Mont Blanc Hiking Tour (TMB)
4.9
(13)
A wonderful adventure for family and friends to discover the most beautiful views of Mont Blanc, along with IFMGA certified guide Mark.
Group
Alps
13 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Hiking to Lac Blanc, one of the wonders of Chamonix valley.
- Climbing to the Alpage de Bovine, and enjoying the view over the Rhône Valley.
- Hiking across the Balme Pass, with an extraordinary view of Mt Blanc.
Description
Join me on a wonderful adventure for the complete family, or to come along with friends! This program will take us on a 13-day hiking tour to the beautiful area of Mont Blanc, across French, Italian and Swiss territory.
We’ll cover the complete Tour du Mont Blanc circuit, trekking roughly 170 km (110 mi) of breathtaking high‑alpine paths and ascending more than 9,000 m of elevation gain—equivalent to climbing Everest—over ten days of varied, engaging mountain walks.
Each day brings fresh panoramas and new experiences as we cross high passes and meander through three different alpine countries.
Evenings are spent unwinding in cozy hotels nestled in charming mountain villages, with two nights spent in authentic, remote mountain refuges. You’ll refuel with delicious regional cuisine to keep your energy high.
This full‑circuit Tour du Mont Blanc trek is a true classic—an essential adventure for any dedicated mountain walker.
If you are interested in this great Tour du Mont Blanc adventure, request your booking!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Luggage transfer
- Accommodation
- Personal Insurance
Price details
- Not Included in the Price:
- * Travel to and from Chamonix
- * Lunches, snacks, drinks, and any meals not specified
- * Costs for cable cars and buses, if/when used
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Chamonix, France
Gather at our hotel in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc to meet your guide and trip leader. We’ll kick things off with a welcome session, gear inspection, and an overview of the route ahead. The rest of the evening is yours to wander through Chamonix’s lively cafés and restaurants.
Day 2: High Alpine Walk to Les Houches
We begin with a cable car ascent to nearly 2,000 m. Above the tree line, enjoy a breathtaking ridge walk overlooking the Chamonix Valley and Mont Blanc. We then descend into Les Houches, where we’ll stay in a cozy Savoyard hotel.
Day 3: Les Houches to Les Contamines
After riding the Les Houches lift to the ski-area summit, we skirt beneath the Aiguille de Bionnassay. A suspension bridge spans the glacier’s snout before we reach the Col de Tricot. From there, it’s a steep descent to the Miage pastures—where a rustic mountain hut awaits with refreshments—before continuing down to the picturesque village of Les Contamines.
Day 4: Les Contamines to Vallée des Glaciers
Climb an ancient Roman path out of Les Contamines and traverse a series of high passes through wild, untamed terrain. We’ll then drop into the Vallée des Glaciers and finish the day at a traditional mountain refuge.
Day 5: Glaciers Valley to Courmayeur, Italy
We leave our mountain hut for the Col de la Seigne, crossing into Italy and beholding stunning views of Mont Blanc’s southern face. A gentle descent brings us into Val Veny, followed by a short transfer to the charming Italian town of Courmayeur. Enjoy your free evening exploring its boutiques, bars, and eateries.
Day 6: Rest Day in Courmayeur
A full day to unwind in Courmayeur. Relax, explore local sights, or sample Italian alpine cuisine at your leisure.
Day 7: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
From Courmayeur’s center, we climb to the Bertone hut and follow the Mont de la Saxe ridge above the Val Ferret. Take in sweeping panoramas of Mont Blanc’s Italian slopes before spending the night at the famed Bonatti mountain hut.
Day 8: Val Ferret to La Fouly, Switzerland
Continue up the Val Ferret, stopping in Arnouva before tackling the ascent to the Grand Col Ferret. After a final espresso at the Elena hut, we cross into Switzerland and descend into the tranquil Swiss Val Ferret, arriving in La Fouly.
Day 9: La Fouly to Champex-Lac
Today’s stage is gentler: a valley walk alongside a rushing river, passing traditional Swiss farms. A short climb through woodland brings us to the scenic lakeside village of Champex.
Day 10: Champex-Lac to Trient
Choose between the dramatic Fenêtre d’Arpette—an exposed notch in the alpine ridge—or the milder Bovine route, passing an old alpine farm. Both lead to the bustling auberge in Trient, where we’ll stay the night.
Day 11: Argentière, France
Ascend to the Col de Balme, re-entering France with sweeping views of the Chamonix Valley. We follow the ridge of the Aiguilette des Posettes before descending to the village of Argentière for the evening.
Day 12: Argentière to Chamonix
Our final trek takes us up into the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve for one last high-level panorama. We then make the descent back to Chamonix, celebrating the end of our journey.
Day 13: Departure
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and bid farewell as our Tour du Mont Blanc concludes. Safe travels!
Details
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in comfortable hotels, 1 night in a traditional auberge, and 2 nights in authentic mountain huts.
More info
Ideal for mountain walkers with solid fitness, strong endurance, and a sense of adventure.
FAQs
When is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The prime hiking season for the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) runs from mid-June to mid-September. July and August provide warm weather, long days, and fully open services, but they also bring larger crowds and higher prices. June and September are quieter alternatives with their own advantages and trade-offs.
June: By mid-June, most trails are clear, though some high passes may still have snowfields requiring caution or detours. Expect lush scenery, fewer hikers, and occasional wet conditions.
July: Warm temperatures and peak wildflowers make this one of the most scenic months. Trails and mountain huts become busier as peak season begins.
August: The height of the season, with generally stable weather and all services available—but also the busiest time on the trail.
September: Cooler air, golden foliage, and quieter paths create an ideal atmosphere for photography. Weather, however, becomes more unpredictable.
Key considerations:
Crowds: June or September offer a quieter experience.
Weather: July and August are the most reliable but can see afternoon thunderstorms.
Snow conditions: Snowmelt timing varies—check trail updates before departure.
Hut availability: Book early, especially for July and August.
What are the main TMB route options?
The classic circuit starts in Les Houches (France) and loops through Les Contamines, Courmayeur (Italy), Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland, Champex-Lac, and back to Les Houches.
Alternative start or end points include:
Chamonix (France): Easily accessed via the Plan Praz gondola.
Courmayeur (Italy): A good option to skip weekend congestion around Chamonix.
Champex-Lac (Switzerland): A scenic alpine lake starting point.
Key route notes:
Full circuit: 7–12 days.
Short programs: Select sections for those with limited time.
Direction: Clockwise offers a gradual ascent; counter-clockwise is steeper initially but equally rewarding.
Variants: Trails like Col de Tricot, Col des Fours, or Val Ferret provide unique scenery but are more challenging.
Customization: Tailor starting points, route direction, and daily distances to match fitness level and interests.
What is the trek like?
The TMB is a demanding but rewarding multi-day hike around Mont Blanc, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It traverses alpine meadows, forests, granite peaks, and glacier views—without requiring technical mountaineering skills.
What to expect:
Terrain: Continuous ascents and descents, rocky paths, and high mountain passes. No glacier crossings or climbing, though some steep sections feature metal ladders or steps for assistance.
Physical demands: Daily hiking of 6–8 hours with significant elevation changes. Pre-trip training (regular hikes, endurance work) is highly recommended.
Scenery: Varying landscapes daily—glacier-covered summits, vibrant meadows, and peaceful woodlands.
Logistics:
Guided tours provide pre-booked lodging and luggage transfers.
Self-guided treks require arranging accommodations, meals, and transport independently.
Which towns and villages will you visit?
The TMB passes through major hubs and charming alpine settlements:
Major towns:
Chamonix (France): A mountaineering center and popular start/end point.
Courmayeur (Italy): The Italian gateway to Mont Blanc with plenty of services.
Smaller towns and villages:
Les Houches (France): A classic start or finish point.
Les Contamines (France): A quieter village with alpine charm.
Champex (Switzerland): A lakeside village known for cafés and beautiful scenery.
What equipment should you bring?
Pack according to your route and trip length, but generally include:
Lightweight hiking gloves
Sunglasses, cap/hat, sunscreen, and lip balm
Warm insulating layer
Durable hiking pants
Rain cover for your pack
Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots
Swimwear for lakes or spa stops
How do you get to Mont Blanc?
Chamonix, France, is the main access point.
By Air:
Geneva Airport (GVA): Closest hub (~1.5 hours to Chamonix).
Other airports: Lyon (LYS) or Haute-Savoie Mont Blanc (Annecy).
Frequent buses, shuttles, or taxis from Geneva (advance booking recommended).
By Train:
Geneva to Chamonix: Requires a change at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains-Le Fayet.
Alternative routes via Martigny (Switzerland) or St. Gervais-le Fayet (France).
By Road:
From France: Autoroute Blanche (A40).
From Italy: Mont Blanc Tunnel (check for closures).
From Switzerland: Col des Montets.
In Chamonix:
Aiguille du Midi cable car for high-altitude views.
Montenvers Railway to the Mer de Glace glacier.
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
-Mark
5.0
(2)
Mountain Leader
I'm originally from Denmark, I'm now based full time in Chamonix, France. After a long marketing career in London, I now guide full-time. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to trek, climb, ski and mountain bike in mountain ranges from the wild Yukon in the West to the mighty Himalayas in the East, and quite a lot in between. I'm a certified International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) and an Alpine ski and telemark instructor (ISIA). I speak Danish, English, German and French. I live in Les Houches, France with my wife and our young son.
Languages
German | French | English |
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about -Mark
Nicole
In the trip booking, having additional clarity on what type of hike it will be would be greatly appreciated (distance, time, intensity, etc.)
Kerry
Fantastic day out snow shoeing with Mark in Chamonix. he was really knowledgeable and personable too. It was a full day of walking and we saw some incredible sights. I would definitely recommend it
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