Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort (extended)
- Conquer Europe's classic long distance circular hike, the Tour du Mont Blanc
- Three stunning European countries in one trek: France, Italy, & Switzerland
- Rest days in the delightful Italian mountain town of Courmayeur
- Enjoy the delicious traditional cuisine after a day of outstanding hiking
- Stay in cozy huts in the mountains and historic, chalet-style hotels
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Les HouchesThe pretty village of Les Houches is easily accessible by either train or shuttle from Geneva Airport in just over an hour. On arrival you can settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through the town and get ready for your adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Hotel du Bois is a comfortable 3 star hotel on the main street in Les Houches. The hotel has typical chalet style rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, large garden with views of the Mont Blanc Massif and a bar and restaurant.
Le Saint Antoine, is located in the ski resort of Les Houches in the Mont Blanc region. Its spa has a hot tub, sauna and hamman (free access) and optional massage treatments. The rooms and suites have a flat-screen TV with cable TV channels and free Wi-Fi internet access.
A 2 Star Chalet Hotel, Campanules punches well above its weight with great views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi, fantastic service and comfortable rooms.
Your Tour du Mont Blanc starts with either a climb from Les Houches out of the Chamonix Valley to Bellevue (1801m) or a quick 10 minute ride on the Bellevue telepherique (recommended).
At Bellevue you have the option of taking the challenging route via Chalet de Miage, which is dominated by the Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionnasay as you pass just beneath the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay. After passing the idyllic Chalet de Miage you descend to Les Contamines.
The easier option winds through beautiful forests and through alpine pastures via Bionnassay to Les Contamines.
Walk 1 - Les Houches to Bellevue gondola top station + Bellevue gondola top station to Les Contamines via Bionnassay, 21.5km, 7 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1198m/1045m
Walk 2 - Les Houches to Bellevue gondola top station + Bellevue gondola top station to Les Contamines via Refuge Miage, 19.3km, 7:50 Hours Ascent/Descent:1480m/1319m
Optional Cable Car from Les Houches to Bellevue gondola top station. Reduces both routes by 2:30 hours and 800m of ascent
Enjoying a peaceful location this family run chalet style hotel has 38 bedrooms, an outside swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi, large garden, a restaurant and bar.
The charming Hotel Gai Soleil was once the owner’s family’s farm in the mountains. It has been renovated with care and furnished with an aim to preserve all its rustic character and warmth. You can relax among the various flowering trees and wild berries growing in the summer and enjoy the warmth of the full sun on the terrace in winter. From the hotel you’ll find a spectacular view of the Montjoie valley.
"Le Ptou", a small independent traditional chalet accommodating located in the heart of the village of Les Contamines, just a few steps from the shops and the shuttle bus stop. All rooms are equipped with TV and WiFi access.
A gentle start from Les Contamines for the first 5km along the valley floor to the chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge (shuttle transfer possible). Here the path turns upwards and climbs steadily on the Chemin Roman through the Contamines Montjoie Nature Reserve towards the distant Col du Bonhomme. The climb reveals increasingly rugged views of the high peaks and you quickly reach the rugged landscapes of the Col du Bonhomme (2329 m).
A further hour on rough and rocky ground brings up the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Here you can either climb over the Col des Fours (2665m) and descend steeply to Refuge des Mottets or alternatively descend to Les Chapieux.
There is a shuttle running between Les Chapieux and Mottets if you need to make your way between the 2.
As the Tour du Mont Blanc is a very busy trail, we often use alternative accommodation. If we cannot get our customers booked into our usual hotel accommodation in Les Chapieux or Mottets, we will book accommodation in Bourg Saint Maurice instead. We'll arrange a transfer to and from Bourg Saint Maurice for you.
Walk 1 - Les Contamines to Les Chapieux via Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (no Col des Fours), 18.7km, 7 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1395m/993m
Walk 2 - Les Contamines to Refuge des Mottets via Col des Fours - Optional High Route Variant, 20.7km, 7 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1615m/911m
The Auberge de la Nova is a friendly mountain hotel in a lovely location, serving hearty mountain food and cold beer. The auberge is a simple mountain lodge and has private rooms and dormitory accommodation. Bathrooms are shared. There is a small farm shop next door, which is a good option for a picnic.
Extensively refurbished in 2010 the Refuge Mottets maintains a wonderful atmosphere. The original farm buildings and new sleeping accommodation include dormitory and private rooms, while meals are taken in the atmospheric main building.
A small family run hotel in the village of Les Chapieux with only 3 rooms, first opened in 1856, and run by Celine and Pierre. The scenery here is spectacular, you will be surrounded by upland pasturelands and have excellent views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
The Col de la Seigne (2516m) lies a steep 750m above the Refuge des Mottets and is where you leave France for Italy. Just wait until you see the view! Stupendous! The steep southern side of the Mont Blanc Massif, made up of jagged peaks, hanging glaciers and plunging waterfalls, seems close enough to touch. The trail descends through high alpine meadows past refuge Elisabetta into the Val Veni.
Here you must choose either the tough option which climbs via Col Chécrouit to Courmayeur or the easy option of continuing past the snout of the huge Glacier du Miage to Visaille, where you catch the shuttle bus into Courmayeur.
If you have stayed overnight in Les Chapieux, you can take a shuttle to Mottets in the morning to get to the start of the walk. If you stayed in Bourg Saint Maurice, a transfer back to Les Chapieux will have been arranged for you.
Walk 1 - Refuge des Mottets to Courmayeur via Col Checrouit, 23.6km, 8:30 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1169m/1808m
Walk 2 - Refuge des Mottets to La Visaille, 14.2km, 5 Hours Ascent/Descent: 649m/850m
Optional walk if you start from Les Chapieux: Les Chapieux to Mottets, 6.3km, 2hours Ascent/Descent: 363m/39m
Located just a few minutes from the pedestrianised centre of Courmayeur the family run Hotel Bouton d’Or is wonderfully friendly and has a calm garden and terrace in which to relax.
The Crampon is a charming family run 3 * hotel. It has been entirely renovated and offers the guests a warm and friendly atmosphere between modernity and tradition.
Cresta et Duc offers contemporary design with warm Alpine comfort. The have a small wellness centre with sauna, steam bath and gym where you can realx after a long day's walk.
Purists may choose to head back to La Visaille by bus or taxi and cover the section of the trail from Lac Combal via Col Checrouit back into Courmayeur. In favourable weather, this high route is well worth the effort and is a wonderfully scenic section of the trail. Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day relaxing in the charming Italian town of Courmayeur.
Ascent/Descent: 830m/1274m
Located just a few minutes from the pedestrianised centre of Courmayeur the family run Hotel Bouton d’Or is wonderfully friendly and has a calm garden and terrace in which to relax.
The Crampon is a charming family run 3 * hotel. It has been entirely renovated and offers the guests a warm and friendly atmosphere between modernity and tradition.
Cresta et Duc offers contemporary design with warm Alpine comfort. The have a small wellness centre with sauna, steam bath and gym where you can realx after a long day's walk.
Nestled at the heart of Italy’s Aosta Valley, Courmayeur is bustling in summer with plenty to fill your day. Choose from a gentle stroll, a relaxing cappuccino and people watching on the piazza or perhaps take the cable car to Refugio Torino and the Punta Helbronner (3462m), where you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Located just a few minutes from the pedestrianised centre of Courmayeur the family run Hotel Bouton d’Or is wonderfully friendly and has a calm garden and terrace in which to relax.
The Crampon is a charming family run 3 * hotel. It has been entirely renovated and offers the guests a warm and friendly atmosphere between modernity and tradition.
Cresta et Duc offers contemporary design with warm Alpine comfort. The have a small wellness centre with sauna, steam bath and gym where you can realx after a long day's walk.
In good weather the walk from Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable of your Tour du Mont Blanc.
The main route then contours around the flank of Mont de la Saxe on an undulating path giving you plenty of time to take in the dramatic icy panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif and Grand Jorasses across the valley.
The variant via Col Sapin and Mont de la Saxe includes more climbing but the views are arguably better.
Whichever route you choose, Rifugio Bonatti, the crème de la crème of alpine refuges, marks the end of your day.
As the Tour du Mont Blanc is a very busy trail, we often use alternative accommodation. If we cannot get our customers booked into our usual accommodation Rifugio Bonatti, we will book an additional night in Courmayeur instead. You'll be using local buses to make your way back to Courmayeur.
Walk 1 - Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti, 11.8 km, 4.30h - Ascent/Descent: 1058m/260m.
Walk 2 - Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti via Monte de la Saxe, 14.6km, 7.30h - Ascent/Descent: 1616m/799m
Widely regarded as one of the best refuges in the Alps rifugio Walter Bonatti was opened in 1988 and is named after the famous alpinist. The refuge has dormitories and private rooms.
Located just a few minutes from the pedestrianised centre of Courmayeur the family run Hotel Bouton d’Or is wonderfully friendly and has a calm garden and terrace in which to relax.
The Crampon is a charming family run 3 * hotel. It has been entirely renovated and offers the guests a warm and friendly atmosphere between modernity and tradition.
The day begins with a glorious contouring walk from Rifugio Bonatti before descending into Val Ferret, where the climb of Grand col Ferret begins. The top of the col brings up Switzerland. Descending through picture book scenes of chalets, grazing cattle and fabulous alpine views you soon reach La Fouly, an idyllic alpine village of wooden chalets overflowing with flowers.
If you stayed in Courmayeur, your day begins with a bus (25 minutes) to Arnouva, in the heart of the beautiful Val Ferret, just a little further than the Bonatti bus stop.
Ascent/Descent 925m/1349m
The chalet style hotel La Fouly is a simple mountain hotel owned by Marielle et Christophe Lonfat offering tasty meals in this small village.
Gite de la Fouly is located in the centre of La Fouly and offer a charming chalet-style accommodation for up to 17 people.
A simple mountain hotel offering spacious and comfortable lodgings. At an altitude of 1600 meters, the Auberge des Glaciers is nestled in lush greenery and offers breathtaking views of the glaciers.
Walking through the Val Ferret with its patchwork of peaceful forests and green pastures is balm for the body and soul as this is the easiest stage of the TMB. On the way to Champex you will be walking on some of the quietest trails in the Mont Blanc Massif. The village of Les Arlaches, made up of traditional wooden Swiss Chalets, seems to have leapt from a postcard and is a highlight of the day. Your overnight stop is the lakeside town of Champex.
Ascent/Descent: 499m/632m
The Hotel Glacier has been in the Biselx family for over 100 years. The hotel enjoys lovely views from the terrace and garden.
The Hotel Mont Lac has 4 double rooms and 2 apartments. Each has a private terrace with panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Guests have free access to the wellness area.
Each room and apartment is equipped with a flat screen tv, free wifi, hairdryer, soap, shampoo, mini bar and a furnished terrace. The apartments do not have a mini bar but have full kitchens. There is free parking on site.
Hotel Alpina is located just outside the village of Champex-Lac, at the foot of the Mont Blanc Massif. All rooms have a balcony with mountain views and a spa bath.
The official route goes via Alp Bovine, a splendid walk through pine and larch forests interspersed with alpine meadows and wonderful views down the Rhône Valley.
Alternatively the demanding variant goes via the spectacular Fenêtre d’Arpette to the Trient Valley. Climbing to 2665m it’s a challenging and exposed route but worth every step. Whichever route you choose you will end the day by descending right to the valley floor to the small village of Trient.
As the Tour du Mont Blanc is a very busy trail, we often use alternative accommodation. If we cannot get our customers booked into our usual hotel in Trient, we will book accommodation in Martigny instead. A transfer from the Col de la Forclaz (a little before Trient) will be arranged for you, as well as a transfer back the next morning.
Walk 1 - Champex to Trient via Alp Bovine 17.5km, 5:45 Hours Ascent/Descent: 768m/946m
Walk 2 - Champex to Trient via Fenêtre d’Arpette - Optional High Route Variant: 15km, 6:45 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1199m/1388m
This simple mountain accommodation was recently refurbished and offers both dormitory and private accommodation. Bathroom facilities will be shared.
At the crossroads between Switzerland, France and Italy, the Martigny Boutique-Hôtel is located 7 minutes from Martigny train station in Valais. Your hotel offers modern and stylish rooms as well as a wine bar and a renowned restaurant serving local and Peruvian cuisine.
The Hotel Vatel as been completely renovated and welcome you in a friendly atmosphere. The hotel has 51 rooms with view on the Alps, they are well equipped with air conditioning, coffee machine, minibar and free wifi access.
From Trient, you climb to reach the French border at Col de Balme (2191 m). From the col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles, the Mer de Glace and the Argentière glaciers! The route then continues via the Col des Posettes and Aiguillette des Posettes, with wonderful views throughout, before descending into the Chamonix Valley at Tré le Champ.
From Tré le Champ you can either walk the 1.5km to Argentière or catch the free shuttle bus.
As the Tour du Mont Blanc is a very busy trail, we often use alternative accommodation. If we cannot get our customers booked into our usual hotel in Argentière, we will book accommodation in Chamonix instead. There are regular trains and buses between Chamonix and Tré le Champ/Argentière, making it easy to reach your accommodation at the end of your walk.
Walk 1 - Trient to Tré-le-Champ via Le Tour, 12km, 4:45 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1000m/858m
Walk 2 - Trient to Tré-le-Champ via Aiguillette des Posettes, 13.2, 5:30 hours Ascent/Descent: 1117m/977m
Hotel Couronne is a comfortable 3 star hotel in the heart of Argentière. The restaurant specialises in Savoyard dishes.
Enjoying a quiet location with great views, despite being so close to the centre of Chamonix, the hotel has 37 comfortable rooms and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base for exploring Chamonix.
The next two days are a real highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The views across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc Massif are outstanding throughout.
If you prefer, you can start with a short bus ride back to Tré-Le-Champ. From there the trail climbs via Aiguillette de Argentière to the Grand Balcon Sud of the Aiguilles Rouges, taking in a few fixed ladders on the way. You are now in the Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve and sightings of Ibex, Marmot and many other furry creatures are common.
You continue to climb to Lac Blanc, where the idyllically situated refuge is the perfect spot for lunch. Another hour of descent brings you to the cable car station at Le Flégère, continue past the cable car and take the Balcon Sud route traversing across the mountainside with stunning views of Mont Blanc as you go. The balcony route arrives at Planpraz where you can take the cable car down to the centre of Chamonix.
We have alternative walks available without ladders and without the cable car.
Walk 1 - Tré-le-Champ to Planpraz via Lac Blanc, 14km, 7:00 hours - Ascent/Descent 1391m/807m
Walk 2 - Tré-le-Champ to Planpraz via Lac Blanc without ladder section, 14.8km, 6:15 hours - Ascent/Descent 1348m/802m
Walk 3 - Petit Balcon Nord - Tre le Champ to Chamonix (low level alternative), 11.4km, 4.55h - Ascent/Descent 433m/757m
Walk 4 - Tré-le-Champ to Planpraz via Lac Blanc without ladder section - alternative without cable car, 16.3km, 7.20hr - Ascent/Descent 968m/1351m
Walk 5 - Tré-le-Champ to Planpraz via Lac Blanc - alternative without cable car, 15.1km, 7.30hr - Ascent/Descent 975m/1352m
Enjoying a quiet location with great views, despite being so close to the centre of Chamonix, the hotel has 37 comfortable rooms and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
Le Refuge des Aiglons is a contemporary hotel with 107 guest rooms just a few steps from the Aiguille du Midi cable cars. The hotel boasts a large garden, spacious bar, good quality restaurant and genuine Mountain Spa.
Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base for exploring Chamonix.
Begin your day by catching the cable car back up to Planpraz. For your last day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, you have several options. The toughest, but most rewarding takes you all the way to Les Houches via the Col du Brevant & the rocky pedestal of the le Brévent (2525m). Mont Blanc seems within touching distance on the opposite side of the valley. Descend past Lac Brevent and traverse onwards to Bel Lachat before making the descent to Les Houches and a short bus or train ride will take you back to Chamonix. This day can be shortened at several points.
Chamonix is the centre of mountaineering in the French Alps and always a hive of activity and is the perfect place to celebrate the end of your walk around Mont Blanc.
Today too we have alternative walks available if the Cable Car is not operating
Walk 1 - Planpraz to Les Houches, 12.5km, 5hr - Ascent/Descent 764m/1871m
Walk 2 - Chamonix to Les Houches without cable car (no col du Brevent), 13.8km, 7.30hr - Ascent Descent 1158m/1186m
Enjoying a quiet location with great views, despite being so close to the centre of Chamonix, the hotel has 37 comfortable rooms and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.
Le Refuge des Aiglons is a contemporary hotel with 107 guest rooms just a few steps from the Aiguille du Midi cable cars. The hotel boasts a large garden, spacious bar, good quality restaurant and genuine Mountain Spa.
Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base for exploring Chamonix.
After breakfast your trip on the Tour du mont Blanc has come to an end. However, we would recommend that you add extra nights in Chamonix, it is a great base to spend a couple of days. You can enjoy some fabulous walking in the Aiguilles Rouge Park, take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3795m or perhaps the train to the Montenvers on the Mer de Glace.
This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at a bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?This itinerary completes the whole of the Tour du Mont Blanc with two additional nights in the pretty mountain town of Courmayeur in Italy. Optional hikes are available for these days. The tour stays in comfortable hotel and chalet accommodations in the valleys and private rooms in the mountain huts where possible. The tour is rated moderate-strenuous with the daily ascent/descent being 1,000m on average. You start with 3 consecutive hiking days and then from Courmayeur you have a further 7 consecutive hiking days. Luggage transfers are included so you can hike with just a day pack. If you overnight in a mountain hut then you will need to carry your pack for that night only. Please note the route can get very busy. All accommodation is subject to availability.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a tough hike with considerable ascent and descent on each day. We recommend this tour to experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge. The terrain is mountainous, rocky and rough underfoot.
There are two sections that include the use of fixed ladders and footholds, and require some very light scrambling. This is on the Grand Balcon du Sud route between Tré-le-Champ and Lac Blanc/Le Flègére on Day 10 and again between Col du Brévent and Le Brévent on Day 11. Both sections can be avoided by taking an alternative route. These will be detailed in your route notes.
If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular hiking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your hike. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalized training programme.
The majority of your nights are in small hotels (generally 3*) and some nights are in auberges/refuges in private twin rooms as hotels are not available in these locations. We carefully select small friendly hotels that offer great value, food and welcome. Full hotel details are listed in the detailed itinerary.
** If you are staying in dorm rooms at Refuge la Nova, Hotel La Grande Ourse, Gite Bon Abri and Refugio Bonatti, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag liner. These are small to pack and lightweight. They ensure hygiene in places receiving a high volume of hikers through the summer months.The huts have shared and mixed gender bathroom facilities.**
Please note that the Tour du Mont Blanc is an extremely popular route and the accommodation is limited. In some places, we may need to book a hotel or guesthouse in a different location, meaning you will need to use public transport to get to your accommodation and back onto the trail the next day. We will provide all the information needed, should that be the case.
Please note that private facilities cannot be guaranteed throughout the entire tour. Accommodations with shared facilities are arranged in the Huts, Trient and can also be booked in La Fouly.
Private Rooms on the Tour du Mont Blanc
As the Tour du Mont Blanc season is short and as our 'Comfort' trips prove very popular every year, please be aware that there is no guarantee that private rooms will be available in the smaller accommodations. We will do all we can to accommodate your preferences.
If you are a solo hiker, you will be booked into a dorm in the mountain hut as single rooms are not available in mountain huts. The solo hiker price has been calculated with this taken into account.
Single Rooms
A limited number of single rooms are available. A single supplement price is applicable. Single rooms are not available in mountain huts.
Solo Hikers
The Tour du Mont Blanc is available to solo hikers who are experienced and confident hiking in Alpine terrain. While the TMB has become increasingly popular over the past few years, it should not be underestimated. You will be hiking in high-Alpine terrain subject to rain, fog, thunder/lightning storms and snow at any time of year. You must be confident hiking alone on difficult terrain, over snow fields and navigating in poor visibility/weather conditions. Whilst this is a challenging hike, because of its popularity, more often than not, there are other trekkers in close proximity, which is why we can offer this tour to solo hikers. However, if you are a first-time Alpine solo hiker, we recommend an alternative tour. We have a range of Alpine tours that would be more suitable for you. Please contact us for more information. If you are a solo hiker, you will be booked into a dorm in the mountain hut as single rooms are not available in mountain huts. The solo hiker price has been calculated with this discount already take into account.
Meals
Breakfast in the 3* hotels is a buffet selection with lots of sweet treats like pastries, home made jams fruit and cereals. Savoury tastes are also catered for with bread, cheese, ham and eggs available. Breakfasts in the mountain hotels and huts tend to be very basic; bread, butter, jams, coffee, tea and orange juice. If you prefer something more substantial before hiking, we recommend carrying a few energy bars with you each day and supplement your breakfast with one of these. Packed lunch items can be bought locally from supermarkets or the local boulangerie. If you are staying in a hut or remote accommodation, order a packed lunch with them upon arrival. Allow about €10 per day for lunch. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodation.
Dinner in the hotels will be at least three courses chosen from a fixed menu, and sometimes there is a choice available. Dinner in the mountain huts tend to be a convivial affair, and you will be seated with the other guests. Meal times are a real highlight in the huts, and you can enjoy the company of people from all over the world while you dine on good honest home cooked food. Dinner is typically soup with bread, a main course consisting of meat and rice or pasta, a side salad or vegetables, followed by a simple dessert or cheese. If you have any dietary requirements, please tell us upon booking and we can arrange this with the accommodations. In Chamonix and Courmayeur. dinner is not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Savoyard specialities are mostly based on cheese. Dishes which shouldn't be missed include fondue, tartiflette and raclette.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is comprehensively way marked at all junctions and by regular paint marks along the trail. We supply you with a guidebook and route notes so you should have absolutely no problem following the route. Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account. We strongly recommend using this App, or at least having it on your phone ready to use should you ever be in any doubt about your direction. You should also polish up on your map and compass skills prior to departing, as weather and visibility can change very quickly in the mountains, and these kinds of skills never go out of fashion!
Our walks usually begin and end at a central point in town (such as a church, bus stop, etc.). Access routes to your accommodation are not included in our km daily figures. However, the Macs app will guide you to your accommodation.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- map 3531 ET St Gervais by IGN
- map 3630 OT Chamonix by IGN
- 10 Nights in two & three star hotels on a twin/double share basis
- 3 Nights in auberges/mountain refuges in private twin/double rooms (dorms for solo walkers)
- Bag transfer (with the exception of Rifugio Bonatti)
- 13 Breakfasts
- 7 Dinners (Chamonix & Courmayeur not included)
- Access to maps, tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure app
- 24/7 telephone support from our UK office
- Travel insurance
- Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix
- Lunches (allow approx.10 Euro per day)
- Dinners in Chamonix and Courmayeur
- Public transport such as cable cars/ski lifts/buses
- Drinks and snacks
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the walk
- Accommodation upgrade at any point on the trek
The season for the Tour du Mont Blanc runs from the start of July to mid-September. Please note that public transport in the area in the shoulder month of September is limited. This means that certain 'short cut' options will not be at your disposal during this month. Those hiking in these months should be prepared to walk the full distances each day. In the itinerary description, you will find the daily distances both with and without any possible short cuts.
Numerous gondolas/chairlifts/funiculars stop operating by early September (usually around the 10th). This will affect some of the walks. Please take that into account when booking.
Furthermore, if you wish to travel in early July you need to BOOK EARLY as this tends to be the most popular time on the trail and books up quickly.
The last weekend of August sees Chamonix hosting the famous Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc race. We recommend avoiding the TMB at this time as the area is extremely busy and most accommodations full.
In 2025, this tour will not be offered in September as it will be affected by the Mont Blanc tunnel closures. The tunnel is periodically closed for maintenance work. The full closure in September 2025 means this itinerary cannot be operated.
By Air: Geneva is the best airport for the Chamonix Valley. There is a train from the airport, however we recommend you take a pre-booked shuttle through a company such as Mountain Dropoffs. Your Destination & Adventure Specialist will be happy to give you more information about this.
By Rail: TGV to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. www.voyages-sncf.com For the return, there are regular trains between Chamonix and St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet.
By Road: Highway A40-E25 Mont Blanc-Chamonix, exit Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. More information at www.viamichelin.fr
Parking: In Les Houches you can park for free at the Bellevue Cable Car station. In Chamonix, free parking at the Aiguille du Midi & the parking Planards (Montenvers station).
From Chamonix, take a pre-booked shuttle such asMountain Dropoffsback to Geneva airport. Alternatively, if you are travelling elsewhere in France, Chamonix has a train station. Timetables and information can be found atsncf.com
Transport during the hike
You will need to use the cable car from La Flégère to get to and from your accommodation in Chamonix on day 12/13. If you are finding the going too tough you can use lifts or public transport to skip several of the stages or big ascents/descents. Public transport and lifts/funiculars are not included and although your info pack has full details of each transfer you need to pay for these. The following transfers are necessary during your walk. You should allow about €40 for these transfers.
Day 12:Cable car from La Flégère to Chamonix
Day 13:Cable car from Chamonix to La Flégère
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person.It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Luggage transfer is included, allowing you to enjoy the trek with just a light day bag on your back. We ask that you limit your luggage to one compact bag per person with a maximum weight of 33 lbs per person.
Please note that while staying at Refugio Bonatti, your bags cannot be transferred due to the inaccessibility of the accommodation. You will need to carry your overnight things on these days and you will be reunited with your main bag the following day. Just ask your Adventure Sales Specialist for more information.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase.Your booking includes transfer of1 bag per person and the weight of your luggage allowed is specific to the destination you will be travelling to. This is why it is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags and/or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a tough hike with considerable ascent and descent on each day. We recommend this tour to experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge. The terrain is mountainous, rocky and rough underfoot. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your hike. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
The closest airport is Geneva which is served by flights from throughout Europe and around the world.
We suggest you book as soon as you can. This is a very popular hiking area with a short season. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
You will need good hiking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable hiking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, sleeping sheet, a day pack and hats/gloves etc. We also highly recommend trekking poles. A detailed kit list is included in your information pack.
Luggage transfer is included as standard, allowing you to enjoy the trek with just a light day bag on your back. We ask that you limit your luggage to one bag per person with a maximum weight of 33 lbs per person. If you are staying in Rifugio Bonatti, your bags cannot be transferred here due to the inaccessibility of the accommodation. You will need to carry your overnight things on these days and you will be reunited with your main bag the following day.
The season for the Tour du Mont Blanc runs from the start of July to mid September. Anytime during this season is ideal for hiking in the Alps. August is by far the most popular month and we recommend avoiding the period around the Ultra Tour du Mont Blanc race which is usually held in the last week of August.
Please note that transport (buses, gondolas, etc), which enable you to shorten some days or reach the start of some walks when staying off the trail, only run daily between the beginning of July and the beginning of September. If travelling outside of this period, you might have to walk longer on some days.
Some sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc are very easy to skip with the use of public transport, while others are very difficult, time consuming and expensive. We provide you with a handy Public Transport and Bad Weather Guide to the TMB before you leave and will help you in any way possible should you be unable to hike a stage.
Because the Tour du Mont Blanc is so popular and the accommodation is limited, we sometimes have to book our customers in hotels, guesthouses or huts in different places, slightly off the trail. If this is the case, you will be informed and provided with details on how to reach your accommodation and how to get back to the trail the next day.
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Hiking the Tour du Mont 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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HikingWhich Tour du Mont Blanc Trip is Right For Me?Read More3 Min Read21 January 2018
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HikingTop Tips for Walking the Tour du Mont BlancRead More4 Min Read22 October 2020
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Hiking25 Frequently Asked Questions on the Tour du Mont BlancRead More6 Min Read20 January 2018
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HikingHow fit do I need to be for the Tour du Mont Blanc?Read More4 Min Read20 January 2018
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HikingPacking List for the Tour du Mont BlancRead More3 Min Read22 January 2018
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HikingWeather Conditions on the Tour du Mont BlancRead More2 Min Read19 January 2018
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Hiking3 Takeaways from My Self-Guided Tour du Mont BlancRead More2 Min Read07 February 2018
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HikingEating and Drinking on the Tour du Mont BlancRead More4 Min Read23 January 2018
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Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
Hike the entire TMB, staying in comfortable accommodation, with bag transfer included.Highlights- Hike all of Europe’s Classic Alpine trek
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- Stay in hotels and huts in private rooms
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Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort
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Dolomites Alta Via 1 Complete
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The Via Alpina
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- Views of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch
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Trans-Alpine Crossing: Germany to Italy
Hike across the Alps from Oberstdorf to Merano and enjoy spectacular Austrian mountain sceneryHighlights- Cross the mountains between Germany and Italy
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