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Everything You Need to Know: Tour du Mont Blanc

Updated: Jul 26, 2024



Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Alps, the Tour Du Mont Blanc stands as a testament to nature's grandeur and human perseverance. This iconic hiking trail, encircling the Mont Blanc massif, weaves through France, Italy, and Switzerland, offering adventurers a journey through breathtaking landscapes, cultural diversity, and unparalleled alpine vistas.


The Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB) spans approximately 170 kilometers (106 miles), circumnavigating the Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe at 4,809 meters (15,778 feet). The trail is renowned not only for its scenic beauty but also for its variety, challenging terrain, and cultural richness. It typically takes around 7 to 10 days to complete the entire circuit, though some may choose to extend or shorten their journey based on their pace and preferences.


Beyond its natural splendor, the TMB offers hikers a chance to immerse themselves in Alpine culture. Passing through charming villages and hamlets, each with its own distinct character and cuisine, provides a glimpse into the local way of life. Whether savoring hearty French cuisine in Les Contamines, sampling Italian delicacies in Courmayeur, or enjoying Swiss hospitality in Champex, the trail serves as a cultural tapestry woven from centuries-old traditions.

Before You Go


For those considering embarking on the Tour Du Mont Blanc, thorough preparation is essential. Here are some practical tips:


  • Fitness Preparation: Train adequately beforehand, focusing on both cardiovascular endurance and strength training for hiking.

  • Gear: Invest in quality hiking gear, including sturdy shoes, layers for varying weather conditions, and a reliable backpack.

  • Accommodation: Options range from mountain huts (refuges) to hotels and campgrounds. Booking ahead, especially during peak season (July to end of August), is advisable.

  • Navigation: While the trail is well-marked, carrying detailed maps or a GPS device ensures you stay on track.





My Suggested Itinerary


The classic itinerary starts in Les Houches and travels counter clockwise. The timing of your itinerary hinges on when you plan to hike. In early season, which extends into mid-June, snow patches may still cover some mountain passes. Hiking during this period can be challenging due to longer daylight hours, making it harder to complete a faster Tour Du Mont Blanc (TMB) route in fewer than nine stages. Tour operators generally recommend starting after July 1st to avoid lingering snow on the passes, though snow can persist into July.


Typically, crampons or an ice axe are unnecessary by July. The peak season runs from July 15th to August 30th, coinciding with many French and European vacations. A favorable time to hike is late August to early September, when all snow has melted from the passes and the number of visitors has decreased. Most mountain huts are open from mid-June to mid-September, accommodating hikers throughout the trekking season.


Day 1 : Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie (about 15 km)


From Les Houches, it’s about 2.5 hours to Col de Voza. It’s then a relatively slow descent down again to Tresse and finally onto Les Contamines


Where to Stay in Les Contamines*:

Campground: Camping du Pontet

Hotel : La Chemenaz


Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie to Chapieux (about 16 km)


Continuously ascend beyond Refuge de la Balme and Col du Bonhomme, eventually reaching Col de La Croix. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of Plan Jovet. Upon reaching the col, you'll be rewarded with a magnificent view looking back into Val Montjoie, the valley you journeyed from. At Col de La Croix, the paths split: the high route ascends towards Col des Fours, standing at 8,743 feet, one of the highest points on the TMB, while the main route descends directly to Les Chapieux.


Where to Stay in Chapieux*:


Campground: There is a free campground in Chapieux


Note: There is no cell reception in Chapieux


Day 3: Chapieux to Courmayeur (about 22 km)


Cross over from France into Italy via Col de la Seigne. Despite it being a relatively short day, you'll encounter significant elevation gain as you ascend to the 8,254-foot-high Col de la Seigne. While the hike isn't overly long or strenuous, there are several steep sections leading up to the pass. Once at the summit, you'll be treated to a breathtaking view that spans both France and Italy, a sight to behold! Upon entering Italy, you'll be greeted with vistas of Val Veni before making a gradual descent to Rifugio Elisabetta. Continue Descending towards Courmayer.


Where to Stay in Courmayeur*:



Day 4: Courmayeur to Arnuova Desot (about 23 km)


One of the most picturesque segments of the journey, you'll be treated to views of the Mont de la Saxe flank and the glaciers of Planpincieux and Frebouze for much of the day. You have the choice to follow the new main route to Refugio Bonatti, which takes a lower path that avoids a lot of elevation gain, or one the old TMB routes, which rise higher and give even more impressive views of the Mont Blanc Massif. Most hikers stop at Refuge Bonatti but if you descend a little bit further, you can stay at Chalet Val Ferret in Arnuova Desot.


Where to Stay*:



Day 5: Arnuova Desot to La Fouly (about 15 km)


You will say goodbye to Italy and arrive into Switzerland. The initial part of the trail Refugio Elena involves gentle changes in elevation as you descend into Val Ferret, offering sweeping views of the Massif and Val Ferret. Following Elena, you'll begin an ascent towards the Grand Col Ferret, where Switzerland awaits on the other side. In Switzerland, the big mountain views are replaced by a pastoral and agricultural setting.


Where to Stay in La Fouly*:


Auberge de la Fouly


Day 6: La Fouly to Champex (about 15 km)


The easiest day of your tour with little to no elevation gain through several charming villages.


Where to Stay in Champex*:



Day 7: Champex to Trient (about 15 km)


Hikers approaching Trient have two routes to consider. The primary path crosses Col de Forclaz (5,006 feet) before climbing further to "Alp Bovine," the trek's highest point at 6,692 feet above sea level. While not as dramatic as the high-altitude alternative, this main route offers impressive views of Martigny town far below. The trail winds through fields, meadows, and forests, providing considerable elevation change and a satisfying challenge.


The alternative high route, passing through Fenetre d’Arpette (8,743 feet), presents a more challenging option and should only be attempted in fair weather conditions and when free of snow. Caution is advised!


Where to Stay in Trient*:

Campground and Hotel: Refuge le Peuty


Day 8: Trient to Chamonix (the number of kms depends on what you decide)


More elevation gain today. After passing Col de Balme, you will reenter France. The main route goes to Refuge le Flegere via a series of ladders and metal steps hammered into stone. None of the ladders are higher than 30 feet or so, but for those that wish to avoid this section, there is an alternate route that goes through Col des Montets. Upon reaching Refuge le Flegere, hikers face a choice: they can either descend via gondola to complete their journey or opt to continue towards Le Brevent. Those who choose to proceed will find themselves approximately two hours away from another option to descend via cable car to Chamonix at Plan Praz. The terrain from Flegere to Plan Praz is relatively level, but beyond this point, the ascent to Le Brevent becomes steeper, marking the final climb of the trek.


Where to Stay in Chamonix*:



What to do and Where to eat in Chamonix*:


QC Terme, my favorite (and affordable) spa in the world

Local Museum: Musée des Cristaux

Local Museum: Musée Alpin


Restaurant: Le Monchu




Enjoy the trail <3



*Affiliated links

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