tour du mont blanc 6 days

Hiking Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in 6 days

Level 1: You have never practiced.

Level 2: You have some initial experience.

Level 3: You practice occasionally.

Level 4: You practice regularly.

Level 5: You have a sustained practice.

• General information
• Group booking
• Private booking
• Further information

This 6-day version of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a condensed format of our classic complete10-day itinerary. Although the route remains the same, some stages have been combined to give a decidedly sporty character to this adventure. The entire circuit is done on foot, without any reliance on transportation. However, it is not a race; no section requires running, but a brisk walk is required. This full tour is suitable for hikers with regular practice, capable of completing stages of around twenty kilometers with a positive elevation gain of 2000 meters.

Starting from the Chamonix Valley, you will traverse stunning landscapes, particularly in the Beaufortain, Val Veny, and Val Ferret. Whether in France, Switzerland, or Italy, you will have the opportunity to admire breathtaking panoramas, including glaciers, high-altitude lakes, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and much more. Take advantage of this unique experience by returning to your starting point on foot, without any reliance on transportation: an ideal route for hiking enthusiasts who want to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc entirely on foot.

Immerse yourself in a unique trail experience, guided by the anecdotes and thoughtful advice of your mountain guide, all without worrying about logistics. You only carry your daypack; baggage handling is taken care of by taxis, and daily picnics are organized by accommodations. Spend the night in a mountain hut or hotel, in a dormitory or a small room.  

The collective formula associates several people who do not necessarily know each other. It allows for a planned program to benefit from an attractive price on fixed dates. This formula is ideal for people looking for the friendliness of a group.

Dates : See below for the group booking module   Price 2024 : 1220€ per person - based on a minimum of 6 participants   This price includes : - the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide - half-board accommodation in either a basic hotel or small hotels in dormitories - pic-nic lunches - tr ansportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase.  Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider

This price does not include : - drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…) -repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurance highly reccommended  

A private booking is the historical relationship that binds a mountain leader to their clients. It allows you to be alone or in your own group with your guide who will meet your specific needs. Undoubtedly, it is the ideal formula that guarantees you maximum comfort. Accommodation and itinerary can be tailored, and you are free to choose your departure date depending on accommodation availability.

Prices 2024 : 1 person : 6305€ per person  2 people : 3495€ par person   3 people : 2560€ par person  4 people : 2090€ par person   5 people : 1810€ par person 6 people : 1625€ par person 7 people : 1490€ par person 8 people : 1220€ par person

The price includes : - the organization and supervision by a state qualified trekking guide - half-board accommodation in either a basic hotel or small hotels in dormitories - pic-nic lunches - tr ansportation of one piece of luggage throughout the trek : soft bag, no hard suitcase.  Max 15 kg, in case of excess weight, your luggage will not be transported by our provider

Not included in the price : - drinks and personal expenditure (souvenirs…) - repatriation insurance (compulsory). Cancellation Insurance highly reccommended  

In this section, find all the information about this activity.  To prepare your trip effectively, refer to the guides’ tips . They share their expertise and recommendations, ensuring you have a great experience

Meeting point : Meet at 8.30am in front of the Compagnie des Guides in Chamonix, 190 place de l'Eglise, 744000 Chamonix Mont-Blanc. 

Ability level : 5/5 - This   6-day full Tour du Mont-Blanc is a challenging hiking experience. With a positive elevation gain ranging from 900 meters to 2500 meters, equivalent to an average of 6 to 8 hours of walking per day, this itinerary requires excellent physical fitness. Mountain trails are generally well-maintained, although the route may sometimes include off-trail sections. Prior experience in fast-paced, multi-day hiking is necessary.

Itinerary :  The guide may need to adjust the itinerary based on weather conditions and/or the physical and/or technical abilities of the group

Guiding policy :  minimum 6 and maximum 8 people per state qualified guide. The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix's guiding policy guarantees a better level of comfort and a high-quality personalised advice.  Registration possible from 16 years of age. Registration is not permitted  to anyone under the age of 18 without a legal guardian.

Accomodation : - During the trip : 5 nights half board in mountain huts or small hotels in dormitories. - Before & after the trip : benefit from preferential prices from our partner hotels in Chamonix.

Documentation : - Participants must have sports insurance with repatriation cover. We strongly recommend that this also includes cancellation cover. You can take out insurance offering both of these types of cover when you sign up. - Participants must also take valid ID with them.

Preparing for the trip :  An information meeting with your guide is scheduled the day before departure at 6pm at the Compagie des Guides office. We highly recommend your participation, as this meeting provides an opportunity to fine-tune your preparation.  

Documents available for download

• Information sheet
• Conditions of Sale
• Guide's tips
• Client rights
• Insurance contract

Weight is a hiker's adversary, so it is crucial to carefully select your equipment as it plays a key role in ensuring the success of your trip

Your gear -A 30L backpack -A compact and sturdy travel bag, maximum 15 kg -A pair of top quality hiking boots -A pair of telescopic poles -A hat or cap -A warm hat -Category 3 sunglasses -Breathable long and short-sleeved T-shirts -A polar fleece -A warm down jacket -A Gore-Tex waterproof jacket -A rain poncho -A hiking trouser -A Gore-Tex waterproof trouser -A short -A pair of gloves -Hiking-appropriate socks -A minimum 2L water bottle -A pocketknife and a spork -A flashlight or headlamp -Sunscreen and lip balm -A sleeping bag liner -Toiletry kit, towel, earplugs, and toilet paper -Minimal personal pharmacy: blister pads like Compeed, medications for common ailments such as diarrhea, constipation, sore throat, headaches, pain, allergies ID, money for personal expenses -Spare shoes -Flip flops for the hut with no luggage access -Spare clothes as per your preference

Our Rental Partners : You can rent your equipment with our rental shops partners and benefit from special price Millet , Sanglard Sports , Ravanel & Co & Concept Pro Shop Our Equipment Partners :   Millet ,  Dynastar ,  Julbo ,  Grivel  &  Monnet

Chamonix - Les Contamines From the church in Chamonix (3,415ft), an iconic starting point for the Tour du Mont-Blanc, we follow the waters of the Arve River to the village of Les Houches. We cross the Col de Voza (5,423ft) to enter the Val Montjoie. Passing through multiple hamlets, we reach the village of Les Contamines Montjoie (3,773ft), the terminus of our first day. Elevation gain: 4,800 feet - Elevation loss: 4,500 feet - Distance: 16 miles  

Les Contamines - Les Mottets After warming up in the valley at Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge, we begin a long uphill climb on a Roman road that leads us to Col du Bonhomme (7,641ft). The traverse to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and the ascent to Col des Fours (8,743ft), the highest point of our journey, offer us the wildest part of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. We descend into the Vallee des Glaciers where we spend the night. Elevation gain: 5,300 feet - Elevation loss: 3,000 feet - Distance: 12 miles

Les Mottets - Courmayeur We ascend the border Col de la Seigne (8,215ft). We discover the spectacular Italian side of the Mont Blanc Massif. We descend into the Val Veny. From Lake Combal (6,562ft), our trail ascends to the alpine pastures of Arp Veille, a remarkable panoramic path. A long descent takes us to Courmayeur. Elevation gain: 3,700 feet - Elevation loss: 5,800 feet - Distance: 14 miles  

Courmayeur - La Fouly This is our longest day of the week. From Courmayeur, we climb through a beautiful larch forest to reach the Bertone Refuge (6,526ft). We enjoy the panoramic trail to the Bonatti Refuge (6,630ft) and then the Grand Col Ferret (8,316ft). Now we are in Switzerland. A rolling descent takes us to the village of La Fouly (5,249ft) in the Swiss Val Ferret. Elevation gain: 6,100 feet - Elevation loss: 4,800 feet - Distance: 19 miles  

La Fouly - Col de la Forclaz We traverse the Swiss Val Ferret, dotted with small hamlets with preserved architecture, to the village of Issert (3,445ft). An ascent leads us to Champex-Lac (4,757ft). Through a sustained climb, we reach the panoramic alpine pastures of Bovine (6,562ft). A long descent takes us to Col de la Forclaz (5,000ft) and then the village of Trient (4,199ft). Elevation gain: 4,000 feet - Elevation loss: 4,200 feet - Distance: 17 miles  

Col de la Forclaz - Chamonix We leave Switzerland through the alpine pastures of Catogne to reach those of Les Posettes (6,562ft). We are back in the Chamonix Valley. With the Mont Blanc Massif in view, we complete our week in front of the church in Chamonix. Elevation gain: 6,600 feet - Elevation loss: 8,200 feet - Distance: 17 miles  

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Discover the carbon emissions of this activity and add your trip to the meeting point.

CO2 emitted per person for the activity: 78 kg . Learn out more about the footprint calculation of this activity

CO2 emitted per person for this activity & journey(s) = 0 kg In order to limit global warming to +2°C by 2100, the COP-21 agreement stipulates that each human should emit no more than 2t of CO2 per year. According to the French Ministry of Ecology , today European citizens emit an average of 11t per year, and American citizens emit an average of 21t annually. , or 7.8€ The price for a ton of CO2 is currently 100€ in the European Union to offset.

Find out more about our zero impact strategy .

Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc Guide: How to Plan Your Epic TMB Hike

Explore our complete Tour du Mont Blanc guide to find routes, itineraries, expert tips, and the details you need to plan your perfect TMB hike – start today!

The Tour du Mont Blanc hike is not only one of the most popular hikes in Europe, but one of the best long-distance hikes in the world! It’s  at the top of many hikers’ bucket list and for good reason.

The classic hiking route takes you through the alps in French, Italian and Swiss Alps. 

It’s a beautiful multi-day hut-to-hut hike where you’ll have a warm bed and a hearty meal waiting for you every night. 

I did the full Tour du Mont Blanc route before I started a hiking company. It was the first hike I’d done that was more than 3 days. Not long afterwards, I started a hiking company and have since repeated certain sections. Plus, I work with local partners in Chamonix to ensure that you get the most up to-date information. 

Read on to find out how to plan your Tour du Mont Blanc hike.

Highlights of the TMB

Col de Voza : Panoramic views of the Chamonix valley.

• Col de Tricot : Mountain pass offering stunning vistas, known for its challenging zigzag path.

Les Contamines : A charming French village that is a popular stopping point.

Col du Bonhomme : One of the first high mountain passes.

Croix du Bonhomme : Another mountain pass offering panoramic views.

• Col de la Seigne : A high mountain pass at 2,516 meters, marking the border between France and Italy, with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Rifugio Elisabetta : Mountain refuge in Italy, known for its stunning vistas.

Courmayeur : Italian alpine town perfect for a rest day, known for its cuisine and mountain culture.

Grand Col Ferret : The pass that crosses from the Italian Alps to the Swiss Alps offering some of the best views of the Grandes Jorasses.

Champex-Lac : Known as the “Swiss Lake,” a tranquil stopping point in Switzerland.

Bovine Route or Fenêtre d’Arpette : Two alternative routes between Champex and Col de la Forclaz; the former is easier, and the latter offers stunning views but is more challenging.

Col de la Forclaz : Another mountain pass and common place for rest.

Col de Balme : The pass back into France from Switzerland, with amazing views of Mont Blanc.

La Flégère and Lac Blanc : Offers one of the closest views of the Mont Blanc massif, which is sometimes reflected in Lac Blanc

What Is the Distance of the Tour du Mont Blanc?

As with all multi-day hiking trails in the Alps there is a “classic” route and then there are  variations and shortcuts you can choose from. The main TMB route is:

Distance: 166 km (103 miles)

Total Elevation Gain: 10,000 m (32,700 ft)

Highest Point of the TMB:  2,665 meters (8,743 feet) at the Col des Fours and the Fenêtre d’Arpette

Number of Mountain Passes You’ll Hike Over: 10

Number of Days: 10 (although this can be shortened to 6 or 7 days)

• You can see a map of the tour here from Wikipedia.

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc: 3 Ways

Tour du Mont Blanc Guided

Tour du mont blanc self guided, tour du mont blanc on your own.

Below, I’ll outline the pros and cons of hiking the TMB in each of the three ways.

We arrange guided tours with a French guide on request if you already have a small group. Contact us for details. 

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Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided Trek

As you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons. That’s why I highly recommend a Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tour. We offer 6, 7 or 10 day tours, and can also customize one for you.

I do most of my own personal hiking trips as self-guided as well since I love the convenience, and time-saving of having someone else planning all the logistics so that I can just focus on hiking.

Find out more about the difference between guided and self-guided tours . 

Planning the Tour du Mont Blanc On Your Own

Planning your own TMB hike is definitely the cheapest option, but also the most time-consuming and requires a lot of research. 

If you choose the do-it-yourself option,  I recommend that you plan it using a combination of this site: http://www.autourdumontblanc.com/en/, and the TMB: Complete Two-Way Trekking Guide Book by Cicerone Guides.  And of course a good map and GPS tracks.

Our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tours

6-Day Self-Guided Luxury Tour

7-Day Self-Guided Tours (Dormitory or Private Double Accommodation)

10-Day Self-Guided Tours (Dormitory or Private Double Accommodation)

Booking the Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges Yourself

The disadvantage to the aforementioned TMB site is that it doesn’t provide the elevation gain, nor the distance. It’s also only possible to book some refuges by phone. And the ones you book by email can be slow (if they bother) responding to you. Some also don’t take reservations until spring. Plus, not all the huts are listed on the site. 

Also, each mountain hut booking is dependent on the other. I.e. you want to have your reservation secured for Days 1, 2, 3 before you book for Day 4. That way you ensure that you don’t have too short a day or too long.

Furthermore, when I first did the TMB years ago after I confirmed our booking, I was contacted a few days later by two refuges to tell us they were full. As a result, I had to start our bookings from scratch. This happened twice.

It took me hours and hours to plan my first TMB hike, then replan, then re-plan the route again. It’s doable but very time-consuming. It took me approximately 12 hours to book and plan everything. And it was incredibly frustrating.

That’s another reason why I recommend booking one of our self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc trips :

Don’t start by saying that you will do the trek in so and so many days. Take a look at the itineraries, distances and m in elevation gain for the self-guided tours , and see whether the 6, 7 or 10-day tour is the best choice for you.

Our 6 and 7-day tours are the easiest (although still not easy). You’ll take public transportation – buses and lifts, skipping the less scenic parts. Our 10-day tour is the most challenging with more hiking and fewer transfers.

6-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary

Day 1: Hike from Les Houches – The Les Contamines Hiking Details: 5 hours, 600 m (1968 ft) ascent,  ~ 11 km (6.84 miles), plus transfers

Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Bourg St. Maurice Hiking Details: 6 hours, 1300 m (4265 ft) ascent, ~ 15 km (9.32 miles), plus transfers

Day 3: Bourg Saint Maurice  – Courmayeur Hiking Details: 5 hours, 750 m (2460 ft) ascent,  ~ 13.5 km (8.39 miles), plus transfers

Day 4: Courmayeur – Champex Hiking Details: 5 hours, 800 m (2625 ft) ascent,  ~ 12 km (7.47 miles), plus transfers

Day 5: Champex – l’Argentière Hiking Details: Bovines Route: 5:30 hours, 700 m (2296 ft) ascent,  OR Arpette Window: 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent,  ~ 14 km (8.7 miles), plus transfers

Day 6: l’Argentière – Chamonix Hiking Details: 5 hours, 950 m (3117 ft) ascent,  ~ 10.5 km (6.5 miles), plus transfers.

You can see the 7-day and 10-day TMB itineraries on our TMB Self-Guided Tour page. 

We also offer the option of taking a rest day in the in the charming Italian village of Courmayeur , which is approximately halfway through the tour. Many hikers take this option and I highly recommend it, especially if you’re doing the 10-day itinerary. 

For a truly epic experience, do our half-day guided glacier tour from Courmayeur, which will take you above the clouds and much closer to Mont Blanc than you get on the trail.

Cost of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Our self-guided hiking tours range from €1119 for the 7-day tour in dormitory accommodation to €1929 for the 10-day tour in private double accommodation.

You will find cheaper tour operators because some book refuges on the TMB that have 40 plus beds in a single dormitory room. We don’t use those accommodations as we don’t think it provides a good experience. And it definitely doesn’t provide a good night sleep! 

For our private double rooms, we also have our favorite accommodations, and refuse to book some accommodations on the Tour du Mont Blanc because of cleanliness or service issues. 

We also pride ourself on going the extra mile, and even provide an in-person briefing in Chamonix, something many other tour operators don’t do. 

How Difficult Of A  Hike is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

That really depends on your fitness and experience level when it comes to hiking.

If You’re Relatively New to Hiking

If you’re new to hiking and the TMB is your first long-distance hike, it’s a good idea to start with a 6 or 7-day tour because you hike less each day. Note you need to be active and exercising regularly, ideally hiking regularly. If you’re not already active, then you’ll find the TMB too difficult.

If You’re a More Experienced Hiker

If you’re in good shape, hike regularly and love a challenge, then the 10-day tour is an excellent choice for you.

Of course, you may be limited by vacation time. In that case, you could still choose a shorter tour, then opt to hike some sections instead of taking a transfer. 

You can use these guidelines, even if you’re planning on doing it on your own.

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Tour du Mont Blanc Ladder Sections

There are 2 ladder sections on your Tour du Mont Blanc hike 1) Col des Fours near the Fenêtre d’Arpette and 2) the Aiguilles Rouges Range, which offers some of the most stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif.

They’re a series of metal ladders and cables to assist hikers in navigating the steep, rocky terrain. The ladders are secured to the rock face and offer a safe way to ascend or descend these more technical parts of the trail.

How Difficult Are the Ladder Sections?

• Physical Challenge: The ladder sections aren’t overly technical, however, they do require a head for heights and a bit of upper body strength, especially if you’re carrying a heavy pack. The exposure can be intimidating for some, but the ladders are well-maintained and sturdy.
• Mental Challenge: For those who aren’t comfortable with heights or narrow paths, the  ladder section can be a bit daunting. However, if you take it slow and steady, it’s manageable for most hikers with a bit of experience.

Can You Avoid the Ladder Sections on the TMB?

Yes. You can avoid both ladder sections.

Col des Fours near the Fenêtre d’Arpette Ladder Section: This section can be avoided by taking the Bovine Route, which is much gentler and doesn’t involve as much elevation gain.  Aiguilles Rouges Range: If you’re hiking to Lac Blanc, the ladder sections are not as exposed as those on the Col des Fours, Fenêtre d’Arpette section, so if you can do those, you’ll be fine on this ladder section. While it’s possible to avoid this ladder section, it’s admittedly harder to avoid if you’re taking the direct route from La Flégère. However, you can approach Lac Blanc from different trails that don’t require using the ladders. We can advise you on this on your in-person section. 

However, the Aiguilles Rouges range, offers some of the most stunning views of the Mont Blanc massif, so if you’re up for the challenge, the views are amazing!

Tour du Mont Blanc Variant/Alternative Routes 

On some days of the TMB, you will have the choice of an easier or more challenging route. On these days you choose based on how you’re feeling. 

If you’re exhausted or your legs are burning, the best option is to choose the easier route. It’s important to challenge yourself on multi-day hikes without overdoing it. That can easily wreck the rest of your hike .

Weather on the Tour du Mont Blanc 

It’s also critical to consider the weather. We had one day that I wanted to do the difficult but incredible Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665m), a splendid pass that’s one of the highlights of the tour.

Unfortunately, the heavy rain made it inadvisable, so we did the easier Bovines Route instead. It’s important to consider safety. Besides, if it’s raining heavily, you won’t be able to see anything. When you’re hiking in the mountains, it can quickly go from good weather to stormy. 

I recommend getting an earlier start and taking a shorter lunch break on days when the forecast is calling for a thunderstorm in the afternoon.

When you hike in June, even late June and in September you’ll be hiking in snow in some places, so you should be comfortable with that.

This summer of 2023 was very hot, but then there was also snow at the end of August. You really need to be prepared to hike in all types of weather conditions. 

Which Direction to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The classic Tour du Mont Blanc route is done counter-clockwise. The advantage of doing it this way is that you’ll keep running into the same people. If you want to hike with others, it’s easy enough to meet up.

If you prefer to hike more on your own, then choose to hike it in a clockwise direction, the opposite of how most hikers do it.

Terrain of the TMB

The TMB is well-marked. You’ll mainly be hiking through mountain passes and alpine meadows of wildflowers and lush green valleys. It’s an absolutely beautiful hike.

There are also two sections that involve ladders. Fortunately, both of these can be avoided with an alternative route. 

Should I Get Travel Insurance?

YES! I hope you won’t need it, but mountain rescues are expensive – a minimum of €5000. And they can easily be much more expensive depending on your location and the complexity of the rescue.

I also recommend purchasing Travel and Trip Cancellation Insurance. You usually book your TMB trip months in advance, and while each accommodation has its own refund policy most of them aren’t very flexible.

I recommend  HeyMondo (get a 5% discount for being a Monkeys and Mountains reader.) because it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance which isn’t covered by many other insurance policies. Check out our article on  adventure travel insurance  for further information.

Sometimes injuries aren’t life-threatening but if you tear a ligament, fall and break your ankle, you won’t be able to hike down on your own. It’s better to purchase travel insurance (being sure that it includes mountain rescue, and hope that you don’t need it.

How to Pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc

I’ve written a comprehensive post on this indicating every essential item while eliminating those that you don’t need.  Check out our TMB Packing List !

Food on the Tour du Mont Blanc: Eating at the TMB Refuges/ Mountain Huts

Most mountain huts will offer a choice of two meals, a regular one and a vegetarian one.

If you have have other dietary requirements, such as being vegan or celiac as I am, there are creative ways to get around this, by suggesting alternatives that are easy for the accommodations to accommodate.

You’ll also want to bring plenty of hiking snacks  to supplement the food being offered. We have a lot of clients with food allergies who are still able to do the TMB hike. 

Breakfast on the TMB

A typical breakfast is toast with some butter or jam. None of the refuges had gluten-free bread. Instead, I requested a piece of fruit.

The breakfasts in the mountain huts are very light so if you like to eat a big breakfast I recommend bringing some energy bars with you. 

Lunch on the TMB

I recommend ordering a packed lunch to go the night before from each hut. Although it’s usually possible to eat at a mountain hut en route, you may not arrive around lunch time, so ordering a packed lunch gives you more flexibility.

Despite being informed ahead of time, lunch was usually sandwiches which I couldn’t eat, so they substituted a few apples instead.  Again, this is why I highly recommend bringing your own hiking snacks if you have dietary issues. Otherwise, you’ll be fine. 

To Reserve or Not to Reserve Refuges on the Tour du Mont Blanc in Advance?

I highly recommend booking your tour or accommodations in advance because the TMB has become so busy.

In 2024, many mountain huts were already full in December And by mid-January, we had to stop selling some tours because key accommodations were full.

TMB Insider tip:  If you don’t have reservations for a mountain hut, then try to get an early start and arrive early.

That way, you may get a spot before it does come full. But given how full the accommodations are, you should be prepared to camp if you don’t have a reservation.

What Are Accommodations Like on the TMB?

The  mountain huts/refugios are a luxury in the mountain but VERY simple by normal accommodation standards. But they’re often in beautiful locations, like the Lac Blanc Mountain Hut pictured above, so you can enjoy the Alps after a day of hiking. 

Dormitory accommodations vary anywhere from 4 to 40+ beds. I’d recommend avoiding anything with more than 20 beds wherever possible. (We don’t book these for our clients as we don’t think it provides a good experience).

Some mountain huts offer double private rooms. These will also be very simple, and you’ll still share a bathroom as the refuges usually have two bathrooms, one for women and one for men.

When you stay in a mountain hut, you’ll need to bring a sleeping bag liner. They’ll provide blankets and a pillow, so don’t worry about being warm enough.

A mid-option is booking private double accommodation. With this option, you’ll get a mix of sleeping in refugios and simple guest houses where you’ll have your own bathroom some nights.

If you’re looking for luxury, then you’ll want to book the  6-day luxury tour , which includes nice accommodations than staying in mountain huts. On this tour, you’ll have your own private bathroom every night except for one.

While the refuges aren’t luxurious, they’re often in a gorgeous setting. It’s also a great way to experience local culture and mix with other hikers from around the world. It’s truly an authentic experience.

Pamper Yourself at the Beginning and End of Your Trek

I stayed at Boutique Hôtel Le Morgane on the last day of my TMB trek. It’s a four-star eco-hotel in Chamonix, complete with a spa!

After staying in refuges, it was pure bliss. I sat on our huge patio, enjoying the amazing views of Mont Blanc, as we rested our blistered, aching feet. Trust me, on the final day; you’ll likely be tired, so it’s worth a bit of a splurge!

Pre and post-tour accommodation isn’t included, so check out our guide to the best accommodations in Chamonix to find out where to stay.

End Your TMB With a Once-in-a-Lifetime Mont Blanc Glacier Walk or Chamonix Via Ferrata

For a truly memorable end, embark on an extraordinary high-mountain adventure that takes you high above the Tour du Mont Blanc to explore the mesmerizing  Mont Blanc glaciers , which takes you above the clouds on our private guided glacier tour.

Or, do our guided  Chamonix Via Ferrata tour , which combines hiking and rock climbing for an adrenaline-packed adventure. It’s totally safe, and your guide will help you along the route.

The Closest Airport to Chamonix

The closest airport is Genevan Airport. You’ll find great deals on   Skyscanner.

Getting from Geneva to Chamonix

The easiest way to get to Chamonix, the start of the TMB is with a shared shuttle which takes ~90 minutes and needs to be booked in advance.  Do a Google search for “transfer from Geneva to Chamonix,” and you’ll see lots of different options. 

Or take this  private transfer  from Geneva Airport which starts from €29.97.

Read our guide:  Getting from Geneva to Chamonix  for more information. 

I also recommend  spending a day in Geneva  if your schedule permits.

Related Reading:   10 Best Things to Do in Geneva, Switzerland, When You Only Have a Day

Check out this video of the Tour du Mont Blanc:

Check out our Mont Blanc Hiking Art:

Tour du Mont Blanc FAQs

Where does the tour du mont blanc start & end.

Our 6 & 7 day tours start in the village of Les Houches. Our 10-day tour starts in Chamonix. All of our tours end in Chamonix.

What should I pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

See our packing list , which also includes my favourite small luxury item that I bring on every trek. You can also shop our packing list directly on Amazon.

Is the Tour du Mont Blanc Worth It?

Absolutely! I enjoyed most of it. I don’t believe anyone who says they enjoyed every second of the TMB. There are some tough parts! Even better, it left me a lasting gift that is still giving. The gift of personal strength, both on and off the mountain. Little did I know that it would start an obsession with long-distance hiking. I now do at least one long-distance hike each year. Check out How a Hiking Trip Can Change Your Life .

Is the Tour du Mont Blanc crowded?

It’s getting busier every year and there are an estimated 20,000 hikers each year. The busiest times tend to be the first week in July and the last week in August when the TMB ultra are held. Having said that, while it’s a bit crowded at the start of each day with hikers leaving at around the same time, it starts to thin out pretty quickly as everyone hikes at a different pace. I recommend booking as early as possible so that you can start on your preferred date. Avoid doing it the last week in August as it’s very crowded then.

How technical/difficult s the Tour du Mont Blanc?

It’s not a technical hike, but it is physically demanding. You’ll be hiking on a mixture of paths and rugged terrain, but no technical skills are required. Having said that, avoid doing it in June or mid-September if you’re not comfortable hiking in snow.

How many miles/km is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

It’s 106 miles or 170km.

Is it possible to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in June?

Yes, it’s possible from mid-June, but I think late June is a safer bet since the amount of snow varies each year. Having said that, some years the high passes aren’t possible at the end of June either due to too much snow. If you don’t want to hike in snow, then book mid-July-mid-August.

Is it safe to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc solo?

Yes. The Alps are generally considered safe. As a woman, I’ve also hike part of it alone and felt very safe. Plan to stay in dormitory accommodation since otherwise you’ll pay the price for a double room, as a solo hiker, which significantly increases the cost.

When’s the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

It’s possible to do it from mid-June to mid-September but I think the best time is July and August because you’ll likely be able to do all the high passes – which isn’t always possible due to too much snow earlier in the season. Plus, all the transfers are running, which makes it cheaper than having to book private transfers if you’re doing the 6 or 7-day tour .

Is luggage transfer available on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Yes, we offer this for clients that book one of our tours.

When is the TMB Ultramarathon?

There are a series of 7 races usually held from ~ Aug 22nd to 28th (depending on the year). Hikers should avoid going during this time as it’s very busy.

What are the best tips for doing the Tour du Mont Blanc?

I think the two big factors to consider are 1) What type of accommodations do you want? Luxury, private double or dormitory? and 2) How challenging do you want to make it? Then, design your trip around these factors as outlined in this article.

Will I get altitude sickness?

The highest point on the TMB is the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 meters (8,743 feet). Anything below 3,000 meters is usually too low to cause altitude sickness for most hikers.

The TMB is not a high altitude trail so doesn’t pose the challenges that some other famous treks do.

Will I climb Mont Blanc?

No. Climbing Mont Blanc Massif involves mountaineering. Instead, you’ll hike around the 4809 m (15,771 foot) mountain. But don’t let that fool you, it’s still tough and not for beginner hikers . 

Is it possible to camp on the TMB?

Yes – it is possible to camp or bivouac in villages along the Tour du Mont Blanc. However, there are strict regulations. Due to private land, protected reserves, and challenging terrain, only a few spots along the trail are suitable for bivouacking.

Campgrounds vary in facilities, with prices ranging from 10-25 EUR per night. However, some villages don’t have campgrounds, so you may need to detour a few kilometers extra to find a camping spot.

Ready to Book Your Tour Du Mont Blanc Hike?

Choose from one of our self-guided TMB tours below. Or contact us with any questions you have. 

Now that you’ve explored our Tour du Mont Blanc guide, you’re equipped with routes, tips, and the details you need—time to start planning your TMB hike.

The Ultimate Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the world’s most iconic treks. Frequently referred to as the ‘TMB’ for short, the Tour du Mont Blanc circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif and takes trekkers through France, Italy, and Switzerland over the course of 11 stages. Along the way you’ll experience stunning valleys, high-mountain passes, incredible cuisine, and some of the best hiking in the world.

This guide is designed to be the perfect planning companion for your own Tour du Mont Blanc adventure. We’ve included everything you need to know to have a spectacular trip in one place, so you can be sure you’ve thought of everything. Read it through in a single go or jump to a specific section below, but rest assured knowing you’ve found the best resource on the internet for planning your Tour du Mont Blanc trek. Let’s get started!

In this Tour du Mont Blanc Guide

• How long is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• How difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
• Which direction should I hike?
• When should I hike the TMB?
• Designing your TMB Itinerary
• Shortcuts, detours, and rest days on the TMB
• Stage-by-stage Itinerary for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation

• Getting to Les Houches from Geneva
• Getting to Champex from Geneva
• Luggage storage and transfer on the TMB
• Weather on the TMB
• Food and drink on the TMB
• Maps & Guidebooks
• Budgeting and money
• What to pack for the TMB
• How to train for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Everything you need to plan your TMB – all in one place.

Whether you prefer mountain huts or hotels, fastpacking or meandering, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.  Our Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc  is the ultimate tool to help you plan your perfect trip.

When you purchase a guide, you’ll get instant access to all the information you need to plan your trip in our planning portal as well as in a downloadable PDF eGuide.

• Planning Portal Access: Get instant access to our online trip planning portal complete with 9-day, 11-day, and 12-day TMB itineraries.
• Accommodation Insights:  You’ll get information on accommodation options for every stage, including where to book when popular huts are fully booked!
• GPS Maps:  Every guide comes with custom GPS maps for three different itineraries. Download the maps for offline use so you’ll always be able to find your next campsite.
• Expert Advice:  Find detailed maps for every stage, accommodation & booking information, packing lists, and much more.

We’re confident this is the best resource available for camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc.  Pick up your guide below and if you’re not satisfied for any reason we’ll give you a full refund!

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About the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a 170-km trek that circles the Mont Blanc massif. The route is traditionally walked in the anti-clockwise direction over 11-stages. The TMB starts and finishes in the French village of  Les Houches , which sits adjacent to the popular mountain town of  Chamonix . Along the way the trail passes through seven unique and beautiful valleys, where charming hamlets and regional delicacies abound. Between the valleys, the route traverses   a rugged mountain landscape and stunning high alpine scenery.

 The TMB is one of the most popular long-distance treks in Europe, with over 10,000 hikers per year embarking on their own walk around Mont Blanc. It is easy to understand why when considering the  ease of access to the trek , plentiful  accommodation options , and the fact that the route is  achievable by most reasonably fit walkers . The closest major city to the TMB is Geneva, Switzerland, located  just a few hours north by train or bus . 

The route passes through seven mountain valleys (Val d’Arve, Val d’Montjoie, Vallee des Glaciers, Val Veny, Italian Val Ferret, Swiss Val Ferret, and Vallee du Trient) and visits charming alpine hamlets as it winds its way around Mont Blanc. Contrary to what many believe, the TMB does not go through the iconic French mountain town of Chamonix, instead taking a trail high-above this famed destination.

Want to see the entire TMB in three minutes? The fly through video below will take you along the entire circuit, providing a helpful overview of the trek.

How Long is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The short answer: it depends!  The Tour du Mont Blanc has many variations and route options as it makes its way around Mont Blanc.  These variations include options to tackle challenging mountain passes (see the  Fenetre d’Arpette ), visit crystal clear mountain lakes (such as  Lac Blanc ), or to simply avoid some of the more challenging sections of the hike. However, the classic TMB route is approximately 170-kilometers long. Taking alternate routes may lengthen or shorten your total distance, depending on the routes chosen.  Throughout the trek, you’ll have options to walk less or more depending on the weather, your preferences, and the conditions encountered on the trail.

How Difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you are  reasonably fit and have some trekking experience , you should be well-suited to the physical challenges of the TMB. It is a tough trek that involves  long, steep ascents and descents on nearly every stage , but it isn’t too technically demanding. Remember, the Tour du Mont Blanc is a hike not a climb! Trekkers should be prepared for long days of hiking with plenty of elevation change, but frequent services along the route make it more approachable.  Weather can add to the challenge , and hikers should be prepared to encounter rain and even snow at any time.

Many of the  stages of the TMB  are structured such that you’ll begin your hike from the valley floor, trek up and over a mountain pass, and then descend into the next valley to finish the day. This provides a nice rhythm to the Tour du Mont Blanc but can also make for some difficult days. Make sure you have healthy knees, as the downhill sections can take their toll! All that being said we truly believe that most  walkers who  invest a bit of time in training and preparation  can complete the Tour du Mont Blanc with no problems and have a great time doing it!  Our best advice is to be sure you are in good physical condition and also make sound decisions when you encounter bad weather or snow.

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Planning Your Perfect Tour du Mont Blanc

Now that you have a bit of background on the TMB let’s get to the heart of this guide: helping you plan your perfect Tour du Mont Blanc! First, we’ll start with some basics such as  which direction  you should hike in and  what time of year  will be best for you to tackle the TMB. Then we’ll dive into some more in-depth considerations such as  designing your perfect itinerary  and selecting your  accommodation . Let’s get started!

Which Direction Should I Hike the TMB?

The TMB is traditionally hiked in an anti-clockwise direction beginning in the French town of Les Houches, adjacent to Chamonix. It is also possible to walk the route in a clockwise direction, and trekkers headed this way typically start in the Swiss town of Champex-Lac . Below we’ve outlined some pros and cons of hiking in each direction.  

Anti-Clockwise (starting in Les Houches, France)

• Follows the classic route, good if you’re a sucker for tradition.
• Begins near Chamonix, which is easier to get to from the Geneva Airport than Champex.
• Rewards hikers with jaw-dropping views of Mont Blanc on the final stage.
• More people hike in this direction, so the trail could feel more crowded throughout the day.

Clockwise (starting in Champex, Switzerland)

• Fewer hikers walking in the same direction as you.
• The first few stages are a bit mellower, allowing you to get acclimated before tackling the tougher sections.
• You’ll meet different people at each stop along the way.
• You’ll pass a large wave of people walking in the opposite direction each day, which can get tight on narrow trails.
• Champex (your starting point) has fewer amenities and is less conveniently connected by public transport than Les Houches. If you want to start in Les Houches and hike clockwise, be warned that the first day involves a very challenging climb, which can be a tough way to begin your trek.

All things considered, you will be sure to have a great time on the TMB regardless of which direction you choose to hike in. Think through your options and make the best decision for yourself!

When Should I Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The hiking season for the TMB generally lasts from late June through mid-September. July and August are the busiest months, and  accommodation  (with the exception of camping) must be booked in advance. There’s a chance you could get away without advance bookings in June and September, but we still wouldn’t recommend it.

June : Early in the season, you are likely to encounter snow on the trail. Depending on the snow levels, there could be sections that will be impassible and you may need to reroute. Otherwise, expect cool evenings, bright sunny days, and less crowded trails. Keep in mind that most mountain refuges don’t open until late June.

July : Hikers could still encounter some snow along the trail, but chances of significant snow will diminish as the month wears on. Expect beautiful warm days and abundant wildflowers. This is a popular month to hike.

August : Another busy month on the trail, hikers can expect snow-free paths and warm, sunny weather. The end of August brings the  Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc trail race . Although the atmosphere during the race week is incredible, we recommend you try to avoid hiking during the UTMB to avoid crowds and logistical challenges.

September : Expect shorter days and increasingly chilly weather. This is a beautiful time to be on the trail and less crowded, although some accommodation providers may be closed for the season.

The bottom line : The best (and safest) time to hike the TMB is from late-June through early September. You’ll need to make advance bookings if you plan to hike during this time frame.

Designing Your TMB Itinerary

Now that you have a sense of which direction you’ll plan to hike in as well as which month you’ll embark of your trip it’s time to start thinking about your specific itinerary! As we’ve mentioned, the Tour du Mont Blanc in traditionally hiked over the course of 11 days, which will be a great pace for many hikers. However, there are certainly those who will want to tackle the trail in fewer days or savor their time in the Alps and extend their hike over the course of two weeks or more! 

Whatever you choose be sure to consider your personal abilities, how much time you’ll have, and what you want your typical days on the TMB to look like. Given the amount of  accommodation options  on the TMB your itinerary possibilities are nearly endless! Checkout our general guidelines below as well as our  stage-by-stage itinerary  for the traditional 11-day Tour du Mont Blanc circuit to get some ideas of your own. Here are our general guidelines for thinking about how many days you’ll need to complete the TMB:

• 8-10 days : Fast pace (8 – 10 hours of hiking each day)
• 10-11 days : Average pace (without a rest day) (6-8 hours of hiking each day)
• 11-12 days : Average pace (with a rest day) (6 – 8 hours of hiking each day)
• 12-14 days : Leisurely pace (6 – 7 hours of hiking each day)

Shortcuts, Detours, and Rest Days on the TMB

One of the great things about trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ability to alter your route based on the conditions encountered. Bad weather, injuries, fatigue, burnout, limited time; there are countless reasons why you may need to use alternative means of transportation to get from one point of the TMB to another. Fortunately, the trail rarely strays too far from civilization, meaning you have tons of options along the way for when you need them. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common detours and shortcuts used on the TMB, as well as a few great resources for problem-solving your unique situation.

Bellvue Cable Car:  This option allows you to eliminate the lion’s share of the climb out of Les Houches on the traditional (anti-clockwise)  first stage of the trek . Once you get to the top, follow the signs a short way to rejoin the main trail.

La Maison Vielle Cable Car (and chairlift):  If you’d like to avoid the knee-wrenching descent into Courmayeur ( Stage 4 ), you can take a chairlift from La Maison Vieille down to Plan Chécrouit, where there’s a cable car that terminates in the town of Dolonne, across the river from Courmayeur. You can take a bus from Dolonne to Courmayeur if needed, otherwise it’s just a short walk.

La Flégère Cable Car:  This gondola departs directly next to Refuge la Flégère and ends in the village of Les Praz. From there, it’s possible to take a bus or taxi back to Chamonix. This is a good option if you need to  cut out the final day of the TMB , or if you want to hike in reverse and avoid the long, long climb out of Les Houches. You could also take the cable car down into Les Praz for more accommodation and services at this stage, and then take it back up the next morning to continue your trek.

La Chapelle to Notre Dame de la Gorge Navette : This free shuttle bus, or “navette,” runs from La Chapelle (a short walk from the trail on the outskirts of Les Contamines) to  Notre Dame de la Gorge  (at the beginning of  Stage 2 ). This means you can pick it up at the end of  Stage 1  to cut out the last hour or so of walking before reaching Les Contamines, and you can also take it from Les Contamines to Notre Dame de la Gorge on the next day to get a bit of a head start (30-60 minutes, depending on where you stay in Les Contamines).

Les Chapieux to Refuge des Mottets Navette : This shuttle allows you to avoid about 2 hours of road walking at the beginning of  Stage 3 . It only costs a few euros to ride, and you can pick it up at the tourist information office in Les Chapieux. Make sure to buy your tickets in advance (do so the previous day, at the tourist office), as the shuttle fills up quickly in the mornings!

Arriva Bus-In and around Courmayeur:  This is the bus network you’ll use if you need to take any alternative transportation in Val Ferret or Val Veny (the two valleys in the surrounding area). You can take a bus from La Visaille to Courmayeur to cut out the final hour of walking on  Stage 4 . This bus can also be used to reach  campgrounds  that are not located directly on the TMB route. Additionally, you can use the Savda bus to get to either La Fouly or Champex (although you will need to transfer in Orsières and take a Post Bus the remainder of the journey).

TMR/SBB Bus La Fouly to Champex:  You can get from La Fouly to Champex (effectively cutting out all of Stage 7) by bus. You’ll need to take line 272 from La Fouly to Orsières, where you’ll transfer to the 271 that will take you to Champex. Service is relatively frequent and easy to navigate.

SBB Train from Champex to Trient:  It’s relatively easy and straightforward to take the Swiss SBB train from Champex to Trient, effectively cutting out all of Stage 8. You need to utilize the local bus in Champex and may need to transfer a few times on the way, but Swiss trains really do live up to their reputation for being timely and efficient. 

Keep in mind that there are many more transportation options along the TMB!  We’ve simply listed a few of the most common and straightforward ones. If you need to find a specific detour, we recommend using  Rome2Rio  or  Google Maps  as a starting point. PostBus and SBB also have excellent apps that can be used to plan trips and buy tickets. 

NOTE: Many of the buses and cable cars only run during the peak months of the hiking season (July and August). Make sure that you check the websites and timetables before planning to use any of the options listed above.

Stage-by-Stage Itinerary for the Tour du Mont Blanc

We recommend most hikers take between 10-12 days to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, depending on their hiking ability, pace preferences, and weather conditions.  The classic itinerary described below takes 11 days to complete and will be the best option for the majority of hikers.  We’ve given you a brief overview of each of the classic eleven stages, as hiked in the anti-clockwise direction. While your specific itinerary may look different, it’s still helpful to look over these stage descriptions to get an idea of what you can expect on the trail.

Be sure to check out our interactive map and elevation profile to get a comprehensive understanding of all of your options!

Stage 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines

• Distance & Elevation:  17 km // +1,112 m, -902 m
• Estimated hiking time:  5 – 6 hours
• Where to stay:   Chalet-Hôtel La Chemenaz

Description:  This stage is a perfect introduction to the TMB. It’s not too technical or demanding, yet it still gives walkers a decent challenge. You’ll start by climbing fairly steeply up out of Les Houches and past a ski area before topping out at  Col de Voza . From the Col, you’ll descend along dirt then paved roads while enjoying incredible views of the surrounding glaciers and aiguilles. Continue along the road through some very quaint hamlets, before veering off onto a trail (pay attention-this is easy to miss). You’ll end this stage by walking along a mellow riverside path all the way to Les Contamines.

Stage 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

• Distance & Elevation:  19 km // +1,440 m, -1,024 m
• Estimated hiking time:  7 – 8 hours
• Where to stay:   Auberge de la Nova

Description:  Start this stage by passing by the  Baroque chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge . From there, you’ll follow an old Roman road steadily uphill before getting a break when the trail levels out and passes through open meadowland. After that, prepare for another steep climb, much of it on stony steps and scree, up first to the saddle of Col du Bonhomme, and then even higher to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Here you’ll find the  Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme , which makes a great spot to enjoy a break and small meal. Early in the season, it’s common to encounter snow on this section.

Upon reaching the summit of Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, begin your descent towards Les Chapieux. The trail on the way down begins as a steep footpath, eases to join a jeep road for a bit, and then finishes with steep zigzags through a pasture above Les Chapieux.

Stage 3: Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta

• Distance & Elevation:  14 km // +1,079 m, -480 m
• Where to stay:   Rifugio Elisabetta

Description:  Choose to begin this stage with either a couple of miles of road walking, or by short-cutting it on a bus to  Refuge des Mottets . From the refuge, you’ll begin a relatively short and easy climb to the Col de la Seigne. Reaching the Col is special for a few reasons. First it marks the first of three international borders that you’ll cross on your trek. Standing at the top of the Col, you can look back towards France while also gazing ahead into Italy. Additionally, the wide-open views here are downright marvelous. From Col de la Seigne, enjoy a mellow descent to Rifugio Elisabetta.

Stage 4: Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur

• Distance & Elevation:  16 km // +603 m, -1,536 m
• Where to stay:   Maison La Saxe

Description:  As indicated by the elevation statistics, this stage is dominated by a very long and steep descent into Courmayeur. Before beginning that section, however, you’ll cross through the expansive Vallon de la Lee Blanche, where Lac Combal reflects the magnificent surrounding peaks. From there, you’ll climb for awhile on an undulating path to reach Col Chécrouit, where the path begins its long downhill trajectory.

After passing a few ski areas (options to take the cable car down may be available), you’ll complete numerous switchbacks through the woods until you reach the quaint town of Dolonne. Walk through the town of Dolonne and cross the river to enter Courmayeur. Enjoy a wide arrange of excellent food and luxurious accommodation in Courmayeur. This is also a great place to take a rest day.

Stage 5: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti

• Distance & Elevation:  12 km // +1,225 m, -415 m
• Estimated hiking time:  5 hours
• Where to stay:   Rifugio Bonatti

Description:  The views along this stage are some of the most spectacular of the entire walk, but you have to earn them with a very steep climb at the outset. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of watching Courmayeur grow ever smaller down below you as you zigzag your way up the hillside to Rifugio Bertone.

From the Rifugio, you’ll enjoy an undulating, mellow walk with unparalleled views of Col de la Seigne, Aiguille Noire, Mont Blanc and the Grandes Jorasses. It’s an incredible experience to look back and see Col de la Seigne far in the distance, knowing you’ve traversed such an expanse in just a few days with your own two feet. The beautiful views continue to abound all the way until you reach Rifugio Bonatti, an atmospheric and memorable place to spend the night.

Stage 6: Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly

• Distance & Elevation:  19 km // +1,032 m, -1,456 m
• Estimated hiking time:  6 – 7 hours
• Where to stay:   Hotel Edelweiss

Description:  This stage rewards hikers with another border crossing and more tremendous views. The walk begins with a relatively flat path that crosses a lovely hillside. Eventually, you’ll descend into Val Ferret (the Ferret Valley) before beginning a steep climb past Rifugio Elena and up further until you finally reach the Grand Col Ferret. At the top of the pass, you’ll enjoy your first views of Switzerland as well as phenomenal views of majestic peaks in every direction. It’s all downhill from there, much of which is pretty manageable, save for a few steep sections. There’s a rather uninspiring stretch of road walking at the very end of the day, but the charming town of  La Fouly  makes it all worth it.

Stage 7: La Fouly to Champex

• Distance & Elevation:  15 km // +729 m, -860 m
• Estimated hiking time:  4 – 5 hours
• Where to stay:  Au Vieux Champex

Description:  All of the guidebooks will tell you that this is the easiest day of the TMB (which is technically true), but don’t expect this stage to be completely effortless. Sometimes the “easiest” days can end up feeling really tough if we go into them with too cavalier a mindset. The first two thirds of this stage are quite mellow indeed; you’ll wind your way gently downhill through a quintessential Swiss valley filled with small farms and picturesque hamlets.

A substantial climb to Champex waits for you at the end of the stage, however. Even though it really is much less strenuous than the ascents of previous stages, it can be a shock to the body at the end of the day. Fortunately, the trail stays in the shade of the trees for much of the way up, and you’ll also get to experience the many wooden sculptures that are interspersed throughout the woods.

Stage 8: Champex to Col de la Forclaz

• Distance & Elevation:  14 km // +1,125 m, -1,066 m
• Where to stay:   Hotel de la Forclaz

Description:  On stage 8, the main TMB route follows an undulating path up to the Alp Bovine and then descends to Col de la Forclaz, but there are quite a few options to consider here. The Fenêtre d’Arpette route is a popular variant for those seeking challenge and adventure. With either route, you’ll also have a few options to choose from when it comes to your stopping point. For a shorter day, you can stop at  Hotel de la Forclaz  or you can continue on further to either Le Puety or Trient. There isn’t a clear “best” choice for what to do on stage 8, but it is important to think about what is best for you in terms of challenge, distance, and accommodation.

Stage 9: Col de la Forclaz to Tré-le-Champ

• Distance & Elevation:  14 km // +1,112 m, -1,229 m
• Where to stay:   Auberge la Boerne

Description:  This stage isn’t without physical demands, gaining and losing quite a bit of elevation in a relatively short distance. While most of the climb maintains a grade that isn’t crazy steep, the descent is another story. Even if you don’t love the arduous nature of stage 9, you’ll almost certainly be smitten by the scenery. Not only does summiting Col de Balme mean you’ll celebrate your third and final border crossing (back into France), but you’ll also get incredible views of Mont Blanc, back in sight for the first time in several days. Seeing Mont Blanc again and being back on French soil will likely remind you that your trek is nearing its end. Make sure to savor the final two stages of this incredible experience!

Stage 10: Tré-le-Champ to La Flégère

• Distance & Elevation:  7 km // +892 m, -446 m
• Estimated hiking time:  4 hours
• Where to stay:   Refuge de la Flégère

Description:  Allow yourself to sleep in on this stage, as you’ll have just a short walk ahead of you. Better yet, get to Refuge la Flégère early and enjoy a walk to the nearby Lac Blanc and a meal or beverage at the refuge. The final two days of the TMB follow the Grand Balcon Sud, a balcony trail with unrivaled views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks. To reach the high point, you’ll need to climb a series of ladders, catwalks, and platforms that go on for longer than you might expect. If you have a fear of heights, we recommend taking the Col des Montets variant. This route takes about the same amount of time and still has great views. Upon reaching Refuge la Flégère, join in the festive revelry of your fellow hikers marking their final night on the trail.

Stage 11: La Flégère to Les Houches

• Distance & Elevation:  17 km // +969 m, -1,821 m
• Where to stay:   Hotel Le Morgane  (Chamonix)

Description:  The final stage of the TMB is a big one in every way. Even though it’s dominated by downhill walking, the physical demands shouldn’t be overlooked. Start the walk on a very mellow uphill grade, before beginning a steeper climb past a ski area until reaching Col du Brevent. Take in the scenery (and catch your breath) here, but keep in mind that the best is yet to come. Climb further on more rugged terrain until you reach the almost-summit of Le Brevent (you can take a 5-minute detour to get to the actual top if you’d like).

From Le Brevent you’ll have an unobstructed and totally breathtaking vantage point from which to take in the entire Mont Blanc range. Take time to study every intricate glacier and craggy spire before finally tearing yourself away to make your way down towards Les Houches. Fortunately, you’ll continue to enjoy the scenery for awhile as you descend on a very long and very steep path. As you near Les Houches, the trail enters the woods where it passes a zoo and the large Christ Roi statue. Finally, the path ends at a road and perhaps the least scenic part of Les Houches. Keep walking to reach the more charming part of town, then stop and toast to your remarkable accomplishment!

There are accommodation options along the TMB to suit every budget and travel style. While not all of these options are available at every stage of the route, you can certainly customize your itinerary to fit your needs. It’s nearly inevitable that you’ll need to stay in a mountain refuge on at least one stage of your trek. Be prepared for basic, communal facilities, but don’t fear! These special places often yield the most memorable stays of the entire trip.  We’ve provided a brief explanation of each of the options below:

Hotels on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Typically small and independently owned, the hotels along the TMB serve up a dose of luxury to the weary hiker. Unless otherwise noted by the hotel, expect all of the usual amenities (hot shower, private bathroom, breakfast offered, linens and towels provided, etc). Hotels typically cost upwards of €65 per person. For an additional fee, many hotels offer half-pension (AKA half-board or demi-pension ) which includes dinner and breakfast. A few hotels along the route have dortoirs in addition to private rooms. Dortoirs are dormitories that offer a good budget option. 

Read More: TMB Accommodation and Refuge Guide

Refuges on the Tour du Mont Blanc

We consider a stay in a mountain hut to be a highlight of any TMB trek. Set in stunning and remote locations, the ambiance at the refuges (or rifugios in Italian) can’t be beat. Half-pension gets you a bed in a dorm (linens not provided), a delicious communal dinner, and a basic breakfast. Some refuges also offer private rooms (with shared bathrooms). Expect to pay around €55 per person for half-board in a dorm.

Gites d’Etape and Auberges

These are simple guest houses offering basic, dorm-style accommodation. Half-pension (dinner and breakfast) is typically included in the price. There are shared bathroom facilities with hot showers. Bed linens are usually provided. These are a good option for those who want to stick to a smaller budget, but don’t want to carry camping gear. Expect to pay around €50 per person for half-pension.

Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Although they are the cheapest accommodation option along the TMB, the campgrounds on the route are quite luxurious. All provide sinks and toilets, and many offer hot showers and even WiFi! Expect to pay around €15 per person to camp. Note: you cannot camp on every stage of the TMB.  Be sure to check out our Complete Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc for a full camping itinerary.

Do I Need to Book my Accommodation in Advance?

This is a question that creates stress and anxiety for many hikers as they are planning for their TMB adventure. The short answer is that you should try to book your accommodation as early as possible, but the longer answer is a bit more nuanced. We’ve broken it down for you here, so you can plan with more confidence and less worry.

• Mountain refuges  are the most important to book ahead of time. Many of these huts are quite small, so they fill up quickly. Many refuges accept reservations year-round, typically allowing you to book up to 12 months in advance. Some, however, do not respond to reservation requests during the winter months (September-March, typically). You should still try to email or call the refuge to reserve your spot as soon as you know your itinerary, even if it’s prior to March.
• Gites, auberges, and guesthouses  should be your next priority when it comes to advance bookings. This is especially true in the smaller villages where accommodation options are limited, and/or if you have specific preferences for your lodging (ex; private room, linens provided, etc). As soon as you’ve made your travel plans, reach out to the gite/guesthouse (or book online). For peak summer months, it’s optimal to have these bookings made by the end of March.
• For larger hotels,  you have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to making reservations. You should definitely still try to do it as early as possible, but they have more rooms and are often located in places with greater availability of lodging options.
•   You do not need to make advance reservations for any of the campgrounds on the TMB.  In fact, we recommend that you don’t. This will allow you to maximize the freedom and flexibility that camping provides, and it will make it much less complicated to check in at the campgrounds.

Booking your Accommodation for the Tour du Mont Blanc

When it comes to booking your TMB accommodation, there’s good news and bad news. Let’s get the bad news out of the way first.  There’s no single, streamlined booking platform for all of the refuges and/or accommodation providers along the route.  In fact, the way you book will vary greatly from place to place. The good news is that most (but not all) can be booked using the Autour du Mont Blanc platform . Many refuges, hotels, and gites also have their own websites with easy online booking platforms. Some require that you send an email or complete a contact form on their website.

The TMB is relatively easy to get to given its close proximity to Geneva, Switzerland. Flight connections from the rest of Europe, the US, and other international destinations are frequent. Travel by train to Geneva is also straightforward, if not a bit more time consuming than air travel. We recommend booking you flights as soon as you are able, as fares during the peak summer season can be quite high.

Getting to Chamonix/Les Houches from Geneva

The vast majority of walkers will get to the start of the Tour du Mont Blanc by first flying into the Geneva Airport (GVA). There are frequent flights to Geneva from the rest of Europe as well as a good number of flights from the U.S. Once you’ve landed in Geneva, you’ll have several options for getting to Chamonix/Les Houches:

• FlixBus   – This is one of the least expensive and highest rated options. The service departs directly from the Geneva Airport and will take you to the Chamonix Sud bus station, in the heart of Chamonix. Expect the journey to take about two hours.
• AlpyBus  – AlpyBus runs a door to door transfer service from the Geneva Airport to hotels in the Chamonix Valley. It is more costly than FlixBus, but also more convenient since they’ll drop you directly at your hotel or campground.
• Mountain Drop-offs  – Similar to AlpyBus, Mountain Drop-offs runs a door-to-door transfer service for walkers arriving in Geneva. Very highly rated.

All of the options above will also be able to transport you back to the Geneva Airport at the end of the TMB. Many also offer discounts for booking a return ticket.

Getting to Champex from Geneva (for clockwise TMB hikers)

If you plan on walking the Tour du Mont Blanc in the clockwise direction, you may be choose to start your hike in the Swiss town of Champex. You’ll likely begin your travel by first flying into the Geneva Airport (GVA).  Once you’ve landed in Geneva, you’ll need to connect via train and local bus to reach Champex. Unlike Chamonix, you have few options other than public transportation to reach Champex. However, Swiss trains are renowned for being on time and generally pleasant. Here are the instructions for reaching Champex from the Geneva Airport:

• Step One – Train to Martigny : Upon exiting the airport in Geneva you’ll need to catch a train to the Swiss town of Martigny. Most of these trains will be signed in the direction of Brig, so be sure to inquire that the train you are boarding stops in Martigny. The journey should take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Step Two – Train to Sembrancher : From Martigny you’ll take a 15-minute train ride to the town of Sembrancher.
• Step Three – Train to Orsières : From Sembrancher, you’ll catch another train to the town of Orsieres. This is a short, 10-minute ride from Sembrancher.
• Step Four – Local bus to Champex : Unfortunately, Champex is not on a train line so you’ll have to complete the final leg of your journey via the local bus. From outside the Orsieres train station, you’ll need to catch bus #271 to Champex. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes and will drop you conveniently in the center of Champex.

The Swiss train provider,  SBB , has an excellent website to help you plan your journey. We also recommend downloading the SBB app to your phone, which is very helpful for viewing timetables while traveling.  Rome2Rio  is also an excellent resource for mapping out your specific trip. 

Luggage Storage and Transfer on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Many walkers will be traveling with more luggage than they might want to carry for the entire TMB. Storing extra luggage or having it transferred to your next stop is a great way to avoid carrying excess weight on your trek, while still allowing you to have everything you need for the remainder of your trip. This is especially true if you plan on traveling elsewhere on your holiday.

Luggage Storage on the TMB

Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage facilities at the train station in Chamonix. Walkers can store their extra luggage at the  Gite le Chamoniard , which charges €4-6 per day, depending on the size of the bag. Other hotels and accommodation may store your baggage if you have a reservation before and after you walk, but you’ll want to confirm this ahead of time.

Luggage Transfer on the TMB

If you’re concerned about the difficulty of the TMB and have room in your budget, using a luggage transfer service can be an excellent way to reduce your effort on the trail and make your trek more enjoyable. Both of the companies we’ve recommended below come highly rated and allow you to customize services to your itinerary and preferences. Each morning of your trek, you’ll simply leave your bag in the designated storage location to be picked up by 8:00am. Your luggage carrier will deliver your bags to the next stop on your itinerary by 6:00pm each evening. Keep in mind that they will not be able to deliver your luggage to any of the mountain refuges that are inaccessible by road (including Rifugio Bonatti and Rifugio Elisabetta). Additionally, they will not drop your luggage at private residences or AirBnB’s.

• Besson Taxi Mont Blanc : This carrier typically charges between €150-€300 per bag for transfers, depending on how many days you use their services and how many people are in your group. They charge per bag and have a strict policy that bags may not exceed 15kg. This company also can provide shuttle services between stops on the TMB, if needed.
• Chamonix Valley Transfers : This company offers a variety of customizable luggage shuttles that range in price from €400-€800 for up to eight bags. The price increases with the number of stops added to your itinerary. They get good reviews for their reliability and friendly service.

Tour du Mont Blanc Weather

Mountain weather is always volatile, and what you’ll experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc is no different. Conditions can change very rapidly in the Alps, meaning that you can find yourself in the middle of a whiteout blizzard or on an exposed ridge during a thunderstorm without much warning. However, for the most part the weather during the hiking season is ridiculously lovely. Expect warm, sunny days, cool evenings, and not too much rain. You should also need to be prepared for very hot temperatures, very cold temperatures, rain, and storms (and you could even see all of these in the same day!)

Getting caught high up in the mountains during a storm or without the right gear is extremely dangerous, but you can greatly minimize your risk by taking a few important precautions:

• Meteoblue  is arguably the best resource for predicting the weather.  It allows you to see the forecast for specific peaks or coordinates, plus it has excellent radar displays and wind predictions. Check it every time you have cell service.  Chamonix-meteo  also gives detailed and accurate forecasts for the Mont Blanc region.
• If you’re ever unsure about whether you should hike in the current conditions, it can be helpful to  ask the warden at the nearest mountain refuge.  When in doubt, it’s usually better to air on the side of caution and give the mountains the respect they deserve. You can almost always find a detour or shortcut to get back on track the following day.
• Start hiking early in the day!  This will allow you to avoid hiking in the heat of the day and greatly reduce your risk of getting caught in afternoon thunderstorms.

Food & Drink on the TMB

One of the many wonderful things about the Tour du Mont Blanc is that you don’t need to worry about carrying (and eating) eleven days’ worth of underwhelming freeze-dried backpacker meals.  Due to the fact that the trail passes through many towns and villages, you will be able to resupply every few days.   For budget travelers,  it is possible to self-cater and keep your food and drink costs quite reasonable.  You’ll need to bring your own camp stove and cooking equipment if you plan on fixing most of your own meals along the TMB. You can purchase baguettes, good local cheese and charcuterie, fresh fruit, and delicious pastries for very reasonable prices.

Most of the shops along the route have convenient foods like instant noodles and canned soups, as well as dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, and other snacks so you should have no problem putting together quick and delicious meals and snacks along the route. Some hikers choose to use some backpacker meals and supplement with foods they purchase along the way.

Additionally (for those with slightly deeper pockets),  nearly all of the hotels, gites, and refuges offer the option of purchasing meals.  You can just show up for lunch or a snack, but  you’ll need to order ahead of time for dinner.  Most refuges and many hotels and gites offer the option of half-board ( demi pension ), which includes dinner and breakfast.

Dinners at the mountain refuges are typically indulgent, multi-course affairs. Expect a soup or salad as a starter, a hearty pasta dish as the main, and either a cheese course or dessert to finish. Breakfast is much simpler, typically consisting of a selection of breads, cold cereals, juice, and coffee or tea.

Whichever way you approach your food and drink strategy, we think you’ll find that trekking in the Alps is every bit as much a culinary delight as a natural one!

Dietary Restrictions

The restaurants and accommodation providers along the TMB are generally quite willing to provide a vegetarian option.  Those who are vegan, gluten-free, or have a specialized diet will have a harder time finding suitable meals.  While certain places will be able to accommodate your needs, that will be the exception and not the norm. Make sure to inform all of your lodging providers of your dietary needs in advance, as they will be much more likely to accommodate you. That being said, we’d recommend bringing along plenty of your own food as a back up.

All of the hotels, gites, and campgrounds provide potable water ( eau potable ). You will pass through many villages with public drinking fountains, but make sure to plan ahead and carry 1-2 liters of water each day. Due to the presence of agricultural activity near large swaths of the trail, we do not recommend drinking any water from natural streams without filtering it first.

If you need to purchase fuel for a camp stove, your best bet is to get this in Chamonix or Les Houches. Both towns have outdoor retailers that sell a few different kinds of fuel, and will be able to accommodate most standard stove types. It is unlikely that you’ll be able to find it at most of the stops you’ll pass through along the TMB, so plan on getting enough fuel to last your entire trek.

Maps & Guidebooks for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Carrying a good map is essential on the Tour du Mont Blanc.  While the trail is generally well-marked and easy to follow, there are countless trail junctions, detours, and confusing sections that require some form of navigation.

When we hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc we did not rely on traditional, paper maps that are available for the route. Instead,  we preferred utilizing GPS maps on our phones to ensure we knew where the trail was as well as where we were in relation to it . Cell phone service is very limited along the TMB, so  it is critical to have a good offline mapping app such as  Gaia GPS  to ensure you’ll be able to view the map at any point along the route.

You can learn more about how to navigate on the Tour du Mont Blanc here. 

With all this considered,  we still recommend carrying a paper map.  While technology has done a tremendous amount to make navigating while hiking easier, there is simply no replacement for carrying a physical map with you. We recommend bringing the  IGN 3630 OT Chamonix  and  IGN 3531 ET St-Gervais  with you, as they provide a detailed view of the TMB route. A weatherproof carrying case  like this one  wouldn’t hurt to have either.

Find everything you need to know about Tour du Mont Blanc maps here.

As for guidebooks, you’ll have two excellent options to choose from. The first, and the one we recommend, is Kev Reynolds excellent  Tour of Mont Blanc: Complete two-way trekking guide  published by the renowned guidebook company, Cicerone. Another good option is the  Trailblazer Guides Tour du Mont Blanc guidebook . Trail Blazer guides are known for their excellent maps and exhaustive list of accommodation options. 

Budgeting & Money on the Tour du Mont Blanc

At first glance, the Tour du Mont Blanc might seem physically daunting, but many might find it even more financially intimidating.  The beautiful thing about the TMB, however, is that it’s pretty much up to you how expensive you want to make it.  There are hikers who choose to spend more to take guided tours, stay in private rooms at upscale hotels and huts, and buy all of their meals at restaurants along the way. Others take a more frugal approach, camping as much as possible, cooking their own meals, and minimizing expenses wherever they can.

Regardless of your budget and travel style, it’s important to get an idea of what to expect in terms of expenses so you can plan accordingly and avoid any stressful situations when it comes to money.  Additionally, you might find that an experience like the TMB is more within reach than you originally thought, if you just make a few intentional decisions when planning your travel.

In this section, we’ve broken down the typical costs for things like transportation, accommodation, and food. Obviously, prices will vary from place to place, but this should give you a good starting point.

• Average Hut Price: €65 (per person)
• Average Campsite Price: €15 (per person)
• Hotel in Chamonix for before and after the hike: €140 (per night)
• Hotel in Courmayeur for rest day: €150 (per night)
• Bus from Geneva to Chamonix: €50 (round trip)
• Bus from Chamonix to Les Houches: €3 (each way)
• Shuttle Bus from Les Chapieux to Refuge Des Mottets: €3
• Average one-way cable car ticket: €25
• Bottle of Wine: €10
• Baguette: €2
• Breakfast/Lunch Mountain Hut: €15
• Dinner at Mountain Hut: €25
• Coffee/Tea: €3
• Sandwich: €10
• Stove Fuel: €7
• Laundry: €4 for wash and dry

Find more detail on how to budget for the Tour du Mont Blanc here. 

Cash or Credit?

While an increasing number of accommodation providers, shops, and other services are beginning to accept credit cards,  cash is still the primary payment method used along the TMB . It is important to carry enough cash to cover all of your expenses for several days, as   ATMs are infrequent along the trail . Below we’ve provided a list of stops along the TMB that have ATMs:

• Les Houches
• Les Contamines
• Argentiere*

*These stops require a short detour from the main TMB route.

Currency on the TMB

The TMB crosses the borders of three different countries, meaning that  you’ll need to switch from using Euros in France to Swiss Francs in Switzerland then back to Euros upon entering Italy . While most places in Switzerland will accept Euros, you’ll be better off using Francs if you can.

What to Pack for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Making smart choices about what to pack (and what to leave behind) is a vital part of setting yourself up for a successful and enjoyable Tour du Mont Blanc experience.  It’s simple- the heavier your pack, the harder your effort . However, with a little thoughtful planning, you can keep your pack weight manageable while still ensuring you have everything you need to be comfortable on the trail and while relaxing at the refuges, campgrounds, and villages along the way.

Find our complete Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List here.  

Our best advice for packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc is to adopt the mantra  less is more . Here’s a few tips for ensuring you pack weight is manageable:

• You only need a couple of shirts. Same goes for underwear and socks. You’ll have plenty of time and sunshine to wash and dry laundry Second, clothes are heavy, so cutting out everything but the absolute essentials will make a huge difference.
• Plan out when/where you’ll restock food provisions and don’t carry more food than you need. This is especially true for those camping along the route.
• Consider leaving your bulky camera equipment at home. Unless photography is your passion, most smartphones take great photos and save a ton of space and weight.

  A few of our essential items for the Tour du Mont Blanc are outlined below:

• Trekking poles : You (and your knees) will be so glad to have them on steep sections, and this is especially true for campers who are carrying heavier loads
• A good backpack:  Backpacks need to be broken in through use, and your body needs to get used to the feeling of wearing it for extended periods of time. In terms of size, most campers will need between 45 and 65 liters. Those staying in refuges will find that 30-40L is perfect
• Down jacket:  We’ve found this to be a perfect piece of gear for the Tour du Mont Blanc. It can be quite chilly in the Alps in the early morning and evenings, but a heavy fleece or bulky jacket can really sabotage a lightweight pack.
• Ear plugs:  A must for sleeping in mountain refuges!
• Good base  layers:  A good base layer is an essential part of any complete TMB gear list. We always bring a high-quality merino wool base layer and recommend all TMB hikers do the same.
• How to Train for the Tour du Mont Blanc

With just a bit of advance work and preparation, you can make sure you’re physically ready to have your best experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Because of its relatively low elevation and minimal technicality, the TMB is a pretty approachable long-distance trek for the casual hiker. That being said, it’s still a serious physical challenge that will push your body to new limits. You will enjoy your trip infinitely more if you train ahead of time. Here is a rough outline of a training plan to get you in shape for the TMB:

• Six Months Before Your Trip: Build the Base  Obviously, everyone will approach the TMB with varying levels of fitness, past injuries, and overall health needs. You’ll know your individual situation best, but you should generally focus on building your aerobic endurance in the months leading up to your trip. Start to incorporate longer bouts of walking or running into your regular fitness routine.
• Three Months Before Your Trip: Go Uphill  Ideally, at this point in your training you should increase the frequency and intensity of your hiking. If possible, try to hit the trails once a week and select hikes that would take two hours or longer with at least 1,500 feet of elevation gain.
• Two Months Before Your Trip: Put on Your Pack  In the eight weeks or so before your trip, try get in as many longer hikes (or walks) with your gear as possible. Think of it as a “dress rehearsal” for your trek. The benefits of breaking in your gear at this point are twofold. First, you’ll be able to test your boots, backpack, socks, and so on to ensure that they fit well during longer hikes. Second, you’ll begin training your body to hike while wearing a heavy backpack.
• One Month Before Your Trip: Time for a Test Run  If at all possible, try to take a 1-2 night backpacking trip in your local woods. If you aren’t planning on camping along the TMB you don’t need to take an overnight trip, but you should still try to fit in two back-to-back days of long, hard hiking. This important step allows you to try out different ways of packing your backpack for maximum fit and comfort, practice setting up camp, and get your body used to hiking for consecutive days in a row.

Follow our outline above and you will be able to enjoy every moment of your incredible trip so much more. Plus, the time and effort you spend working towards your goal will make the real thing that much sweeter!

For more details on how to train for the Tour du Mont Blanc check out our comprehensive guide here. 

Let Us Make Your TMB Trip A Success

We have used our experience, research, and passion to create effective and trail-tested resources for all TMB hikers. If you plan to trek without the support of a tour company, our resources can help you with the logistics of preparing for the trip of a lifetime.

• Camping Guide (Our Best Seller): If camping is more your style, our dedicated camping guide is just for you. It includes detailed campground descriptions and camping-specific itineraries.
• GPS Digital Downloads (2nd Best Seller): Navigate the TMB with ease using our GPS files, updated yearly and compatible with most devices. The files cover the entire trek, including common alternate routes.
• Guide to the TMB:  Our comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know about the TMB. It’s available on our online planning portal and as a downloadable eGuide. The guide includes accommodation recommendations, offline GPS & maps, and video fly-throughs of the trail.
• Custom Itineraries:  We’ll help you design a TMB itinerary that fits your specific needs, including your trip length, accommodation type, hiking ability, budget, and more.
• Custom GPS Files:  For a truly personalized experience, we can create a GPS file customized to your specific itinerary, including your accommodations and route preferences.

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all the information you need for your best TMB experience. We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

What’s Next?

If you’ve made it through our post above, you’re well on your way to having an incredible experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc. However, you still have lots of preparation before you’re truly ready! Be sure to read our entire series on the TMB to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for your trip and don’t hesitate to comment with your questions below!

• Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List – Be sure you’ve got everything you need!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Logistics – Don’t forget the small details!
• How to Navigate on the TMB – Turn your smartphone into a GPS!
• How to find all of your campgrounds on the TMB – Know where you are and where you’re going!
• TMB Trip Report – Know what to expect!
• 10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc- The quick and dirty basics
• Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc – The essential resource!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Photo Galley – Find some inspiration!
• How to hike the TMB for (nearly) free – save BIG on your TMB costs!
• How Much It Cost Us to Hike the TMB
• Tour du Mont Blanc Map
• Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation and Refuge Guide

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We’re Emily and Ian, outdoor lovers and planning nerds who live in Boulder, Colorado. The only thing we love more than researching and mapping out our next adventure, is actually being out there on the trail. Between the two of us, we’ve been to over 30 countries, and much of our travel in these countries has been on two feet or two wheels. When we’re not in a far-flung destination, we spend a lot of time exploring the amazing camping, hiking, and biking destinations in our home state of Colorado. Learn More About Us

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Tour du mont blanc: our epic guide to all you need to know.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is among Europe’s greatest and most widely known hikes covering an extremely long distance, and completing this hike should be at the top of your travel list.

There’s no denying that doing the Mont Blanc tour can be the most remarkable thing you can plan to do while visiting Europe, which is why we have an epic guide with everything you ought to know about this tour!

Table of Contents

What Is The Tour Du Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most famous Mont Blanc trekking trails, and it also happens to belong to the list of world’s oldest trekking trails.

The loop is frequently featured in articles and lists titles as the ’10 Best Hiking Trails In The World,’ which is only fair given how spectacular the trail and its views are.

We’ll talk about the details of the trail later in this article, but expect breathtaking views, delectable food, and authentic mountainous adventures.

On just the first day, you’ll see massive snowy mountains, massive ice caps, majestic streams, and lush greenery.

Who Formed The Tour De Mont Blanc?

The trekking routes that comprise the tour du Mont Blanc loop, similar to the greatest treks in the world, were initially walked by shepherds who used to move their cows from one valley to the other.

However, it was a geologist from Switzerland who popularized this tour in the 18 th century.

The funny thing is that this “discovery” of his happened by accident as what he was trying to do was to figure out how to ascend Mont Blanc.

However, he ended up completing a circular trip around the entire mountain searching for the most suitable pathway, and thus was the first one (at least to our knowledge) to walk this trail.

The exact route the geologist followed is unconfirmed, but he went back to the mountain many times, desperately trying to reach the top.

Following several unsuccessful tries and circles around Mont Blanc, promised remuneration to whoever would reach the peak of the mountain.

It was in the late 1780s that two people from Chamonix were given the reward and managed to make the first climb.

He then was the third one to take the same path and reach the top of this famous European mountain.

Historically, Celtic tribal groups and the Roman army had used Col du Bonhomme, a spot located on the tour du Mont Blanc, as a route from which they moved their supplies through the Alpine areas.

Even today, you can discover the tattered remains of the Roman people and armies, with an old bridge built by their army remaining in good condition there, to many people’s surprise.

Where Is The Tour Du Mont Blanc?

TMB circumnavigates the mountain range, passing through Switzerland, Italy, as well as France.

Despite the fact that the trail does not reach the summit, everybody is familiar with Mont Blanc, and its name draws thousands of backpackers, hikers, and mountaineers each year.

How Long Is Tour Du Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc loop is a circuit that is 170 kilometers long and circles the Mont Blanc Mountain range.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Hike

Tour Du Mont Blanc Starting And Finishing Point

The Tour du Mont Blanc starts and finishes in Chamonix, an alpine town and adventure sports mecca on the French side of the Alps.

Despite its small size, Chamonix has always been overflowed with tourists and people looking for adventure thrills.

It is also a highly regarded ski retreat at the bottom of Mont Blanc, which means that there are many skiers and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels, as well as a booming mountaineering community and an abundance of trekking and mountain-bike paths to explore once the snow melts in the warmer months.

Chamonix is only 90 kilometers from the Geneva Airport and has numerous transportation choices available, rendering it a very accessible Alpine town.

The drive takes slightly more than an hour, bus services approximately 2 hours, and trains take closer to 3 hours, contingent on connections.

This town is also known as the World’s Capital of Adventure thanks to its busy rhythms, a plethora of fun activities, and simply stunning mountain ranges right next to it.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Route/Trail

The route follows a long loop of secluded pathways that circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif in an anti-clockwise direction.

Of course, you have the option to follow the path in a clockwise direction, but the majority of people tend to go the other way around, and this is one of those cases where it’s preferable to go with the flow.

The trail is not challenging if you have prepared and trained right for it, but there are a lot of steep ascents.

Nevertheless, there are also many variants and easier routes to take, so you can take paths that are slightly more demanding and then continue an easy downhill.

Moreover, the Tour du Mont Blanc trekking trail includes forest areas, desolate rugged terrain, and extensive green hillsides.

You’ll also be surrounded by the ultimate combination of majestic scenery and snow-covered highs above, with each day being unique.

However, if there’s one thing the majority of your tour days have in common, it is the fact that you will be following the same pattern of hiking across hilly areas, or mountain passes, before going down to a Refugio or hotel to rest.

Similarly, your days will begin with an enjoyable uphill walk to a picturesque point where you can enjoy your snack or meal while gazing at the scenery, and then continue with your final hike downhill for a hearty evening meal and some fresh beer.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Altitude

Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain, is 4.808 meters above sea level, making its altitude one of the greatest and most challenging ones.

However, as we have previously mentioned the Tour De Mont Black does not involve ascending to its top.

In fact, the highest peak along the standard route is 2.537 meters above sea level, which is considerably lower than the top of the mountain.

This peak is at the Grand Col Ferret, which also serves as a frontier between Italy and Switzerland. Nevertheless, a few alternative routes can take you to the greatest heights.

So, for example, you also have the option of going higher up to enjoy the beautiful scenery from 2.665 meters above sea level. on the Col des Fours or Fenetre d’ Arpette,

Tour Du Mont Blanc Itinerary

Because of the long distance of the trail, most people complete the Tour du Mont Blanc route in 7 to 10 days. 

Below you can find the itinerary for a 10-day hiking trip, and which is typically the one most people follow when doing the Tour du Mont Blanc for the first time!

10-Days Itinerary

Day 1: chamonix – les contamines.

On the first day, you’ll take the minibus to Les Houches and start your tour.

This first stage from Les Houches to Les Contamines is filled with lovely pine forest pathways, steep uphills and downhills, and areas of low trees and bushes carpeted with wild blueberry shrubs.

Nevertheless, you won’t be able to avoid the steep hills for the first hour, and if you choose to go from the variant, you can expect approximately 1500 meters of elevation, compared to the 650 meters of the standard route.

If you choose the challenging path, stop for lunch at the Refuge de Miage for some delicious and nourishing salad, and then continue your hike to Les Contamines for a night’s rest and more food.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1500 meters of elevation gain for the variant, 650 meters of elevation gain for the standard route

Day 2: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

After spending the night in a chalet, you’ll start the second day of the tour with an uphill trek up to the renowned Col du Bonhomme.

A few hours later towards the late afternoon, you’ll hike across the Croix de la Bonhomme and head straight to Les Chapieux.

This stage of the tour offers much better scenery and is less challenging, so you will certainly enjoy it more.

Les Chapieux is so small that it hardly qualifies as a town, but it’s quite lovely. There are a few guesthouses nearby. There also is a local products shop, where you must absolutely try their goat cheese!

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1300 meters of elevation gain

 Day 3: Les Chapieux To Rifugio Monte Bianco

The third day will get you to Italy as you will be on the Col, which is approximately 1000 meters higher than the starting point.

The hike begins with a mild uphill through the valley, followed by several steep hills to the col’s summit. Although there is some altitude gain, this col is among the easiest ones to reach.

After you cross the col and until you reach Refugio Elisabetta it’s an enjoyable downhill. There you can spend some time enjoying some comfort food, and if you choose to stay the night, you’ll get a large dinner and an incredible view of the sunset.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1000 meters of elevation gain

 Day 4: Rifugio Monte Bianco – Courmayeur

This is undoubtedly the simplest hiking day.

An easy walk down the route to Courmayeur (that is nonetheless more than 4 hours long), a little town with many tourists, and you can have a nice break there, dine, enjoy a drink, and walk around the town.

 Day 5: Courmayeur – Val Ferret

The fifth day begins with 800 meters of walking up a steep hill for approximately 2 hours, which is not that challenging.

The hike from Courmayeur, at 1224 meters, to Refugio Bertone which is at 1996 meters, is mostly through a lovely forest area full of pine trees and it takes you along the Val Ferret, in between Italy and Switzerland.

When you get to the Refugio at the top, you can decide whether or not to complete the variant, which goes up 500 meters more and is 100% worth it.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 800 meters of elevation gain

 Day 6: Val Ferret – La Fouly

On your sixth day, you’ll walk an easy 4-hour trail from Col Ferret to the little town of La Fouly, where you can try the delicious local cheese and other delicacies they offer.

An easier uphill walk all the way to a col will have you literally standing between France and Switzerland! As you descend, you’ll realize that the meal prices in the different Refugios skyrocket but spending some money on food there is worth it.

Day 7: La Fouly – Champex-Lac

This is a pleasant day with a hike through beautiful alpine grasslands and Swiss rural areas. You’ll finish your day in Champex-Lac, an idyllic Swiss settlement with a lovely lake where you can swim on a hot summer day!

There are also many towns to stop in between, so despite the relatively short hike (in comparison to the 8-hour ones on other days), you need to take into account the hours you’ll spend exploring the towns.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 637 meters of elevation gain

 Day 8: Champex-Lac – Trient

After a wonderful night in Champex, you can move on with your journey and begin the long but easy ascent to Bovine. From that point, you can descend to Trient via the Col de la Forclaz.

This day begins fairly flat before climbing approximately 1200 meters. The 1200-meter climb isn’t too difficult, and when you get to the top, there is also a cute spot to eat lunch and take in the views.

There are no grocery stores in Trient or La Peuty, so restock in Champex or enjoy your meals in any of the Refugios along the way.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1200 meters of elevation gain

 Day 9: Trient – Argentiere

The penultimate day starts early in the morning with an uphill trek up to Col de Balme, which offers Mont Blanc on a plate.

There’s also a variant that takes you up to Col des Possettes and the Aiguillette des Possettes peak that you can take, while the downhill to La Tour will mark the end of the hiking part of the day, leaving you time to relax and unwind.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1180 meters of elevation gain

 Day 10: Argentiere – Chamonix

The last day of your tour offers either the chance to ascend over Lac Blanc on some daring stairways or choose the standard and easier route.

Some of the most breathtaking views are being enjoyed in this last stage of the trip, which will finish with a downhill walk with Chamonix as the final destination.

Elevation Profile (Gain): 1260 meters of elevation gain

Tour Du Mont Blanc Tour Options

There are both guided and self-guided tours you can join to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc, and depending on what you choose to do, the costs will be different.

Here are some examples of guided and self-guided tours offered:

• Macs Adventure Tour
• Tour Du Mont Blanc Holiday
• Alpine Treks
• Wildland Trekking Tour

Tour Du Mont Blanc Map

Mont Blanc Treks offer several maps such as those of the easterly and westerly circuits as well as one of the full circuits around Mont Blanc, and a chart of the elevation profile of the tour.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Packing List

If you are planning on camping throughout the tour, you need to make sure you are packing as light as possible as you will be carrying the extra camping equipment with you which includes a tent and a sleeping bag , as well as a sleeping pad.

The rest of the things you need to carry are:

• Water bottle
• Clothes: fleece or sweater (depending on the weather), extra socks and underwear, shirts and shorts, and long trousers.
• Accessories: bandanas, caps, headlamp
• Microfiber towel
• Power adapter
• First-aid kit
• Passport and/or ID

When To Hike the Tour Du Mont Blanc?

The best time of the year to walk the tour du Mont Blanc is in the summertime when the climate is softer, the sun is up, and all ice has melted.

Given its high altitude and Alpine winters, going there in the summer can guarantee you a good night’s sleep when you choose to camp for the night as well as warmer weather for your hike.

Training For Tour Du Mont Blanc

Depending on which path you take, you should train and get ready for a little more or a little less strain on your legs and work accordingly on your cardio fitness level.

Read next – Is hiking good cardio?

No matter how many variants you choose to hike and how fast or slow you choose to go, you need a great fitness level, so you either have to train consistently for months, even years, before embarking on your journey, or be very athletic and fit.

Previous experience with long-distance hikes will also make this trip easier, but this does not mean you won’t need to prepare for it just because you hiked coast to coast in the UK years ago!

Tour Du Mont Blanc Accommodation

A common question and topic of discussion among hikers to-be of the Tour du Mont Blanc is that concerning the lodging options.

To begin with, there are numerous places to spend the night. If you have a lot of money, you have a plethora of choices.

However, if you’d like to complete your journey without breaking the bank, you can either choose camping or stay in one of the many refugios or guesthouses.

• Find the most affordable places to stay at booking.com

Tour Du Mont Blanc Refuges

A Refugio is a refuge, also called a mountain hut. It is basically a mountain hostel with simple interior decoration and amazing food!

Many Refugios offer private rooms, however, some of them only provide shared hostel-style lodging.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Camping

You also have the option of setting up camp every night. Clearly, it will be the most cost-effective option, but it is also one that allows you to experience this adventure in the best way possible, as it kind of completes the overall experience.

Furthermore, you won’t have to worry about making any reservations, as you can simply arrive at the campground and find a spot to set up your tent.

There are numerous ways to organize your trip, in addition to the several accommodation alternatives.

Many people prefer to schedule and plan things on their own, including booking their own accommodation and transporting all their belongings, but sometimes it is better to have some assistance.

During the peak tourist season, which is in July and August, it is preferable to let somebody else book your accommodation and luggage transfers.

Even so, keep in mind that if you choose to stay in accommodations rather than go camping, that means you’ll have to pay in advance and do your best to stay committed to the planned itinerary.

Any delay or injury incident might mean you can lose a night’s stay and, hence, money spent on a room you won’t stay in after all.

On the other hand, if you do the hike off-peak season, you can always make a same-day booking as it is always available in most hotels and guesthouses.

Either way, this website of the Tour De Mont Blanc is very useful for planning your stay throughout the tour.

You can select your intended destination and a precise date, and it will display a list of accommodation options you can stay in, which would include the walking distance from one to the other.

The Bottom Line

The Tour du Mont Blanc is without a doubt an epic multi-day hike on this planet and experiencing this journey is something you will remember forever.

The good thing is that you can always visit this destination again and if you go there on a guided tour the first time, challenge yourself by going on a self-guided tour the next one!

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Tour du mont blanc hiking - routes, maps and itineraries.

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a 170 km trek that encompasses the whole of the Mont Blanc Massif; with nearly 10 000m of cumulative descent and ascent it is usually completed in a number of days.

The TMB has a variety of accommodation facilities along the route (hotels and mountain huts with possibility for vehicle support) that allow you to really enjoy the scenery, take lots of photos and walk each day with just a light pack.

Alternatively, the TMB can be done completely self-sufficiently: you carry all your own food and camping gear. This gives you a better sense of freedom and the ability to go where you please whenever you want.

Tour of Mont Blanc General Information

Mont Blanc Tour mountain huts are open, in general, from mid-June until the first or second week in September. It is advisable to reserve a bed, particularly in the high season of mid July to mid August.

Early in the season is the quietest and most beautiful, but beware of old snow on the higher paths which could be icy and dangerous and would make an ice axe essential.

For additional safety or to just show you the way you could hire an Independent Trek Leader .

Wildlife on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Have a look at the Chamonix.net nature, fauna and flora page  for more information on wildlife you might encounter on the Tour of Mont Blanc. Chamois, deer, eagles and a range of beautiful alpine flowers can all be seen and photographed.

Tour du Mont Blanc Maps, Kit List and Equipment

Lightweight boots and shorts are sufficient as long as there are warm clothes in your backpack. Waterproofs are essential and trekking poles useful. Here are some of the best mountain equipment shops in Chamonix .

Do not forget sunglasses, skin and lip protection. Always carry drinking water and check the Chamonix weather forecast before starting your journey.

Maps for the Tour of Mont Blanc:

Tour of Mont Blanc - Route Descriptions

You have plenty of options: from 4 day sportive hikes to leisurely 12 day cultural experiences; there is not only one way to do the Tour of Mont Blanc. Here are a couple of different suggestions which may help you make up your mind on your particular style.

• You can go on your own with your own GPS track, or benefit from a mountain leader's experience
• You can carry your own gear or hike with a light pack with vehicle support
• You can sleep and eat in the refuges or carry a tent

Here is a list of contact information for the various mountain huts .

4 day trip: Not quite racing - but fast enough: For the hardcore hiker

This itinerary follows pretty much in the footsteps of the Ultra Trail race (which varies slightly from year to year). This is for very fit hikers and is done with only a light day pack, eating and sleeping in huts and is basically the run/walking version of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The times noted are for fit spandex-wearing (not obligatory!) hikers.

7 day trip: Hiking the Tour of Mont Blanc - hiker

Start with the previously mentioned itinerary and break up the days a bit depending on where you would like to spend the night.

For people who carry their own gear, plan on a 7 day trip.

9 to 11 day trip: Taking the time to look at the scenery

Of course if you really do have time, you can expand the experience. Here's an example of a slower pace, with time to veer a little off the path. This is described as an 11 day trip, but it would be really easy to knock off the first and last days as those days are dedicated to trekking in the Chamonix Valley.

Each year, in the last days of August, the trails around the Mont Blanc get really busy. This is because of one of the most amazing human competitions ever organized on this planet - The Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc - so keep this in mind when planning your hike of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

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The Tour du Mont Blanc’s 11 stages

This page will help you get a grip on the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc. There are 11 Tour du Mont Blanc étapes (stages). If you’re planning to trek self guided independently, then you need to get acquainted really well with the trail route and understand it as much as you can before trying to plan your days and where you will stay.

The Tour starts traditionally in Les Houches, a village at the beginning of the Chamonix Valley and it’s actually possible to hike either way around the loop – clockwise or anti-clockwise. Most hikers hike anti-clockwise so that the views of Mont Blanc are always in front of you, but there are actually advantages of hiking clockwise, namely less traffic on the trail in the mornings.

There are several alternative start points to the TMB if you don’t want to start at Les Houches. You could start at any of the main towns along the trail – Les Contamines (France), Courmayeur (Italy) or Champex-Lac (Switzerland).

It’s also possible to start your hike a couple of stages earlier in the Chamonix Valley so instead of starting at Stage 1, you could for example start at Stage 11 and do Stage 1 as your day 2. I often suggest this when I help trekkers plan their itinerary (I offer private consultations via zoom). This is a great option as accommodation is limited between stages 10 and 11 so by starting off on Stage 11 (you can get the Brévent cable car up from Chamonix town centre) you can either do this as a day hike and return to your Chamonix hotel, or you can book somewhere to stay in Les Houches if you want to be moving each day. This means you would finish at the end of Stage 10. Bear in mind that Stage 11 has a long, brutal descent – in fact if you took the Brévent cable car up and then the summit cable car after – you would be whizzed to the top of Brévent (and that spectacular views! ) within minutes – you would ONLY have descent for the remainder of the day (around 5 hours). If you have delicate knees then you might want to re-consider turning this into your first day!

Its also a great idea to do Stages 10 and 11 as day hikes. This allows you to get some ‘training’ hikes in before with just a day pack before you set off into the wilderness!

If you aim to camp along the trail (and are not therefore tied to refuge bookings) and bad weather is predicted for the end of your trek. Instead of missing stage 10 and 11’s outrageously incredible views of Mont Blanc due to closed in weather, you could start at stage 10 and lap up the views before continuing onto ‘Stage 1’.

For now though let’s talk through each stage.

What is a ‘stage’ on the TMB?

The Tour du Mont Blanc hiking route has been divided into 11 sections which can be hiked in a day. Each section is called a ‘stage’.

If you are hiking independently and do not plan to book onto a guided tour, you do not have to follow the recommended 11 stages – you can easily create your own daily hiking plan to fit to your own schedule or level of fitness.

However, all the Tour du Mont Blanc guide books refer to these stages so it’s a good place to start to get to know the trail and is invaluable during your planning phase. If you are planning your trek yourself and going down the self guided route, expect it to take a while to read up, get to know the trail and then plan your days meticulously. There’s plenty of posts here that can help you. Read our Planning – First Steps article.

How long is each stage?

It’s worth noting that each ‘stage’ is LONG averaging between 13-20km per day over challenging terrain, expect between 700m up to 1000m elevation gain each day! Covering the entire Tour du Mont Blanc in 11 days is no walk in the park – expect to be on the trail between 7-9 hours per day.

Some of you may want to walk at a more leisurely pace and cover a shorter distance each day. In this case trekking the entire circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc could take you nearer 14 days to complete.

Many hikers choose to hike the trek over two summers dividing the Tour du Mont Blanc in half which is a very sensible option. I’ve done this when hiking with my 10 year old. Most hikers split the trek and hike (in which ever order they like):

➳ Les Houches (Chamonix Valley- FRANCE) to Courmayeur (ITALY)

➳ Courmayeur (ITALY) – Les Houches (Chamonix Valley – FRANCE)

Other superhuman hikers fast pack the trail in a week whilst hundreds of hardcore athletes run the trail every August in the ultra endurance race, the UTMB arriving back in Chamonix with 21 -46.5 hours! The choice is yours.

Stage breakdown and overview

Below is a brief breakdown of each stage which will help you get a feel for the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The Tour starts traditionally in Les Houches, a village at the end of the Chamonix Valley.

If you want to make a shorter itinerary, for example you only have limited time of say a week, or you want to make shorter days because you don’t want to hike 7-9 hours every day (I hear you), then go on over to our Itineraries page where we have ready made suggested itineraries to shorten sections or to only hike the most stunning stages.

And of course if you have the time and want to hike shorter distances each day (because even the 11 day itinerary has some serious kilometres and elevation each day!) then know that there are refuges every 5km along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail so you can make your own itinerary to suit your needs. Just be sure to book early (Oct-Nov for the following summer) so that you can have your choice of refuges.

Tour du Mont Blanc distances & countries

LES HOUCHES (CHAMONIX) – LES CONTAMINES

• height gain 646m
• height loss 633m

Stage 1 starts from the village of Les Houches at the end of the Chamonix Valley, works its way over to the village of Bionnassay then down into the Montjoie Valley to the town of Les Contamines.

Faced at the beginning of trail with a brutal 600m climb from Les Houches to the Col du Voza (1653m), trekkers can opt out of this and choose to take the Bellevue cable car and be whizzed to more of less the same elevation in less than 5 minutes. Read our post on TMB short cuts .

From the Col du Voza see spectacular views of the Dome du Gouter and Aiguille de Bionnassay. The trail now meanders down through pleasant hamlets and verdant woodland. It’s still a long day but undemanding in terms of exposure and almost completely downhill if you take the cable car up.

It’s a good introduction to the trail to warm up the legs and soak up the French ambiance but nothing in terms of sheer rugged wild beauty which is yet to come.

VARIANT TRAIL – COL DU TRICOT – There is an alternative route for Stage 1 (18km) that passes the Col du Tricot (2120m) which offers much more spectacular views than the traditional route. It’s classed as a more challenging route, which it is compared to the traditional Stage 1, however in my opinion it is not ‘difficult’ and it’s certainly worth the extra effort for the highlights of crossing a Himalayan suspension bridge (crossing the rushing glacial water over this bridge is a highlight of mine), the spectacular views of Glacier Bionassay and the fantastic view of Dômes du Miage. I would say that more trekkers actually take this route than the traditional stage 1 route now and in fact in Kingsley Jones’s guidebook THIS IS simply stage 1. If you take the Bellevue cable car short cut from Les Houches (which I would ALWAYS recommend as it cuts 2 hours of unspectacular up) then it’s only a couple of minutes before you will reach the variant stage 1 trail (see map below). If you want to hike the traditional trail it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the trail from the top of the Bellevue cable car. It takes me 2 hours to reach the top of the Col du Tricot from the Bellevue cable car. You then have a very steep descent down to Refuge Miage. It takes me 1 hour to descend the steep zig zag trail. DO NOT rush this – an injury here would be terribly disappointing. So in total it takes me 3 hours to get to Refuge Miage which I would highly suggest for lunch – they have a lovely garden overlooking the Dôme du Miage – book ahead in peak season. This variant should NEVER be considered in bad weather. You would not want to be on the top of the Col du Tricot in a lightening storm, plus the descent to Refuge Miage would be hazardous in rain. However look at the weather forecast – if it is predicting thunderstorms in the afternoon (which is common around 4pm in July and August) then this route would be perfectly okay if you were setting off at 8am in the morning – remember it only takes 3 hours to get to Refuge Miage and after this point the route is not a problem in bad weather. Accommodation options are at Refuge de Miage (private refuge – they have one large dorm or lovely private tiny chalets in the garden) or Auberge du Truc (very authentic basic stay available to book on the TMB website) both before Les Contamines. If you’re after a much more adventurous bed for the night consider taking the ‘smuggler’s trail ‘ from the top of Col du Tricot to the tiny 18 bed Refuge Plan Glacier. If you’re looking for more information on the refuges of the TMB I’ve written an ebook on them – click here to find out more .

If you’re looking to shorten your Tour du Mont Blanc trek into less days, then the traditional route through Bionassay is one of the recommended stages to skip. However I would never recommend skipping variant stage 1 – it’s one of my favourites! However if you simply don’t have time and for example want to do the half TMB to Courmayeur but only have 3 days and don’t want to hike longer than the standard stages each day then it would make sense to start in Les Contamines and skip this stage. This can be done by taking the bus from Chamonix to Les Contamines and starting your trail there. Or if you’re coming direct from Geneva Airport you can get an airport transfer direct to Les Contamines (which is easier than catching the bus from Chamonix to Les Contamines because you need to change bus in St Gervais and often the wait time is frustratingly long). Depending on the timetable schedule it can take between 2-4 hours to reach Les Contamines on public transport. Consider a private transfer if there’s a group of you.

If you’re looking how to make stage 2 slightly easier, consider taking the Bellevue cable car to cut 2 hrs off your trail & push on through Les Contamines to stay at the first refuge on the trail after the town. Nant Borrant is a gorgeous chalet refuge 1 hr up the trail (up a very steep hill!) which will give you a head start the following day

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37 comments.

Ashish Shukla

This is Ashish from New York. I stumbled upon your website and I must thank you for a really well written account of all the stages. I have not found such a detailed and succinct explanation for each stage anywhere else and I have done a fair bit of research. Thank you Thank you Thank you!! After reading this blog and your public transportation write up, I feel way more confident to tackle this hike starting on September 01-2021. I am planning to do it in 6 nights/7days.

tourdumontblanchike

Hi Ashish, you’re welcome. Have a great trek!

I totally agree with Ashish’s comments, above. We’ve done the full TMB (in 2015) and yet I still find I’m thoroughly entranced by all of the information, pictures, and tips for good planning that you share. Well done!! This is an excellent resource. I love its down-to-earth, friendly, honest tone. It’s so helpful to get real-life perspectives and details. You present them all in a very reader-friendly manner. The entries about the various refuges, and the descriptions of the traditional TMB stages, are particularly helpful… although, really, *everything* here provides great information. (My only suggestion (humbly offered) would be to proof-read the Casermetta Museum / Col de la Seigne history paragraphs, which seem of very different quality than the rest). Andrew McCluggage has put out a recent and very good book on the TMB, to add to the classic guides by Kev Reynolds and Jim Manthorpe; have you seen it? Your photographs and the attractive arrangement of each page/screen on your site really captures the allure and the magnificence of the TMB. It is an epic experience, from start to finish. Bravo, Mags!!! We will be keeping your work bookmarked for our next trip back!! I wish I could say we were heading out on the trail *today*!

Hi Caroline, thanks for getting in touch and for your kind words. I have re-read the Casermetta post and oh my gosh – why was that not proof read! I think some of it had been translated from Italian and not checked! Apologies! I’ve taken it offline as it needs to be updated anyhow – I hiked over the Col de la Seigne a couple of weeks ago and had the pleasure of interviewing one of the staff at the Casermetta so I have that interview on film which will be uploaded to the post. Hiked the variant stage 9 a couple of days ago which is a real favourite – stunning views of the Trient Glacier! I haven’t yet read Andrew’s book but I shall – will be hiking the tour again fully in September so I’ll aim to take that one with me this time and add it to our post on guidebooks. Thanks again for letting me know about the Casermetta post – glad you did :) Best wishes. Mags

Thanks, Caroline! Hi, Mags – I am starting my hike from Le Brevent. So, the last day of my hike, I am planning to go from Trient to Le Brevent (via Lac Blanc) in one day. I think that’s approximately 19 miles. I was wondering if you have completed that section and your thoughts on whether it can be done in one day? The one constraint I am running into is that the last cable car (descent) from Le Brevent to Chamonix is at 4:30pm. So, I will probably have to start super early from Trient. Not sure if this is do-able in one day. I welcome your thoughts/suggestions.

Hi Ashish this would be an incredibly long day. Do you want to take public transport? One way to cut some time would be to take the chairlift down from Col de Balme then the bubble to the village of Le Tour. Then catch a bus (or walk) down the straight road to Montroc. Cross the train tracks at Montroc and walk behind the station where there is a trail that takes you up to Tré-le-Champ (10-15 mins up). This cuts out the up to Aiguillette des Posettes and the long long descent into Tré-le-Champ. It’s the only way you could cut the trail. Cutting out the Posettes would gain you possibly 2-2.5 hours although it would take at least 45 mins to get to there via public transport but at least saving your legs for the 3 hours up to Lac Blanc from Tré-le-Champ. It would be a long long day and I have to say I would never consider it but if you are a super fast trekker and aim to set off at 6am then its possible. You could always see how you are going when you get to Flégère and if you think you’re running behind take the cable car down into the valley from Flegere instead of continuing to Brevent (2-2.5 hours further). Good luck. Let me know how you get on.

This is a great resource bar none ! If I do stages 10 and 11 in consequtive days and want to stay at a hotel each night, would a stay in the same one both nights ? How do shuttles work at the end of each stage or what other tranportation modes are needed to return the the hotel in the evening ? Thank you

Hi Bob thanks for your kind words. I’m glad our website has helped you! Yes you can stay in the same hotel. It’s a good idea and actually I’ve recommended it before to hikers who want to see a bit of Chamonix first before setting off on the trek as it’s a good way to get a few days training hikes before leaving. Of course it sounds like you’d do this at the end of the trek so you would be arriving down from Col du Balme, to Tre-le-Champ. You will need to stay either in Argentiere, Les Praz or Chamonix. Les Praz would be more convenient as the Flegere cable car arrives here at the end of your next day but there are only a few hotels here (Hotel Eden is nice). Once you arrive in Tre-le-Champ the best way to head down the valley for the night is to walk down to the train station. To get here pass the Easter Island heads in the village (you can’t miss them!) and bear on the lower left hand trail – you will pop out at the train station in around 15 minutes. You will be able to catch the train to Argentiere, Les Praz or Chamonix. You will need to repeat this journey to get to the start of the trail again the following morning. What will be nice is that you won’t need to bring your heavy pack with you!! Stage 10 ends at Flegere – it’s a very short day even with the Lac Blanc detour so you may decide to hike on to Brevent to cut a bit of your trail time the next day. At Brevent you can also take the cable car down to the valley floor (Chamonix) so in this case it would make sense to stay overnight in Chamonix instead of Les Praz. Stage 11 ends in Chamonix Les Houches. There are frequent buses and the train that would bring you back to your hotel.If you followed this plan you could spend the 3 nights in the same hotel.

Merci beaucoup for this information, it is much appreciated. It has helped me so much in planning. The information is succinct and the web design in phenomenal!

I would like to start at Champex, go anti-clockwise, hike the TMB back around to Champex then continue on to hike the Walkers Haute Route to Zermatt. I plan on getting to Champex early to mid September after hiking a long trail in the USA June-Sept, so will have my “trail legs” then hopefully. It looks like the UTMB race will be over at the end of August so this will not be an issue. I also want to camp in a tent for the majority of the trail, sleeping in Refuges only infrequently and when I do I would not need a private room. I have ultra light gear and have experience through hiking in the USA.

Is this an unwise plan, given the start date I have chosen? It looks like the weather will still be reasonable. I do not want to miss too many beautiful views due to bad weather (but do not want to wait another year for TMB and Haute)! In September do I still need reserve Refuge bunk beds far in advance? Could I just see what’s available on the trail as I hike? I was planning on the Refuges just for a little food and a shower mostly. Last thing, what is your opinion on using my Zpacks Duplex tent for this time of year? I’m thinking I might need my NEMO Hornet tent instead but it’s heavy. Thank you!

Hi, the weather is normally still very good in September and indeed has rarely any thunder storms compared to August! I had one day of rain in 8 days last year but of course it can vary. I hiked the trail solo in September last year and didn’t book refuges in advance. I only got caught out on one night but managed to find somewhere in the end. I would suggest starting early September if you are planning on continuing onto the Haute Route after. Some refuges ask you to book a meal the day before but most would allow you to eat if there is enough food by just turning up – a few might not so always have a back up handy in the form of expedition food etc just in case. Take the lightweight tent. Bear in mind that wild camping in Italy and Switzerland is tricky. Italy it is legal after 2500m! and Switzerland is not allowed at all so you need to camp at campsites. Courmayeur has no campsites but there are several in the Val Veny – unfortunately it means that you need to miss out stage 4 or hike it & come back round but that’s quite a mission. Hobo Camping is good https://www.campinghobo.com/en/ . I will be camping the trail in July! Have a great hike. All the best. Mags

Hi We’re planning on doing the TMB clockwise and starting at the Brevent. This gives us two opportunities to see some of the best views if the weather is not good. Telepherique up, then head down and stay at Lac Blanc, then normal days for a 10 day trip. Last day would be Les Houches to the Brevent and ride down. Both times up will be in the morning so it increases the chances of clear viewing. We live in Colorado, so we’ll be acclimatized and relatively fit. Any thoughts, advice? ..

Hi Tom the problem with hiking the tour clockwise, especially in Chamonix is that you will have your back to Mont Blanc all the way. I would suggest if you want to start in the Chamonix Valley and take in the magnificent views of Mont Blanc on the first few days that you start from Tre-le-Champ (get the train to Montroc and then hike up 15 minutes on the trail behind the train station up to Tre-Le-Champ) hike up to Lac Blanc and then you would continue TOWARDS Mont Blanc with the views ahead of you the whole time. You can then walk via La Flégère to Le Brévent and down to Les Houches.

Hi, great site and thank you so much for all the information. Where can I find GPX a route file?

Hi Ori FatMaps has a great map of the TMB and you can download the GPX file

https://fatmap.com/routeid/2721627/tour-du-mont-blanc/@46.0001773,6.9058586,3170.4236129,-82.5128444,0,2243.4477193,satellite

Hi! LOVE your website, thank you so much for all the information! I am planning to do the hike in july but I must ask, is stage 7 the only part with exposure? I love hiking in the alps but would really have a probelm walking next to sheer drops (a bit traumatised from hiking in Madeira hehe)

Hi Caroline stage 7 doesn’t have any exposure and is actually the most gentle section of the trail. Do you mean stage 10 with the ladders?

Thanks a LOT for the great site and all the valuable info here ! Is there a Smartphone (iPhone) navigation application with detailed maps for TMB ?

Hi Mark I use the GAIA GPS app – see my article here https://tourdumontblanchike.com/tour-du-mont-blanc-gps-gaia/

Some trekkers also use Trail Trails.

Christopher Legg

Wow, I have also just stumbled across this, whilst I know some of the area, I shall certainly use this to plan my trip. I haven’t read it all yet but I will. Thankyou. very much. Chris from Cornwall

You’re welcome. I’m glad it’s helped you plan your trip. Happy hiking.

hi, thanks for sharing all details about TMB. Would like to know your location for wild camping, those pictures are awesome.

Hi Ivan wild camping is only permitted in one of the three countries the trek goes through – France. Here you are allowed to bivvy from sunset to sunrise. Therefore this gives plenty of scope on the first and last stages. One of the best places is Lac du Cheserys just under Lac Blanc. Camping at Lac Blanc is not permitted. In Italy wild camping is only permitted above 2500m which doesn’t leave much options and in Switzerland camping is only permitted in campsites. I am due to camp the trail in the next two weeks for my first time so I look forward to being able to share more tips about camping the TMB soon. Happy hiking!

thank you so much for sharing all this info – it seems to have the most comprehensive explanation of each stage I’ve been able to find! I was wondering if you had suggestions on grouping stages together – I find a lot of 8-9-10 day itineraries out there and I was wondering if you had a suggested 9 day or 10 day with no rest days?

Hi Brittney. It all depends how much you want to walk each day. As there are refuges every 5km along the trail you can chop up the route into 9 or 10 days without a rest day. I’m not sure what you mean about grouping together stages if you didn’t want a rest day? Happy to help you plan your itinerary over a zoom call. You can find out more about what’s included and book here https://tourdumontblanchike.com/tmb-zoom-consultation/ . Best wishes. Mags

Bob Bergner

Great website! Thanks for all the work (and pleasure) that went into creating it. I speed hiked the TMB a few decades ago–minimal gear, sleeping under the stars wherever the day ended for a few hours a night. It was mid June (lots of snow), so I had the trail largely to myself. A tremendous experience! Now, I’d like to take my wife on a few days of the trail at a more relaxed pace. From what I remember, the last section from Champex back to Chamonix has the most dramatic scenery. Is that correct? Thanks for a quick answer here. And I look forward to setting up a consultation if (when, really) I need more detailed information. Cheers, Bob

Hi Bob wow what an experience that must have been! Yes the variant stage 8 from Champex (via Col du Fenetre) is the most technically difficult as you have to navigate the boulder field but you also benefit from the truly incredible view of the Trient Glacier. Then Stage 10 is stunning as you are traversing along the Balcon Sud flank with Mont Blanc to your left. For me (variant) stage 1, stage 2, 3 & 4 are my favourites unless I’m taking the variant 8 then the Chamonix legs of 10 and 11. Hope that helps? Feel free to message me direct via email to set up a zoom if you need. Best. Mags

Kathy Meldrum

Hi Mags! What a GREAT website! This info is so helpful! I have an idea for an itinerary and I’m wondering if you can provide me with any input. Is there a hike from Chamonix to Col de Balme and on to Tre le Champ where we can stay the night at Auberge La Boerne for day 1? Then on to either Lac Blanc refuge or Flegere for day 2. Then on to Bellechat for day 3 and then descend to Les Houches on day 4. We will be hiking with kids and are looking for something doable yet challenging, but I can’t quite figure out the mileage or how long it would take us. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! -Kathy

Hi Kathy apologies for my delay in responding. Yes this itinerary would work – it’s similar to my 2.5/3 day itinerary here https://tourdumontblanchike.com/3-day-itinerary-lac-blanc/

You can get the train or bus to Montroc and then there is a trail from the back of Montroc train station that takes you up to Tre-Le-Champ. Often it’s easier to do this instead of getting the specific bus from Argentiere to Tre-Le-Champ as it doesn’t go very often but buses go regularly past Montroc up to Le Tour and the train stops there once an hour. It takes between 20-30 minutes to hike up the easy trail.

It only takes around 3 hours to hike from La Boerne to Lac Blanc however you will be hiking with kids so lets say 5 hours so you could have a late start enjoying your breakfast (however all refuges will kick you out around 8 or 9am so La Boerne may do this as well. Its definitely worth staying in Lac Blanc if you can get the reservation though over Refuge Flegere. The kids will love the ladders on the way up from La Boerne!

Bellachat doesn’t have a shower just to let you know but it would be a necessary stop for you with kids. It’s a good itinerary. Go for it!

Excellent article, thanks so much for sharing and wishing you many more hiking adventures. Katie

Thanks Katie. Have a great trek!

Hi! I’ve used this resource while planning over the past year and it’s been a huge help! We’re leaving in 2 weeks to begin half of the TMB, Chamonix – Courmayeur. Time is limited as we plan to travel to see the rest of Italy after. However, I’ve been disappointed to not see the great views everyone talks about in the final stages. Is there a way to take the Brévent cable car to Le Brévent, see the views and continue on to Les Contamines without making the descent down into Les Houches? Any public transportation options we could use to try and combine stage 11 and 1? We’re not scared of a long day, just not sure how doable it all is.

Hi Aysia absolutely you can take the Brevent cable car from the centre of Chamonix (you have to walk up the steep hill from the Gendarmerie to get to the cable car station). Take the first cable car up to the mid station (Plan Praz) then you can get the next cable car up to the summit of Brevent, have a look and then come back down. You can then get the no 1 bus from the Chamonix Centre bus stop (which is just around the corner from the Gendarmerie) to Les Houches. There is a bus stop right outside Bellevue cable car (bus stop Bellevue) or if you want to walk through the official arch to start the trek outside the tourist office you would need to get off at ‘Les Houches Mairie’ stop which is two stops before Bellevue. Its just a 10 minute walk to walk down the main road to Bellevue if you wanted to get a photo at the arch. Hope this helps! Have a great trek!

Would you please provide information on the itinerary and refugios you took? Planning the same over ideally 5 or so days! Thanks

Thank you so much for the helpful site, it has been my go-to reference for planning my trip. We are doing the traditional 11 day itinerary beginning is Les Houches, and would like to spend the last night at Lac Blanc. I understand the last day is rough on the knees and having a bad knee already I am curious if staying at Lac Blanc that night will add to the decent on day 11, and if there is a shortcut option to cut down on some of the intense downhill. Thanks!

Hi Rachelle thanks for the kind words. Yes staying in Lac Blanc will add a little onto the next day however what I would do is descend down from Lac Blanc to Refuge Flegere and continue along the TMB balcony trail towards Brevent (epic views along here of Mont Blanc) then when you get to Plan Praz (the mid station at Brevent) I would take the cable car up to the summit and then maybe finish your trek there. There is a cafe there so you can have a celebratory beer overlooking the viewing platform for Mont Blanc and then get the summit cable car down and then the mid station cable car down to Chamonix. This leaves out the long 1300m descent into Chamonix on stage 11. Or the alternative is to add an extra night at the Bellachat refuge so that you split this day in two. Hope this helps.

I, of course, must add that this site is beyond helpful (so many things that I didn’t even know I needed to know)

I thought I was finished planning a shortened version of the TMB. However, after going through your site, I think I need to make an adjustment.

Because we are time limited, we will be skipping certain portions (taking the bus from Courmayeur to Arnuva, then another from Ferret to Champex; and taking the train from Argentiere to Chamonix).

However, Brevent and Balcon Sud seem like they shouldn’t be missed (I love mountain ladders, and scary, narrow paths with great views). We have one day in Chamonix built in before we start (in case the flight from the US has issues). We could use this day to see those areas.

Do you have a suggestion on a one-day version to/from Chamonix to the Brevent / Balcon Sud area (I have no qualms about taking chair lifts/gondolas to make this work)

Thank you so much for making the TMB do-able for all of us.

Hi Anne. Merry Christmas. Apologies for my late reply. Absolutely you can do stage 10 and some of 11 as a day hike. You would need to get the bus or the train from Chamonix to Montroc. I would choose the train if I were you as its a lovely ride and free with the Chamonix guest card that you can get from your hotel. Read my post https://tourdumontblanchike.com/what-is-a-chamonix-guest-card-carte-dhote/ (note there is a bus stop right outside the train station at Montroc too). Disembark from the train then turn right and keep right until you reach a small car park where you’ll see an unsigned trail head – this is the trail up to Tre-Le-Champ. It won’t take you long to reach the village and you’ll be surprised by a number of carved Easter Island heads on the corner when you arrive in the hamlet. With the heads on your right, carry on straight and up to the main Col des Montets busy road. Cross and see the well signposted trail ahead of you. This is the start of stage 10 and is the traditional ladders route. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the ladders which start at the L’Aiguillette d’Argentière (a rock spire where you’ll find rock climbers climbing) and end at the Tete dux Vents, the cairn which marks the turn off for Lac Blanc. It takes me 3 hours to get to Lac Blanc from Tre-Le-Champ. It’s nice to have lunch here and admire the view before descending down to Refuge Flegere (around an hour). Then you can walk the balcony between Flegere and Brevent. It takes a couple of hours and the views of Mont Blanc are outstanding. You can then choose to take the summit cable car up to Brevent from Plan Praz (the mid station). It’s a great view up there and there is a cafe. This is a good place to end your trek as it takes a further 4-5 hours to descend from the summit of Brevent down to Les Houches to complete stage 11 so I would take the summit cable back down to Plan Praz and then catch the cable car from Plan Praz back down to the centre of Chamonix. A perfect day! Enjoy! Best wishes. Mags

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The Tour du Mont Blanc

Guided & self guided trekking holidays.

Experience one of the world’s most spectacular classic treks and join Mont Blanc Treks this summer, with our great range of professionally guided and self-guided trekking holidays.

The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the World’s top ten 'must do' treks and it's not hard to understand why, as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day. The full circuit takes you on a 170 km journey around the Mont Blanc mountain range accumulating 10,000m of height gain and descent. You will trek through three alpine regions within France, Italy and Switzerland, circumnavigating the mighty Mont Blanc which stands at 4810m.

The route is generally done in an anticlockwise direction starting and finishing in Chamonix. Having trekked the route many times, we have put together a selection of guided and self guided treks that we feel work well. The full circuit will take you 10 days and journeys through the most stunning environment day after day. For those who don't quite have the time to devote to the full circuit we have the 'Best of', a six day trek which focuses on the highlights. We also offer the Westerly section from Chamonix to Courmayeur or Easterly section from Courmayeur to Chamonix. If you prefer to be self guided, all our treks can be tailor-made to suit your needs with changes to the route and additional rest days.

See our Video and Photo Gallery for day by day visual information of the terrain and the views you will encounter. Get in touch for further information, we would love to share our passion and wealth of knowledge with you.

Our Trek Packages

Full Guided Trek

• 12 nights, 10 days trekking
• UIMLA guided trek
• 165k classic trek through France Italy & Switzerland
• Full circuit touring the ‘Mont Blanc Massif’
• Good quality accommodation
• Bag transfer included
• Rest day in Courmayeur
• Trekking in the shadow of Europe's highest mountain

Westerly Guided Trek

• 6 nights, 4 days trekking
• 65k westerly section
• Chamonix to Courmayeur
• 1 day to explore Courmayeur & Chamonix
• Breathtaking mountains views and pretty alpine villages
• Add in additional days

Easterly Guided Trek

• 7 nights, 6 days trekking
• 100k trek the easterly through Italy, Switzerland and France
• Courmayeur to Chamonix
• Spectacular alpine flora and fauna
• Stunning alpine scenery
• Add in additional days in Courmayeur or Chamonix if required

Full Circuit Self-Guided Trek

• 11 nights, 10 days trekking
• 165k full circuit starting & finishing in Chamonix
• Self-Guided Trek trek
• Hassle free independent trekking
• Flexible start date to suit you
• Maps, route cards, guide book & expert advice
• Option to select daily route using traditional Tour du Mont Blanc or variants
• Add additional days or tailor made to suit you

Best Of Self-Guided Trek

• 110k shortened 'Best of' Tour starting and finishing in Chamonix
• Maps, route cards, guide book and expert advice

Westerly Self-Guided Trek

• 65k from Classic trek from Chamonix to Courmayeur
• 1 free day to explore Courmayeur & Chamonix
• Add additional days or tailor made

Easterly Self-Guided Trek

• 100k classic trek from Courmayeur to Chamonix

Full Trek in Refuges Self-Guided Trek

• 12 nights, 11 days trekking
• 165k full circuit from Chamonix to Chamonix
• Dormitory accommodation in refuges & hotels

Best Of Refuges Self-Guided

• 7 nights, 6 day trekking
• 110k shortened 'Best of' Tour starting & finishing in Chamonix

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Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate mountain hike

Nov 9, 2023 • 6 min read

Few multiday mountain hikes rival the Tour du Mont Blanc © Quentin Boehm

If you’ve got one European long-distance hike on your bucket list, it’s probably the Tour du Mont Blanc. It was on mine, too.

Views over sparkling glaciers, Alpine prairies and lots (and lots!) of cheese await anyone who embarks on this border-crossing trek. Circling the largest peak in the Alps , Mont Blanc, the trail covers 170km (105 miles), climbs more than 10,000m (32,800ft) in cumulative altitude, and weaves through three Alpine countries: France , Italy and Switzerland . Typically, the route begins and ends in Les Houches, France, and follows a counterclockwise loop around the mountain range.

Every dream feels far away – until we start to break down what we need to do to achieve it. Here’s what it takes to hike or run the Tour du Mont Blanc.

How I prepared for the Tour du Mont Blanc

Don’t laugh at the folks who’ve sawed off the handle of their toothbrush to save on weight. Many of the climbs along the Tour du Mont Blanc are arduous, and every gram really does count. 

My first question as I prepared my bag was, Where would I sleep? Opting for camping would make the trek feel really wild, let me spend more time in nature and give a bit more flexibility about where and when I’d arrive each night. On the flip side, this would mean my home would be on my back (like a turtle), and heavy enough to reduce my walking speed significantly.

The other option was to sleep in refuges , or mountain huts. Refuges can range from rows of bunk beds to rooms that are almost luxurious – yet what they all offer in common is a dry place, sheltered from the elements. Plus (with rare exceptions), the dinners are delicious. Staying in refuges means no need to pack any camping or cooking gear, freeing up a lot of room in your backpack. 

Each refuge has its own culture and way of working, says Céline Mila, the gardienne (caretaker) of Refuge des Prés in the Contamines Valley. “Usually that means taking off your shoes before entering, and taking your trash away with you. The best way to get oriented at the refuge is by coming to see us when you arrive – it’s our job to share the mountain culture with you.”

For my 2023 Tour du Mont Blanc, I decided to stay in refuges the whole way. 

What is the best time to do the Tour du Mont Blanc?

To beat the crowds, I decided to run the tour in mid-June. Even at the onset of summer, there was still quite a bit of snow above 1800m (5900ft), and many hikers brought along small snow chains to keep from slipping. I loved the extra challenge of the snow and the cooler daytime temperatures. July and August are the busiest months for the route, when the trail can sometimes feel like a highway. By September, things slow down again – but the huts also start to close up for the winter. While weather in the mountains can vary each year, usually July and August have the highest number of stable, rain-free days.

How long does the Tour du Mont Blanc take? And what do you eat along the route?

Hikers typically complete the loop in between seven and 10 days, and the fastest trail runners complete the journey in a staggering 20 hours. Regular trail runners tend to take things a bit slower, between three and four days. 

Since I was running the loop in four days, I packed only the barest essentials so as not to weigh myself down: a pair of leggings and a long-sleeve shirt to sleep in, a thin fleece for the mornings, a light raincoat, a pair of light gloves, a change of socks, my toothbrush, sunscreen, sunglasses and a headlamp. Plus, I wanted to eat as much local food as possible: crozets (cheesy pasta) in France, pizza in Italy and croûtes (a cheesy bread melt) in Switzerland.

Dinners were included in my demi-pension , or half-board. For lunch, I usually ordered the refuge ’s picnic to eat along the way. While they’re nothing fancy, the sandwiches or even just bread, smoked meat and cheese always hit the spot.

Alix Noblat , an ultra-trail runner and specialist in nutrition in endurance sports, once told me to eat every half hour – before my stomach starts rumbling. So I always keep a snack on me, like protein bars or Snickers. Anything that can give me an energy boost is always in my pack. 

The highs and lows of the Tour du Mont Blanc

After a few days on the trail, your sense of time and distance changes. Hikers will no longer measure their day by kilometers or hours traveled – but rather by the cols , or mountain passes, that they’ve reached. The most famous ones are:

• The Col du Bonhomme, which connects the lush Contamines Nature Reserve with the Alpine pastures of the Beaufortaine.
• The Col de la Seigne, at the border between France and Italy, with a spectacular view of Mont Blanc, Aiguille du Peuteurey, Dent du Géan  and the treacherous Grandes Jorasses.
• The Col Grand Ferret, at the end of the remote Val Ferret, which brings a long, steep climb – and a descent on the other (Swiss) side that’s rolling and blissful.
• The Col de la Balme, overlooking Chamonix valley, which brings hikers back into France for the final few legs before the finish.

And don’t forget the valleys. The TBM passes through winter-sports hubs like Chamonix and Courmayeur , as well as through smaller Alpine valleys. A standout valley is the Val Ferret: the trail runs high above the lush green pastures on the valley floor, giving a splendid view of the mineral rock faces of the range on the other side. Plus, the Rifugio Walter Bonatti ’s cappuccinos are the best you’ll find anywhere above 2000m (6500ft).

Do you need to be in great shape to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

You should physically prepare for the hike, yes. Getting in shape for the TMB is a question of cardio training and foot preparation. Hikers should be fit enough to cover their desired distance each day, of course. But don’t forget to prepare your feet to avoid blisters: break in hiking shoes before the first day of the hike, and bring along anti-chafing cream if you’re worried you might have rubs. 

Ready to make it happen?

This is a trek you should book early – at least two months out – to find secure space at the refuges . Yet it can be planned at the last minute for those who prefer camping. Autour du Mont Blanc is an easy-to-use website that helps plan daily stages. You can also reserve huts here. 

The views…the food…the marmots! The Tour du Mont Blanc delivers at every step.

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Tour du Mont Blanc (Expert Guide)

Europe , France , Hikes , Italy , Mountains , Switzerland

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular treks in Europe. It covers a distance of roughly 170 kilometres and gains more than 10,000 meters of altitude over 11 stages.

In this guide we cover: what weather to expect and the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc, which huts to book, what gear you might need, and much more...

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Tour du Mont Blanc

Route overview.

The Tour du Mont Blanc covers a distance of roughly 170 kilometres and gains more than 10,000 meters of altitude over 11 stages. Most people start their hike in Les Houches, France going in an anti-clockwise direction.

During this trek you will hike in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps and spend the night in mountain huts. This is one of Europe's best hikes and is a classic alpine trek. On the hike you will get splendid views of some of the highest mountains in Western Europe, as well as glaciers and alpine meadows.

The highest point reached is 2,665 meters.

The hike passes seven valleys along the way, which means there is a lot of altitude to be gained, making the Tour du Mont Blanc a physical challenge.

Fortunately, walkers are rewarded with some of the best views you can get of Mont Blanc . The route is not only one of the most beautiful long-distance treks in Europe (up there with the Walker's Haute Route ), but one of the most popular ones as well.

Nights can be spent in either mountain huts along the route or back in the valley, where you can have the luxury of a warm bed in a hotel.

What we like and dislike about the hike

• Incredible views of the Mont Blanc massif
• Hike in three countries
• Visit the beautiful villages of Chamonix and Courmayeur along the way
• Spend the night in some of Europe's most iconic mountain huts
• More expensive than other treks in Europe due to the cost of mountain huts
• Physically challenging
• Can be crowded during the summer months

Join the full Tour du Mont Blanc Hike (10-Days)

Tour du mont blanc circuit.

Source: chamonix.net

This map illustrates the Tour du Mont Blanc route. It starts off at Les Houches, France close to the Swiss and Italian border before heading west towards the Italian side of Mont Blanc.

There are 11 stages depending on your physical level. The route is circular around the Mont Blanc Massif, crossing the borders of France, Switzerland and Italy.

In terms of a trekking map we recommend:

• Chamonix, Mont-Blanc ~ IGN Top25 3630OT 2012 (English and French Edition)

And in terms of a trekking guide we highly recommend: 

• Cicerone's The Tour du Mont Blanc: Complete two-way trekking guide

Altitude Profile

In the chart below you see the altitude profile of the full hike. It is quite clear there is a lot of altitude to be gained over the 11 stages, with the highest point reached just above 2500 meters. You can see that there are a few strenuous stages reaching high mountain passes that will require great effort.

Mont Blanc Route Itinerary

Below we have laid out the most popular version of the Tour du Mont Blanc Route – 11 days, starting and finishing in Les Houches. The itinerary includes approx. distances, hiking times and elevation changes.

Day 1:  Les Houches – Les Contamines

Distance: 16 km Ascent: 646m Descent: 633m Hiking time: 5hrs

Easy first stage along, this is the most roadway you will see during the trek. The best views are to be seen at Col de Voza, where you get a look at Dome du Gouter and Aiguille de Bionnasay, with the glacier splitting it in half.

Day 2:  Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

Distance: 18 km Change in elevation:  1316m+, 929m- Hiking time: 7.5hrs

A bit tougher than the first stage. Especially, since there is quite some altitude to be gained and distance covered.

Day 3:  Les Chapieux – Rifugio Elisabetta

Distance: 15 km Change in elevation: 1004m+, 258m- Hiking time: 4.5hrs

This is the day you will leave France and enter Italy via Col de la Seigne. Despite being a short day, there still is some elevation to be gained as you will pass Col de la Seigne. At the highest point, you will gain some great views of both France and Italy and gaze into Val Veni. This is the first night you will spend in a mountain hut.

Day 4:  Rifugio Elisabetta – Courmayeur

Distance: 18 km Change in elevation: 460m+, 1560m- Hiking time: 5hrs

Another short day, since you will mainly be descending. Still, some great views will be shared before reaching Courmayeur, the Italian equivalent of Chamonix.

Day 5:  Courmayeur– Rifugio Bonatti

Distance: 12 km Change in elevation: 860m+, 101m- Hiking time: 4.5hrs

Often described as the most scenic stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc. With views on the glaciers of Planpincieux and Frebouze it’s not hard to see why. The high route along the Mont de la Saxe Crest is thought of as one of the best viewpoints of the southside of the Mont Blanc.

Day 6:  Rifugio Bonatti – La Fouly

Distance: 20 km Change in elevation: 895+, 1410m- Hiking time: 6.5hrs

Today will cross another border and enter Switzerland. Cowbells and tiny villages that have been stuck in time are your scenery for the next few days.

Day 7:  La Fouly - Champex

Distance: 15 km Change in elevation: 420m+, 565m- Hiking time: 4hrs

This probably is the easiest stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc since there are no cols to be conquered. This stage mainly is a valley trek with some great charming villages along the way. However impressive views of the mountains remain.

Day 8:  Champex – Col de la Forclaz

Distance: 16 km Change in elevation: 742m+, 682m- Hiking time: 4.5hrs

There are two ways to reach Col de la Forclaz. A lower route via Alp Bovine, or the more scenic and higher route along the Trient Glacier. This latter passes the Fenetre d’Arpette, the highest point on the Tour du Mont Blanc, and should only be considered in good weather.

Day 9:  Col de la Forclaz – Tre le Champ

Distance: 13 km Change in elevation: 1069m+, 1168m- Hiking time: 5.5hrs

From this point you re-enter France via Col de Balme. A lot of elevation is to be gained and lost, which makes the stage a strenuous one.

Day 10:  Tre le Champ – Refuge Flegere

Distance: 8 km Change in elevation: 733m+, 257m- Hiking time: 3.5hrs

Short stage, but with some ascent. You will spend another night in a mountain hut. Refuge Flegere offers great views and is a perfect last night in the mountains before arriving in Les Houches the next day. There are some ladders to be climbed before reaching the refuge however.

Day 11:  Refuge Flegere – Les Houches

Distance: 17 km Change in elevation: 772m+, 1546m- Hiking time: 6.5hrs

This last stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc goes along Le Brevent in the Aiguille Rouge. There are some splendid views of the Chamonix Valley before finally descending and arriving back in Les Houches.

Video Overview

A beautiful video overview, filmed with a GoPro, of the Tour du Mont Blanc by Eugenio psnt .

Join a Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

Frequently asked questions, how much does the tour du mont blanc trek cost.

The cost of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek is dependent on whether you plan to do a self-guided hike or join a planned tour. Self guided hikes cost in the region of $1500 (estimate of $50-$75 dollars a day). Most mountain huts / gites are around $50 (incl. breakfast). 

Guided trekking tours can be quite expensive since not only do you pay for the guiding service, but you eat and spend most nights in hotels or mountain huts. This mostly includes a luggage transfer to your next accommodation as well, so you can hike with a small backpack. Guided tours range from $2000-$3500, depending on the company / season / size of the group.

Self guided is the cheaper option, however, it does mean you carry more weight in your backpack and some planning of logistics in the weeks / months before.  

Are permits required for the Tour du Mont Blanc trek?

No permits are required for the Tour du Mont Blanc trek.

When is the best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc Route?

The best time to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc is between July-September, but exact start and end dates depend on the amount and timing of the previous winter’s snowfall and the onset of cold weather in the Autumn. 

Since the Tour du Mont Blanc crosses high passes, snow could create problems / dangerous conditions. Therefore in a normal year it is not advisable to set out before July. In the summer months, mid-July through to end of August, are the busiest, and temperatures during the day can rise to 25 degrees. Nonetheless, thunderstorms or a dump of snow is possible as well. 

By the end of September, huts will close and it might get a lot harder to complete the trek.

Is altitude sickness a risk?

No, you will cross passes slightly higher than 2500 meter and since you’re hiking slowly to this altitude, you have more than sufficient time to acclimatize. Most people don’t feel any symptoms of altitude sickness before reaching 3000-3500 meter.

How difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc trek?

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc comes with great rewards. Rewards that will be more easily gathered when physically fit and mentally attuned. There are many steep and uphill sections to conquer, so exercising regularly at home before the trek is necessary to get in shape for the physical demands of this route. Mental fitness is as important and often go hand in hand. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc is doable for any fit mountain walkers who are able to hike between 5h and 7h30 min per day for several days in a row.

If you are finding the trek tough there are a few sections where you can use public transport to shorten your hike.

What gear do I need?

To do a serious trek like the Tour du Mont Blanc, appropriate clothing and equipment is a must.

Some comfortable lightweight trekking boots are a must to enjoy this trek, while good waterproofs might be essential, not only to protect you against rain or snowfall but to double as wind-proofs. Since you’ll be crossing passes of more than 2500 meters, gloves and several layers will prove useful. Trekking poles are a good way to not overload your knees and ankles

To help you plan and prepare for your trek we recommend our Tour du Mont Blanc packing list .

What travel insurance do I need?

Trekking insurance is important when going into the mountains. See our  article on insurance for more information.

Do I have to carry my own gear all the way?

It’s up to you. There are many organisations offering guided trips for this hike, meaning they do all the logistics for you. This often includes a luggage transfer to your next accommodation in the valley, so you only need to carry a small backpack with some lunch, snacks and clothes.

Browse more hikes in Europe

See our top European hikes picks, or check out these popular hikes.

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• Slovenian Mountain Trail

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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Hi Dempsey,

I’ve been thinking about doing that hiking for a long time and I think, after this pandemic crisis, it’s the time to see my dream coming true. I hope to do it as soon as possible, and to see it how beautiful the nature around is. Stay safe,

João Leite.

Wife and I are interested in doing this in last half of August. I know it is (too) late to reserve now. We plan to show up and hope for the best, perhaps taking advantage of late cancellations on a guided/luggage transfer arrangement. Any advice?

Hi Mike, there are a few dates available on this TMB highlights tour, which is amazing if you’re looking for a short circuit: https://www.skyhookadventure.com/trips/tour-du-mont-blanc-highlights

We work with local guides to offer great value adventures at unbeatable prices

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Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Tours

Tour du mont blanc.

• Hike Europe's incredible, world-famous long-distance Alpine route
• Awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views at every bend of the trail
• Three countries in one hike; France, Italy & Switzerland
• Savor delicious classic cuisine, from tasty cheeses to local wines
• Stay in traditional alpine mountain huts or cozy historic hotels
• Hassle-free hiking: all our trips include bag transfer & 24/7 phone support

Circling Western Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc (15,780 ft), this 100-mile alpine trail crosses through three beautiful European countries- France, Italy and Switzerland. With far-reaching landscapes, wildflower meadows, high mountain passes, and snow-covered peaks, this glorious route is the epitome of an alpine adventure. The unmatched sunsets and alpenglow are the perfect complement to the unique mountain culture of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Not only do we have unrivaled knowledge and expertize in the area, we’ve also sent thousands of Macs customers on the TMB and refined our tours to provide the most fulfilling self-guided hiking experience. Self-guided hiking means having the freedom to explore independently at your own pace, along well-waymarked routes, with our 24/7 first-class support. The hiking days are consistently long and remote, making it a suitable accomplishment for the experienced long-distance hiker.

The option to choose between the Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort , staying in cozy hotels, and the Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts , staying in traditional mountain huts, allows hikers to choose their experience based on their preferences. Staying in the huts not only immerses you in the mountain culture but also fosters comradery with fellow hikers, adding to the overall sense of adventure and community.

Featured Tours - Tour du Mont Blanc

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort (extended)

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Classic Walks of Mont Blanc

Discover tour du mont blanc.

It's an awesome, long distance circular hike around the mountain of Mont Blanc, crossing three countries – France, Switzerland and Italy.

We've constructed various routes to choose from. Complete the full route , which is around 100 miles or if you're short of vacation time, just the best stages .

The highest elevation you'll reach is 8,823 ft, which is at the mountain pass ‘Grand Col Ferret’. This is on the Italy / Swiss border – so you can have your feet in both countries!

July to mid-September is the time to travel. Outside this period snow can be problematic.

There's a lot of ascent– in total a staggering 34,776 ft but the incredible views and experience you're rewarded with, make the journey worth it!

HUTS - Tours In Huts

Traditional mountain huts (refuges/rifugios) create a sense of comradery, mountain culture, and good spirits. Dining is a communal event where one pot meals served by the local hut owners are enjoyed round a long table with other travelers. This is often a highlight where memories are made. Chat with fellow trekkers, exchange stories from the previous days, and get excited about future hikes.

The beds are set up dormitory style and are either bunk beds or raised mattresses next to each other. The dorm rooms range from sleeping 4 to 20 people and are mixed gender. The huts have shared and mixed gender restroom facilities.

COMFORT - Tours In Comfort

The 'In Comfort' tours offer overnight stays in historic alpine hotels nestled in iconic TMB mountain towns. We hand-pick the hotels for their location, welcoming staff members, and local cuisine.

On some nights there are no alternatives to mountain huts. In these instances, we try to book you in a private room. These will most likely have shared restroom facilities and may not have a double bed option.

The best place to view all the tours together is in the ‘featured tours' on this page. From here you can select your tour depending on the below questions.

• The majority of days are 12 miles longs with ascent and descent.
• How many days am I able to walk back to back this distance
• How fit do I need to be for the TMB
• We offer 14 days / 12 days / 8 days or 5 day tours.
• Hotels with the odd night in a private room in a refuge
• Huts in dormitories rooms

We have several excellent blogs with further information, our favorites are: 25 Frequently Asked Questions and Top tips for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Raclette - A type of cheese that's melted and eaten with potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions and cured A type of melted cheese that is enjoyed with potatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions and cured meats. Raclette is just as delicious as it is filling. Depending on the hut, the cheese will either be melted over a personal table-top grill or a massive hot iron and will coat your plate and toppings.

Tartiflette - Reblochon cheese melted over a mixture of potatoes, onions, bacon and chives. It's the epitome of alpine comfort food—providing the perfect balance of warmth and satisfaction, especially after a long day on the trail.

Rosti - A Swiss version of Tartiflette that includes grated fried potatoes covered in Gruyére cheese and topped with ham and often a fried egg. Mushrooms are also often added, traditionally foraged from the surrounding hills.

Beers - If you enjoy a drink, be sure to look out for Bierre Leman and Veyrat - two local beers that are often served in the area.

Wine - There's a French belief that wine expresses the characteristics of the area it's grown in. If you enjoy wine, we absolutely recommend you taste the local varieties along the way!

Génépi - A local liqueur often enjoyed after dinner, Génépi tends to be an acquired taste with a sweet herbal chamomile and absinthe flavor. We encourage anyone with adventurous palates to try this!

Great news - Luggage transfer is included as standard. This means you are able to enjoy the hiking with just your essentials in your daypack.

Our responsible and friendly baggage handlers will take you main suitcase/luggage to your next overnight destination. As they move hundreds of bags each day, they can only accommodate one 33lbs bag, per person.

The Bonatti Refuge and Lac Blanc Refuge are incredible alpine mountain huts that you may stay in during your trip. Due to their remote location, they are inaccessible by road. Therefore, you will need to carry your overnight items on these days if you are booked in Bonatti or Lac Blanc, but no stress, you will be reunited with your main bag the following day!

Availability dependent, the 'complete' TMB tours will have an overnight at Refugio Bonatti, and the 'complete in huts' will have nights in both Bonatti and Lac Blanc.

Macs Adventure has been running self-guided hiking adventures on the Tour du Mont Blanc since 2010.

Follow Bill and Malin on their TMB journey! 

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Well and Good Travel

The Foolproof Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary: 10-Days

10 days of hiking in the Alps – the ULTIMATE wellness trip if you ask me. This Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided itinerary follows the traditional TMB route, includes tips, daily trail specs, and accommodation suggestions, and addresses some of the most common questions you might be asking yourself as you begin planning your tour.

The Tour du Mont Blanc, or the TMB, is a 105-mile (170 km) trail that circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. The TMB is often considered one of the most beautiful through-hikes in the world, introducing hikers from around the globe to the exquisite and dramatic scenery of the Alps.

👉 Don’t forget travel insurance for this trip! I always use SafetyWing !

Want to save yourself a lot of planning time? Check out Skyhook Adventures’ 10-day guided trek if you want all of your accommodations, food, and transportation taken care of!

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary 10 Days

This itinerary does not include, but I recommend, staying in Chamonix for a couple of days before and after your tour, first to acclimate and then to relax.

The TMB is broken up into “stages”. Traditionally, there are 11 stages but depending on how many days you want to trek you can find different versions of the stages.

During your planning, and your trekking, take all distance, time, and elevation markers or estimations with a grain of salt. Mileage on GPS and in guidebooks and blogs rarely match up, and there are a lot of variables that affect the accuracy of the time estimations. The trail markers seem to allot 30 minutes for every mile, but depending on your age, the weather, and what shape you’re in, that will be different for every person. For your own sake, just always assume you’ll have an additional mile or 30 minutes 🙂

Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Specs:

• Distance: 105 miles / 170 kilometers
• Route Type:  Loop
• Starting Point: Les Houches (traditionally)
• Direction: Counter-clockwise (although it can also be hiked clockwise)
• Total Elevation Gain/Loss:   33,632ft / 10,251 m
• Maximum Altitude: 8,500 ft / 2600 m
• Days To Hike: 7-12 days
• Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
• Difficulty: Difficult (never flat, always up or down)

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary Disclaimers:

• Most stages have alternative route options, or “variants”, as they are called. This itinerary follows the traditional TMB route, except for day 10. Refer to the recommended guidebooks for variant options.
• Some stages have options to use public transport and lifts/gondolas to accelerate and shorten the path. This itinerary discloses any shortcuts by calling out *SHORTCUT*.
• There are many mountain huts/refuges along the TMB to choose from. This allows for total personalization of your trek. The huts recommended in this 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary are huts that I stayed in and will provide my honest opinion about.

Day 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines

Do not get off at the first stop in Les Houches – stay on until you see the Office de Tourismo (on your left). Here you will see the TMB starting point arch. Take a photo and walk onward for about 10 minutes until you see the “Telecabine Bellevue”. *SHORTCUT* This will cut off a 2600 ft / 800 m climb through the forest. Begin your trek at the top of this cable car.

You’ll pass through many towns and villages today, and you won’t feel very “out there”. The signage is decent, just make sure you pay attention and don’t pass any turnoffs. Use the guidebooks and GPS for support.

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km (if you take the cable car, 11 if you don’t)

⛰️ Elevation Gain: ~ 1000 ft / 300 m (if you take the cable car, 3550 ft if you don’t)

✔ Estimated hiking time: 5 hours (with cable car)

💤 Where to stay: Gai Soleil

Gai Soleil is a quaint and quiet hotel just off the main road in Les Contamines. There is a lovely yard to relax in after hiking all day. The rooms are basic but very comfortable with amazing views. Breakfast was great and there is wifi. I would recommend staying here.

Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

💪 This is one of the most challenging days of this 10-day tour du mont blanc itinerary.

Today you will climb over two Cols (mountain passes). You will see fewer towns and be pleasantly surprised by the beauty that is everywhere. Be prepared for lots of elevation gain and possible weather. It can get very cold (and wet!) at the top of the cols.

When you begin to descend from the second col, you’ll pass Croix du Bonhomme – a refuge. Stop here for hot chocolate or coffee but DO NOT stay here (outhouses, flies, no showers, etc).

BONUS: Look out and listen for lots of Marmots as you descend from Croix du Bonhomme!

✔ Mileage: 14 miles / 22.5 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 4500 ft /3000 ft down

✔ Estimated hiking time: 7 hours

💤 Where to stay: Auberge de la Nova

You will see the Auberge immediately as you descend into Les Chapieux (there isn’t much else here!). Try to get a private room if you can – unless you are fully comfortable sleeping in dorms. The dinner was one of the best dinners of the trek! Hot showers but no wifi or service.

ALSO READ: Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List 🥾 👚 👖 🧳

Day 3: Les Chapieux to Rifugio Cabane du Combal

🌀 One of the most beautiful days of the trek!

Today you will get your first view of Mont Blanc from the trail and cross over into Italy via Col de la Seigne. To begin, take a bus from Les Chapieux to Les Mottets (NOT Ville des Glaciers).  *SHORTCUT* This will cut about an hour and a half of walking on a skinny paved road which made sense to us (and most others).

There is a small wooden information center in Les Chapieux, just outside Auberge de la Nova. You can buy bus tickets here – try and buy them the night before in order to get the first bus, otherwise, you may have to wait until the 9 am bus (or just walk).

BONUS: When you get to Cabane du Combal, continue on another 10 minutes to see Lac Miage and the adjacent moraine – you’ll see the signs outside the rifugio. If you sit and listen at the top, you’ll hear small rockslides happen every few minutes as a result of the melting glacier.

The All Trails map linked below maps you to Rifugio Elisabetta. A lot of people like to stay here but I saw the sleeping area and would highly recommend continuing on to Cabane du Combal. It’s another 30 minutes and 1.5 miles on FLAT gravel road. Definitely stop at Elisabetta for a cappuccino though. You’ll have to climb up their long and steep driveway but it is worth it!

✔ Mileage: 10 miles / 16 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3400 ft / 1036 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 5.5 hours

💤 Where to stay: Cabane du Combal

Cabane du Combal is a very sweet rifugio with large, clean rooms and the dinner was really very good. They tend to get herds of ibex hanging around (hence their logo), so be on the lookout! We saw several here 🙂 Lastly, there is no wifi or service here.

ALSO READ: Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges: Everything You Need to Know

Day 4: Cabane du Combal to Rifugio Maison Vieille

🌀 One of the most beautiful days of this tour du mont blanc itinerary!

This was one of my absolute favorite days. It was a short day but SO beautiful. On several days you trek through villages and towns, but this day you are just in the mountains the entire time. You’ll be walking at eye level with glaciers and alongside grazing sheep and cows. Take your time and admire the beauty in every direction.

ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY: As much as we loved Maison Vielle, I recommend continuing past Rifugio Maison Vielle and booking a hotel in Courmayeur. Courmayeur is the largest town you will go through and a great opportunity to stay somewhere nicer, and it will balance out the distances on days 4 and 5. The Alltrails map below goes to Courmayeur.

✔ Mileage: 6 miles / 9.6 km (to Maison Vieille)

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1900 ft / 600 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 3 – 4 hours

💤 Where to stay: Rifugio Maison Vieille

As I mentioned, I would continue on to Courmayeur. However, if you choose to stay at Maison Vieille you can spend the afternoon lounging in lawn chairs and sipping on cold beers. This is a popular lunch stop for day hikers so it’s very busy and fun. They only have dorms – no private rooms, FYI. But, they do have wifi.

Day 5: Rifugio Maison Vieille to Rifugio Walter Bonatti

Maison Vieille is situated at the top of a ski lift. When you depart on day 5 you can either sleep in and wait for the ski lift to open at 9 am to take you down to Dolonne or you can walk down the very steep descent which will take you about 2 hours. * This is another reason to stay in Courmayeur because you can take the ski lift down in the afternoon the day before.

*SHORTCUT* We chose to save our knees and took the ski lift as soon as it opened. You have to take a Gondola following the lift which drops you in Dolonne. You’ll walk about 10 minutes to Courmayeur. Build in some time to walk around and get some coffee if you can because it’s very cute here.

Next, begin your ascent through a paved neighborhood and then into a popular wooded hiking area. Stop at the top at Rifugio Bertone for a snack and beverage and then continue on. Today is another day of hiking eye to eye with massive glaciers… in fact, you’ll be sleeping directly across from one at Rifugio Bonatti!

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km (from Maison Vieille)

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3600 ft / 1100 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 6 hours

💤 Where to stay: Rifugio Walter Bonatti

Rifugio Bonatti is situated directly across from a massive glacier – it is an unbelievable location. The rifugio is a little newer and offers dorms and private rooms that are quite comfortable and clean. The dinner was pretty good. You have to get a coin for the shower and only get 4 minutes. There is no wifi, but some service. Although, if you ask nicely the staff might share the wifi password.

Day 6: Rifugio Walter Bonatti to La Fouly

On day 6 of this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, you’ll cross over into Switzerland. This is an absolutely stunning day of hiking, especially the climb to Grand Col Ferret (tough!). Prepare to see lots of rolling green hills, glaciers, cows, and sheep.

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3200 ft. / 975 m

⏳ Estimated hiking time: 7 hours

💤 Where to stay: Auberge des Glaciers

This Auberge is right in the center of town – as soon as you enter La Fouly you will see it. The rooms were cute (private) and the showers were hot! Dinner was delicious but it was an expensive auberge/refuge. Conveniently, there is a market right next door if you need to stock up on snacks.

Day 7: La Fouly to Champex

Day 7 is one of the easier days of this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary. You will be in the forest most of the time. Look for wooden animal carvings along the whole trail. This day was very rainy for us – several people ended up taking the bus from La Fouly to Champex to avoid hiking in the rain. We were soaked by the time we got to La Fouly but ultimately we were glad we didn’t take the bus. You’ll pass through some really interesting and tiny Swiss towns today – not the most exciting day though.

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 2000 ft. / 609 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 4.5 hours

💤 Where to stay: Hotel Splendide

I had originally booked Hotel Belvedere, but when we arrived I was informed I accidentally booked it for the night before. They didn’t have room for us the night we needed it but it ended up being a BLESSING IN DISGUISE. Belvedere was very dark and dingy and the husband of the husband-wife combo was RUDE. We went next door to Hotel Splendide which happened to have a cancellation. It was such a treat to stay there. The rooms are sweet and gorgeous – amazing views and breakfast!!

Day 8: Champex to Trient

This day was challenging for us, mentally. Not incredibly tough but it felt very long. This was the easiest stage to get lost, in my opinion. When you leave Champex Lac, stay on the main road through town, following the TMB signs. If you turn off the road too soon you’ll find yourself in a maze of trails and the GPS is unreliable here. You’ll see a large boulder with “bovine TMB” painted on it. This is where you turn off.

When you reach Trient, continue on another km (15 minutes) to reach Le Peuty – it’s on the map.

BONUS: If you do the main route and not a variant, you’ll pass by Alp Bovine, a small unassuming rustic restaurant in the hills. The homemade tarts are AMAZING. The views and atmosphere are warm and authentic. A must-stop.

✔ Mileage: 12.5 miles / 20 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 2800 ft. / 853 m

💤 Where to stay: Le Peuty

I booked Le Peuty on a whim because it looked unique and fun and wow am I so glad I did. This was one of, if not the top place of all the places we stayed in this tour du mont blanc itinerary. The atmosphere and vibes here are unbeatable. There is a dorm above the kitchen, a huge field for camping, and one private yurt. I booked early enough that I was able to get the yurt and it was awesome. The BEST part of our stay though was hands down the food. Dinner was cooked fresh from scratch and could have come from a multi-star restaurant. Breakfast was equally as delicious. Best food and best vibes of the trip.

Day 9: Trient to Tre le Champ

This was one of our favorite days of the TMB. Our bodies felt conditioned to the daily grind and the weather and views were gorgeous. You’ll return to France today, via Col du Balme. It’s a steep ascent to the top so stop at the top for a coffee or beer (and photos!). As you reach the top you regain an unobstructed view of Mont Blanc and it remains in site the rest of the trek.

✔ Mileage: 10.5 miles / 17 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3400 ft. / 1036 m

💤 Where to stay: Auberge la Boerne

The location of this Auberge is great, it’s very cute and rustic, unique, and has a very cool history. However, the dorm we stayed in was literally the size of a closet (not joking see pictures). It was fine – just funny. The dinner was also not very good – maybe the worst of the whole trip. All part of the experience though! I’d probably choose to stay here again versus hiking down into Argentiere if that’s any consolation.

Day 10: Tre le Champ to Chamonix

The final stretch! Today you will go through the “ladder section” which you will hear about during your TMB planning. It is a little nerve-wracking, but totally doable so don’t be deterred. If you have an intense fear of heights, you can avoid the ladders by doing the Col Des Montets variant.

We decided to take our first variant today and go to Lac Blanc. It adds on another hour or so and a bit of elevation gain but the views are worth it in my opinion. And the hike out of Lac Blanc is very cool and different from much of the rest of the path.

When you reach the ski lift, take it down to La Flegere, then continue on the TMB path to the Plan Praz gondola. This will drop you in Chamonix! Below is the trail map to La Flegere. If you want to do the Lac Blanc variant, just follow the signs once you get to the top of the ladder section.

There are a number of options to descend into the Chamonix valley (i.e. at La Flegere, Plan Praz, or further along) so decide what is best for you. We felt strong when we reached La Felgere so we decided to continue to Plan Praz. You do NOT need to buy lift cable car tickets ahead of time. However, make sure you get there before they close (5 pm).

✔ Mileage: 11.5 miles / 18.5 km

⛰️ Elevation Gain: 3200 ft. / 990 m

💤 Where to stay: Grand Hotel des Alpes

Treat yourself! Stay at the Grand Hotel des Alpes , in the center of Chamonix. They have an amazing spa with a gorgeous sauna and hot tub area (this was the major selling point for me). The rooms are stunning and the beds are amazing just stay here!!

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary Planning Resources

Blog posts, facebook groups, the official TMB website, GPS and weather apps, and guidebooks are all of the resources you will need to plan and hike your tour du mont blanc itinerary.

This Facebook group is very active and super helpful. People share their experiences, share all sorts of tips, and provide a decently accurate picture of what the current conditions and situation is on the trail.

I carried Jim Manthorpe’s Tour du Mont Blanc guidebook (2nd edition) with me and while it is not always 100% accurate, the detailed maps and elevation and distance charts were really helpful. He also covers all of the different variants available to you.

The official TMB website is a somewhat helpful planning resource. It is also the only way to book some of the refuges so if you plan on staying in mountain huts you will need to utilize this site.

Meteoblue is a helpful weather app to have – again, not always accurate of course but it’s more detailed than weather.com.

Tour du Mont Blanc Alltrails

While not always accurate, alltrails was the best GPS app for us. There are a number of route options that are downloadable. This way, if you don’t have service (which you won’t) you can still use the map. Alltrails has all of the traditional stages mapped out, as well as variants, alternative stages, and the entire loop even.

You will need to create an AllTrails account. Search for your desired stage, crosscheck it with guidebooks to make sure it’s accurate, and then download it. While you are hiking you will be able to go into the app and click on the respective stage and the app’s GPS will follow along the route.

FAQs About the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

If you are just getting started with your TMB planning, I’m sure you have a LOT of questions. Don’t worry, everything will start to make sense and come together. It seems more daunting than it actually is. Hopefully, this FAQ gets you off to a good start!

What is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

August. I hiked this tour du mont blanc itinerary August 13th-22th and it rained two of those days. Earlier August you may see less rain, but I think generally anytime in August is a great time to hike the TMB. It was in the 80s in Chamonix, but higher up on the trail it was perfect hiking weather (60s and 70s).

If you go in June, you may encounter remnants of winter, in July it may be scorching hot, and in September it could snow. That being said, the trail will be busy June through September.

How much water should I carry on the TMB?

At least two liters. Although, you may need three liters during the hottest months or if you are planning on hiking longer distances than most people each day.

I carried two 1 liter Nalgene’s (I am not a fan of camelbacks) and never ran out of water. There are several water troughs along the route to refill if you are running low, although I recommend that you never begin the day with less than two liters just in case.

There are some occasions, particularly towards the end of summer, when the water is not flowing in all of the troughs along the trail. That being said, we found at least one water refill trough at every stage – and usually several.

How far in advance should I plan my Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary?

Approximately, 6 to 10 months. If you plan on staying in refuges/mountain huts along the trail, you’ll need to book them well in advance. I booked all of our accommodations about 7 months ahead of our trip. If you plan on camping you have some more freedom to start your planning later.

Do I have to start the TMB in Les Houches, Chamonix?

No, absolutely not! Les Houches is the “official” starting point, and made the most sense for us because we wanted to spend time in Chamonix before and after our trek. However, there are several other starting points – pretty much any main town along the path can be a starting point. The only other starting point I would consider, personally, is Courmayeur.

How do I book the refuges?

The refuges, also called mountain huts, rifugios, and auberges, depending on what country you’re in, can be somewhat challenging to reserve. They need to be booked early if you want a guaranteed spot, and they all have different booking processes. For more information on how to book the refuges, refer to my post Refuges: Everything You Need to Know .

What gear do I need for the TMB?

See my Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List .

What To Expect on The Trail

• A variety of weather! Make sure you pack for every condition.
• Wildlife! Specifically, marmots, ibex, chamois, vultures, deer, sheep, cows, and goats.
• Crowds. The TMB is one of the most famous treks in the world, you are going to be hiking with a lot of people. There are days when you may not see many people, but most days you will see a lot. One positive is that it makes the trek feel very safe and is a great option for solo female hikers.
• Wild berries! You will find wild blueberries along much of the route, and occasionally some wild raspberries.
• Water refill stations. As I mentioned earlier, there are several water refill troughs along each leg of the hike. Make sure to always pack enough water for the day in case they are dry. Check Facebook groups to know the status of the water before you go.

Wrap-Up: Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary 10 Days

So, if you are on the fence about hiking the TMB, let me just give you a little push. Allow yourself to breathe in the freshest of air, to gravel at the massive glaciers all around you, to sleep in places so remote that the stars seem brighter and more abundant than any place you’ve ever been. Give yourself a screen break, clear your head, and meet amazing people from around the world. Eat fresh homemade food every day, and drink untouched mountain spring water.

Use this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary as a starting point – take what works for you and customize the rest to your needs.

Jade Gershen is the founder of Well and Good Travel. She has lived on three continents and explored more than 20 countries in the past 10 years. U.S. based, she also shares her favorite places to go and things to do in the States. Having experienced the impacts of chronic stress Jade has a particular interest in using travel and outdoor adventure to improve well-being and shares that with her readers.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Itinerary – 5 Days on the TMB with GPS Map & packing list

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5 Day Itinerary for Lightweight Backpacking from Chamonix to Rifugio Bonatti

Explore the French and Italian Alps Hiking Actually Hiking AROUND Mont Blanc with this Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary.

Do you have a week of vacation and want to maximize your sense of WONDER by:

• Feeling the luscious burn of hiking around Europe’s highest peak –
• Hearing the tinkle of alpine cow bells –
• Tasting cheese from said cows munching wild herbs on the mountaintop –
• Seeing incredible and varied Alpine landscapes, wildflowers and wild animals –
• Sleeping in comfortable beds each night –
• Drinking locals wines and tasty beers on the top of a mountain –
• Experiencing French, Italian and Swiss culture all in one trek –
• and totally UNPLUGGING from the world below….

The Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary hike offers a chance to connect to what really counts and you don’t have to be a mountaineer to do it. Training ahead of time is adviseable, but I followed along a family last year that did it with 2 six year olds and a 2 year old toddler.

Read until the end where you can download and print a packing list with everything you need to do the trek, but keep your backpack light.

Protip: Staying in a mountain refuge is not exactly a hotel. Learn more with my detailed guide to the accommodations on the Tour du Mont Blanc and what the average costs of the TMB are.

A light backpack = A Happy hiker.

Final Verdict: Ways to Book a Hut to Hut Hiking Trip

Self-Guided Tour Planning Service

• [Self-Guided] - You're on your own once you start
• Must book in Oct to Jan of year prior to hike
• Fully done for you route
• Service finds and books your huts
• Maps provided on app

What we liked: The logistics of the TMB and other hut to hut hikes can be very daunting, especially if you don't speak Italian and French. 

Note: Lesser known trails are often easier to book.  

• Ease of route
• No finding or dealing with huts
• Tapping into expertise
• No waiting for slow hikers
• No feeling rushed if you're slower
• Less control of dates
• No guide on the trail
• Unknown - you didn't "plan"

Guided Group Tour : 4 Days

• small groups (<10 typically)
• local Chamonix guides
• all transfers/breakfast/dinner/accommodations included
• airport transfer included
• stay in the insanely beautiful Rifugio Bonatti and other huts at high elevation

What we liked:   Designed for busy people that want to experience the highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc without having to take 2 weeks of their precious vacation time.  Everything is done-for-you and you can show up and relax in the most stunning mountains. 

Note: The standard price includes shared rooms in the huts.

• All transfers included
• Best price for a guided trip
• Local Chamonix Guides
• At the mercy of group pace
• Not the full circuit

DIY: Book Your Own Huts

• Cheapest Option
• Most Freedom
• Take side excursions as you like

What we liked: The challenge of it.  It's so fun to route plan, find trails and the huts you want.  Often it's not the expense saved, but the learning of the trail while planning that is satisfying. 

Note: Be prepared to spend some time with spreadsheets and wait weeks for replies from hut owners.  BONUS:  Click on the link to watch my 10 part video series on HOW to book a hut to hut trip.  It's a Dolomites hut trip but it's basically the same process for TMB. 

• Cheapest option
• Most freedom
• Learn the Trail by planning
• You must be organized
• Map skills are essential

• campgrounds can be crowded
• reservations often needed in advance
• Wild camping is prohibited or limited by elevation

Not really my favorite thing for hut to hut trails in Europe. The huts are quite often the best part of the hiking trip and the rules are so complicated about wild camping.

• Price is good
• More Flexibilty
• Wild camping is tricky
• Rules change
• harder and heavier pack

5 Days Itinerary TMB Map

Magical 5 Day Backpacking Trip Around the highest Peak in Europe

Example tour du mont blanc itinerary.

Follow along my journey of planning my first time hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc. The past 3 years I’ve planned summer hiking treks in the Dolomites and this year I wanted to tackle the famous Tour du Mont Blanc that spans 3 countries. You actually start in France, walk to Italy and then Switzerland and back to France. Very Cool!

I got started in December to book mountain refuges and found limited offerings on this top-rated trekking trail in Europe . Next time, I would begin the work early in September to book refuges.

We were limited to less than a week for travel so I picked the best 5 days on the trail that made sense for our group of travelers.

Tour du Mont Blanc in 5 Days

Tour du mont blanc backpacking trek.

5 Day Section – 1st Half Location:  Mont Blanc, France & Italy Distance:  45.3 mile Loop with Bus Time: Approximately 5-7 hours daily Elevation:  🔼17,050 ft 🔽13,700 ft Difficulty:  Moderate due to rocky terrain and elevation gain Where to Stay on Final night: Armancette Hôtel, Chalets & Spa in Chamonix

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary for 1 Week of Vacation

It would be so nice to do the entire circle around Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest peak. However, my friends and I work at jobs that prohibit taking off weeks at a time to go trekking. So the next best thing is to do the first half of the trail and plan it so that we spend the least amount of time on buses.

Fortunately, there’s a tunnel under Mont Blanc with bus service so it makes it easy to begin hiking at the traditional start in Les Houches and walk 5 days to Rifugio Bonatti and take a bus back to the start.

Getting to the Tour du Mont Blanc

Geneva is the closest airport where you can rent a car or take a regularly scheduled bus to Chamonix. Once inside Chamonix you can walk everywhere within the town.

2 Days in Chamonix

Chamonix is a nice place to relax before the hike because there are many hotels, restaurants and things to do and it’s a 15 min drive to the trailhead in Les Houches.

The day before the hike we will take two cars the end of our hike near Rifugio Bonnati and park the big car in a free public parking lot. Both drivers will then return to Chamonix and we’ll leave a car there.

Without cars you can utilize bus ARRIVA I59055 towards Funivia Sky Way (30) to return to Chamonix from Courmayeur. In effect you’ll walk one way and take the bus back to the start. There are many buses that connect Geneva to Chamonix and Chamonix to the trailhead in Les Houches. Check the bus timetables here .

Tour du Mont Blanc Difficulty

This hike is not especially technical but it’s certainly challenging due to the amount of elevation change. Prepare your knees and bring your trekking poles because 🔼17,050 ft 🔽13,700 ft is a lot over 5 days. I’m going to guess that the decent to Courmayeur at the end of the day will sting a bit.

Stages Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary 5 Days

From luxury alpine town in france to luxury alpine town in italy by foot.

Arrival Day: Get to Chamonix, France. Stay there the night before big hike and get a lot of sleep. There are many bus and private taxi or van connections from airports such as Geneva, Switzerland.

Tour du Mont Blanc Route

Get a hiking app for your Mont Blanc itinerary that is GPS enabled and download your track to your phone before the hike. This will ensure your phone can help you stay on the correct trail even without service. I like Komoot because you can plan day by day and have planned this TMB hiking trip here. But you can use whichever one is best for your TMB itinerary.

Tour du Mont Blanc Hike Map

If you are new to the world of hiking apps please read my article on how to use komoot app for hiking. It’s a total game changer and not really that hard to learn. I’m a huge fan of the multi-day option for paid subscribers. It gave me options on all the accommodations nearby the trail to make it really easy to plan distances.

Tour du Mont Blanc Trail

Stage 1: les houches to les contamines.

Monday July 10 – Day 1:

Hike 16.4 km

Enjoy a relatively easy warm up to the trail and we can use the gondola to shave off some elevation gain if we want. Stop at Auberge Truc for lunch.

Stage 2: Les Contamines to Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme

Tuesday July 11 – Day 2:

Hike 13.13 km

We will be going pretty much in one direction today, up.

Stage 3: Col de la Croix du Bonhomme to Cabana Combal

Wednesday July 12 – Day 3:

Hike 18.3 km

What a day! Views of glaciers and Mont Blanc almost all day.

Stage 4: Cabana Combal to Courmayeur

Thursday July 13 – Day 4:

Hike 14.4 km

We’ll descend into the Italian mountain town of Courmayeur and stay in a real hotel tonight and hopefully spend some time on the cobblestone town center eating delicious Italian food.

Stage 5: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti

Friday July 14 – Day 5:

Hike 11.6 km

We’ll climb uphill all day with incredible views to the Bonatti rifugio. It’s a short day so we may opt to do some dayhikes from Bonatti or side excursions.

I’m planning for us to park the second car at Parcheggio Lavachey near Bonatti prior to the hike. It is a 3.3 km walk from the rifugio to the parking lot. There’s a restaurant nearby so I’m assuming it’s passable in summer.

It’s a 45 min drive thru tunnel back to Les Houches where the other car will be parked.

Where to Stay Directly on the Tour Du Mont Blanc Trail

Accommodations on the tour du mont blanc trail.

What is a refuge? Generally speaking they are high elevation accommodations of varying amenities. They are called refuges, rifugios, huts, or hütten, depending upon which language is spoken.

They range from luxurious to very spartan. Some have water, some run out. It all depends. But what is universal is that they are a pain in the butt to book. However, they are perched in some of the most beautiful and isolated landscapes in the world. As an American, i can hardly believe that such a thing exists. And they usually serve delicious 3 course dinners and have a breakfast with yummy coffee and lots of bread.

TMB Mont Blanc

Day 0 – arrival day in chamonix.

You’ll want to find your own accommodations in Chamonix prior to the hike. I would recommend to book your hotel on this website as it’s reliable to find a comfortable stay within the town of Chamonix or nearby. It’s a compact Alpine town and you can easily walk to dinner along the stream. It’s very ritzy and fun.

Day 1 – Les Contamines Airbnb

As of December 5, I couldn’t find any huts, campgrounds or booking.com places available for our date in early July before the high season. Whew. But I did find a chalet to fit the 6 of us with 3 bedrooms somewhere near the town of Les Contamines. It’ll be an easier day of hiking but that’s good for warming up.

Day 2 – La Croix Bonhomme Refuge

Hopefully it’s not raining because this is a true mountain hut on the top of a mountain with panoramic views. The facilities are super basic but that’s the point. It’s a respite from the world below.

Dormitory style prices for 2023:

26.50 bed 32.50 breakfast and dinner 8.00 sack lunch

Contact La Croix Bonhomme Refuge

No credit cards. You’ll want to bring a sleep sac which is like a liner to protect against bed bugs, lice, etc. They don’t want your body grease on their pillows and blankets basically. They should have showers especially in early July but you’ll probably have to pay for them and it’ll be quick, like 90 seconds. Bring your own quick dry towel and mini tolietries.

Other refuges in the area: Les Mottets

Day 3 – cabane du combal refuge.

A nicer hut from online reviews, we’ll see. The prices are higher and I’m assuming it’s half board, their website is pretty basic and it’s hard to tell. They use the https://reservation.montourdumontblanc.com/ site to book but do reply to emails. I did not have pay a deposit but we got room 4 and room 6. We’ll have to do a competition to decide which couple gets the whole room to themselves.

4 person room prices for 2023:

90.00 euros per person.

They have towels and soaps here.

Other refuges in the area: Rifugio Elisabetta

Day 4 – courmayeur.

Here we’re in a glitzy Italian alpine town so there are hotel and airbnb options. I used Hotel Triolet because they offer a nice breakfast and comfortable looking rooms.

Double room prices for 2023:

160.00 euros per room including breakfast.

We should plan to have a nice dinner out in town and soak up the cobblestone pedestrian areas and maybe even do some shopping.

Other accommodations in the area: Check on this Hotel Website

Day 5 – rifugio bonatti.

A hut with great views and isolated up the mountain from the valley where Courmayeur is located. It’s likely not to have great services but it’s half board and there’s not a lot of other options. We have 1 private room for 2 people plus extra bed and one private room for 3 people. Girls and guys? Who snores the least?

L’équipe del Rifugio Alpino Walter Bonatti

3 person room prices for 2023:

85.00 euros per person half board.

Other refuges in the area: Chalet Val Ferret

Packing list for the tour du mont blanc.

💡 It’s not about what you bring, it’s about what you don’t bring.

Not sure what to bring?

Go lightweight. It’s not necessary to bring a lot of stuff on a hut to hut hike. The huts (refuges) provide the food, beds, toliets, etc. Most people wash out their hiking clothes and hang to dry each night.

The refuges or mountains huts allow you to bring very little in your backpack. The lighter your pack is the more happy of hiker you’ll be. There are some services to do luggage transport to the refuges, however this goes against the idea of responsible travel. There’s really no need to make someone drive your luggage up to a mountain hut, or worse, load up a mule with your crap.

You’ll be hanging out with other hikers each night in the refuges to have dinner. Realistically, you’ll need one set of lightweight clothes that don’t stink to enjoy the dinner and breakfast services.

It’s totally kosher to wash out your hiking clothing and hang them up on the railings or provided laundry lines (at some refuges).

Printable Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Click here to download free PDF Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

Costs of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Accommodations on trail, you can go pretty lux in the towns of courmayeur and chamonix if you choose..

Please see the detailed Airtable towards the end of the article where I’ve documented the costs for the year 2023. But in summary inflation is hitting everywhere:

–in towns, you’ve got more options for hotels & airbnbs that run 135 euros for a double and up

–The mountain refuges with half board range between 67 to 90 euros per person per night

–Of course, the earlier you book you may find better deals.

–Sack lunches are quoted at 11 euros

–Meals in town at restaurants have increased recently to 15 euros and up per meal

When to Hike the Tour du Mont Blanc

Mid-june to mid-october is when the huts and trail are open., the alps in august can be crowded.

–August is Italian/French/German vacation time, so you’ll be in high season.

–July has the best weather for families that need to do this trek during school break.

–Early June is chilly you can run into some snow. Same for late September and early October.

If you aren’t going with kids, early September would likely be the best as it’s least crowded and still warm.

However, there are absolutely no guarantees on weather. You’ll probably hit thunderstorms in the late afternoons so most people tend to get to their rifugios before 3 pm.

Read my full guide on when to hike the tour du mont blanc .

Resources to Plan Your Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Trip

1. I started with the Montourdumontblanc website to assess the high mountain refuges. However, not all of the options are on this site, but it’s a great starting point and has a nice interactive map. These places are only open mid June to Mid October.

https://www.montourdumontblanc.com/uk/index.aspx

2. Google maps. Duh.

3. A great itinerary to do the entire Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 days . The author gives nice descriptions of the landscapes and it may suit more advanced hikers who want to move faster and cover more ground each day.

4. You can use travel sites like Airbnb and Booking to find hotels in Chamonix , Les Houches, Courmayeur and Les Contamines as they have offerings in the valleys.

5. The T our du Mont Blanc Facebook group is a wealth of inspiration and information.

6. Private car transfer Chamonix to Geneva Airport .

7. Customized Airtable TMB Planne r. I built this Airtable to keep myself organized and track the expenses. Copy and paste it to make it your own.

8. Detailed guide on how to use trekking poles and best budget trekking poles buying guide . You will definitely want them on this trek.

9. Plan your hiking time with a calculator.

10. Read my guide on how hard the Tour du Mont Blanc hike is.

Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided Itinerary – Help

If it all seems to much to plan, you can hire a service to take care of the logistics but not have to utilize an in person guide.

Businesses such as Alpenventures Unguided will do the heavy logistical lift for you. You can simply just show up and hike. They will book your huts and provide maps and directions to do the hike on your own terms.

If I had a little more cashflow I’d use this to save about 20 hours of emailing back and forth and managing spreadsheets.

Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

There are also guided tours if you want a local mountaineer to walk with you for extra safety, context and fun. Cloud 9 Adventures and Mont Blanc Treks offer the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc, mini TMB treks and other variations that are led by a professional guide to ease your stress.

Other Great High Alpine Multi Day Hut to Hut Hikes in Europe

Italian Dolomites vs Tour du Mont Blanc? Are you curious about the other bucketlist hut to hut hiking trip in Europe’s high mountains? Our family has done the Alta Via 1 in summer 3 times so we’ve got a lot to say. Mostly about the food.

💞 Podcasts? Listen to our 3 different long form stories about hiking the Alta Via 1 on multiple trips that we’ve done with family and friends over the years. 🥾 Trails Worth Hiking Spotify , Apple , Website . He takes a deep dive into long distance trails and the history and mythology behind them. 🎧 Amateur Traveler focuses on the practical travel and highlights history : Website , Spotify , Apple . 🍻 Streets and Eats is all about the food and experience : Website , Spotify , Apple .

Author profile :  Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.

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Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is rated one of the best treks in the world

Amanda Thompson European Alps

The Tour du Mont Blanc, or the TMB as it is more commonly known, is widely regarded as one of the best treks in the world. The peak of Mont Blanc is permanently covered in snow and the literal translation for Mont Blanc is ‘White Mountain’. The French commonly refer to it as La Dame blanche (‘the White Lady’) whereas the Italians often refer to it as Il Bianco (‘the White One’). The mountain was first climbed in 1786 and not only is it popular with current day mountaineers, it’s also very popular for hikers who can enjoy a slice of this fabulous landscape without having to scale to the summit.

Here’s why this challenging and rewarding trek is so highly regarded.

Breathtaking scenery

From the moment you arrive in the charming village of Chamonix the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Chamonix sits in a valley that is encircled by some of the most iconic and towering peaks in Europe, including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. The views before you even start the trek are spectacular. As you make your way along this hike you will be treated to a stunning array of landscapes from mountain lakes reflecting the surrounding beauty and dramatic alpine passes to snow capped peaks, dense forest and open meadows where livestock graze. The variety of scenery is a visual feast and what makes this trek so special.

3 countries in one trip!

The superb landscape is not all the tour has to offer and one of the most appealing features of this walk is that it’s in an incredible location and at the crossroads of three separate countries. As you cross each border, you encounter distinctly different architectural styles in the villages along with different local customs. You could be eating a French baguette one day, pizza and pasta the next and then the traditional Swiss dish of Raclette all within a few days! The ability to travel through these diverse regions while remaining immersed in the stunning alpine environment adds a layer of cultural richness and variety, making the TMB not just a physical challenge but also a journey through the heart of European alpine heritage.

Unparalleled rewards

Typically trekked anticlockwise to maximise the views and ease some of the stepper ascents, the TMB presents a challenge with significant ascents and descents, high passes and, in places, trekking over rough ground. The reward for your efforts are unparalleled! For every day of demanding trekking, you will be presented with magnificent views of the snow capped peaks dominating the skyline, the breathtaking views down to the valleys and villages below along with magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Each day on the TMB offers new and unforgettable vistas, making the journey as visually rewarding as it is physically challenging. If you complete the full circuit of the TMB you will climb over 9000 vertical metres, which is more than the height of Mount Everest!

Easy accessibility

One of the reasons the TMB is so highly rated is how accessible it is in comparison to a lot of other treks around the world. You won’t need to travel for days or remote locations to enjoy this iconic trek. Located in the heart of Europe you can easily reach your starting destination of Chamonix via the extensive railway network in Europe or via one of the major airports (Geneva, Zurich, Milan) within easy reach of Chamonix. You can literally be at the Eiffel tower in Paris in the morning and ready to start this epic hike later that day! Alternatively, because you are in the heart of Europe, onwards travel once you have finished your hike does not require lengthy travel plans. It really lends itself to being able to enjoy the best of hiking along with being within easy reach of the best sights in Europe.

Need to know

The European Alps summer hiking season officially starts in the second weekend of June and ends in the second last weekend in September. Find out more about the best time to trek Mont Blanc and then view  our walks on the Tour du Mont Blanc. There are delicious things to eat along the Mont Blanc trail too! For even more inspiration and expert advice, download our free European Alps Destination Guide

Amanda Thompson

Amanda is RAW Travel's specialist for Slovenia and the European Alps. With a passion for mountain treks and a wealth of industry experience, she's your go-to guru for planning the ultimate adventure. Former PT turned trekking expert, Amanda has the best training tips and insights to ensure your journey through the Alps is nothing short of epic.

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TOUR OF MONT BLANC 6 DAYS SELF-GUIDED IN 3*HOTEL

A selection of 6 stages and 5 very comfortable (almost luxurious) hotels. The best of the tour!

A tour of Mont Blanc accessible to anyone in good shape... but we have also selected the most comfortable accommodation for you, the best food and the warmest welcomes. Benefit from adaptable stages, easy to really sporty enabling you to discover some of the most beautiful panoramas of the TMB.

Seven valleys, 71 glaciers, 400 summits... the impressive, magical high mountains and the striking display of glaciers descending from summits to alpine pastures... viewed from the track, no risk and no height induced fears!

You will like

• The choice of stages at this mythical destination
• The spectacular views and proximity to large glaciers
• The Mont-Blanc balcony trails of the Chamonix Valley
• The transport of your baggage each day
• The accessible level of the tour
• The choice of accommodation

From 935 €

Last places available !

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GRANDE TRAVERSEE DES ALPES - 2nd section

From Mont Blanc massif to the Maurienne valley Cross the Alps meeting people and mountains... The Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA) between Lake...

VANOISE HIGH PASSES

High altitude trek, crossing the glacier An amazing trip ! In our section "High passes", we have created several tours in Vanoise, crossings,...

TOUR OF MONT BLANC 7 days

The classic... Seven valleys, 71 glaciers, 400 summits... The Mont Blanc range is fascinatingly beautiful, like a...

Hiking details

Dates & prices, practical information.

• Equipment and luggage

DEPARTURES AND PRICES

Departures from mid-June to mid-September 2024 Departures on Sundays or Tuesdays .

Comfortable accommodation with baggage transport €935  per person 6 days/5 nights (based on twin or double bedroom) €1185  per personSingle room possible (subject to availability) €1285  departure single person, single room

Online bookings are open for 2025! 

Departures from mid-June to mid-September 2025 Departures on Sundays or Tuesdays.

Comfortable accommodation with baggage transport €1030  per person 6 days/5 nights (based on twin or double bedroom) €1280  per personSingle room possible (subject to availability) €1360  departure single person, single room

Information and reservation online, by email or by phone.

The price includes : 

• Organisation and booking fees;
• 1 hard copy of your travel documents for the group and the digital version for each participant;
• Half board from dinner the first evening to breakfast of the last day;
• Daily ba ggage transport between accommodation if you have chosen this option;

The price does not include :

• Picnic lunches;
• Personal expenses, drinks, touristic visits, etc.;
• Bus transfers (approx 20 à 25€ per person);
• The gondola on Day 1 (approx 18€ per person) and the possible gondola on Day 6 to go down to Les Houches;
• Travel to and from your home;
• Cancellation insurance (4.2% of total tour cost).

The itinerary day by day

Meeting at 9:45am at the Flégère cablecar in les Praz, Chamonix.

Possibility to walk via les Balcons with a departure from Chamonix.

LES PRAZ DE CHAMONIX - LAC BLANC - ARGENTIERE Ascend in the Flégère cablecar to the Balcons du Mont Blanc to reach Lac Blanc at 2300m. Descend on the path which winds through the forest to the village of Argentière. Night in a hotel. Possibility to go back down to the valley with the same cablecar and then take a bus to Argentière. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +500m -1120m

BOVINE or FENÊTRE D'ARPETTE - CHAMPEX Transfer to Switzerland and traverse through the mountain pastures of Bovine via a balcony trail overlooking the Rhone Valley or climb alongside the Trient Glacier to reach the mythical Fenêtre d'Arpette, a more "high mountain" route. Night in the village of Champex. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +1050m -700m (via Bovine) 7 hour walk / Elevation: +1380m -1040m (via Arpette)

THE GRAND COL FERRET - COURMAYEUR From the village of Champex, transfer by bus to the village of La Fouly. Ascend to the Col Ferret (2537m) on the Swiss/Italian border. Possible meetings with alpine pasture farmers at the Alpage de la Peule. Descend into the Italian Val Ferret under the impressive towers of the south face of the Mont-Blanc range. Approach the foot of the Pré de Bar glacier. Transfer by bus to Courmayeur. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +850m -780m

COL DE LA SEIGNE - LES CHAPIEUX Transfer to La Visaille and climb via the glacial lake of Miage and continue to the Col de la Seigne on the French/Italian border unveiling the unreal Himalayan profile of the south face of the Mont-Blanc range. Possible detour by the south balcony of the Mont-Blanc passing by the Col de Chécroui. Descend the Vallée des Glaciers into France. Possible bus from Ville des Glaciers to Les Chapieux in July and August. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +820m -750m (Ville des Glaciers) additional -250m if descent to les Chapieux is on foot

THE COL DU BONHOMME - LES CONTAMINES MONTJOIE Climb to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme and on to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m), a passing place of the hawkers of old. Descend to Notre Dame de la Gorge passing by the old Roman road at the end of the valley. Small transfer to your hotel in the village of Les Contamines. 6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +930m -1270m

COL DU TRICOT or CHAMPEL - LES HOUCHES Climb to the Bionnassay Glacier passing via the village of Champel or by the Col du Tricot (2120m) with a magnificent panorama of the Chamonix Valley, the domes of Miage and the Mont-Blanc close up. Descend to Bellevue then by cable car to Les Houches village. 3.5 hour walk / Elevation: +780m -50m (via Champel) 6 hour walk / Elevation: +1220m -600m (via the Col du Tricot)

Elevation: +/- 800m average per day. Walking time: 4 to 6.5 hours per day. Possible route options to add to elevation and walking times are listed in the road book. Type of trek: The Tour of Mont Blanc is a long hike route accessible to any person with a good physical condition. Although it does not involve any technical difficulty (no rock climbing or very steep path...), this trip remains a demanding hike where you will need to be able to walk almost 1000 meters up every day for a week. Advised preparation : regular practice of a cardio sport (hike, running, bike...), 3 to 4 hours of sport every week. Being able to easily walk 15km in less than 3 hours.

The path of the TMB is very well marked and the Roadbook you receive is complete enough to allow you to hike safely. Nonetheless, it is crucial to be able to read a 1:25'000 topographic map and to have a good orientation sense in order to do this trek, even under bad weather.

Please find the description of the levels by clicking here:  Level of difficulty

One month prior to departure, we will send you your travel documents. We offer two roadbook versions:

The "paper" version we send by post : - 2 IGN TOP 25 maps with route layout. - 1 road book with all the necessary information for the hike. - 1 card holder. - The list of accommodations.

The "digital" version is an application to download on your smartphone, accessible to each of the participants of the file. The information for downloading and using it is sent by e-mail.

SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS ALONG THE TREK

The tour of Mont-Blanc is a very well indicated trek:

In France: marked with red and white stripes for  Grande Randonnée  (in both directions). In Switzerland and Italy: a black dot on a yellow diamond ( in both directions) . It is preferable to know how to read a topographical map at 1/25000.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

With baggage transport:  your baggage is transported daily by our logistics vehicle.

ACCOMMODATION

COMFORT :  3* Hotel or gîte    Day 1 - night in 3* Hotel in Argentiere. Day 2 - night in 3* Hotel in Champex. Day 3 - night in 3* Hotel in Courmayeur. Day 4 - night in a very comfortable gîte in Les Chapieux, bedroom with private bathroom. Day 5 - night in 3* Hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie - very comfortable hotel.

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accomodation in the evening.  Possibility to buy picnic supplies in small local shops (Days 1,2,3,4 and 6).

Allergies and diets:  please inform us about your allergies and diet at the time of booking . The accommodations do their best to accommodate your special diets (gluten free, vegetarian, etc.) However, we encourage you to bring some additional products for your own picnics.

During the stages of your tour in Switzerland, Euros are widely accepted and it is not essential to carry Swiss Francs.

PERSONALISED TOURS

We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)

IGN Top 25 - 3630 OT - Chamonix and Top 25 - 3531 ET - Saint Gervais (1/25 000)

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

BY TRAIN Inbound: departure from Paris-Gare de Lyon the day before at 12:18pm (or 2:18pm) arrival in Chamonix at 7:32pm (8:32pm). www.oui.sncf There are regular buses throughout the whole Chamonix valley - with an hourly bus service between Les Houches and Montroc-le-Planet. www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines Return :  departure from Les Houches at 9:20am (or 12:20pm), arrival at Paris-Gare de Lyon at 3:42pm (5:42pm). Times given are indicative and should be verified at a train station or on the SNCF website.

BY CAR        Take the A40 motorway to Chamonix,  FREE PARKING: There is ample parking at Chemin du Biolay, opposite the Montenvers train station, Chamonix. If you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact: Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71 (40 to 50 €  per week). The easiest option for your return, is to leave your car at the end point of the tour at the free parking at the Prarion telecabine in the village of Les Houches and take the bus to the departure point in Chamonix. www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines

CAR-SHARING  Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some website recommendations:    www.blablacar.fr   www.covoiturage-libre.fr   www.laroueverte.com   www.roulezmalin.com

CLOSEST AIRPORTS Geneva (GVA) 1 hour by car to Chamonix. Bus and minibus services direct to your accommodation (25-35€ pp each way) Lyon (LYS) 2.15 hours by car to Chamonix. Train every 2 hours to Chamonix, 4.15 hour journey (40- 45 € pp return ) Paris (PAR) 7 hours by car to Chamonix. Train every 2 hours to Chamonix  / 5-6  hour journey  (80- 120 €  pp return)

End point Saturday at 4:00pm at the bottom of the Prarion telecabine in Les Houches.

RETURN TO DEPARTURE POINT

At the end of the tour the return to Chamonix   is easy via bus.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

On request, we can book a bedroom for you before and/or after your trek.

Les Houches - Hôtel Les Campanules: +33 (0)4 50 54 40 71 Chamonix - Hôtel de l’Arve: +33 (0)4 50 53 02 31 Hôtel Le Labrador: +33 (0)4 50 55 90 09 Chamonix Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24 www.chamonix.com

If you book a night in the Chamonix valley, ask the hotel reception for a bus/train pass to use public transport for free in the Chamonix valley.

www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. In no case can we be responsible for your own Personal Liability. If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.

Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16  or  +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

Equipment list.

• Walking trousers
• Short s ( Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers  + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
• 1 change of clothes for the evening
• A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Head torch or hand torch
• Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
• Identity card or passport

Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

You are allowed  1 soft, sports type bag, with all your possessions inside, of  10 kg maximum per person . Your baggage will be transported daily between accommodation by our logistics vehicle where access is not always easy. Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers, please think of their backs! 

If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be dropped off at the end point with your other baggage.

TOUR OF MONT BLANC 6 DAYS SELF-GUIDED...

Customer reviews.

Great organisation by Altitude Montblanc - Ahead of the trip questions were always immediately addressed. The hiking plan was well organised and documented, and the accommodation was pleasant, meals were good, and the logistics flawless. And of course, the trek itself is just beautiful - not difficult, fantastic landscapes, meeting people on the road. First time but not last time !

Great adventure!!!

Thank you for the excellent organization and service. We had a great time and would be happy to recommend you on travel sites in Israel.

Really enjoyable trip. Cancelled for previous two years because of covid. It was worth the wait If ever there were any problems, you responded to my phone calls very quickly. Thank you for a great trip!!

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Tour du Mont Blanc

Sign up and experience the most spectacular views europe has to offer, and together we can fund breakthroughs for the parkinson's community..

6 to 10 September 2025

Sign up fee

Sponsorship.

Between £0 and £2,800

Sign up options

You have 3 sign up options to choose from. If you choose an option that has a minimum fundraising amount, you’ll need to pay 80% of this 10 weeks before the trip, then the other 20% within 2 weeks of your return. Our Events team is on hand for any fundraising support and advice you need.

Fundraising option

• Pay £199 when you sign up.
• Raise a minimum of £2,800.

Part payment

• Pay £250 towards the cost of the trip after signing up.
• Raise a minimum of £2,300.

Full payment

• Pay £1,400 towards the cost of the trip after signing up.
• There’s no minimum fundraising target for this option.

About the trip

The Mont Blanc region boasts one of the world’s most renowned trekking circuits, with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery imaginable - all within a short hop from the UK! 

This trip is booked through Discover Adventure. For more information, including other dates you can take part, visit the event information page on Discover Adventure's website.

Who is Discover Adventure? 

Discover Adventure is an adventure travel company with fundraising at its heart.

Made up of people who love the outdoors, its mission is to create adventure challenges that allow people to achieve their ambitions. Those could be getting fit, pushing boundaries or doing something incredible to help them change the lives of others.

Find out more about Discover Adventure

Contact details

Get in touch with us at [email protected]  or call 020 7963 3912.

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