The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a popular long-distance hiking trail that circles the Mont Blanc massif and leads through France, Italy and Switzerland. With a length of around 170 kilometres, the hike usually takes 8 to 11 days. The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and passes through picturesque Alpine villages. Experience some of the most impressive landscapes of the French, Italian and Swiss Alps and marvel at Europe's ‘King of the Mountains’ from different perspectives. I found the tour simply magnificent - Chapeau!
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
Tour du mont blanc
Winter has begun, and with it the annual holiday planning for the next hiking season. The perfect opportunity for you to plan one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe. An adventure that combines the ultimate in mountain enjoyment with culinary highlights from three countries - from baguettes and pizza to Swiss cheese fondue. This circular hike leads through idyllic valleys, along high-altitude trails and glacier tongues as well as past beautiful glacial lakes - a true Eldorado for hikers and mountaineers.
As always, I recommend my video of the tour:
Tour du mont blanc arrival
Flight: It is best to take a flight to one of the airports that are close to the starting point, such as Geneva Airport (Switzerland), Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (France) or Turin Airport (Italy). My experience relates to the airport in Geneva. I highly recommend using Skyscanner to find cheap flights – it's a great app that gives you a quick overview of the best flight deals. Here you will find an overview of all the relevant airports for your journey.
Bus: A shuttle bus runs regularly from Geneva airport to Les Houches, the official starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Some buses also go to Chamonix. Les Houches is easily accessible on foot from Chamonix. You can buy tickets in advance online or directly in the airport foyer at the numerous shuttle service counters (please note the time and public holidays). The journey takes about an hour and costs around 25 euros. I highly recommend the OMIO app for booking bus and train tickets.
Tip: You can also start the tour in Chamonix, Martigny or Courmayeur (Italy).
Tour du mont blanc route
On this long-distance hike, you have to cover around 170 km and around 11,000 metres in altitude. The trail is well marked and leads through charming mountain villages such as Les Houches, Courmayeur and Champex. Highlights include the Grand Col Ferret, the Val Veny and the view of Mont Blanc from the Col de Balme. I completed the tour in 7 days, which is very sporty. For connoisseurs, I recommend 9-10 days. You can find both options in the next section.
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Tour du mont blanc stages
On the Tour du Mont Blanc, you have to tackle around 170 km and around 11,000 metres in altitude. The route is well marked and leads through charming mountain villages such as Les Houches, Courmayeur and Champex. Highlights include the Grand Col Ferret, the Val Veny and the view of Mont Blanc from the Col de Balme. I completed the tour in 7 days, which is very sporty. For connoisseurs, I recommend 9-10 days. You can find both options in the next section.
Tour du mont blanc 7 days
Stage 1: Les Houches or Charmonix - Chalet de Miage or Chalet du Truc
Stage 2: Chalet de Miage or Chalet du Truc - Refuge Col du Bonhomme
Stage 3: Refuge Col du Bonhomme - Refugio Elisabetta
Stage 4: Refugio Elisabetta - Rifugio Walter Bonatti
Stage 5: Rifugio Walter Bonatti - Alpage de la Peule or Refugio Relais d'Arpette (note: this is a very long stage to the Refugio Relais d'Arpette)
Stage 6: Alpage de la Peule or Refugio Relais d'Arpette - Refuge du Col de Balme
Stage 7: Refuge du Col de Balme - Les Houches or Charmonix
Tour du mont Blanc 10 Days
Stage 1: Les Houches - Chalets de Miage - 6 hours and 1200 metres of climbing
Stage 2: Chalets de Miage - Refuge Bonhomme - 7½ hours and 1300 metres
Stage 3: Refuge Bonhomme - Rifugio Elisabetta - 8 hours and 1000 metres
Stage 4: Rifugio Elisabetta -Rifugio Bertone - 8 hours and 950 metres
Stage 5: Rifugio Bertone - Rifugio Elena - 7 hours and 1150 metres,
Stage 6: Rifugio Elena - Cabane de la Léchère - 4 hours and 400 metres
Stage 7: Cabane de la Léchère - Le Relais d'Arpette - 6 hours and 700 metres of climbing
Stage 8: Le Relais d'Arpette - Gîte Le Peuty - 7 hours and 1000 metres
Stage 9: Gîte Le Peuty - Châlet de la Flégère - 8 hours and 1350 metres
Stage 10: La Flégère - Les Houches - 6 hours and 650 metres of climbing
Tour du mont blanc guide
Day 1: The atmosphere in the small village of Les Houches was very moving. You meet athletes, hikers and mountaineers everywhere - a great feeling! Your adventure begins with a sweat-inducing hike uphill through the forest to the Col de Voza and on to the Tête aux Vents. From there, you can enjoy your first marvellous view of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountain massif. The hike continues through the picturesque Alpine landscape, past mountain lakes and pastures, until you finally reach your destination for the day - either the Chalet de Miage or the Chalet du Truc.
Day 2: The second day of the Tour du Mont Blanc begins with a descent to Les Contamines-Montjoie. From there, you continue to Lac Blanc, a popular destination with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding massif. Here you can recharge your batteries for the next ascent: you hike up to 2,329 metres and continue along a rocky path until you reach the Col du Bonhomme refuge. Near the refuge, at 2,479 metres, stones arranged in a semi-circle mark the pitches for tents. Tip: The sunset at this point is a real sensation - goosebumps guaranteed!
As there is practically no shade on almost the entire ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’ and you are also exposed to the movement of the air all day long, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sun cream, my ultra-light sun cap and my lightweight wind blocker.
‘The sun also shines behind the clouds.’ Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Day 3: So that you, like me, can experience a brilliant sunrise, set off early for the ‘Col des Fours’. The mountain pass is often icy in the morning, so take extra care when hiking. The route then leads down to the Chalet-Refuge des Mottets. On the way, you will pass a small village of three houses and a farm. Highlight: The culinary delights - the homemade cheese and salami are highly recommended. Just an hour later, the view over the pass to Italy opens up. A barren mountain landscape with green slopes that is nevertheless incredibly beautiful. After a short descent, you will see the Refugio Elisabetta.
Note: The owner of the hut informed me that camping is not possible here - Italy is unfortunately very strict in this respect. What a pity!
I would also like to recommend my beloved Salewa trekking shoes because of the challenging mountain trails:
"Only where you have been on foot have you really been". Quote Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Day 4: In the idyllic village of Courmayeur, you can replenish your supplies and treat yourself to a real, original Italian pizza. Take some time to explore Courmayeur and recharge your batteries for the next climb. The trail leads you steadily uphill through a zigzag course in the forest until you reach the Rifugio Bertone, situated at an altitude of around 2000 metres, before continuing on to the Rifugio Walter Bonatti.
Day 5: I was greeted by blue skies early in the morning - I hope you are just as lucky. A pleasant high-level trail leads you to the Swiss border. The first view of Switzerland was overwhelming. Now it's time to say: Grazie Italia, è stato molto bello (Thank you Italy, it was very nice). After the impressive mountain pass, you enter enchanting Switzerland. This is followed by a descent to the Alpage de la Peule and then a long path through the valley to the Refugio Relais d'Arpette.
Please note: this is a challenging stage with around 33 km and 600 metres of ascent. However, you can easily shorten it, for example in Graz-de-Forte or Champex-Lac. If you want to make it easier, you can also take the bus for a few stops. There is a supermarket in La Fouly where you can replenish your supplies.
A thunderstorm had surprised me halfway along the route. There was one second between thunder and lightning. Fortunately, the time between lightning and thunder increased, so the thunderstorm turned off! Thunderstorms can be dangerous, especially in the mountains. So follow the basic rules for behaviour during thunderstorms.
Day 6: Today you're heading up high again. You cross the ‘Fenêtre d'Arpette’ mountain pass, but first you have a very stony, if not rocky, climb ahead of you. In places, you will also have to use your hands for easy climbing passages. It wasn't particularly difficult for me, but caution is advised in wet conditions as it can be slippery and dangerous. The subsequent descent is beautiful and technically easy.
Tip: In very bad weather, you can bypass the mountain pass. After the ‘Buvette de Glacier du Trient’ refuge, there is another ascent to the ‘Refuge du Col de Balme’, which is located right on the French border.
Tip: If you still have some energy left, it's worth taking the short hike to the ‘Croix de Fer’ mountain peak, which is not far from the refuge. This magnificent panoramic peak at 2343 metres offers an impressive view. Before the final descent, a breathtaking panoramic trail awaits you before the day's stage finally ends in Argentière.
Day 7: The saying ‘The best comes at the end’ is completely true for me here. This section was the best of the whole tour for me. I hope you have as good weather as I do. After a sweat-inducing climb through the forest, you reach a ridgeway that requires you to climb a few ladders. Note: In my opinion, the high trail was a little exposed, but ultimately easy to master.
You then come to the famous ‘Lac de Chesery’, which you will no doubt recognise from numerous photos on Instagram. I found it really impressive. However, it can often be crowded. The best time to go there is at sunrise, when there are hardly any people around - it's exhausting, but absolutely worth it.
Beware: the ladders are not without danger in the dark. Alternatively, you can spend a night at the ‘Refuge du Lac Blanc’ and then set off from there for sunrise. The trail then leads along another high-altitude path with a fantastic 360-degree panorama to the ‘Refuge de Bellachat’. Finally, the last descent follows almost directly to Les Houches, where the Tour du Mont Blanc began.
If you have made it: Congratulations - you have my full respect! This tour is anything but easy, but it is incredibly beautiful! I would be delighted to read your comment at the end.
‘He who does not hike has not yet seen the world.’ Quote from Christian Sommer HikingFex
Tour du mont blanc accommodation
Most huts offer half board, which includes both dinner and breakfast. This option is very convenient, as a warm meal after a long day of hiking not only rounds off the day perfectly, but also lightens your load. If you carry your own food, you put additional strain on your back and knees. Below you will find a list of all the huts I know of on the Tour du mont Blanc:
Tour du mont blanc huts
France:
Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme (2.439 m)
Refuge du Col de la Seigne (2.516 m)
Refuge Elisabetta (2.195 m) – Italian border
Refuge de Bertone (2.000 m)
Refuge Walter Bonatti (2.025 m)
Refuge des Mottets (1.840 m)
Refuge du Col de Balme (2.195 m)
Refuge de l'Envers du Plan (2.100 m)
Refuge du Lac Blanc (2.352 m)
Refuge de Bellachat (2.150 m)
Italy:
Rifugio Bonatti (2.025 m)
Rifugio Elisabetta (2.195 m) – Italian border
Rifugio Bertone (1.990 m)
Rifugio de la Tête aux Vents (2.500 m)
Swiss:
Refuge de la Peule (1.830 m)
Cabane du Trient (3.160 m)
Cabane du Mont-Fort (3.330 m)
Availability: As availability in the mountain huts is limited during the season, early booking is essential for the Tour du Mont Blanc. Alternatively, you can also choose a mixture of overnight stays in a tent and accommodation in a flat.
Attention: Don't forget, there are also chalets and hotels!
Tour du mont blanc tent
On the Tour du Mont Blanc, you can camp at designated campsites dotted along the route. However, camping is only possible at huts in Switzerland and France by prior arrangement with the hut warden. Find out about the local regulations in advance.
Tour du mont blanc campsites
Camping Les Arolles (Chamonix, France)
Camping de la Mer de Glace (Les Houches, France)
Camping des Glaciers (Les Contamines-Montjoie, France)
Camping La Fouly (La Fouly, Switzerland)
Camping du Nant (Trento, Switzerland)
Camping Le Grand Champ (Courmayeur, Italy)
Camping Arpy (Arpy, Italy)
Wild camping: Occasionally you can spend the night in a tent near mountain huts - but only with the consent of the hut warden. In Italy, however, wild camping is strictly prohibited. There are also luxurious hotels in Courmayeur and Chamonix, so there is something for everyone.
Les Houches/Chamonix Day 1: The cheapest accommodation can be found at the campsite in Les Houches, which is located roughly between Les Houches and Chamonix.
For optimal preparation for any tour, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel:
Weather and best time to travel
The best time to travel around Mont Blanc is usually from June to September, when the weather is most stable and most mountain huts are open. The snowmelt is also at its lowest during this time, which makes hiking safer. However, it is also possible to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc in winter. Pay particular attention to the current weather and avalanche situation, as the mountains can be dangerous at this time of year.
It is also important to emphasise that the weather conditions on the Tour du Mont Blanc can change quickly. At this altitude, the conditions can be extreme - be it due to cold and wind or strong sunlight. It is therefore crucial to take the right clothing with you, as well as suitable footwear and sun cream. These preparations are of the utmost importance regardless of what time of year you start the tour.
Winter tour: For a winter tour, I strongly recommend hiring an experienced guide or a local mountain guide. There are also hikers who go on solo hikes in winter. You can find a video below:
Tour du mont blanc weather
The Tour du Mont Blanc weather can be unpredictable, so you should always be prepared for sudden changes. Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, and storms can roll in without much warning. The Tour du Mont Blanc weathervaries by altitude, with cooler temperatures at higher elevations. Mornings are often clear, while afternoons can bring rain or even snow. Checking the Tour du Mont Blanc weather forecast daily is essential.
Wind chill: Please note that you can expect temperatures of around 0 degrees Celsius in the early hours of the morning. It is also often very windy. Wind chill describes the feeling of cold caused by the wind. The stronger the wind and the colder the air, the more intense the feeling of cold.
Tour du mont blanc september
The Tour du Mont Blanc in September offers cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time to hike. However, weather conditions can be unpredictable, with colder nights and occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Be prepared for changing conditions and check the forecast regularly before setting out on your trek.
Tour du mont blanc information
Dangers: The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) harbours a number of dangers that you should be aware of. Some of the most important dangers are listed below.
Rockfall and avalanches: At higher altitudes, there is a risk of rockfall and avalanches. Always find out about the current conditions and follow the instructions of the local rangers and hut wardens.
Injuries from falls: The right equipment and suitable footwear are crucial to avoid injuries from falls.
Orientation: Prepare thoroughly for the tour. A map and compass are always recommended, especially in remote areas.
Authorisation: No special authorisation is required for the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Surefootedness: To be safe on the trail, sure-footedness and the right footwear are the most important factors - after all, falls due to tripping and slipping are the most common cause of accidents when hiking. So remember: the right footwear and the right walking technique are therefore incredibly important. You are sure to find the right footwear in the article below!
Water: There is almost always water along the route. Either at huts, wells or streams. However, you should definitely use a water filter. No matter how clear the water is, it can still contain impurities, for example from animal excrement or dead animals. However, you can also boil the water.
Gas cartridge: I bought my water filter in an outdoor shop in Chamonix. There are a lot of shops like this in Chamonix. If you want to be on the safe side, just give them a call and find out if they have enough in stock.
Tour du mont blanc TMB
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) hiking trail is specially marked to make it easy to recognise. The markings consist of white and red lines that are placed at regular intervals and show you the right way. This allows you to orientate yourself safely throughout the hike.
Tour du mont blanc difficulty
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a challenging long-distance hiking trail for experienced hikers. The technical difficulties include steep ascents and descents, narrow mountain paths, a few scree fields and alpine terrain. In my subjective opinion, I would categorise the TMB as moderately difficult according to the Alpine trail classification. There are several pass crossings, such as the Col de la Seigne and the Col des Fours, which require surefootedness. Some sections can be made more difficult by unstable weather, especially at higher altitudes. There was one passage secured by ropes, which I was able to manage despite my fear of heights.
Tour du mont blanc distance
The Tour du Mont Blanc distance is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles), circling the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The route involves around 11,000 meters of elevation gain, making it a challenging but rewarding trek. Depending on pace, it typically takes 7 to 11 days to complete.
Tour du mont blanc altitude
The altitude profile of the Tour du Mont Blanc is varied and challenging, with daily ascents and descents of between 800 and 1,200 metres. In total, you will cover around 10,000 metres in altitude, which requires a good level of fitness and surefootedness.
Tour du mont blanc beginners
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is also doable for beginners with a good level of fitness, but requires careful planning. The stages are long, and daily ascents and descents of 800 to 1,200 metres in altitude present a challenge. Good hiking boots, suitable equipment and a realistic self-assessment are essential. Beginners should divide the tour into 10-12 days in order to have enough time for breaks and to adjust to the metres in altitude. There is plenty of accommodation along the route to make planning easier.
Tour du mont blanc gear list
Here I present the most important hiking equipment that I personally own, have tested extensively and have also bought myself. I attach great importance to the weight, quality and price of my equipment. It should feel comfortable on longer tours and be light at the same time. I can also recommend the women's equipment as my wife uses it and it is essentially the same as the men's equipment.
Attention: Please note that the hiking equipment is general and should be adapted depending on the season and individual needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This helps me to maintain my blog and you support me in my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking boots
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun cap
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPED - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• Compass
• Headlamp
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Tape
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• Camera
• Drone
• Tripod
• Clip
Tour du mont blanc GPX
The GPX files are available for download from the following providers.
Outdooractive: https://out.ac/vjExx
Tour du mont blanc gpx download
You can download the Tour du Mont Blanc GPX file below to navigate the trail easily. This GPX download helps you stay on track and plan your route efficiently for the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Tour du mont blanc les houches
Tour du Mont Blanc Les Houches is one of the most popular starting points for the iconic trek. Located near Chamonix in France, it offers easy access and great facilities. From Les Houches, you begin the adventure with a challenging ascent, leading to stunning alpine views and the first stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Tour du mont blanc map
Long-distance hiking trails in Europe: 90 routes, all countries
Safety advice
Tour du mont blanc conclusion
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a fantastic adventure that offers an incredible amount. It shows a cross-section of the beautiful landscape of France, Italy and Switzerland. I really enjoyed the tour! Have a great time and good luck ;)
As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback via one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave me a comment.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.
Best hiking tour in europe