tour du mont blanc 4 days

Tour du Mont Blanc - 4 Days

4 day circuit-trek around Mont Blanc, passing incredible glaciers and mountain lakes along the way.

You'll meet your guide in Les Houches at the téléphérique of bellevue at 11:30am, which is close to Chamonix (regular transfers from Geneva International Airport). From here we'll head over to Les Contamines where you'll begin your hike through the mountain pass. There are incredible views of the Mont Blanc Massif along the way.

All food & accommodation is included on this trip. Luggage transportation is also included between each hut, so you just have to carry your stuff for the day (water, picnics, jackets etc).

This morning you’ll head up the Roman road to the Col du Bonhomme, with beautiful views of the Mont Blanc range. Stopping along the way for a well-deserved rest, you'll have an opportunity to get some lunch with a backdrop of panoramic views. In the afternoon, you'll continue your hike through local villages before heading down to Les Chapieux valley.

A magnificent day awaits for your third stage, with views of Mont Blanc beckoning ahead of you.

Passing through the Col de la Seigne, you'll then enter the Aosta Valley via Val Veni. The impressive Italian side of Monte Bianco rises up before you.

After a hearty breakfast in the mountain hut, you'll head downhill to Courmayeur - the Italian “Chamonix”.

You can stop here and wander around the pedestrian streets of Courmayeur or continue your day’s walk to the Bertone refuge to enjoy the fabulous views from its terrace. Your guide will then show you a short and easy route to the bus that will take you back to Courmayeur.

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14 verified review s

( Sep 2022 )

A great adventure which is well organized however you need to be prepared unlike what is described on the website. It's trekking up and down mountains with inclines from 700m - 1200m which is not as easy. The 2/5 difficulty rating is misleading. If you do regular physical activity you will manage but having to really push throughout.

( Aug 2022 )

`the trip was as difficult as `i imagined, so you need training before. Food for lunch can be improved. Our group was absolutely great, even if we did not know each other, really helpful to one another, having fun in the evenings. As a matter of motivation during the day, I would have liked to set some intermediary goals with the guide.

A real adventure with a professional guide and a nice and united group. Amazing views of the mountains range of the Mont Blanc that you’ll not forget! Don’t hesitate!

Gorgeous views. Great hiking. No mountain hut stops on the 3rd day. Group made the trip fantastic but guide should’ve been catered to a more tourist group trip, not ultra trail runners so it seemed like a mismatch for our group. Area is gorgeous!

The most amazing 4 days with an incredible guide. felled Jerome who’s love for the mountains was infectious …. cannot recommend this highly enough !! Check times of starting this trip as the website wasn’t updated to the right time …. we will return and do the full tour !!

What fitness level is required?

This is a great first multi day trek, but you do need a good base level of fitness. A typical day in the mountains can be trekking for 6-8 hours with a rucksack, at a gentle pace with lots of breaks. We recommend training regularly with any sport that you enjoy (e.g. running, swimming, tennis). Training hikes will also help, ideally for a full day with a 5kg rucksack.  

Here's a break down of what each day will look like:

Day 1: 5 hrs 30 hiking time – 650 m (2,130 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,260 ft) descent

Day 2: 7 hrs hiking time – 1,450 m (4,760 ft) ascent / 800 m (2,620 ft) descent

Day 3: 6 hrs hiking time – 1,100 m (3,600 ft) ascent / 1,050 m (3,450 ft) descent

Day 4: 7 hours hiking time - 1,250 m (4,100 ft) ascent / 1,450 m (4,750 ft) descent

What should I bring to sleep in a mountain refuge?

In the refuges, blankets are provided. However, for reasons of hygiene, it is recommended to bring a silk sheet (sleeping bag liner). We advise you to also bring :

• A headlamp (for the evening and morning)
• Earplugs (if you are a sensitive sleeper)
• A down jacket (it can get cold in the evening)  

What food is included?

In the morning and in the evening, you will have breakfast and dinner in the accommodations of the stay (mountain hut, gîte, inn, etc.).

At lunchtime, you will have a homemade picnic prepared by our chef from fresh products.

For all our stays, meals are included in the price of the reservation. Only cold drinks other than water and snacks bought in the huts are at your expense.  

Where does the trip start/end?

The trip starts in Les Houches (near Chamonix) at 11.30 am, and ends in Courmayeur at 4pm.

Arrival from Geneva Airport

Most people fly to Geneva airport (GVA). If arriving on the day, make sure your flight arrives 9am (so that you can make a 10am transfer).

There is a regular & comfortable shuttle from Geneva Airport to Chamonix, that costs €15 EUR and takes just over an hour. If flying in on the day of the trip, we recommend taking the Swiss Tours 10am shuttle from the airport. If flying the day before, you can also check over providers at Omio . Alternatively you can share a taxi (1 hour) with other participants (55€ per person between Geneva and Chamonix) - you can message them on the Skyhook chat after booking.

Departure from Geneva Airport

If flying back on the last day, make sure your flight departs afer 8pm if sharing a taxi with other guests (or 10pm if taking the busses).

On the way back, you travel from Courmayeur. Most guests opt to share taxis back to the airport (which you can arrange in advance on the Skyhook chat, or on the trip itself). The cost is 90€ per person, between Courmayeur and Geneva. 

You can also get a bus to Chamonix from Cormayeur (40 minutes) and then a shuttle bus back from Chamonix to Geneva Airport (1h20), however we recommend taking the taxi option as it is faster.

Arrival/departure by car

During your trip, you can leave your car on a free parking in Les Houches, near the departure of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. There are also a few free parking in Chamonix. On the way back it's a 30 minute taxi ride from Courmayeur to Chamonix, or a 40 minute bus ride.

What hiking boots do I need for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

We recommend that you wear hiking boots suitable for hiking in the mountains for several days.

Your boots should also have a sole that is flexible enough to evolve on all types of terrain, a good grip, and be waterproof (Gore-Tex membrane or equivalent).  

What do I need to bring?

Documents • Passport • Travel insurance details • Boarding passes for flights • Cash – Euro’s and Swiss Franc • Credit/Debit Card Sleeping • Sleeping bag liner Footwear • Trekking boots: 3 or 4 season lightweight • Light weight shoes for the evenings (such as house shoes, flip flops, sandals etc.) Clothing Please make sure that you have non-cotton fast-drying clothing for trekking. • 1 x pair of synthetic under-top and bottom (Long johns or similar) • 2 x t-shirts for the hike • 1 x comfortable shirt for the evening • 4 x socks for hiking • 3 - 4 x pairs of underwear • 1 x fleece • Light down or Primaloft jacket • Rain and windproof jacket with hood • Rain and windproof trousers • 1 x pair of hiking trousers: We recommend a pair that zip off into shorts. • Comfortable trousers for the evening • Hat and gloves • Buff or scarf Other • A daysack: 35 - 45 litres – All your kit should fit in this bag • Travel towel • Dry Liner or Dry Bag • Water bottle: At least 2L. Nalgene bottles best. • Sunglasses • Suncream and additional sun protection such as baseball cap or similar • Personal medication – Inhaler, Blister pads etc • General Toiletries, Contact lenses, Glasses (if needed) • Electronics - Head torch, travel adaptor, phone & charger • Lipsil • Hand sanitizer, wet wipes

What's included?

Included - Qualified guide - Accommodation - Breakfast, lunch, Dinner and Snacks - Luggage transfer : You will just have to carry your stuff for the day (water, picnics, jackets ...). The rest of your belongings will be transported in a bus between the different accommodations. - Cable car ticket Excluded - Airport transfers - International Flights - Visa - Travel Insurance

What is the type of accommodation during the trek?

You will be sleeping in mountain refuges/huts, which are typically quite remote and basic (dormitary style).

What hiking bag is recommended for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you are going to trek for several days, we advise you to carry a bag that is very comfortable to carry, even if it means carrying a few extra grams compared to a bag designed for lightness. Choose a bag with wide shoulder straps, a waist belt that follows your walk and one that is adapted to your morphology. In terms of volume, a 40 litre bag is perfect for doing the Tour du Mont Blanc in refuges. Choose a well-compartmented bag to store and find your things quickly. You will just have to carry your stuff for the day (water, picnics, jackets ...). The rest of your belongings will be transported in a bus between the different accommodations.

Where can I stay before the trip?

We highly recommend arriving a day early in Chamonix, which is where the trip starts. Chamonix is a small town - you can get everywhere by walking - but it is rich in mountaineering history. It used to be a smugglers town, and later became the heart of hard mountaineering in the European Alps. There's a great museam, and you can also enjoy the good food and views of the mountains around you (including Mont Blanc).

Most guests choose to stay at Verte Lodge , so that you can meet some of the others before your trip.

If you have time, we also recommend taking the cable car up to Aiguille du Midi (the base is in Chamonix). At 4000m of altitude, it's a different world at the top - you can see ice climbers tackling hard routes, and rock climbers ascending from the snow glacier below.

What's the minimum age requirement?

18, or 14 if accompanied by an adult or legal guardian.

How can I prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you are going to trek for several days, we recommend that you prepare yourself physically in the months before to the day of departure.

To do this, practice sports that will improve your lung, heart, and muscle endurance.

Walking, cycling, swimming, running and, of course, hiking is all very effective physical activities. Start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your efforts over the days and weeks.

Most importantly, enjoy yourself and listen to your body to avoid injury.

Do you cater for all dietary requirements?

Yes, whether you are vegetarian, vegan or have allergies. You must inform your guide via your dashboard about your dietary requirements at least 30 days prior the trip. We will inform the accommodation to prepare for you.  

What type of luggage do I need to bring?

We will transport one bag per person between the different accommodations. A duffle bag is better than a suitcase, and a maximum of 12kg per person. You will just have to carry your stuff for the day (water, picnics, jackets ...) in a 30-40L backpack.

Where is the meeting point on the first day?

The meeting point with your guide is at 11:30 am at the bottom of Bellevue cable car, in Les Houches.

Your head guide is Caroline

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Watse TMB , based in Saint Gervais Les Bains .

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

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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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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. 

—————————————–

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.

94 thoughts on “Ultimate Tour du Mont Blanc Guide: How to Plan Your Epic TMB Hike”

I read somewhere on your site that UK travellers are not permitted this year. Please can you let me know if this is still the case.

Also, I hold a British passport but am resident in Greece and hold a biometric card. With this, do I have the same freedom to travel as other eu citizens?

@Melissa – it changes so quickly so please check with the embassy for France, Italy and Switzerland to ensure that you’re able to do the tour as they’ll have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Thank you.

Hello Laurel,

First of all, thank you very much for such a detailed TMB description and answers in the comments! I believe they are already very useful to me!

But I’m now looking for the information about what type of sleeping bag I will need to stay in the refuges along TMB?

Are they usually warm enough to have a blanket sleeping bag or should I use real touristic one? I’m planning to do my trip in the middle of August.

Hi Joshua, normally all you need is a sleeping bag liner which is very thin, but check with the individual huts that you’ll be staying at as now due to COVID, some of them are no longer providing blankets so you do need a sleeping bag, but a thin lightweight one will be fine. Enjoy your trip.

Gz on finishing! I have been planning it for years but can’t seem to find the time.

Treks are the most adventures things that one can do, because you are risking your life into it. I love trekking and already covered so many of treks all around the world. Thanks mate for giving me one more trek to explore.

Hi! I am planning on using Chamonix as my TMB startpoint like you did. Can you advise on the exact location of the actual trailhead closest to Chamonix? We will be walking towards Les Houches (counterclockwise).

@Amie most people take a lift from Chamonix and then start from there. Enjoy!

I will be recommended This trip to my Travel blogger friend, He is looking for A great tour for 2019 June or July month Travel.

Thanks so much, appreciate your recommendation!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Happily Ever Hiker

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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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

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

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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.

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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

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 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.

Full Tour du Mont Blanc – 10 days

The Grand Tour du Mont Blanc, for those who want to see it all!

Full Tour du Mont Blanc

One trek, three countries, ten days, 160 kilometres (100 miles), and thousands of steps: even these impressive figures cannot fully reflect the range of emotions you will experience on the TMB!

This circuit is the full version of the mythical TMB. It will enable you to discover the extraordinary diversity of landscapes in the Mont Blanc mountain range.

Immerse yourself in a spectacle of nature with varied flora and fauna, while enjoying your walk with a lightweight pack. In the evenings, your luggage will be waiting for you in accommodation selected for its comfort.

A full circuit for an all-round experience.

Your consultant

The advantages of the Full Tour du Mont Blanc

Departure from, departure date, accomodation, full tour du mont blanc : the programme in detail, day 1: les houches – bionnassay.

Today, you will meet the group and your guide in front of the Bellevue cable car at 9 am. The day begins with a climb through the forest, until you reach the summit of Prarion (1969m), from which you can enjoy a first 360° panorama.

Descent to the Fioux refuge for the night.

Day 2: Bionnassay – Les Contamines

Day 3: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

Day 4: Les Chapieux – Maison Vieille

Day 5: Maison Vieille – Refuge Bonatti

The fifth day of the walk starts with a descent into Courmayeur, the Italian “Chamonix”, passing through the old village. You will then climb back up to Val Sapin and the Bertone refuge. You will end the day at the Bonatti refuge, named after a famous Italian mountaineer and facing the impressive Frébouze glacier.

Day 6: Bonatti – La Fouly

6 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 900 m (2,950 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent

On the sixth day of walking, you will enter another new country on your Tour du Mont Blanc! After a climb with magnificent views of Mont Dolent, you will cross the Grand Col Ferret mountain pass into Switzerland.

The day ends with a gentle descent to the mountain pastures of La Peule and the small village of La Fouly, a picture postcard setting in the Valais.

Day 7: La Fouly – Champex

6 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 650 m (2,130 ft) ascent / 650 m (2,130 ft) descent

Today, you will discover Val Ferret in Switzerland and its small traditional villages, before arriving in Champex with its pretty lake. This stage ends with a short climb to our accommodation for the night, a comfortable inn with a soothing atmosphere.

Day 8: Champex – Trient

Accommodation: at an inn – Choice 1: 715m (2,345 ft) ascent / 925m (3035 ft) descent – 5 hours walking time – Choice 2: 915m (3,002 ft) ascent / (4,135 ft) 1260m – 7 hours walking time 

On this day of walking, you can look forward to a superb high-level traverse above Martigny. In the distance, the vineyards of the Rhone Valley bear witness to Swiss wine production. Descent towards the small village of Trient along the Bisse du Trient irrigation channel. Depending on how the group feels and current conditions, there may be an option to take the majestic alpine route via the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 m / 8,740 ft). Your guide will decide on the best option.

Day 9: Trient – Le Tour

5 hrs walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 1,000 m (3,280 ft) ascent / 850 m (2,790 ft) descent

It’s time to go back to France. As the day progresses, the view of the Chamonix valley opens up and becomes breathtaking. The small village of Le Tour is waiting for us, to spend the night in a warm gîte. 

Day 10: Le Tour – Chamonix

7 hrs walking time – 1,350 m (4,430 ft) ascent / 850 m (2,790 ft) descent

On the last day of your hike, set off for the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. The path follows a high-level route with fantastic views of Mont Blanc – definitely one of the most famous landscapes in the Chamonix valley!

You will then walk down to La Flégère and another magnificent traverse to Planpraz. Take the cable car down to the centre of Chamonix. Possibility to take a bus to Les Houches.

You have now come full circle!

Useful information

Luggage transport.

Between 6 and 8 hours’ walking per day throughout the trek, with some more difficult sections, particularly at the start of the season when the snow is still present. You should be able to climb at least 1,000 m (3 200ft.)a day for several days in a row.

Directions and accommodation

Directions to the starting point: Meet at Bellevue cable car station at 9 am on Day 1.

You can leave your vehicle in the Prarion car park a few meters above. It is a free outdoor car park.

> Map to get to the starting point

Return to the starting point: Bus from Place Monte Bianco in Courmayeur to Chamonix, or taxi. Then bus, train or taxi from Chamonix. Return from Courmayeur not included in the price of the trip.

Bus timetables at the Chamonix tourist office ([email protected] +33(0)4 50 53 00 24) or Courmayeur ([email protected] 00 39 01 65 84 20 60).

Accommodation before and after the trek:

• Hotel Saint Antoine – 7 route Napoléon, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 40 10
• Hotel du Bois – 475 Avenue des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 50 35
• Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 42 28
• A windproof and waterproof jacket
• Walking trousers.

The terrain is varied and we recommend you wear walking boots that protect your ankles.

The accommodations provide blankets and pillows, but you will need a silk sheet, for hygienic reasons.

The Comfort cancellation contract covers you in the case of cancellation before your departure and/or a missed flight.

The Comfort multi-risk contract includes:

• Cancellation before departure and interruption of your trek
• Missed flight and flight delay
• Luggage and personal belongings option
• Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
• Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
• Individual travel accident option
• Third-party liability abroad
• Impossible return and early return

The COVID contract includes:

• Cancellation due to illness 30 days before departure
• Cancellation due to denied boarding
• Remote consultation before departure
• Medical repatriation
• Hotel costs and medical fees
• Psychological support
• Grocery deliveries and home help

Before and after the trek

The price of the stay does not include the trips before and after the trek.

Our team can help you find and book your plane and train tickets. We can also advise you about accommodation before and after your Tour du Mont Blanc.

Contact us here!

• Click on one of the “book this trek” links and select the insurance, and date options.
• To pay by cheque : please make it out to WATSE and send to: WATSE – 63 avenue de la gare – 74170 Saint Gervais les Bains Le Fayet – France.
• To pay by bank transfer : contact us for our bank details.
• To pay by debit card : your invoice will be in your online account as soon as your payment has been confirmed by the bank. You will then be able to pay the balance directly from your account.
• Pay a 30% deposit or the balance for your trek
• Print out the booking form then fill it in, sign it and send it back to us by email or post. Your reservation will only be effective when 30% of the total cost is credited to WATSE’s bank account.
• The balance must be paid at least one month before departure without a reminder from us.

Dates and prices

Full tour du mont blanc in 10 days, included in the price.

• Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
• Accommodation in dormitories, as described in the trek programme
• Half board, as described in the trek programme (dinners and breakfasts)
• Packed lunches prepared by a chef
• Dried fruit and nut snacks prepared by a chef
• Luggage transfer every night (except on day 5)
• Showers in the accommodations (as described in the trek programme)

Not included in the price

• Transport to and from the start of the trek
• Drinks other than water served with meals
• Any private transport or cable car tickets not included in the trek programme
• Assistance and cancellation insurance, to subscribe at the time of booking
• Anything not listed in “Included in the price”

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For those who want to do the TMB (almost) as fast as Kilian Jornet!

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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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6 Great Trail Running Routes Around Chamonix, France

A new book highlights the best routes in the trail running epicenter of the mont-blanc region..

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In terms of scenery per mile, it’s hard to beat Chamonix as a trail running destination. The iconic French mountain town boasts everything from mellow footpaths and lift-accessed terrain to technical, lung-searing ascents that deliver you straight into the clouds and quad-busting descents that . Its world-class scenery makes it one of the planet’s top adventure running destinations —not to mention the stage for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB), a trail running race that functions as a de-facto ultra-distance world championship.

But with so many trails latticing this corner of the Alps, how do you even begin to choose? Earlier this year, Chamonix running duo Doug Mayer and Charlie Edwards along with a number of guides and staff from the tour company Run the Alps set out to answer that question by cataloging a few of the zone’s world-class routes in their latest book, Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc: 30 Must-Do Trail Runs in France, Switzerland, and Italy . This travel-size volume, which hit shelves in June 2024, is brimming with detail—including intricate maps, smart local tips—on where to refuel, add-on mileage, or bail out—and stunning photography. While the book contains dozens of runs, we’ve zeroed in on some of our favorite loops around the Chamonix area. Here’s a sneak peak of what Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc has to offer.

RELATED: 10 Remarkable Adventure Runs to Put on Your Bucket List

1. L’Aiguillette Des Posettes and Croix De Fer (8.7 miles)

This is one of the absolute classic trail runs in the region. You’ll quickly gain expansive views as you climb the Aiguillette des Posettes—and they only get better. Add the optional loop to Croix de Fer to see a wide swath of the Swiss and French Alps. There’s great food en route, too—so bring a few euros and save time for a culinary stop.

Pro tip: Both the Alpage de Balme and the Refuge du Col de Balme have great food, much of it locally sourced. At the Alpage, owners Michel and Cathy recommend their croûte au fromage made with local cheese and the homemade tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tarts). The refuge in particular can get busy during Tour du Mont-Blanc season, so if you want to stop in, plan to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.

2. Refuge Albert Premier (6.8 miles)

This run features a vertical kilometer that sees you climb to the top of a glacial moraine and a famous alpine refuge. As you run, you’ll be treated to epic views of the Le Tour glacier.

Pro tip: When you reach the hut, grab a table on the patio for impressive views. If it’s crowded, you can skip the bustle and enjoy a break 100 meters or so past the hut, where you can watch climbers cross the expansive Le Tour glacier as they set off to access routes in both France and Switzerland.

3. Petits Balcons (13 miles)

The Petits Balcons are cruisy balcony trails that traverse both sides of the Chamonix valley. Sitting roughly 200 meters above the valley floor, the balconies provide excellent vantage points from which to see the Mont Blanc massif and the Aiguilles Rouges. The north-facing balcony is in shade for most of the morning, making for a cooler run if you like to head out before mid-day.

Pro tip: Spoil yourself with an ice cream at Givré in Argentière. The milk is sourced from Montroc cows, and the shop features a unique list of flavors, including “hay” and “balsam.” We also recommend stopping at L’Al’Pain bakery at the bottom of Argentière for a buttery, flaky croissant or a crusty baguette.

4. Aiguillette des Houches (10.6 miles)

Aiguillette des Houches is a 6,560-foot peak that sits directly opposite the north face of Mont Blanc. Running along the ridgeline, you’ll get the classic view of this local giant, followed by vistas of the tumbling Les Bossons glacier and the dark, rocky Aiguilles de Chamonix. The trails on this route are technical without being too remote.

Pro tip: There are no fountains on this route, so make sure to bring enough water with you.

5. Bionnassay and Suspension Bridge (5.6 miles)

This run starts with a tram ride up to the Bellevue summit at 5,908 feet, where the air is cooler and the views are bigger. It’s called Bellevue—“beautiful view”—for a reason. From there, it follows the famous Tour du Mont-Blanc route, which crosses a long suspension bridge, or “passerelle,” beneath the Bionnassay glacier. This is a gentle run that makes the most of being up high.

Pro tip: The Bellevue cable car is open every day from mid-June until mid-September (check online for the exact dates). If it isn’t open, you can go up on foot. Follow the signed Tour du Mont-Blanc route up to the Col de Voza and continue the run from there.  

RELATED:  How to Do a Multi-Day Run on the Tour du Mont-Blanc Trail

6. Pormenaz (9.3 miles)

Pormenaz is one of the wilder areas of the Chamonix valley. You’ll see fewer people than on the lift-accessible mountains . Lac de Pormenaz is a beautiful Alpine lake set against the backdrop of the towering Chaîne des Fiz.

Pro tip: There are usually large, fluffy “Patou” dogs guarding the flocks of sheep on the Pormenaz. If you see them, keep your distance, avoid getting between the dogs and the sheep, and slow to a walk.

For more information on each route, including transportation tips, maps, elevation profiles, and turn-by-turn directions, check out Trail Running Chamonix Mont Blanc: 30 Must-Do Trail Runs in France, Switzerland, and Italy by Run the Alps founder Doug Mayer, along with Charlie Edwards.

RELATED:  8 Essential Tips for Trail-Running Travel

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