-Category 3 sunglasses
-Breathable long/short-sleeved T-shirts
-Fleece and/or down jacket
-Waterproof jacket
-Hiking trousers/leggings and/or hiking shorts
-Waterproof trousers
-Pair of (light) gloves
-Hiking socks (+liner socks*)
-Flip flops (for in the huts)
-Spare clothes as per your preference*
Food
-2L water bottle
-Small drinking cup
-Pocketknife*
-Snacks for each day (not available in mountain huts)
-Lunch for day 1
General gear
-Pack (40-50L) + rain cover
-Hiking poles
-Headlamp
-Sunscreen and lip balm
-Sleeping bag liner + kussensloop
-Toiletry kit, towel, earplugs*, toilet paper
-Minimal personal pharmacy: blister plasters, medications for common ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies
-ID, money for personal expenses
Items indicated with a ‘*’ are optional, take them if you prefer taking these!
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the Aiguilles Rouges mountain range.
If you have a severe fear of heights, this tour may not be ideal, as parts of the route follow exposed mountain paths. These sections are not very technical, but they are high in the terrain. Hikers with a mild or moderate fear of heights generally manage them without any problem.
The mountain huts provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, you’ll need to bring your own snacks for the trail and lunch for the first day.
Our tour will be led by Thomas Debray, a mountain leader from Saint-Gervais, France. He’ll guide us safely, share fascinating facts about the flora and fauna, and ensure an enjoyable experience for all. I (Floor Denil) will also join. While I’m not a certified guide, I’ve gained plenty of mountain experience and will share some hiking tips along the way.
There’s no luggage transport available for this tour, so you’ll need to carry all your personal gear yourself.
This is a group hike: we’ll stick together as a team, leaving and arriving at the huts as one.