Tour du Mont Blanc Hike: Our 10-Day Itinerary + Map (original) (raw)

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a captivating multi-day hike that circuits the Mont Blanc massif in usually 10-11 days, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland. The main Tour du Mont Blanc route is 170 km (105 miles) long and involves 10,080 meters (33,071 feet) of elevation gain and loss.

The Mont Blanc mountain range takes its name from its highest peak, Mont Blanc (4,809 meters / 15,777 feet), which is also the highest mountain in Europe, west of the Caucasus. This compact granite range is defined by cascading glaciers, ice-crusted domes, and sharp needle-like peaks.

The Tour du Mont Blanc hike circumnavigates the range, offering ever-changing perspectives of Europe’s highest mountains. It does not summit Mont Blanc.

Traditionally, this trek starts and ends in Chamonix, France, which is accessible by shuttle bus, or private transfer from the Geneva Airport in Switzerland.

The TMB is a widely popular trek in the Western Alps, because it’s scenic, moderate (minimal technical difficulty), and comfortable (private rooms, luggage transfer, delicious food, etc…). Due to its popularity, it’s critical to book accommodations along the TMB route early.

The Tour du Mont Blanc booking process can be a nightmare, so we recommend handing over the process to a self-guided hiking tour operator. We booked the 10-Day Tour du Mont Blanc with Alpenventures UNGUIDED. Our experience was seamless from start to finish and we have only the highest praise for this operator.

We’ve created this in-depth guide to help you plan and prepare for your trek. This TMB guide includes our personal Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, a detailed route map, information about difficulty and safety, signage and waymarking, variants and shortcuts, and accommodation.

Val Ferret, Mont Blanc, Tour du Mont Blanc

This Tour du Mont Blanc map shows how we hiked the TMB in 10 days. Each color signifies a different stage/day along the trek. The route highlighted in gray is the classic route (no variants, shortcuts, etc…).

In our map, you can see exactly where we deviated from the main route. We’ve explained these deviations (variants, alternative routes, shortcuts) below and in the stage trail guides.

Our 10-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary

TMB, Val Ferret, Mont Blanc, Italy

You can shape your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary based on how much time you have (7-15 days), where you want to stay (rustic versus luxurious accommodations, private versus shared rooms), and what you want to prioritize (specific variants, mountain refuges, etc…).

We trekked the Tour du Mont Blanc counterclockwise in 10 days, starting in Chamonix. We hiked 3 official variants, 2 alternative routes, and took a few shortcuts as well.

Note: there are no set stages along the TMB. But, for the sake of clarity, we will reference our stages when discussing specific variants, alternatives, and shortcuts.

Stage 1: Chamonix – Le Brévent – Les Houches

Stage 2: Les Houches – Les Contamines-Montjoie (Col de Tricot Variant)

Stage 3: Les Contamines – Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme

Stage 4: Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme – Cabane du Combal (Col des Fours Variant)

Stage 5: Cabane du Combal – Courmayeur – Rifugio Bertone

Stage 6: Rifugio Bertone – Grand Col Ferret – Alpage de La Peule

Stage 7: Alpage de La Peule – Ferret – La Fouly – Champex-Lac

Stage 8: Champex-Lac – Trient (Fenêtre d’Arpette Variant)

Stage 9: Trient – Col de Balme – Aiguillette des Posettes – Tré le Champ

Stage 10: Tré le Champ – Lac Blanc – La Flégère – Chamonix

Variants

There are several official Tour du Mont Blanc variants. These variants take you to higher elevations and are often more scenic than the traditional route. The variants are also more difficult.

We recommend integrating the TMB variants into your trek, if your itinerary allows.

In cases of poor visibility and unstable weather, it’s always recommended to forgo the variant.

We hiked three variants.

We didn’t hike the Col Sapin variant along stage 6, because our stage was simply too long to integrate it.

Alternative Routes

In addition to the variants, there are also a few alternative routes you can take, if you’re craving more solitude on the trail. These might be helpful in July and August, when the trail is more crowded. We learned about these routes in the Cicerone Guidebook and from Alpenventures UNGUIDED.

Refuge des Prés High Trail, France along stage 3. From Les Contamines, we took the Gorg and Signal cableways up to Le Signal and followed a high trail to Refuge des Prés, bypassing the main Val Montjoie valley trail. The alternative route merges with the main TMB route just above Refuge de la Balme.

Pramplo High Trail, Switzerland along stage 7. From Alpage de la Peule, we descended to Val Ferret via Pramplo, instead of taking the main farm road down to the valley.

Shortcuts

Our philosophy is that you should do what’s best for your body. Hiking the TMB is not a competition. If you need to cut out some elevation with a cableway, or shave off some distance with a bus, by all means do it. Do what’s best for you.

Here are a few notable shortcuts:

Bellevue Cableway, France along stage 2. You can take this cableway from Les Houches up to the Bellevue Plateau. This shortcut trims off 803 meters of elevation gain (6.9 km / 2 hours) and makes the Col de Tricot variant far more feasible.

Dolonne Gondola, Italy along stage 5. You can take the Dolonne gondola from Plan Chérouit down to Dolonne, a hamlet of Courmayeur. This shortcut will shave off an unspectacular 510 meter descent (2.4 km / 1 hour). We didn’t take the gondola, because it wasn’t operating.

La Fouly – Champex-Lac Bus, Switzerland along stage 7. There’s a TMR bus which runs through the Swiss Val Ferret valley several times a day. You can purchase your bus ticket on the bus in either Swiss Francs or Euros. If you want to cut out the section between La Fouly and Champex, take line 272 to Orsières and then transfer to bus line 271 to Champex-Lac.

Where to Start the Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc stage 10, France

The Tour du Mont Blanc starts in Chamonix Valley (aka Vallée de l’Arve) in France.

Traditionally, the trek begins in Les Houches, a village 8.3 km west of Chamonix. You can take a 23-minute bus ride to get from Chamonix to Les Houches.

We started the TMB directly in Chamonix with a cableway ascent to Le Brévent (Pranplaz cableway + Brévent cableway). From Le Brévent mountain station, we descended to Les Houches (stage 1). This is usually how most people end their Tour du Mont Blanc route.

Since the TMB is a circular hike, you could start anywhere. Some hikers we met started the trek in Courmayeur, Italy.

We loved starting and ending the trek in Chamonix, because it’s such a vibrant, atmospheric destination. It feels like the most fitting place to begin and end such a wildly epic adventure.

Also, it’s a great place to pick up any much-needed supplies, or gear for the hike.

And last, there are excellent hotels and places to eat in Chamonix, including the casual Mediterranean eatery ELA and the pan-Asian fusion restaurant Mumma. Tip: Make a dinner reservation at Mumma to celebrate completing the TMB. Thank you Bruce!!

How to Get to Chamonix

The closest airport to Chamonix is the Geneva Airport in Switzerland.

You can take a shuttle, or a private transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix.

It’s important to book these shuttles and transfers in advance.

We took the Alpybus shuttle, which runs a door-to-door transfer service from the Geneva Airport to hotels in Chamonix. The shuttle takes about 1:30 hours.

Chamonix Accommodations

We recommend staying 2 nights in Chamonix, before starting the trek. That will give you enough time to acclimate, get extra supplies (if needed), and rest.

Midrange | Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré is a centrally located hotel in Chamonix with splendid Mont Blanc mountain views, an exceptional staff, and lovely rooms (with tea/coffee machines). Expect a warm welcome and a great breakfast.

Top Choice – Midrange | Heliopic Hotel & Spa is located just steps away from Aiguille du Midi valley station, walking distance to the pedestrian zone. Stay here for the modern, beautifully-designed rooms, the gorgeous complementary spa (indoor pool, sauna, steam bath, herbal tea room, ice cave, and cold water plunge pool), massage services, and the amenities.

Midrange-Luxury | Alpina Eclectic Hotel & Spa Chamonix is located on the bank of the Arve river in the center of Chamonix. This modern hotel boasts freshly-designed, contemporary rooms, impressive interiors, a spa and wellness area, two bars, a grocery store, and on site-restaurant (Le Vista).

More accommodations: Hôtel de L’Arve (midrange) and Hôtel Mont-Blanc Chamonix (luxury)

Look for accommodation in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

When to Hike the Tour Du Mont Blanc

Refuge des Mottets, Vallée des Glaciers, Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc hiking season runs from late June until mid-September.

Like other places in the Alps, the hiking season is dictated by the length of the winter.

In mid-late June, it’s possible to encounter snow on the high mountain passes. And in September, a snow storm is always possible.

We hiked the TMB in early-mid September. Overall, the weather was outstanding. For the most part, it only rained at night. However, in other years, there are sudden snow storms in September.

Tour Du Mont Blanc Accommodations

Rifugio Bertone, Courmayeur, Italy

The Tour du Mont Blanc is not a high-alpine trek. It leads over mountain saddles from one valley to another. Many TMB stages end in villages, where there are hotels, inns, and even apartments.

During our trek, we stayed in 2 hotels, 2 gîtes (privately-owned, hostel-like accommodation), 3 mountain huts, 1 alpage (mountain pasture hut), and 1 apartment.

Most accommodations offer half board (breakfast and dinner). Some accommodations also offer lunch packets. Drinking water is safe, free and readily available throughout the trek. We never had to buy drinking water.

Tips for Staying in TMB Mountain Huts and Gîtes

Rifugio Bertone private room, TMB, Italy

Always remove your hiking boots before entering the sleeping area of the accommodation. There’s always a shoe storage area on the main level of the hut.

Never place your backpack on the mattress.

Bring a sleeping bag liner. While bedding is provided, you need to sleep in your liner for hygienic reasons. We recommend Sea to Summit Silk-Cotton Blend Travel and Sleeping Bag Liner.

Communicate food allergies, or dietary restrictions in advance of stay.

Bring earplugs.

Bring waterproof hut slippers. We bring our crocs.

Showers are generally included, though there may be a time limit.

In most cases, these accommodations are not self-catering. Do not cook, or eat your food on their premises.

How to Book the Tour du Mont Blanc

Grand Balcon sud, Tour du Mont Blanc, France

Planning a Tour du Mont Blanc trek is more daunting than planning the average hut-to-hut hike in the Alps because there are more accommodation choices (refuges, hotels, apartments, inns, alpine pastures) and route options (official variants, alternative routes, and shortcuts).

There’s no single way to hike the TMB. You can shape your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary based on how much time you have (7-15 days), where you want to stay (rustic versus luxurious accommodations), and what you want to prioritize (specific variants, mountain refuges, rest days, etc…).

There are a few ways to book your Tour du Mont Blanc trek.

We recommend booking the Tour du Mont Blanc in January, or February. However, people do start booking the TMB as early as October and November. You can book later. However, the later you book, the more flexible you should be about your timeframe, accommodation options, and itinerary (length of stages, use of transit, etc…).

Option 1: Book Accommodations Independently

The cheapest option is to book all your TMB accommodations yourself.

This is the best option if you want to control every part of the planning process and you thoroughly enjoy researching.

To start planning, buy the Cicerone: Trekking the Tour of Mont Blanc guidebook or the Knife Edge Outdoor Guidebooks: Tour du Mont Blanc and a paper trail map like L’Escursionista Tour du Mont Blanc TMB (1:50.000) and IGN Tour du Mont Blanc Map (1:50000)

You can use our itinerary as a foundation for your planning.

The downside of this option is that it’s very time-consuming. Lining up accommodations can be a challenge, because the TMB booking process isn’t efficient. Each accommodation must be booked individually. Some accommodations can only be booked online, while others can only be booked by email or by phone.

Moreover, if you don’t secure a certain accommodation, you may have to start the entire process from scratch and/or reroute your trek.

Option 2: Book a Self-Guided Hiking Tour

Self-guided hiking tour operators book accommodations on your behalf based on your needs and constraints. In addition, they usually provide a detailed itinerary with maps (paper or digital) and stage descriptions. They may also offer add-on services like booking shuttles (Geneva Airport to Chamonix), luggage transfer, lunch packets, etc…

These companies take care of all the logistics, so you don’t have to worry about anything other than packing properly and booking your flight.

Unlike a traditional guided tour, however, you hike the trail independently.

A self-guided tour covers the vast majority of your expenses. On the trek, you’ll only need money for drinks, a few meals, and cableways and buses (optional).

There are many self-guided hiking tour operators out there. During our TMB trek, other hikers told us that they were disappointed with their tour companies, because the operators didn’t listen to their preferences and didn’t provide sufficient information (no trekking guide and no maps).

It’s important to be selective and choose a trustworthy self-guided hiking company.

We booked our TMB trek, 10-Day Standard Tour du Mont Blanc, with Alpenventures UNGUIDED. The whole process was smooth. They are communicative, customer-service oriented, and extremely knowledgeable about the TMB. They know which accommodations to book and which to avoid.

As soon as they booked our accommodations, they sent us a TMB eGuidebook with our tour summary (stages, trail statistics, accommodations, and meals provided) and our day by day itinerary with maps, trail descriptions, and tips (cableway, or bus shortcuts, variant options, places to eat). The guidebook also includes additional information about conditions, what to do in an emergency, hut etiquette, livestock encounters on the trail, and more.

Shortly before the start of the trek, Alpenventures UNGUIDED activates a 30-day upgrade to the Outdooractive (navigation app) pro subscription level. Following their instructions, you will download the app, login, and download each individual tour segment. Throughout the trek, you can navigate with this app without reception, or data (so long as you’ve downloaded each segment in advance).

Note: Alpenventures UNGUIDED also offers a 7-Day Tour du Mont Blanc (shortened route with transit shortcuts) and a 15-Day Tour du Mont Blanc (leisurely-paced route).

If you have a very rigid timeline and you want private rooms only, it’s best to book your TMB tour as early as possible. However, if you approach the booking process with a more flexibility (date range, accommodations, creative itinerary), it’s possible to book a TMB trek later.

Option 3: Book a Guided Tour

It’s also possible to book a guided Tour du Mont Blanc tour.

I don’t think this is necessary. The TMB is very well-signed and waymarked. If you’re sufficiently prepared (you have a guidebook and navigation app), you won’t have any problem knowing where to go.

However, you may want to book a guided tour if you enjoy hiking in a group, or if you’re a solo hiker with minimal mountain hiking experience. It’s also a great way to meet new people.

Tour du Mont Blanc Difficulty

Fenetre d Arpette, Tour du Mont Blanc

How hard is the Tour du Mont Blanc? Difficulty is relative. Are you carrying your backpack, or are you using a luggage transfer service? Have you hiked a long distance hiking trail before? Are you acclimated? Did you train for the TMB? What are the weather and trail conditions? Is there snow along the trail?

In terms of terrain, the Tour du Mont Blanc is easy. With very few exceptions, the Tour du Mont Blanc follows well-graded, smooth and sturdy trails with little to no exposure. Aside from the Fenêtre d’Arpette Variant along stage 8 and the TMB ladders along stage 10 – both of which can be avoided – there’s no technical difficulty along the route.

So, compared to most of the multi-day hikes in Best Treks in Europe, TMB ranks a lot easier.

However, the TMB is still challenging because of the long distances and tremendous elevation gain/loss each day. Unlike a typical hut-to-hut hike where you spend the night in the mountains (above the tree line), many TMB stages end in valleys. That means long descents almost every day.

Kati and I usually trek in high-alpine environments, covering no more than 10-15 km per day. So, some of the 20+ km stages of the TMB were difficult for us physically, even though the trail itself was easy.

Let’s compare the Tour du Mont Blanc to a few multi-day treks.

Tour du Mont Blanc versus Alta Via 1

The main difference between the TMB and the Alta Via 1 is the terrain. The Alta Via 1 runs through the Italian Dolomites, and thus, across some rugged limestone/dolomite terrain. If you’re not used to hiking in uneven limestone/dolomite terrain (scree, loose rocks, karst pavement), then the AV1 will likely prove more difficult.

However, if you’re comfortable hiking in limestone mountains, then the AV1 is easier than the TMB, because the stages are shorter and there’s less elevation gain/loss.

Another main difference between the TMB and AV1 is accommodation. If you hike the TMB, you can stay in a wide variety of accommodations (even hotels), which means that the TMB can be potentially more comfortable. The AV1 is a hut-to-hut hike, so you can only stay in mountain huts along the way. While some AV1 huts offer private rooms, there’s only a limited number.

For us personally, the AV1 was easier.

Tour du Mont Blanc versus the Austrian High Trails

If you compare the TMB to the average Austrian High Trail (Höhenweg), like the Berlin High Trail, Venediger High Trail, Montafon Circuit, Karwendel High Trail, Eagle Walk – Lechtal Alps, Schladminger Tauern High Trail, the Tour du Mont Blanc is significantly easier.

Why? All of these Austrian hut-to-hut trails pass through high-alpine environments, where you have to tackle very steep slopes, hike along narrow ledges and ridges (usually secured), and negotiate challenging terrain (scree slopes, boulder fields, etc…).

Tour du Mont Blanc versus Triglav National Park Traverse

The Triglav National Park Traverse crosses the Northern Julian Alps in 4 days. The Julian Alps form part of the Southern Limestone Alps, like the Italian Dolomites. The terrain is brittle and rocky, with lots of scree and karst pavement.

Though significantly shorter than the Tour du Mont Blanc, the Triglav Trek is far more technical. Hikers must tackle a lot of scrambling and secured passages. In the Slovenian Alps, the line between hiking and mountaineering is somewhat blurred. So, if you’ve hiked across the Julian Alps or the Kamnik-Savinja Alps, the TMB will be very easy for you technically.

Tour du Mont Blanc versus Annapurna Circuit

The TMB is similar to the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. Both trails follow wide, easy tracks for the most part. Though the TMB involves more daily elevation gain and loss, the Annapurna Circuit is more difficult because of the high altitude.

The highest point of the classic Tour du Mont Blanc route is Grand Col Ferret (2,532 meters), or the optional Col des Fours (2,665 m) and Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 meters) saddles along the variant routes. The highest point along the Annapurna Circuit is Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters).

Hiking at such a high altitude is physically exhausting. In the days leading up to Thorung La Pass, many trekkers get altitude sickness and many get food poisoning.

Signage and Waymarking

Tour du Mont Blanc waymarks, Italy

The Tour du Mont Blanc is well-signed and waymarked.

There are green, square-shaped TMB stickers on trail signs, which help steer trekkers in the right direction.

In addition, there are diamond-shaped TMB waymarks, which are painted on trees, rocks, and building facades throughout the trail.

Though the signage is excellent, it’s important to have an offline trail navigation app to consult.

Safety

Cows grazing, Alpage de La Peule, Switzerland

If you’re new to hiking in the Alps, read our guide to Visiting the Alps in Summer and Hiking in the Alps.

Alpine Pastures

The Tour du Mont Blanc traverses mountain pastures where cattle graze in summer. Make sure to keep a respectful distance from the animals. Cross pastures quickly and quietly. And never, get between a mother cow and her calf.

Alpine pastures are always gated, or fenced-off. When entering and exiting the pasture, always close the gate behind you. If you have to pass through an electric gate, only touch the tape (usually yellow).

Dogs

WE LOVE DOGS, but after a few scary experiences in Thailand and Vietnam, we can sympathize with anyone who is fearful of encountering aggressive dogs in unknown territory.

Rest assured, there are no aggressive dogs along the TMB.

However, you may encounter some Patou guard dogs, which guard flocks of sheep. As long as you don’t approach the sheep, or display threatening behavior, these dogs will not bother you. Avoid lingering around the sheep.

We saw a few Patou guard dogs on Stage 3: Les Contamines – Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme. They were chill, but I wouldn’t test them.

Weather

It’s critical to take the weather seriously and plan accordingly. Check the weather each day.

Always have a Plan B for bad weather days. Avoid the higher TMB variants. Know where you can exit the trail early, take a bus, or cableway.

Languages

Tour du Mont Blanc Val Veny High Trail to Courmayeur, Italy

French is the dominant language along the TMB.

The Tour du Mont Blanc passes through French-speaking Savoie, France, French-speaking Valais, Switzerland, and Italian and French-speaking Aosta Valley, Italy.

English-speakers will have no problem communicating along the TMB in English.

Here are some helpful French words to know for the TMB:

Ouvert: open

Fermé: closed

Auberge: inn

Alpage: alpine pasture

Refuge: mountain hut

Gîte: hostel-style accommodation

Le sac à viande est obligatoire au refuge: a sleeping bag liner is mandatory

Col: mountain saddle

Des Prés: meadows

Croix: cross

Aiguille, Aiguilles: sharp peak

Carrefour: crossroads

Chemin: way, or road

Randonnée: walk or hike

chutes de pierres: falling rocks

Plan: plain, plateau, or flat area

Torrent: mountain stream

Lac: lake

Bois: woodland

Val, Vallée, Vallon: valley

Currency and Payment

The currency in France and Italy is the Euro (EUR). The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF).

It’s important to carry cash with you. Some establishments along the TMB only accept payment in cash.

In our limited experience, Swiss huts along the TMB usually accept Euros. Nonetheless, it’s probably a good idea to have CHF as well.

You can withdraw Swiss Francs from an ATM in the Geneva Airport, or in the village of La Fouly in Swiss Val Ferret (Stage 7).

Pros and Cons of the Tour du Mont Blanc

Val Ferret, Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a great introduction to multi-day hiking in the mountains. Though certainly a serious undertaking, the route largely follows easy-moderate trails from one valley to another. If you’re new to long distance hiking, then the TMB is an ideal place to start.

We particularly enjoyed the atmosphere on the trail and the international vibe. It was so easy to connect with other hikers.

When we hiked this trek in September, the majority of the hikers were US-American, Canadian, and French.

Having lived abroad so many years, I particularly love meeting Americans in Europe. And Kati is somewhat of an Americanophile (is that a word?). So, we liked that aspect of the TMB. But, if you’re coming from the States or Canada and you want to feel like you’re hiking in Europe, it may feel like there’s too much of a North American influence.

If you love the idea of the TMB, but are seeking something less busy (but equally stunning), check out Alpenventures UNGUIDED’s 6-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Alternative.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a very comfortable route. Because of its ease and accessibility (luggage transfer option), the trail is attractive to a lot of inexperienced hikers. That’s a pro and a con, right?

For us, the Tour du Mont Blanc was a beautiful mountain walk. Other than the Col des Fours variant route (stage 4), Fenêtre d’Arpette variant route (stage 8), and the ladders (stage 10), the hike wasn’t challenging.

All in all, we’re so happy we trekked the Tour du Mont Blanc. It was a memorable experience that we’ll never forget.

If you have any questions about hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, leave us a comment below.

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