tour mont blanc tmb

Welcome to the Tour du Mont-Blanc (TMB)

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular hikes in Europe, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. This 170-kilometer circuit surrounds the Mont Blanc massif, crossing Switzerland, Italy, and France. With a total elevation gain of 10,000 meters, this route is a real challenge, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The landscapes are breathtaking, ranging from snow-capped peaks to green valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and dense forests. Each stage of the journey offers a new discovery, whether it’s a picturesque village, a spectacular panorama, or local wildlife. The Tour du Mont Blanc is more than just a hike; it’s an adventure that allows you to explore three countries, meet people from all walks of life, and connect with nature in a deep and meaningful way.

Tour du Mont-Blanc Itineraries

The Tour du Mont Blanc offers exceptional flexibility in terms of itineraries, allowing hikers to choose the duration that best suits their fitness level and schedule. The most common itineraries are 5, 7, and 10 days. The 5-day itinerary is an intense condensed experience, ideal for those looking to maximize their time. It provides a quick immersion into the majestic landscapes of Mont Blanc but requires good physical condition to handle long days of walking. The 7-day itinerary is a more balanced challenge, offering a combination of demanding walking days and moments of relaxation to enjoy the scenery. Finally, the 10-day itinerary is the perfect choice for those who want to take their time and savor every moment of their alpine adventure. It offers a slower pace, with more time to explore picturesque villages, relax in mountain refuges, and admire breathtaking panoramas.

Tour du Mont-Blanc Variants

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a hike that offers a multitude of variants to accommodate every hiker. Among the most well-known is the variant through the Fenêtre d’Arpette, which is considered one of the most challenging but also one of the most rewarding sections of the route. This variant offers a significant physical challenge and breathtaking landscapes. Next, the Col des Fours variant is another interesting option that reaches an altitude of 2,665 meters and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Finally, the Col de Tricot variant offers an alternative to the classic route and allows you to discover different landscapes. Each of these variants offers a unique experience and allows you to tailor the Tour du Mont Blanc to your preferences and physical level.

Refuges/Huts and Accommodations the Tour du Mont-Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc is dotted with numerous refuges and hosels that offer hikers a place to rest, eat, and spend the night. These accommodations, often located in picturesque settings, add a dimension of comfort and conviviality to the hiking experience. They range from traditional mountain refuges like Refuge de la Balme or Refuge des Mottets to more comfortable hotels located in villages along the route. Some offer full services, including hot meals and showers, while others are more basic. It’s important to note that advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during the high season, as these accommodations can fill up quickly. Whether you choose to sleep in a refuge, a hostel , or camp, these lodging places are an integral part of the Tour du Mont Blanc experience.

Well and Good Travel

The Foolproof Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary: 10-Days

10 days of hiking in the Alps – the ULTIMATE wellness trip if you ask me. This Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided itinerary follows the traditional TMB route, includes tips, daily trail specs, and accommodation suggestions, and addresses some of the most common questions you might be asking yourself as you begin planning your tour.

The Tour du Mont Blanc, or the TMB, is a 105-mile (170 km) trail that circumnavigates Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. The TMB is often considered one of the most beautiful through-hikes in the world, introducing hikers from around the globe to the exquisite and dramatic scenery of the Alps.

👉 Don’t forget travel insurance for this trip! I always use SafetyWing !

Want to save yourself a lot of planning time? Check out Skyhook Adventures’ 10-day guided trek if you want all of your accommodations, food, and transportation taken care of!

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary 10 Days

This itinerary does not include, but I recommend, staying in Chamonix for a couple of days before and after your tour, first to acclimate and then to relax.

The TMB is broken up into “stages”. Traditionally, there are 11 stages but depending on how many days you want to trek you can find different versions of the stages.

During your planning, and your trekking, take all distance, time, and elevation markers or estimations with a grain of salt. Mileage on GPS and in guidebooks and blogs rarely match up, and there are a lot of variables that affect the accuracy of the time estimations. The trail markers seem to allot 30 minutes for every mile, but depending on your age, the weather, and what shape you’re in, that will be different for every person. For your own sake, just always assume you’ll have an additional mile or 30 minutes 🙂

Tour du Mont Blanc Trek Specs:

• Distance: 105 miles / 170 kilometers
• Route Type:  Loop
• Starting Point: Les Houches (traditionally)
• Direction: Counter-clockwise (although it can also be hiked clockwise)
• Total Elevation Gain/Loss:   33,632ft / 10,251 m
• Maximum Altitude: 8,500 ft / 2600 m
• Days To Hike: 7-12 days
• Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
• Difficulty: Difficult (never flat, always up or down)

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary Disclaimers:

• Most stages have alternative route options, or “variants”, as they are called. This itinerary follows the traditional TMB route, except for day 10. Refer to the recommended guidebooks for variant options.
• Some stages have options to use public transport and lifts/gondolas to accelerate and shorten the path. This itinerary discloses any shortcuts by calling out *SHORTCUT*.
• There are many mountain huts/refuges along the TMB to choose from. This allows for total personalization of your trek. The huts recommended in this 10-day tour du mont blanc itinerary are huts that I stayed in and will provide my honest opinion about.

Day 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines

Do not get off at the first stop in Les Houches – stay on until you see the Office de Tourismo (on your left). Here you will see the TMB starting point arch. Take a photo and walk onward for about 10 minutes until you see the “Telecabine Bellevue”. *SHORTCUT* This will cut off a 2600 ft / 800 m climb through the forest. Begin your trek at the top of this cable car.

You’ll pass through many towns and villages today, and you won’t feel very “out there”. The signage is decent, just make sure you pay attention and don’t pass any turnoffs. Use the guidebooks and GPS for support.

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km (if you take the cable car, 11 if you don’t)

✔ Elevation Gain: ~ 1000 ft / 300 m (if you take the cable car, 3550 ft if you don’t)

✔ Estimated hiking time: 5 hours (with cable car)

💤 Where to stay: Gai Soleil

Gai Soleil is a quaint and quiet hotel just off the main road in Les Contamines. There is a lovely yard to relax in after hiking all day. The rooms are basic but very comfortable with amazing views. Breakfast was great and there is wifi. I would recommend staying here.

Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux

💪 This is one of the most challenging days of this 10-day tour du mont blanc itinerary.

Today you will climb over two Cols (mountain passes). You will see fewer towns and be pleasantly surprised by the beauty that is everywhere. Be prepared for lots of elevation gain and possible weather. It can get very cold (and wet!) at the top of the cols.

When you begin to descend from the second col, you’ll pass Croix du Bonhomme – a refuge. Stop here for hot chocolate or coffee but DO NOT stay here (outhouses, flies, no showers, etc).

BONUS: Look out and listen for lots of Marmots as you descend from Croix du Bonhomme!

✔ Mileage: 14 miles / 22.5 km

✔ Elevation Gain: 4500 ft /3000 ft down

✔ Estimated hiking time: 7 hours

💤 Where to stay: Auberge de la Nova

You will see the Auberge immediately as you descend into Les Chapieux (there isn’t much else here!). Try to get a private room if you can – unless you are fully comfortable sleeping in dorms. The dinner was one of the best dinners of the trek! Hot showers but no wifi or service.

Day 3: Les Chapieux to Rifugio Cabane du Combal

🌀 One of the most beautiful days of the trek!

Today you will get your first view of Mont Blanc from the trail and cross over into Italy via Col de la Seigne. To begin, take a bus from Les Chapieux to Les Mottets (NOT Ville des Glaciers).  *SHORTCUT* This will cut about an hour and a half of walking on a skinny paved road which made sense to us (and most others).

There is a small wooden information center in Les Chapieux, just outside Auberge de la Nova. You can buy bus tickets here – try and buy them the night before in order to get the first bus, otherwise, you may have to wait until the 9 am bus (or just walk).

BONUS: When you get to Cabane du Combal, continue on another 10 minutes to see Lac Miage and the adjacent moraine – you’ll see the signs outside the rifugio. If you sit and listen at the top, you’ll hear small rockslides happen every few minutes as a result of the melting glacier.

The All Trails map linked below maps you to Rifugio Elisabetta. A lot of people like to stay here but I saw the sleeping area and would highly recommend continuing on to Cabane du Combal. It’s another 30 minutes and 1.5 miles on FLAT gravel road. Definitely stop at Elisabetta for a cappuccino though. You’ll have to climb up their long and steep driveway but it is worth it!

✔ Mileage: 10 miles / 16 km

✔ Elevation Gain: 3400 ft / 1036 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 5.5 hours

💤 Where to stay: Cabane du Combal

Cabane du Combal is a very sweet rifugio with large, clean rooms and the dinner was really very good. They tend to get herds of ibex hanging around (hence their logo), so be on the lookout! We saw several here 🙂 Lastly, there is no wifi or service here.

Also read: Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges: Everything You Need to Know

Day 4: Cabane du Combal to Rifugio Maison Vieille

🌀 One of the most beautiful days of this tour du mont blanc itinerary!

This was one of my absolute favorite days. It was a short day but SO beautiful. On several days you trek through villages and towns, but this day you are just in the mountains the entire time. You’ll be walking at eye level with glaciers and alongside grazing sheep and cows. Take your time and admire the beauty in every direction.

ALTERNATIVE ITINERARY: As much as we loved Maison Vielle, I recommend continuing past Rifugio Maison Vielle and booking a hotel in Courmayeur. Courmayeur is the largest town you will go through and a great opportunity to stay somewhere nicer, and it will balance out the distances on days 4 and 5. The Alltrails map below goes to Courmayeur.

✔ Mileage: 6 miles / 9.6 km (to Maison Vieille)

✔ Elevation Gain: 1900 ft / 600 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 3 – 4 hours

💤 Where to stay: Rifugio Maison Vieille

As I mentioned, I would continue on to Courmayeur. However, if you choose to stay at Maison Vieille you can spend the afternoon lounging in lawn chairs and sipping on cold beers. This is a popular lunch stop for day hikers so it’s very busy and fun. They only have dorms – no private rooms, FYI. But, they do have wifi.

Day 5: Rifugio Maison Vieille to Rifugio Walter Bonatti

Maison Vieille is situated at the top of a ski lift. When you depart on day 5 you can either sleep in and wait for the ski lift to open at 9 am to take you down to Dolonne or you can walk down the very steep descent which will take you about 2 hours. * This is another reason to stay in Courmayeur because you can take the ski lift down in the afternoon the day before.

*SHORTCUT* We chose to save our knees and took the ski lift as soon as it opened. You have to take a Gondola following the lift which drops you in Dolonne. You’ll walk about 10 minutes to Courmayeur. Build in some time to walk around and get some coffee if you can because it’s very cute here.

Next, begin your ascent through a paved neighborhood and then into a popular wooded hiking area. Stop at the top at Rifugio Bertone for a snack and beverage and then continue on. Today is another day of hiking eye to eye with massive glaciers… in fact, you’ll be sleeping directly across from one at Rifugio Bonatti!

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km (from Maison Vieille)

✔ Elevation Gain: 3600 ft / 1100 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 6 hours

💤 Where to stay: Rifugio Walter Bonatti

Rifugio Bonatti is situated directly across from a massive glacier – it is an unbelievable location. The rifugio is a little newer and offers dorms and private rooms that are quite comfortable and clean. The dinner was pretty good. You have to get a coin for the shower and only get 4 minutes. There is no wifi, but some service. Although, if you ask nicely the staff might share the wifi password.

Day 6: Rifugio Walter Bonatti to La Fouly

On day 6 of this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, you’ll cross over into Switzerland. This is an absolutely stunning day of hiking, especially the climb to Grand Col Ferret (tough!). Prepare to see lots of rolling green hills, glaciers, cows, and sheep.

✔ Elevation Gain: 3200 ft. / 975 m

💤 Where to stay: Auberge des Glaciers

This Auberge is right in the center of town – as soon as you enter La Fouly you will see it. The rooms were cute (private) and the showers were hot! Dinner was delicious but it was an expensive auberge/refuge. Conveniently, there is a market right next door if you need to stock up on snacks.

Day 7: La Fouly to Champex

Day 7 is one of the easier days of this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary. You will be in the forest most of the time. Look for wooden animal carvings along the whole trail. This day was very rainy for us – several people ended up taking the bus from La Fouly to Champex to avoid hiking in the rain. We were soaked by the time we got to La Fouly but ultimately we were glad we didn’t take the bus. You’ll pass through some really interesting and tiny Swiss towns today – not the most exciting day though.

✔ Mileage: 9 miles / 14.5 km

✔ Elevation Gain: 2000 ft. / 609 m

✔ Estimated hiking time: 4.5 hours

💤 Where to stay: Hotel Splendide

I had originally booked Hotel Belvedere, but when we arrived I was informed I accidentally booked it for the night before. They didn’t have room for us the night we needed it but it ended up being a BLESSING IN DISGUISE. Belvedere was very dark and dingy and the husband of the husband-wife combo was RUDE. We went next door to Hotel Splendide which happened to have a cancellation. It was such a treat to stay there. The rooms are sweet and gorgeous – amazing views and breakfast!!

Day 8: Champex to Trient

This day was challenging for us, mentally. Not incredibly tough but it felt very long. This was the easiest stage to get lost, in my opinion. When you leave Champex Lac, stay on the main road through town, following the TMB signs. If you turn off the road too soon you’ll find yourself in a maze of trails and the GPS is unreliable here. You’ll see a large boulder with “bovine TMB” painted on it. This is where you turn off.

When you reach Trient, continue on another km (15 minutes) to reach Le Peuty – it’s on the map.

BONUS: If you do the main route and not a variant, you’ll pass by Alp Bovine, a small unassuming rustic restaurant in the hills. The homemade tarts are AMAZING. The views and atmosphere are warm and authentic. A must-stop.

✔ Mileage: 12.5 miles / 20 km

✔ Elevation Gain: 2800 ft. / 853 m

💤 Where to stay: Le Peuty

I booked Le Peuty on a whim because it looked unique and fun and wow am I so glad I did. This was one of, if not the top place of all the places we stayed in this tour du mont blanc itinerary. The atmosphere and vibes here are unbeatable. There is a dorm above the kitchen, a huge field for camping, and one private yurt. I booked early enough that I was able to get the yurt and it was awesome. The BEST part of our stay though was hands down the food. Dinner was cooked fresh from scratch and could have come from a multi-star restaurant. Breakfast was equally as delicious. Best food and best vibes of the trip.

Day 9: Trient to Tre le Champ

This was one of our favorite days of the TMB. Our bodies felt conditioned to the daily grind and the weather and views were gorgeous. You’ll return to France today, via Col du Balme. It’s a steep ascent to the top so stop at the top for a coffee or beer (and photos!). As you reach the top you regain an unobstructed view of Mont Blanc and it remains in site the rest of the trek.

✔ Mileage: 10.5 miles / 17 km

✔ Elevation Gain: 3400 ft. / 1036 m

💤 Where to stay: Auberge la Boerne

The location of this Auberge is great, it’s very cute and rustic, unique, and has a very cool history. However, the dorm we stayed in was literally the size of a closet (not joking see pictures). It was fine – just funny. The dinner was also not very good – maybe the worst of the whole trip. All part of the experience though! I’d probably choose to stay here again versus hiking down into Argentiere if that’s any consolation.

Day 10: Tre le Champ to Chamonix

The final stretch! Today you will go through the “ladder section” which you will hear about during your TMB planning. It is a little nerve-wracking, but totally doable so don’t be deterred. If you have an intense fear of heights, you can avoid the ladders by doing the Col Des Montets variant.

We decided to take our first variant today and go to Lac Blanc. It adds on another hour or so and a bit of elevation gain but the views are worth it in my opinion. And the hike out of Lac Blanc is very cool and different from much of the rest of the path.

When you reach the ski lift, take it down to La Flegere, then continue on the TMB path to the Plan Praz gondola. This will drop you in Chamonix! Below is the trail map to La Flegere. If you want to do the Lac Blanc variant, just follow the signs once you get to the top of the ladder section.

There are a number of options to descend into the Chamonix valley (i.e. at La Flegere, Plan Praz, or further along) so decide what is best for you. We felt strong when we reached La Felgere so we decided to continue to Plan Praz. You do NOT need to buy lift cable car tickets ahead of time. However, make sure you get there before they close (5 pm).

✔ Mileage: 11.5 miles / 18.5 km

✔ Elevation Gain: 3200 ft. / 990 m

💤 Where to stay: Grand Hotel des Alpes

Treat yourself! Stay at the Grand Hotel des Alpes , in the center of Chamonix. They have an amazing spa with a gorgeous sauna and hot tub area (this was the major selling point for me). The rooms are stunning and the beds are amazing just stay here!!

Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary Planning Resources

Blog posts, facebook groups, the official TMB website, GPS and weather apps, and guidebooks are all of the resources you will need to plan and hike your tour du mont blanc itinerary.

This Facebook group is very active and super helpful. People share their experiences, share all sorts of tips, and provide a decently accurate picture of what the current conditions and situation is on the trail.

I carried Jim Manthorpe’s Tour du Mont Blanc guidebook (2nd edition) with me and while it is not always 100% accurate, the detailed maps and elevation and distance charts were really helpful. He also covers all of the different variants available to you.

The official TMB website is a somewhat helpful planning resource. It is also the only way to book some of the refuges so if you plan on staying in mountain huts you will need to utilize this site.

Meteoblue is a helpful weather app to have – again, not always accurate of course but it’s more detailed than weather.com.

Tour du Mont Blanc Alltrails

While not always accurate, alltrails was the best GPS app for us. There are a number of route options that are downloadable. This way, if you don’t have service (which you won’t) you can still use the map. Alltrails has all of the traditional stages mapped out, as well as variants, alternative stages, and the entire loop even.

You will need to create an AllTrails account. Search for your desired stage, crosscheck it with guidebooks to make sure it’s accurate, and then download it. While you are hiking you will be able to go into the app and click on the respective stage and the app’s GPS will follow along the route.

FAQs About the Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

If you are just getting started with your TMB planning, I’m sure you have a LOT of questions. Don’t worry, everything will start to make sense and come together. It seems more daunting than it actually is. Hopefully, this FAQ gets you off to a good start!

What is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

August. I hiked this tour du mont blanc itinerary August 13th-22th and it rained two of those days. Earlier August you may see less rain, but I think generally anytime in August is a great time to hike the TMB. It was in the 80s in Chamonix, but higher up on the trail it was perfect hiking weather (60s and 70s).

If you go in June, you may encounter remnants of winter, in July it may be scorching hot, and in September it could snow. That being said, the trail will be busy June through September.

How much water should I carry on the TMB?

At least two liters. Although, you may need three liters during the hottest months or if you are planning on hiking longer distances than most people each day.

I carried two 1 liter Nalgene’s (I am not a fan of camelbacks) and never ran out of water. There are several water troughs along the route to refill if you are running low, although I recommend that you never begin the day with less than two liters just in case.

There are some occasions, particularly towards the end of summer, when the water is not flowing in all of the troughs along the trail. That being said, we found at least one water refill trough at every stage – and usually several.

How far in advance should I plan my Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary?

Approximately, 6 to 10 months. If you plan on staying in refuges/mountain huts along the trail, you’ll need to book them well in advance. I booked all of our accommodations about 7 months ahead of our trip. If you plan on camping you have some more freedom to start your planning later.

Do I have to start the TMB in Les Houches, Chamonix?

No, absolutely not! Les Houches is the “official” starting point, and made the most sense for us because we wanted to spend time in Chamonix before and after our trek. However, there are several other starting points – pretty much any main town along the path can be a starting point. The only other starting point I would consider, personally, is Courmayeur.

How do I book the refuges?

The refuges, also called mountain huts, rifugios, and auberges, depending on what country you’re in, can be somewhat challenging to reserve. They need to be booked early if you want a guaranteed spot, and they all have different booking processes. For more information on how to book the refuges, refer to my post Refuges: Everything You Need to Know .

What gear do I need for the TMB?

See Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List [COMING SOON].

What To Expect on The Trail

• A variety of weather! Make sure you pack for every condition.
• Wildlife! Specifically, marmots, ibex, chamois, vultures, deer, sheep, cows, and goats.
• Crowds. The TMB is one of the most famous treks in the world, you are going to be hiking with a lot of people. There are days when you may not see many people, but most days you will see a lot. One positive is that it makes the trek feel very safe and is a great option for solo female hikers.
• Wild berries! You will find wild blueberries along much of the route, and occasionally some wild raspberries.
• Water refill stations. As I mentioned earlier, there are several water refill troughs along each leg of the hike. Make sure to always pack enough water for the day in case they are dry. Check Facebook groups to know the status of the water before you go.

Wrap-Up: Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary 10 Days

So, if you are on the fence about hiking the TMB, let me just give you a little push. Allow yourself to breathe in the freshest of air, to gravel at the massive glaciers all around you, to sleep in places so remote that the stars seem brighter and more abundant than any place you’ve ever been. Give yourself a screen break, clear your head, and meet amazing people from around the world. Eat fresh homemade food every day, and drink untouched mountain spring water.

Use this Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary as a starting point – take what works for you and customize the rest to your needs.

Jade Gershen is the founder of Well and Good Travel. She has lived on three continents and explored more than 20 countries in the past 10 years. U.S. based, she also shares her favorite places to go and things to do in the States. Having experienced the impacts of chronic stress Jade has a particular interest in using travel and outdoor adventure to improve well-being and shares that with her readers.

Bienvenus sur le Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

3 pays, une seule identité montagnarde, 10 000 m de dénivelé et environ 60 heures de marche, 170 km de découverte pour 7 à 10 jours de bonheur !

Réservation

Réservation en ligne des refuges

Conditions sentiers

Les conditions du Tour du Mont Blanc

Cartographie

Le parcours du TMB et les étapes principales

Cahier du randonneur

Le cahier des randonneurs du Tour du Mont Blanc

Focus Réserves naturelles : bonnes pratiques et interdictions saison estivale 2023

Préparez-vous à partir.

Parcours, sécurité, conditions, equipement : toutes les informations sur le Tour du Mont-Blanc

Le TMB et les sentiers autour du Mont Blanc

Hébérgement

Conditions des sentiers

8 merveilles autour du Mont-Blanc

Il Monte Bianco ed i suoi Ghiacciai

Video Tutorial été

Prudence - Sécurité en montagne par la Chamoniarde

Age et altitude

Télémédecine

Séjours Transfrontaliers Espace Mont Blanc 2013

Une collection de vidéos sur le thème de la montagne

Itinéraires

Venez découvrir les sentiers autour du Mont-Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc

Alpage de Porcherey

Alpage de la Peule

Rifugio Bertone

Mise à jour sur les conditions des sentiers autour du Mont Blanc

En montagne nous évoluons dans un milieu naturel fragile avec une faune et une flore …

Temps doux et températures agréables en cette période de mi-juin. les névés sont en train de …, a partir du 14 juillet et jusqu'au 30/10/21, il est interdit de circuler en vélo (y compris vtt et ….

Una bella esperienza ad ovest

Gran bel trekking, non troppo impegnativo (dipende dai tempi e dal passo). Una bella occasione per godere di un panorama incredibile che ad ogni versante regala emozioni nuove. Noi l'abbiamo fatto tranquillamente in 8 giorni in …

Bonjour On vient de terminer le tour du mont blanc en famille avec 3 enfants de 10/11 et 13ans. Les conditions étaient excellentes. Juste un névé au Brevent où on a mis les crampons pour assurer la sécurité des enfants. …

Bonjour Je viens de terminer le TMB . Excellentes conditions météorologiques. 1 jour de pluie et col de balme brouillard et vent Des névés par endroits donc attention : col du bonhomme et brevent.et par ci par la Pour ma…

• Where to stay – Chamonix
• Geneva Airport to Chamonix
• Itineraries
• Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges
• Refuges ebook

The Tour du Mont Blanc’s 11 stages

This page will help you get a grip on the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc. There are 11 Tour du Mont Blanc étapes (stages). If you’re planning to trek self guided independently, then you need to get acquainted really well with the trail route and understand it as much as you can before trying to plan your days and where you will stay.

The Tour starts traditionally in Les Houches, a village at the beginning of the Chamonix Valley and it’s actually possible to hike either way around the loop – clockwise or anti-clockwise. Most hikers hike anti-clockwise so that the views of Mont Blanc are always in front of you, but there are actually advantages of hiking clockwise, namely less traffic on the trail in the mornings.

There are several alternative start points to the TMB if you don’t want to start at Les Houches. You could start at any of the main towns along the trail – Les Contamines (France), Courmayeur (Italy) or Champex-Lac (Switzerland).

It’s also possible to start your hike a couple of stages earlier in the Chamonix Valley so instead of starting at Stage 1, you could for example start at Stage 11 and do Stage 1 as your day 2. I often suggest this when I help trekkers plan their itinerary (I offer private consultations via zoom). This is a great option as accommodation is limited between stages 10 and 11 so by starting off on Stage 11 (you can get the Brévent cable car up from Chamonix town centre) you can either do this as a day hike and return to your Chamonix hotel, or you can book somewhere to stay in Les Houches if you want to be moving each day. This means you would finish at the end of Stage 10. Bear in mind that Stage 11 has a long, brutal descent – in fact if you took the Brévent cable car up and then the summit cable car after – you would be whizzed to the top of Brévent (and that spectacular views! ) within minutes – you would ONLY have descent for the remainder of the day (around 5 hours). If you have delicate knees then you might want to re-consider turning this into your first day!

Its also a great idea to do Stages 10 and 11 as day hikes. This allows you to get some ‘training’ hikes in before with just a day pack before you set off into the wilderness!

If you aim to camp along the trail (and are not therefore tied to refuge bookings) and bad weather is predicted for the end of your trek. Instead of missing stage 10 and 11’s outrageously incredible views of Mont Blanc due to closed in weather, you could start at stage 10 and lap up the views before continuing onto ‘Stage 1’.

For now though let’s talk through each stage.

What is a ‘stage’ on the TMB?

The Tour du Mont Blanc hiking route has been divided into 11 sections which can be hiked in a day. Each section is called a ‘stage’.

If you are hiking independently and do not plan to book onto a guided tour, you do not have to follow the recommended 11 stages – you can easily create your own daily hiking plan to fit to your own schedule or level of fitness.

However, all the Tour du Mont Blanc guide books refer to these stages so it’s a good place to start to get to know the trail and is invaluable during your planning phase. If you are planning your trek yourself and going down the self guided route, expect it to take a while to read up, get to know the trail and then plan your days meticulously. There’s plenty of posts here that can help you. Read our Planning – First Steps article.

How long is each stage?

It’s worth noting that each ‘stage’ is LONG averaging between 13-20km per day over challenging terrain, expect between 700m up to 1000m elevation gain each day! Covering the entire Tour du Mont Blanc in 11 days is no walk in the park – expect to be on the trail between 7-9 hours per day.

Some of you may want to walk at a more leisurely pace and cover a shorter distance each day. In this case trekking the entire circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc could take you nearer 14 days to complete.

Many hikers choose to hike the trek over two summers dividing the Tour du Mont Blanc in half which is a very sensible option. I’ve done this when hiking with my 10 year old. Most hikers split the trek and hike (in which ever order they like):

➳ Les Houches (Chamonix Valley- FRANCE) to Courmayeur (ITALY)

➳ Courmayeur (ITALY) – Les Houches (Chamonix Valley – FRANCE)

Other superhuman hikers fast pack the trail in a week whilst hundreds of hardcore athletes run the trail every August in the ultra endurance race, the UTMB arriving back in Chamonix with 21 -46.5 hours! The choice is yours.

Stage breakdown and overview

Below is a brief breakdown of each stage which will help you get a feel for the route of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The Tour starts traditionally in Les Houches, a village at the end of the Chamonix Valley.

If you want to make a shorter itinerary, for example you only have limited time of say a week, or you want to make shorter days because you don’t want to hike 7-9 hours every day (I hear you), then go on over to our Itineraries page where we have ready made suggested itineraries to shorten sections or to only hike the most stunning stages.

And of course if you have the time and want to hike shorter distances each day (because even the 11 day itinerary has some serious kilometres and elevation each day!) then know that there are refuges every 5km along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail so you can make your own itinerary to suit your needs. Just be sure to book early (Oct-Nov for the following summer) so that you can have your choice of refuges.

Tour du Mont Blanc distances & countries

LES HOUCHES (CHAMONIX) – LES CONTAMINES

• height gain 646m
• height loss 633m

Stage 1 starts from the village of Les Houches at the end of the Chamonix Valley, works its way over to the village of Bionnassay then down into the Montjoie Valley to the town of Les Contamines.

Faced at the beginning of trail with a brutal 600m climb from Les Houches to the Col du Voza (1653m), trekkers can opt out of this and choose to take the Bellevue cable car and be whizzed to more of less the same elevation in less than 5 minutes. Read our post on TMB short cuts .

From the Col du Voza see spectacular views of the Dome du Gouter and Aiguille de Bionnassay. The trail now meanders down through pleasant hamlets and verdant woodland. It’s still a long day but undemanding in terms of exposure and almost completely downhill if you take the cable car up.

It’s a good introduction to the trail to warm up the legs and soak up the French ambiance but nothing in terms of sheer rugged wild beauty which is yet to come.

VARIANT TRAIL – COL DU TRICOT – There is an alternative route for Stage 1 (18km) that passes the Col du Tricot (2120m) which offers much more spectacular views than the traditional route. It’s classed as a more challenging route, which it is compared to the traditional Stage 1, however in my opinion it is not ‘difficult’ and it’s certainly worth the extra effort for the highlights of crossing a Himalayan suspension bridge (crossing the rushing glacial water over this bridge is a highlight of mine), the spectacular views of Glacier Bionassay and the fantastic view of Dômes du Miage. I would say that more trekkers actually take this route than the traditional stage 1 route now and in fact in Kingsley Jones’s guidebook THIS IS simply stage 1. If you take the Bellevue cable car short cut from Les Houches (which I would ALWAYS recommend as it cuts 2 hours of unspectacular up) then it’s only a couple of minutes before you will reach the variant stage 1 trail (see map below). If you want to hike the traditional trail it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the trail from the top of the Bellevue cable car. It takes me 2 hours to reach the top of the Col du Tricot from the Bellevue cable car. You then have a very steep descent down to Refuge Miage. It takes me 1 hour to descend the steep zig zag trail. DO NOT rush this – an injury here would be terribly disappointing. So in total it takes me 3 hours to get to Refuge Miage which I would highly suggest for lunch – they have a lovely garden overlooking the Dôme du Miage – book ahead in peak season. This variant should NEVER be considered in bad weather. You would not want to be on the top of the Col du Tricot in a lightening storm, plus the descent to Refuge Miage would be hazardous in rain. However look at the weather forecast – if it is predicting thunderstorms in the afternoon (which is common around 4pm in July and August) then this route would be perfectly okay if you were setting off at 8am in the morning – remember it only takes 3 hours to get to Refuge Miage and after this point the route is not a problem in bad weather. Accommodation options are at Refuge de Miage (private refuge – they have one large dorm or lovely private tiny chalets in the garden) or Auberge du Truc (very authentic basic stay available to book on the TMB website) both before Les Contamines. If you’re after a much more adventurous bed for the night consider taking the ‘smuggler’s trail ‘ from the top of Col du Tricot to the tiny 18 bed Refuge Plan Glacier. If you’re looking for more information on the refuges of the TMB I’ve written an ebook on them – click here to find out more .

If you’re looking to shorten your Tour du Mont Blanc trek into less days, then the traditional route through Bionassay is one of the recommended stages to skip. However I would never recommend skipping variant stage 1 – it’s one of my favourites! However if you simply don’t have time and for example want to do the half TMB to Courmayeur but only have 3 days and don’t want to hike longer than the standard stages each day then it would make sense to start in Les Contamines and skip this stage. This can be done by taking the bus from Chamonix to Les Contamines and starting your trail there. Or if you’re coming direct from Geneva Airport you can get an airport transfer direct to Les Contamines (which is easier than catching the bus from Chamonix to Les Contamines because you need to change bus in St Gervais and often the wait time is frustratingly long). Depending on the timetable schedule it can take between 2-4 hours to reach Les Contamines on public transport. Consider a private transfer if there’s a group of you.

If you’re looking how to make stage 2 slightly easier, consider taking the Bellevue cable car to cut 2 hrs off your trail & push on through Les Contamines to stay at the first refuge on the trail after the town. Nant Borrant is a gorgeous chalet refuge 1 hr up the trail (up a very steep hill!) which will give you a head start the following day

What is the ‘Tour du Mont Blanc’? 15 quick facts

Which Tour du Mont Blanc guide book is best?

Money on the TMB

37 comments.

Ashish Shukla

This is Ashish from New York. I stumbled upon your website and I must thank you for a really well written account of all the stages. I have not found such a detailed and succinct explanation for each stage anywhere else and I have done a fair bit of research. Thank you Thank you Thank you!! After reading this blog and your public transportation write up, I feel way more confident to tackle this hike starting on September 01-2021. I am planning to do it in 6 nights/7days.

tourdumontblanchike

Hi Ashish, you’re welcome. Have a great trek!

I totally agree with Ashish’s comments, above. We’ve done the full TMB (in 2015) and yet I still find I’m thoroughly entranced by all of the information, pictures, and tips for good planning that you share. Well done!! This is an excellent resource. I love its down-to-earth, friendly, honest tone. It’s so helpful to get real-life perspectives and details. You present them all in a very reader-friendly manner. The entries about the various refuges, and the descriptions of the traditional TMB stages, are particularly helpful… although, really, *everything* here provides great information. (My only suggestion (humbly offered) would be to proof-read the Casermetta Museum / Col de la Seigne history paragraphs, which seem of very different quality than the rest). Andrew McCluggage has put out a recent and very good book on the TMB, to add to the classic guides by Kev Reynolds and Jim Manthorpe; have you seen it? Your photographs and the attractive arrangement of each page/screen on your site really captures the allure and the magnificence of the TMB. It is an epic experience, from start to finish. Bravo, Mags!!! We will be keeping your work bookmarked for our next trip back!! I wish I could say we were heading out on the trail *today*!

Hi Caroline, thanks for getting in touch and for your kind words. I have re-read the Casermetta post and oh my gosh – why was that not proof read! I think some of it had been translated from Italian and not checked! Apologies! I’ve taken it offline as it needs to be updated anyhow – I hiked over the Col de la Seigne a couple of weeks ago and had the pleasure of interviewing one of the staff at the Casermetta so I have that interview on film which will be uploaded to the post. Hiked the variant stage 9 a couple of days ago which is a real favourite – stunning views of the Trient Glacier! I haven’t yet read Andrew’s book but I shall – will be hiking the tour again fully in September so I’ll aim to take that one with me this time and add it to our post on guidebooks. Thanks again for letting me know about the Casermetta post – glad you did 🙂 Best wishes. Mags

Thanks, Caroline! Hi, Mags – I am starting my hike from Le Brevent. So, the last day of my hike, I am planning to go from Trient to Le Brevent (via Lac Blanc) in one day. I think that’s approximately 19 miles. I was wondering if you have completed that section and your thoughts on whether it can be done in one day? The one constraint I am running into is that the last cable car (descent) from Le Brevent to Chamonix is at 4:30pm. So, I will probably have to start super early from Trient. Not sure if this is do-able in one day. I welcome your thoughts/suggestions.

Hi Ashish this would be an incredibly long day. Do you want to take public transport? One way to cut some time would be to take the chairlift down from Col de Balme then the bubble to the village of Le Tour. Then catch a bus (or walk) down the straight road to Montroc. Cross the train tracks at Montroc and walk behind the station where there is a trail that takes you up to Tré-le-Champ (10-15 mins up). This cuts out the up to Aiguillette des Posettes and the long long descent into Tré-le-Champ. It’s the only way you could cut the trail. Cutting out the Posettes would gain you possibly 2-2.5 hours although it would take at least 45 mins to get to there via public transport but at least saving your legs for the 3 hours up to Lac Blanc from Tré-le-Champ. It would be a long long day and I have to say I would never consider it but if you are a super fast trekker and aim to set off at 6am then its possible. You could always see how you are going when you get to Flégère and if you think you’re running behind take the cable car down into the valley from Flegere instead of continuing to Brevent (2-2.5 hours further). Good luck. Let me know how you get on.

This is a great resource bar none ! If I do stages 10 and 11 in consequtive days and want to stay at a hotel each night, would a stay in the same one both nights ? How do shuttles work at the end of each stage or what other tranportation modes are needed to return the the hotel in the evening ? Thank you

Hi Bob thanks for your kind words. I’m glad our website has helped you! Yes you can stay in the same hotel. It’s a good idea and actually I’ve recommended it before to hikers who want to see a bit of Chamonix first before setting off on the trek as it’s a good way to get a few days training hikes before leaving. Of course it sounds like you’d do this at the end of the trek so you would be arriving down from Col du Balme, to Tre-le-Champ. You will need to stay either in Argentiere, Les Praz or Chamonix. Les Praz would be more convenient as the Flegere cable car arrives here at the end of your next day but there are only a few hotels here (Hotel Eden is nice). Once you arrive in Tre-le-Champ the best way to head down the valley for the night is to walk down to the train station. To get here pass the Easter Island heads in the village (you can’t miss them!) and bear on the lower left hand trail – you will pop out at the train station in around 15 minutes. You will be able to catch the train to Argentiere, Les Praz or Chamonix. You will need to repeat this journey to get to the start of the trail again the following morning. What will be nice is that you won’t need to bring your heavy pack with you!! Stage 10 ends at Flegere – it’s a very short day even with the Lac Blanc detour so you may decide to hike on to Brevent to cut a bit of your trail time the next day. At Brevent you can also take the cable car down to the valley floor (Chamonix) so in this case it would make sense to stay overnight in Chamonix instead of Les Praz. Stage 11 ends in Chamonix Les Houches. There are frequent buses and the train that would bring you back to your hotel.If you followed this plan you could spend the 3 nights in the same hotel.

Merci beaucoup for this information, it is much appreciated. It has helped me so much in planning. The information is succinct and the web design in phenomenal!

I would like to start at Champex, go anti-clockwise, hike the TMB back around to Champex then continue on to hike the Walkers Haute Route to Zermatt. I plan on getting to Champex early to mid September after hiking a long trail in the USA June-Sept, so will have my “trail legs” then hopefully. It looks like the UTMB race will be over at the end of August so this will not be an issue. I also want to camp in a tent for the majority of the trail, sleeping in Refuges only infrequently and when I do I would not need a private room. I have ultra light gear and have experience through hiking in the USA.

Is this an unwise plan, given the start date I have chosen? It looks like the weather will still be reasonable. I do not want to miss too many beautiful views due to bad weather (but do not want to wait another year for TMB and Haute)! In September do I still need reserve Refuge bunk beds far in advance? Could I just see what’s available on the trail as I hike? I was planning on the Refuges just for a little food and a shower mostly. Last thing, what is your opinion on using my Zpacks Duplex tent for this time of year? I’m thinking I might need my NEMO Hornet tent instead but it’s heavy. Thank you!

Hi, the weather is normally still very good in September and indeed has rarely any thunder storms compared to August! I had one day of rain in 8 days last year but of course it can vary. I hiked the trail solo in September last year and didn’t book refuges in advance. I only got caught out on one night but managed to find somewhere in the end. I would suggest starting early September if you are planning on continuing onto the Haute Route after. Some refuges ask you to book a meal the day before but most would allow you to eat if there is enough food by just turning up – a few might not so always have a back up handy in the form of expedition food etc just in case. Take the lightweight tent. Bear in mind that wild camping in Italy and Switzerland is tricky. Italy it is legal after 2500m! and Switzerland is not allowed at all so you need to camp at campsites. Courmayeur has no campsites but there are several in the Val Veny – unfortunately it means that you need to miss out stage 4 or hike it & come back round but that’s quite a mission. Hobo Camping is good https://www.campinghobo.com/en/ . I will be camping the trail in July! Have a great hike. All the best. Mags

Hi We’re planning on doing the TMB clockwise and starting at the Brevent. This gives us two opportunities to see some of the best views if the weather is not good. Telepherique up, then head down and stay at Lac Blanc, then normal days for a 10 day trip. Last day would be Les Houches to the Brevent and ride down. Both times up will be in the morning so it increases the chances of clear viewing. We live in Colorado, so we’ll be acclimatized and relatively fit. Any thoughts, advice? ..

Hi Tom the problem with hiking the tour clockwise, especially in Chamonix is that you will have your back to Mont Blanc all the way. I would suggest if you want to start in the Chamonix Valley and take in the magnificent views of Mont Blanc on the first few days that you start from Tre-le-Champ (get the train to Montroc and then hike up 15 minutes on the trail behind the train station up to Tre-Le-Champ) hike up to Lac Blanc and then you would continue TOWARDS Mont Blanc with the views ahead of you the whole time. You can then walk via La Flégère to Le Brévent and down to Les Houches.

Hi, great site and thank you so much for all the information. Where can I find GPX a route file?

Hi Ori FatMaps has a great map of the TMB and you can download the GPX file

https://fatmap.com/routeid/2721627/tour-du-mont-blanc/@46.0001773,6.9058586,3170.4236129,-82.5128444,0,2243.4477193,satellite

Hi! LOVE your website, thank you so much for all the information! I am planning to do the hike in july but I must ask, is stage 7 the only part with exposure? I love hiking in the alps but would really have a probelm walking next to sheer drops (a bit traumatised from hiking in Madeira hehe)

Hi Caroline stage 7 doesn’t have any exposure and is actually the most gentle section of the trail. Do you mean stage 10 with the ladders?

Thanks a LOT for the great site and all the valuable info here ! Is there a Smartphone (iPhone) navigation application with detailed maps for TMB ?

Hi Mark I use the GAIA GPS app – see my article here https://tourdumontblanchike.com/tour-du-mont-blanc-gps-gaia/

Some trekkers also use Trail Trails.

Christopher Legg

Wow, I have also just stumbled across this, whilst I know some of the area, I shall certainly use this to plan my trip. I haven’t read it all yet but I will. Thankyou. very much. Chris from Cornwall

You’re welcome. I’m glad it’s helped you plan your trip. Happy hiking.

hi, thanks for sharing all details about TMB. Would like to know your location for wild camping, those pictures are awesome.

Hi Ivan wild camping is only permitted in one of the three countries the trek goes through – France. Here you are allowed to bivvy from sunset to sunrise. Therefore this gives plenty of scope on the first and last stages. One of the best places is Lac du Cheserys just under Lac Blanc. Camping at Lac Blanc is not permitted. In Italy wild camping is only permitted above 2500m which doesn’t leave much options and in Switzerland camping is only permitted in campsites. I am due to camp the trail in the next two weeks for my first time so I look forward to being able to share more tips about camping the TMB soon. Happy hiking!

thank you so much for sharing all this info – it seems to have the most comprehensive explanation of each stage I’ve been able to find! I was wondering if you had suggestions on grouping stages together – I find a lot of 8-9-10 day itineraries out there and I was wondering if you had a suggested 9 day or 10 day with no rest days?

Hi Brittney. It all depends how much you want to walk each day. As there are refuges every 5km along the trail you can chop up the route into 9 or 10 days without a rest day. I’m not sure what you mean about grouping together stages if you didn’t want a rest day? Happy to help you plan your itinerary over a zoom call. You can find out more about what’s included and book here https://tourdumontblanchike.com/tmb-zoom-consultation/ . Best wishes. Mags

Bob Bergner

Great website! Thanks for all the work (and pleasure) that went into creating it. I speed hiked the TMB a few decades ago–minimal gear, sleeping under the stars wherever the day ended for a few hours a night. It was mid June (lots of snow), so I had the trail largely to myself. A tremendous experience! Now, I’d like to take my wife on a few days of the trail at a more relaxed pace. From what I remember, the last section from Champex back to Chamonix has the most dramatic scenery. Is that correct? Thanks for a quick answer here. And I look forward to setting up a consultation if (when, really) I need more detailed information. Cheers, Bob

Hi Bob wow what an experience that must have been! Yes the variant stage 8 from Champex (via Col du Fenetre) is the most technically difficult as you have to navigate the boulder field but you also benefit from the truly incredible view of the Trient Glacier. Then Stage 10 is stunning as you are traversing along the Balcon Sud flank with Mont Blanc to your left. For me (variant) stage 1, stage 2, 3 & 4 are my favourites unless I’m taking the variant 8 then the Chamonix legs of 10 and 11. Hope that helps? Feel free to message me direct via email to set up a zoom if you need. Best. Mags

Kathy Meldrum

Hi Mags! What a GREAT website! This info is so helpful! I have an idea for an itinerary and I’m wondering if you can provide me with any input. Is there a hike from Chamonix to Col de Balme and on to Tre le Champ where we can stay the night at Auberge La Boerne for day 1? Then on to either Lac Blanc refuge or Flegere for day 2. Then on to Bellechat for day 3 and then descend to Les Houches on day 4. We will be hiking with kids and are looking for something doable yet challenging, but I can’t quite figure out the mileage or how long it would take us. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! -Kathy

Hi Kathy apologies for my delay in responding. Yes this itinerary would work – it’s similar to my 2.5/3 day itinerary here https://tourdumontblanchike.com/3-day-itinerary-lac-blanc/

You can get the train or bus to Montroc and then there is a trail from the back of Montroc train station that takes you up to Tre-Le-Champ. Often it’s easier to do this instead of getting the specific bus from Argentiere to Tre-Le-Champ as it doesn’t go very often but buses go regularly past Montroc up to Le Tour and the train stops there once an hour. It takes between 20-30 minutes to hike up the easy trail.

It only takes around 3 hours to hike from La Boerne to Lac Blanc however you will be hiking with kids so lets say 5 hours so you could have a late start enjoying your breakfast (however all refuges will kick you out around 8 or 9am so La Boerne may do this as well. Its definitely worth staying in Lac Blanc if you can get the reservation though over Refuge Flegere. The kids will love the ladders on the way up from La Boerne!

Bellachat doesn’t have a shower just to let you know but it would be a necessary stop for you with kids. It’s a good itinerary. Go for it!

Excellent article, thanks so much for sharing and wishing you many more hiking adventures. Katie

Thanks Katie. Have a great trek!

Hi! I’ve used this resource while planning over the past year and it’s been a huge help! We’re leaving in 2 weeks to begin half of the TMB, Chamonix – Courmayeur. Time is limited as we plan to travel to see the rest of Italy after. However, I’ve been disappointed to not see the great views everyone talks about in the final stages. Is there a way to take the Brévent cable car to Le Brévent, see the views and continue on to Les Contamines without making the descent down into Les Houches? Any public transportation options we could use to try and combine stage 11 and 1? We’re not scared of a long day, just not sure how doable it all is.

Hi Aysia absolutely you can take the Brevent cable car from the centre of Chamonix (you have to walk up the steep hill from the Gendarmerie to get to the cable car station). Take the first cable car up to the mid station (Plan Praz) then you can get the next cable car up to the summit of Brevent, have a look and then come back down. You can then get the no 1 bus from the Chamonix Centre bus stop (which is just around the corner from the Gendarmerie) to Les Houches. There is a bus stop right outside Bellevue cable car (bus stop Bellevue) or if you want to walk through the official arch to start the trek outside the tourist office you would need to get off at ‘Les Houches Mairie’ stop which is two stops before Bellevue. Its just a 10 minute walk to walk down the main road to Bellevue if you wanted to get a photo at the arch. Hope this helps! Have a great trek!

Would you please provide information on the itinerary and refugios you took? Planning the same over ideally 5 or so days! Thanks

Thank you so much for the helpful site, it has been my go-to reference for planning my trip. We are doing the traditional 11 day itinerary beginning is Les Houches, and would like to spend the last night at Lac Blanc. I understand the last day is rough on the knees and having a bad knee already I am curious if staying at Lac Blanc that night will add to the decent on day 11, and if there is a shortcut option to cut down on some of the intense downhill. Thanks!

Hi Rachelle thanks for the kind words. Yes staying in Lac Blanc will add a little onto the next day however what I would do is descend down from Lac Blanc to Refuge Flegere and continue along the TMB balcony trail towards Brevent (epic views along here of Mont Blanc) then when you get to Plan Praz (the mid station at Brevent) I would take the cable car up to the summit and then maybe finish your trek there. There is a cafe there so you can have a celebratory beer overlooking the viewing platform for Mont Blanc and then get the summit cable car down and then the mid station cable car down to Chamonix. This leaves out the long 1300m descent into Chamonix on stage 11. Or the alternative is to add an extra night at the Bellachat refuge so that you split this day in two. Hope this helps.

I, of course, must add that this site is beyond helpful (so many things that I didn’t even know I needed to know)

I thought I was finished planning a shortened version of the TMB. However, after going through your site, I think I need to make an adjustment.

Because we are time limited, we will be skipping certain portions (taking the bus from Courmayeur to Arnuva, then another from Ferret to Champex; and taking the train from Argentiere to Chamonix).

However, Brevent and Balcon Sud seem like they shouldn’t be missed (I love mountain ladders, and scary, narrow paths with great views). We have one day in Chamonix built in before we start (in case the flight from the US has issues). We could use this day to see those areas.

Do you have a suggestion on a one-day version to/from Chamonix to the Brevent / Balcon Sud area (I have no qualms about taking chair lifts/gondolas to make this work)

Thank you so much for making the TMB do-able for all of us.

Hi Anne. Merry Christmas. Apologies for my late reply. Absolutely you can do stage 10 and some of 11 as a day hike. You would need to get the bus or the train from Chamonix to Montroc. I would choose the train if I were you as its a lovely ride and free with the Chamonix guest card that you can get from your hotel. Read my post https://tourdumontblanchike.com/what-is-a-chamonix-guest-card-carte-dhote/ (note there is a bus stop right outside the train station at Montroc too). Disembark from the train then turn right and keep right until you reach a small car park where you’ll see an unsigned trail head – this is the trail up to Tre-Le-Champ. It won’t take you long to reach the village and you’ll be surprised by a number of carved Easter Island heads on the corner when you arrive in the hamlet. With the heads on your right, carry on straight and up to the main Col des Montets busy road. Cross and see the well signposted trail ahead of you. This is the start of stage 10 and is the traditional ladders route. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach the ladders which start at the L’Aiguillette d’Argentière (a rock spire where you’ll find rock climbers climbing) and end at the Tete dux Vents, the cairn which marks the turn off for Lac Blanc. It takes me 3 hours to get to Lac Blanc from Tre-Le-Champ. It’s nice to have lunch here and admire the view before descending down to Refuge Flegere (around an hour). Then you can walk the balcony between Flegere and Brevent. It takes a couple of hours and the views of Mont Blanc are outstanding. You can then choose to take the summit cable car up to Brevent from Plan Praz (the mid station). It’s a great view up there and there is a cafe. This is a good place to end your trek as it takes a further 4-5 hours to descend from the summit of Brevent down to Les Houches to complete stage 11 so I would take the summit cable back down to Plan Praz and then catch the cable car from Plan Praz back down to the centre of Chamonix. A perfect day! Enjoy! Best wishes. Mags

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What is the 'Tour du Mont Blanc'? 15 quick facts

5 unmissable refuges on the tour du mont blanc, tour du mont blanc hike, privacy overview.

Everything You Need To Know About Hiking The Tour du Mont Blanc

A s an avid hiker, you’ve probably heard of the Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB hiking trail. You might even have plans to conquer this popular hiking destination one day. If so, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

In 1760, a Swiss Geologist and physicist, Horace-Bénédict de Saussure, then living in Geneva, discovered the TMB hiking trail. Saussure wanted to explore the Mont du Blanc Mountains to examine and document plant specimens. Also called the Mont Blanc massif, the mountain range is 60 miles by 20 miles long, with 11 summits over 4,000 meters high. Though he discovered it in 1760, Saussure first walked around the entire TMB hiking path in 1767.

Unfortunately, the Swiss scientist failed to climb one of its peaks on that initial journey around the path. The first to achieve this feat were Michel Paccard and Jacques Balmat. The two found a path to the apex in 1786 through the Grands Mulets route. Sausurre became the third person to reach the summit shortly thereafter.

Trail Overview 

Though Pacard and Balmat first reached the peak of the Mont Blanc massif via the Grands Mulets route, the Gouter route is today’s standard path. This trail is 105 miles long and passes through 3 countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland . The Gouter Route (also known as the Voie Des Cristalliers and Voie Royale) is one of the two most commonly utilized routes to reach the summit of Mont Blanc in the Alps. Though the Gouter route reaches an elevation of 15,774 ft, it is considered the most straightforward ascent. The route lies on the north side of the mountain, in France, seeing thousands of mountaineers annually. 

The Tour du Mont Blanc difficulty level is somewhat subjective to the hiker. The Gouter route is relatively easy because it takes about two days to reach the ascent and does not require extensive technical skills. Nonetheless, it is physically demanding and mentally challenging if you lack athletic ability. The most difficult aspect of this route includes a narrow passageway of unstable rocks on the mountain’s edge. Seventy-four have died, and 180 were injured in accidents along this dangerous segment between 1990 and 2011. 

Once passing this tricky part, the Gouter route is smooth sailing. It steadily increases in steepness while crossing exposed terrain. Hazardous weather conditions are the most dangerous aspects that remain. Cold and wet conditions can cause hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, visiting the Tour du Mont Blanc for Summer hiking, Mid-June to mid-September, is safest. During the summer, temperatures will range from 40 degrees at night to 80 degrees during the day. Some days require shorts beneath a warm, sunny sky ; others might entail brisk, wet conditions.

Permits And Regulations

No permits are required for the TMB and there are no regulatory restrictions. However, some believe a technical skills test could reduce deaths and injuries along the path. Additionally, residents are disturbed by the amount of trash that hikers inevitably abandon to lighten their loads on the ascent. What’s interesting about the Tour du Mont Blanc is that there are many comforts along the path in the form of hotels and huts. Several companies offer self-guided packages that include accommodations, detailed hiking guides, and set itineraries. 

Trail Highlights And Points Of Interest

The Tour du Mont Blanc hike is considered one of the world’s top ten “bucket list” hiking trails. In addition to the soothing sounds of waterfalls , there are glaciers, streams, high alpine meadows, and the natural beauty of the Mont Blanc landscape. Among the most beautiful and visible flora are the rare Slipper Orchid, the Martagon Lily, Aquilegia Alpha, the famous Edelweiss, and rare Campanula thyrsoides. Though heavily impacted by human presence, the animals that remain in the wilderness of the Mont Blanc massif include Marmots, Ravens, Goats, Mountain Hares, Vultures, and Eagles, among others. 

Safety Considerations

On the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trail, the most important considerations will be comfortable shoes and a good quality backpack with appropriate dimensions and weight.  What qualifies as an appropriately sized bag will depend on whether you stick to hiking the trail or detour slightly to local huts and hotels. The former will require a 60L bag, and the latter will require a 30L bag. Remember to break in your footwear a few months in advance and buy shoes larger than usual to accommodate swollen, achy feet. Trekking poles will help lessen aches and pains experienced in the knee and leg muscles. Hiking crampons are a “better safe than sorry” item to add to your Tour du Mont Blanc packing list. They will help maintain balance and avoid slipping across waterways and snow patches, which might even save a life! 

In case of an emergency, administer first aid, note location and grid reference on a map, call for help (cell phone service is generally available along the TMB). If no phone is available, blow a whistle or flash a flashlight six times. If there is an injured person, carefully consider whether to go for help or stay with the injured. If the injured party stays behind, leave them with food, water, and warm clothes. 

Planning and Preparation

Being physically prepared for the TMB hike is a necessary safety precaution. Training should start at least three months in advance and should be in layered clothing, hiking boots, and a fully packed backpack to best simulate trail conditions. Other things that require planning include booking accommodations along the trail and deciding how many days to stay. An itinerary will vary depending on whether two days, two weeks, or even two months are set aside to experience the beauty of TMB. 

Most hikers can ascend the Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided if interested. The trail is easy to follow, with well-maintained paths, directional markings, and clearly understood signs. However, map reading skills are essential, and hikers should also carry a guidebook. 

People Ask: Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Q: What is the Tour du Mont Blanc hiking trail?

A: The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170-kilometer hiking trail that circles the Mont Blanc massif in the Alps, passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Q: How long does it take to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc?

A: The entire trail takes about 10 to 12 days to complete.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

A: The best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc is from mid June to mid September, when the weather is typically mild and the trails are clear of snow.

Q: Are there any accommodations along the trail?

A: Yes, there are many accommodations available along the Tour du Mont Blanc, including hotels, hostels, and mountain huts.

Q: Is it necessary to hire a guide for the hike?

A: No, it is not necessary to hire a guide for the hike. The trail is well-marked and there are many resources available for hikers.

Q: How difficult is the hike?

A: The hike is considered to be moderately difficult, with some steep ascents and descents.

Q: What should I pack for the hike?

A:You should pack appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy boots, warm clothing, and rain gear. You should also bring a map, a compass, and plenty of water and snacks.

Q: Are there any safety concerns I should be aware of?

A: Yes, there are some safety concerns to be aware of, including potential hazards such as steep drops, loose rocks, and unpredictable weather. It is important to stay on the marked trail and to be prepared for changing conditions.

Q: Can I hike the trail in sections?

A: Yes, it is possible to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc in sections, with many hikers choosing to focus on one or two sections at a time.

Q: What are some of the highlights of the hike?

A: Some highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc include stunning views of the Alps, charming mountain villages, and the opportunity to experience the unique cultures of France, Italy, and Switzerland.

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a renowned hiking trail accommodating hikers from across the globe. It is mentally and physically challenging, but efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views along the route. The TMB is accessible with or without a guided tour, as there is food, water, emergency services, accommodations, and other modern amenities along the path. With a reasonable amount of advanced preparation, physical training, thoughtful packing, and a conscientious “Leave no trace” mindset, this unforgettable journey is worth experiencing for yourself. 

The Most Beautiful (and Skippable) Stages of the Tour Du Mont Blanc

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We all hope to complete a long trek like the Tour du Mont Blanc mile-for-mile, but life happens. You may decide it’s best to skip a section of the hike due to dangerous weather conditions or a nagging injury. You may intend to do every stage as planned, but find yourself worrying that you’re missing out due to a foggy, viewless forecast. When taking real-time obstacles into account and considering your plan of action, it’s helpful to know which stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc are the most scenic and which stages are a bit more…skippable.

For Reference: My Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary

Last week I finally completed my circuit of the Mont Blanc massif through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. Back in 2019 when I aimed to complete five long-distance solo treks back-to-back , my Tour du Mont Blanc attempt was foiled by the Planpincieux glacier scare. I was determined to come back and finish it the next year, but then COVID happened. Now in 2022, I’m grateful to be able to finish what I started. 

I completed 100 miles in 10 days going anti-clockwise, starting from Les Houches. I camped most nights and carried a large backpack full of camping gear, but also stayed at two refuges (Bonatti and Elisabetta) and one hotel (Hotel Ottoz in Courmayeur; two hotels if you count the final night after I was done hiking back in Chamonix). I am now officially qualified to offer my opinion on which stages have the best views on the Tour du Mont Blanc , as well as the sections that were my least favorite. 

💸 Read my cost comparison of how much you’ll spend on a self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc hike via tent camping vs. booking hotels, hotels, or refuges.

There are many alternative variations you can choose to take on the TMB. I didn’t plan all my navigational choices out in advance. When I was in the midst of my hike, sometimes I would consult my guidebook , other hikers, or Google for opinions on the best course of action for the following day, especially if it looked like we might have bad weather or if I was hoping to avoid piling stress onto my temperamental knees. I hope this article will be an asset to other hikers approaching their TMB in the same manner.

In comparison to other long hikes, I think it’s very important to have a bit of flexibility on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The alpine weather can change on a dime and the forecasts are not always correct. It’s also essential to be kind to your body in light of the repeated and sometimes grueling ascents and descents so you don’t burn out too quickly. On the TMB, almost every day you will go up, up, up over a mountain pass, and then down, down, down back into a valley. By Day 9 I was losing some of my enthusiasm for this pattern.

For reference, my Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary looked like this:

Day 1 : Les Houches to Les Contamines (camping at Le Pontet ) Day 2 : Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (camping for free in the field) Day 3 : Les Chapieux to Refugio Elisabetta Day 4 : Refugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur ( Hotel Ottoz ) Day 5 : Courmayeur to Refugio Bonatti Day 6 : Refugio Bonatti to La Fouly (camping at Camping des Glaciers ) Day 7 : La Fouly to Champex (camping at Camping Les Rocailles ) Day 8 : Champex to Col de la Forclaz/Trient (camping at Hotel de la Forclaz ) Day 9 : Trient to Tré-le-Champ (camping at Auberge La Boerne ) Day 10 : Tré-le-Champ to Chamonix ( Hotel La Chaumière Mountain Lodge )

*If you don’t have time to complete the entire 10-day trek but still want to see some of the best views of the Tour du Mont Blanc, check out my article for France Today about day hikes you can reach along the TMB via public transportation.

The Most Beautiful Stages on the Tour du Mont Blanc

You’ll notice a pattern in my selected favorites; I really enjoyed the Cols, or mountain passes, and generally any high points along the trail. 

The first half of Day 4 (Refugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur)

Upon descending to the valley from Refugio Elisabetta, you’ll have a flat, relaxing road walk, which is a surprisingly peaceful start to a day on the TMB. Then you’ll start climbing up towards Mont Favre, the high point of the day. The sweeping panoramic views will change with each step, giving you a million opportunities to stop and take photos from different perspectives. Towards the east the rolling green hills nourish sheep and cows. A shepherd who lives on the hillside during the summer will come out to greet you and chat about the ibex and wolves he’s seen this year. Towards the west, the dramatic Mont Blanc massif is unrelenting in its stark and imposing beauty. You’ll behold Mont Blanc itself, supported by surrounding peaks which shelve glaciers and expel waterfalls from the melt. All of this combines to make the first half of Day 4 one of the best stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

There is one section of downhill switchbacks with loose rock where you’ll want to be careful with your steps, but at a certain point you are not really going up or down much anymore, just traversing mountainside meadows and enjoying your surroundings. I was impressed all the way until we reached a forested area where it’s time to descend towards Maison Vieille. From here you’ll meet with a lot of day hikers and the landscape becomes less and less wild. Once at Maison Vieille, you have the option to take a chairlift down into Courmayeur, which is what I advise below under “Least Rewarding Stages”. 

Day 3 Col de la Seigne

The journey to Col de la Seigne is long and arduous, but stunning and worth the effort. You might be leaving from the Col des Fours variation the previous day, which means you’re starting around Refuge des Mottets. If you’re starting from Les Chapieux like me, there is a long, straight walk from there to Mottets first (as a side note, please take the actual TMB for this section. It’s a lovely grasslands walk. I don’t understand why I was the only one who followed the TMB sign to get off the road while everyone else walked on the highway from Chapieux to Mottets, how boring!). 

From Mottets you begin a series of endless switchbacks up into the mountains. It blurs together, but there are a few distinct places where you finally leave one series of switchbacks, walk a flatter section that will bring you around a bend to a different mountain view than you had before, and onto….another series of switchbacks. Rinse repeat. I liked that new views were provided with each new cluster of switchbacks, slowly winding you further into the fold of the mountain range. Just don’t get too excited when it appears that your current set is ending; most likely, you have not yet reached the Col. There is one particularly cruel cairn of rocks about 15 minutes prior to the actual Col that I was working towards for a long time, believing it to be the end. At least it wasn’t too far off!

The vistas throughout the ascent are so elegant that eventually I stopped minding how hard my lungs and legs were working and simply surrendered to the process. I would not conquer the mountains, only witness them. I would not fly through them effortlessly, but take many breaks. Perhaps this is the stage that set a much-needed tone of reverence for the rest of my Tour du Mont Blanc.

Reaching the Col is a moment for the scrapbooks because you are officially crossing from France into Italy. It really struck me how immediately the language changes; it wasn’t five seconds after crossing the Col that everyone on the other side was suddenly speaking Italian instead of French. It’s also at this point that you see Mont Blanc for the first time (unless you’d done an alternate variation previously), and the view into Italy is picturesque. At Col Ferret a few days later, the view into Switzerland is not especially jaw-dropping (that day has other things to offer). At Col de la Seigne the view into Italy does give you a nice pat on the back.

I included some pictures of Refugio Elisabetta in the gallery as well. The descent from Col de la Seigne to Elisabetta wasn’t much to write home about, but the glaciers around the refugio itself were pretty special.

Day 6 Col Ferret

To begin Day 6 there is a long descent away from Refugio Bonatti leading to Refuge Elena. After Elena, the fun begins. It’s time to ascend up to Grand Col Ferret. At first the views are mainly back towards the way you came and not particularly exciting, but as you continue uphill you’ll become immersed in the rolling hills of your more immediate vicinity, which I loved. Each one forms a new layer in front of the last, like a collage. I felt enveloped by the land, less of an observer and more a part of it.

By this point I was used to the ascents, so my memory of the journey to this Col is that it wasn’t any more difficult, neither physically nor psychologically, than those of the previous days. I’m sure I was breathing hard and taking breaks, but in retrospect nothing particularly strenuous sticks out to me. It’s just a good challenging day without any hiccups, with some of the best views on the Tour du Mont Blanc. When you finally reach Col Ferret, it feels hard earned. Swaths of hikers and runners rest at the pass to gear up for the descent down the other side into Switzerland. Like at Col de la Seigne, knowing that you’re standing on the border between two countries adds an extra layer of accomplishment and novelty to the pass. Hikers greet each other with “Welcome to Switzerland!” or “Bienvenue en Suisse!”. 

Note that the ascent to this Col from Elena is all completely exposed to sunshine with no shade, and it gets very hot (at least when I was there in August). Everyone I spoke to commented on it. I suppose my hikes in the desert southwest of the United States had prepared me well because I didn’t feel particularly stressed about the heat, but it was still noticeable. It’s a good idea to start hiking early on this day to get some mileage under your belt before noon. 

Day 2 Col du Bonhomme

The stage from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux I completed both in 2019 and 2022. In 2022 it was rainy and misty all day and I couldn’t see farther than my own two feet, so I am really glad I remember what Col du Bonhomme was like when it’s clear. The gallery above is 2019 and mainly features the world class views seen directly from Col du Bonhomme. The gallery below is 2022 and features surrounding areas (I didn’t take too many photos in 2022 until the fog finally started to clear. If I had attempted to recreate the photos from 2019 it would have just been a wall of fog). In good weather, you can see out over vast expanses of mountains on both sides of the pass and take in some of the best views on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Arriving at the Col is already a feat, but then to see a whole new world awaiting you on the other side is quite the reward. Then you have new views again once you reach Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. 

Something about the little wooden hut at the Col really adds some character to this pass. It’s a keeper of memories. In 2019, when I arrived at the hut it was only me and one Frenchman who shared his hot coffee with me as we attempted to communicate in broken Franglais. It served as a perfect vantage point and a gathering place for like minds. In 2022 it was freezing at the pass, so the hut was able to serve its intended use as a refuge from the elements. I piled inside amongst other shivering hikers as we pulled jackets out of our backpacks, discussed the best route to take from there, and pondered whether the haze would lift. The hut at Col du Bonhomme is my horcrux.

Travel Fails: When Weather Obscures Famous Viewpoints

Day 10 tré-le-champ to la flégère.

I was a bit nervous about the ladder section because a large pack tends to shift your gravity, and because for 9 days prior, every time I checked the weather forecast it said we were expecting rain for this day. Thankfully it cleared up completely and was gorgeous outside, so I decided to go for it with the ladders instead of taking a variant. In practice I found the ladders to be fun and exciting, and completing them gave me a sense of triumph. 

The views throughout this entire section, especially after Tête aux Vents, rivaled everything from the rest of the trip and make Day 10 one of the best stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc. It felt like a reward for all my hard work and a welcome back to the Chamonix valley. The word “aiguilles” will pop up often during the Tour du Mont Blanc, as it’s the moniker of different mountains or sections of mountain ranges – Aiguilles Rouges, Aiguillette des Posettes, Aiguille des Glaciers. “Aiguilles” means “needles” or “spires”, which makes sense when you see the peaks this name describes. They have sharp, jutting angles that look quite forbidding. As you leave Tête aux Vents and head towards La Flégère, these climactic formations tower before you and remind you the true scale of the Alps. 

I would have liked some extra time at the end to check out more viewpoints. From La Flégère I took the cable car down into Les Praz and then the train to my hotel in Chamonix. To truly complete the circuit, I would have needed to continue hiking past La Flégère towards Le Brévent and down into Les Houches. Initially this was my plan, but it would have been an extremely long day (and another knee-grinding downhill) and I needed to clock in for a work meeting back at my hotel at 5pm. Le Brévent is supposed to be beautiful though, and there is another cable car opportunity there. Another stunning option from Tête aux Vents is to take a variant up to Lac Blanc. With enough time I would have done both. I am not too disappointed though because on my final day, I was both tired and pleased with everything I had accomplished, and adding more on would have felt like I was just ticking boxes. I’m not sure my heart would have been in it, but if I were to return to the area again, I would visit these locations as day hikes.

If you’re worried about burning out towards the end, I might recommend beginning somewhere other than Les Houches so that this final stage near La Flégère and Le Brévent is in the beginning or middle of your trip where you can fully appreciate it. I did meet many hikers who started somewhere other than the “classic” start point, including someone who began in Trient and someone who began in Courmayeur. 

The Least Rewarding Stages on the Tour du Mont Blanc

If you’re a purist like me, the idea of skipping a stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is initially unthinkable. Perhaps it’s an American thru-hiker mentality; you must walk every single mile! No zero days! If you have a healthier mentality, you balance this ambition by reminding yourself that a backpacking trip is supposed to be fun and awe-inspiring. We are not paid athletes competing under a set of rules. If there is a section that’s widely known for not being scenic while also being treacherous or physically brutal, there is no shame in deciding to bypass it to save your energy for the other more rewarding sections to come. This is especially true if you’re already nursing an injury or feeling like you need a bit of a break; if you have to skip something, clearly you’d want to pick a less exciting section to skip, if you can. The following sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc were my least favorite and I personally feel that you wouldn’t be missing much if you needed to skip them. 

The second half of Day 4 (Refugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur)

This is a stage of extremes. While the first half of the day was one of my favorite sections of the entire Tour du Mont Blanc, everything past Maison Vieille was reported to be brutal, and, quite frankly, ugly. I read online that it was other hikers’ least favorite part of the trail because it’s nothing but steep and relentless downhill through a scarred and manmade ski lift area. People advised that it would be a good idea to “save your knees” by taking the chairlift past this section and straight down into Courmayeur. Remembering how painful my knee problems can get when I don’t have enough respect for sections like this, I decided to take the chairlift down.

I felt guilty and like I’d copped out, but over the next few days it became apparent that I’d made the right decision. One hiker bloodied her knee by taking a fall during this section. Another hiker said she must have overextended muscles or tendons in her knees because she proceeded to be plagued by knee problems for the entire rest of the trail. Knowing my own past issues with steep downhills, I have no doubt I would have experienced something similar. 

Day 8 Champex to Forclaz/Trient

My guidebook made Day 7 to Champex sound like it might be boring; it said the day was mostly through a flat meadow. In actuality it has much more variation than expected. You’ll follow along a riverbed, go through cute Swiss alpine villages, and climb up through a forested area before arriving at the peaceful lakeside village of Champex. Instead, it was the next day from Champex to Forclaz that I found to be lacking in points of interest. 

This day is mostly under the cover of forest and it is extremely humid and buggy. I did enjoy the views from Alp Bovine, but likely because of the cows, this section is filled with flies that would not leave me alone for even a moment. Views elsewhere along this stage are not particularly breathtaking. Through the trees you will have some glimpses of mountains, but they do not come close to rivaling the striking vistas found throughout the rest of the trek. I rushed very quickly through this stage to be able to make camp before some expected rain, and I don’t feel bad about it. 

I really liked camping at Hotel de la Forclaz, which has a backdrop of glaciers, although my fondness for it may be circumstantial. I’d made some friends by this point in the trek that I enjoyed camping with at the end of the day. We cheered for UTMB CCC runners as they passed through town and then ordered Swiss fondu at the hotel restaurant. One member of our roving gang of gypsies took a train and two buses (or was it two trains and a bus?) to join us here from Champex because she wasn’t feeling well enough to hike that day, and I think she got the best out of the day by doing this. She didn’t miss much by skipping the hike, but got to partake in the evening festivities. 

If you walk a bit further past Forclaz and towards Trient you can camp for a cheaper rate at Le Peuty, which supposedly has less amenities. This was my original plan and would have saved me the fondu money too, but honestly the fondu was the best part of Day 8. Camping at Le Peuty might have made the whole day a wash (though of course I might have made new friends at that campsite and had an entirely different fun experience, who knows?). If you do camp at Le Peuty you will have a bit of a jump on Day 9. From Forclaz you ramp up to the day by hiking along a flat bit and then downhill to arrive at Le Peuty. From Le Peuty the trail immediately starts going upwards towards Col du Balme. 

Day 6 Variant to La Fouly

I obviously can’t speak to every single variant opportunity, but this one seems like a popular choice. On Day 6 from Refugio Bonatti to La Fouly, I mostly did the main route for the entire day, right up until the last moment. Once you reach La Peule, you now have two options. You could take the farm road the rest of the way to La Fouly, which is straightforward, if a little boring. I hate road walking, so I opted for the “high route” variation. This variation is supposed to give you prettier scenic views of the mountains. 

I actually have an old version of the Cicerone guidebook from 2015 which describes the variant as being the new recommended “main route” while the farm road is the old route. A friend has a newer version of the book which has flip-flopped back to calling the farm road the “main route”. Now I understand why.

The variant has a couple sections that are washed out, perhaps from some kind of landslide or rock fall. It made the trail very skinny, slippery, and full of loose rocks, right next to a cliffside drop. This kind of thing makes me nervous, especially with my large pack. I had be be extra careful where I chose to put my feet, and a few times I crouched down so I could scoot and get my hands on the rocks to steady myself better. I got that feeling in my chest where my breath seizes up from fear of falling. Looking back it really wasn’t that bad, but in the middle of it I was worrying that this might be a sign of worse things to come. I knew there was supposed to be a long, sharp descent towards the end of the variant that brings you right down into La Fouly; if that part was going to be on a cliff edge too, I knew I wouldn’t like it. Thankfully that downhill was not treacherous at all, so really it’s just 3 or 4 brief points earlier on the trail that you have to get past and then it’s smooth sailing. 

The views of the mountains on the variant were indeed beautiful, but I’m not sure they were enough to make the dicey trail worth it. The campsite already has great views of these same mountains. If you’re looking for excitement you will probably enjoy this variant, but if you have any hesitancy about exposure then it’s not ideal. 

>> Note on Route Variations What I learned throughout the Tour du Mont Blanc, and heard reinforced by other hikers who took various alternative routes, is that as long as you stick to what’s described as the “main route”, you’re fine. It’s really not a technical trail at all (except for the ladder section on Day 10) and there are rarely any spots that should make you nervous about exposed edges. As soon as you choose a variant, though, all bets are off. It might be just as simple as the main route, but it might not, and guidebooks don’t do a great job of explaining the obstacles you could encounter on these sections (likely because alternate routes are not often maintained and conditions are always in flux). Another friend did a variant on Day 6 as well, but much earlier in the trail. I believe it was an alternate trail option starting from Col Ferret. The further they got into it, the less defined the trail became, until they couldn’t even spot it anymore. They became disoriented and needed to consult the map often to find their way back. That said, it does sound like some variants are worth it. Other hikers mentioned how glad they were to have taken the variant from Col de la Croix du Bonhomme to Col des Fours instead of descending down to Les Chapieux. One person said their favorite part of the entire hike was a variant on Day 1 from Les Houches to Les Contamines which avoided the boring uphill the trek starts with. Speaking of…

Day 1 Les Houches to Les Contamines

I’ve now done this section twice, god bless me. In 2019 I did it in sunshine and in 2022 I did it in pouring rain. Both times it wasn’t particularly scenic. A lot of it is under forest cover and you haven’t entered a wilderness area yet; you are crossing through villages and road walking a lot. However, it is a great ramp-up and introduction to the Tour du Mont Blanc and for that reason I think it’s important to actually hike the entire thing and not take the chairlift up to Col de Voza. It’s the first taste of what’s to come in terms of a relentless ascent up to a Col to start each day on the TMB. At least for me personally, it was important to get my ass kicked on Day 1. I needed this kind of welcome to get my head in the game. If you are really just looking to see only the best possible views on the TMB route though, or you’ve had some kind of travel issue pop up and delay your start, you could skip this entire day and not miss much. 

Another hiker said Day 1 was their favorite because they took some kind of variant that was more beautiful. This must be the route to Col de Tricot and Refuge de Miage (which is not advised in bad weather, according to my guidebook). 

The Stage I Regret Missing

Besides taking the cable car from Maison Vieille to Courmayeur, the only other time I felt like I copped out was on Day 9. From the start of my TMB, the weather forecast had always predicted that the last 3 days would be rainy. As a result I had it in my head that I would do the easier variant on Day 9 down from Col du Balme to Le Tour instead of taking the main route from Col du Balme to Aiguillette des Posettes. 

When Day 9 rolled around, it was actually perfect weather and I could have changed my plan and done the main route. Unfortunately I was feeling extra tired during the ascent to the Col that day, and I think I didn’t eat enough breakfast to fuel me. I had also read on someone else’s blog that Aiguillette des Posettes isn’t a good idea for anyone who gets scared on exposed cliff drops, and I still remembered being nervous a few days prior on the variant to La Fouly. It just wasn’t in me that day, so I proceeded via the Le Tour variation, which was nice at first but mostly rather boring. My friends who did the main route said it was spectacular and had some of the best views of the whole hike. When I asked if it was a narrow trail with sharp drops on both sides, they said not really, there was plenty of space and they didn’t feel nervous. Figures. 

On the one hand I really wish I had gone the normal route that day, but on the other hand I do think it’s important to listen to your body. If I had pushed it and worn myself out on Day 9, perhaps I would have been too rundown to enjoy Day 10. Maybe I would have skipped the ladders or made some other regrettable choice. 

From my conversations with other hikers, the Aiguillette des Posettes section of Day 9 should probably be listed under Best Stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Tips for Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

There are a thousand resources online for how to plan your Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, whether you prefer staying at refuges, hotels, or camping. My aim is not to beat a dead horse by repeating these tips, but to offer a few items that occurred to me on the trail that I hadn’t previously read anywhere.

👕 Bring your own laundry clips. Some of the refuges and campsites had lines up to hang wet clothes, but limited clips.

🚿 When you stay at a refuge, you are given a coin that you must insert into a machine to start the hot water for your shower. It gives you four minutes of hot water, after which time the water either goes freezing or just turns off. Take this very seriously and strategize your shower, lol. Multiple people were taken by surprise at how short 4 minutes really is, or the fact that instead of gradually fading out as a sort of warning, it just suddenly goes freezing. Don’t get stuck mid-shower still covered in soap.

🗺️ The GAIA map I downloaded for offline use is mostly wrong. It’s got the general direction correct, but includes a lot more road walking than is necessary. It didn’t really matter because the real TMB path was always on the topographical map for reference, it just wasn’t being featured as the highlighted route. The signs were also pretty easy to follow (although a few parts are unclear; I wouldn’t say the TMB is the most well-signposted trail I’ve ever done, but it was very adequate). If this makes you nervous, maybe download your gpx files from another source like AllTrails or better yet, The Hiking Club .

🍳 Breakfasts are not a big focus along the TMB in comparison to dinners. I remember at Refugio Elisabetta, they fed us well at night but breakfast was a few slices of toast. That’s really not enough to fuel a hiking day. Meanwhile the big dinners are enough to plague you with regurgitation when you lie down to sleep an hour later. If you go Half Board at refuges, you might want to supplement with your own food for breakfast. That said, Refugio Bonatti did do a larger continental style buffet breakfast, and that’s also where I had the best dinner during my Tour du Mont Blanc.

🥧 Get the apricot and almond tarte at Refuge du Col de Balme. 🥖 I stressed about not being able to find food between certain stages, particularly because I’d read that Champex was the last place to stock up. This really isn’t a concern. There were shops or cafes at every single stage. It would only be a concern if: 1) you have plans to camp every night, even the nights when most people are at refuges, because in order to do so, you are forced to go further afield from the main trail to find places where you’re allowed to pitch; 2) you are hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc off-season when shops are closed; 3) you are hiking very early in the day before some shops open (I couldn’t order food at Alp Bovine because I hiked past it at 9am); 4) you have something against ordering hot meals and only want to buy groceries. Which leads me to the next point. 💸 Being a stickler about money is sort of futile on the Tour du Mont Blanc. I thought I would only buy groceries and dehydrated camp meals to save money, but these things were not less expensive than just getting a nice meal, and they add extra logistical headaches. I thought I would only use the cheapest possible campsites, but paying an extra measly CHF 10 for a campsite that has power outlets and food sounds like a no brainer after a long few days. 🚌 You are never far from transportation. This is both a bummer and a relief. When hiking I like to feel like I am really out there in the wilderness, and the Tour du Mont Blanc does not fit that bill. However, it provides peace of mind to know that you always have options. At one point I was worried about not being able to find an ATM as I started to run out of physical Euros. I was camping at Auberge La Boerne and there is no ATM in Tré-le-Champ, but it turns out there is one in nearby Argentière. Argentière is farther than you want to walk, but you can hop on the train at the Montroc stop and ride one stop over to Argentière for all kinds of amenities. Some friends I’d made on the trail even rode all the way back to Chamonix to watch the first UTMB marathon runners finish, then hopped back on the train and returned to La Boerne. It sort of takes away some of the symbolism of waiting until the last day to make it back to Chamonix, but c’est la vie. If we wanted a true thru-hike we’d be on the Appalachian Trail. Hike your own hike.

🔌 You will have opportunities to shower and charge your phone at every stage. This really surprised me and strikes me as a little ridiculous; who showers every day on a camping trip? All the campsites I used had nice shower facilities too, they weren’t nasty. Hot water is not always guaranteed, but surprisingly, the hot water situation is generally better at campsites than at refuges. Note that I said, “all the campsites I used “; I can’t speak to the ones I didn’t stay at. I hear Le Peuty campsite in Trient doesn’t have many outlets or amenities.

🏃 Check race schedules! I’m clueless enough to have not known the UTMB ultra marathon race was happening during my hike. I hiked from August 18-28th. The main UTMB event started on August 26th, but other events like the CCC started earlier in the week. When I learned about it I was worried I’d become extremely annoyed at sharing the trail with the runners, but it ended up being fun. You may not feel the same way, though.

🏠 Even if you think a refuge is sold out, go ahead and walk in as you pass by and ask if they happen to have any last minute openings. I know a few people who planned to stay at Elena or camp because Bonatti was supposedly full, but managed to get into Bonatti at the last second without advance reservations.

*Don’t feel comfortable solo hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, or prefer someone to take care of the logistics for you? Wildland Trekking offers a guided hike of the TMB.

Recommended Gear

If you’ve hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc, how does your experience compare to mine? What do you think are the best stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc? I’d love to hear what your favorite sections were, and even commiserate with you about your least favorite. If you got to tackle it again, what variations would you make next time?

🏨 Find budget hostels near Chamonix  here , and standard hotel options  here . ✈️ Coming to France from further afield? Use an  Airalo eSIM  for affordable international cell data and don’t forget to protect your investment with  travel insurance .

Cost Comparison: Tour du Mont Blanc Camping vs. Hotels

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My dream is to write travel and hiking content full-time. All of my guides and itineraries are free and my travels are self-funded. If you enjoy my site and would like to support, you can donate any amount to my Ko-fi page. Thank you!!

Great info! I am hatching a plan with 5 friends to go early next Sept, booking flights/lodging now. We are doing self guided, but looking for someone to do luggage transfers for us, trail running/lightest packs possible :). Do you recommend a specific company? Thanks-Barbara

Nice blog, thanks. I did this a few years ago. Did you do the Fenetre d’Arpette? Perhaps your blog should mention this variant for readers who are planning. It was tough but one of the most memorable aspects of my TMB. Happy Travels.

I didn’t, this post is more about the classic route. I’d love to go back and try all the different variants, I hear Fenetre d’Arpette is a real jaw-dropper!

What a fabulous blog! So happy I found you! Could you clarify some advice for hiking the TMB in early to mid June? 1. We want to avoid any stages that have snow/ice, needing crampons for shoes/dangerous drops etc. I can’t seem to find a definitive list about which stages those are. 2. Also, will the public transport options be running at that time? I have seen conflicting info about that. Which stages will/won’t have public transport available at that time? 3. Lastly, if we want to camp, do we need reservations at campgrounds and where do we find a listing for campgrounds at each stage? Thank you again!

Thanks for reading! If snow or ice is lingering anywhere, it would be at the Cols, or high mountain passes each day. I suppose which Cols can vary quite a bit based on what kind of winter they had, and the weather patterns are even different from one mountain to the next despite their proximity. The only place I consistently saw snow even late into the summer was at Col du Bonhomme, although never widespread enough that I had to step in it. But I’ve never hiked it as early as June and I think the microspikes are a good idea. I would recommend checking the regular updates at thehiking.club, every year they post trail conditions in the early season to let people know how snowy it’s looking and which areas are passable.

Some of the campgrounds don’t allow advanced reservations (Camping Les Rocailles, Le Peuty, the field at Chapieux, Les Arolles), so you just show up and pay when you get there. I was a little nervous about the first-come first-served aspect of this, but in my experience they were never crowded enough to worry about missing out so it was fine. A couple of them do allow reservations, so I took advantage of that just to be on the safe side, but it probably wasn’t necessary.

I referenced these posts for campground info: https://tmbtent.com/guide-camping-tour-mont-blanc/ https://slingadventures.com/destinations/france/camping-the-tour-du-mont-blanc-tmb https://www.nomadswithapurpose.com/tour-du-mont-blanc-camping/ https://www.finnsaway.com/hiking-and-camping-tour-du-mont-blanc/

And this is a good one for public transport: https://tourdumontblanchike.com/tour-du-mont-blanc-public-transport/

This is a wonderful blog! I love the details, sincerity and advice. Thank you.

My adult daughter and I are looking to do this summer of 2024, self-guided. I’m thinking Tre-le-Champ anti-clockwise to La Fouly is the best of the best. Do you agree? But how to get back to Chamonix from there?!

Thanks so much Mei-Mei! You guys are in for a treat, it’s a gorgeous route and a great choice for self-guided hikers. Starting in Tre-le-Champ sounds like a good way to enjoy multiple detours like Lac Blanc while you’re still fresh! If you go anti-clockwise straight from Tre-le-Champ to Tête aux Vents you’ll miss out on Aiguillette des Posettes, you might think about briefly backtracking clockwise from Tre-le-Champ first to see Posettes. That’s the one I skipped and wished I hadn’t. That said, the view from Tête aux Vents may be very similar to the view from Posettes since they are so close to each other, I’m not sure.

I agree that if you end in La Fouly you won’t miss too much by not seeing Champex or Trient. Transportation to/from La Fouly does look sparse though. Apparently there is a bus from La Fouly to Orsières, and then from Orsières you can go a few different ways. It may be more expedient to hire a shuttle service.

As always, this is so thorough and helpful! Thank you for sharing your tips. I’m with you on splurging for the “nicer” campsites and prepared meals. Well worth it from time to time after a long day. Congrats on finishing this after having to cut your trip short pre-Covid!

Thanks Susan! It had been nagging at me since 2019 lol. Yeah when you compare the difference between a basic campsite and a nice campsite ($10 or less) vs the difference between a campsite and a hotel ($60 or more), it’s silly to feel bad about such a small upgrade

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Celebrate Earth Day this April. MBT will be donating a portion of each booking, to our conservation partner, EOCA. Book now for 2025!

The Tour du Mont Blanc

Guided & self guided trekking holidays.

Experience one of the world’s most spectacular classic treks and join Mont Blanc Treks this summer, with our great range of professionally guided and self-guided trekking holidays.

The Tour du Mont Blanc features in the World’s top ten 'must do' treks and it's not hard to understand why, as this trek is outstanding with amazing views day after day. The full circuit takes you on a 170 km journey around the Mont Blanc mountain range accumulating 10,000m of height gain and descent. You will trek through three alpine regions within France, Italy and Switzerland, circumnavigating the mighty Mont Blanc which stands at 4810m.

The route is generally done in an anticlockwise direction starting and finishing in Chamonix. Having trekked the route many times, we have put together a selection of guided and self guided treks that we feel work well. The full circuit will take you 10 days and journeys through the most stunning environment day after day. For those who don't quite have the time to devote to the full circuit we have the 'Best of', a six day trek which focuses on the highlights. We also offer the Westerly section from Chamonix to Courmayeur or Easterly section from Courmayeur to Chamonix. If you prefer to be self guided, all our treks can be tailor-made to suit your needs with changes to the route and additional rest days.

See our Video and Photo Gallery for day by day visual information of the terrain and the views you will encounter. Get in touch for further information, we would love to share our passion and wealth of knowledge with you.

Our Trek Packages

Full Guided Trek

• 12 nights, 10 days trekking
• UIMLA guided trek
• 165k classic trek through France Italy & Switzerland
• Full circuit touring the ‘Mont Blanc Massif’
• Good quality accommodation
• Bag transfer included
• Rest day in Courmayeur
• Trekking in the shadow of Europe's highest mountain

Westerly Guided Trek

• 6 nights, 4 days trekking
• 65k westerly section
• Chamonix to Courmayeur
• 1 day to explore Courmayeur & Chamonix
• Breathtaking mountains views and pretty alpine villages
• Add in additional days

Easterly Guided Trek

• 7 nights, 6 days trekking
• 100k trek the easterly through Italy, Switzerland and France
• Courmayeur to Chamonix
• Spectacular alpine flora and fauna
• Stunning alpine scenery
• Add in additional days in Courmayeur or Chamonix if required

Full Self-Guided Trek

• 11 nights, 10 days trekking
• 165k full circuit starting & finishing in Chamonix
• Self-Guided Trek trek
• Hassle free independent trekking
• Flexible start date to suit you
• Maps, route cards, guide book & expert advice
• Option to select daily route using traditional Tour du Mont Blanc or variants
• Add additional days or tailor made to suit you

Best Of Self-Guided Trek

• 110k shortened 'Best of' Tour starting and finishing in Chamonix
• Maps, route cards, guide book and expert advice

Westerly Self-Guided Trek

• 65k from Classic trek from Chamonix to Courmayeur
• 1 free day to explore Courmayeur & Chamonix
• Add additional days or tailor made

Easterly Self-Guided Trek

• 100k classic trek from Courmayeur to Chamonix

Full Refuges Self-Guided

• 12 nights, 11 days trekking
• 165k full circuit from Chamonix to Chamonix
• Dormitory accommodation in refuges & hotels

Best Of Refuges Self-Guided

• 7 nights, 6 day trekking
• 110k shortened 'Best of' Tour starting & finishing in Chamonix

Photo Galleries

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Tour du Mont Blanc Cost: 9 Things to Consider

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If you’re looking for an honest guide on the Tour Du Mont Blanc cost, you’ve come to the right place!

And yes, hiking the TMB is definitely worth it! This is a dream trek (hike) that should be on your bucket list, but there’s only a short window of time to hike the TMB .

The cost will depend on a variety of factors but mainly whether you want to go self-guided, guided, camping or DIY . It can get complicated quickly and there are some very good TMB planners that can help you every step of the way.

Read until the end where I share the very best deals for each way of hiking the TMB.

What You Will Learn

What is the Tour Du Mont Blanc Cost?

Tour du mont blanc cost summary, tour du mont blanc costs guided vs self-guided best deals, morgan’s tmb video : see what it’s like, 9 main costs of tour du mont blanc, final verdict: ways to book a hut to hut hiking trip, frequently asked questions.

Authors TL;DR: ➡️ For a 10-day TMB hike, which can be completed faster or slower depending on your schedule, a couple from the US can expect to spend anywhere from $2500 to $8500, with the biggest expenses being flights and accommodations.

However, there are plenty of ways to make this experience more cost-effective without sacrificing too much comfort.

In this post, we’ll provide suggestions on how to lower your expenses while still enjoying the majestic views and diverse terrain of TMB.

Your Mileage May Vary, This is my Estimate

• Flights : Go to Geneva $1,000-$1,500
• Airport Transfer : $20-100
• Luggage Transfer : $75-300
• Gondolas : $0-100
• Accommodations : $10 (camping) – 250 (nice hotel)/night
• Food Varies: Supermarkets to fine dining. Half board included in huts.
• Wine : Reasonable $15-30/bottle
• Trekking Insurance: depends

I have made an effort to keep track of our expenses during our summer hike 5 day hike on the TMB in 2023. We splurged on paragliding in Chamonix and you probably should to!

Although it is not the most expensive hiking destination , it is certainly not cheap , especially with the 10 euro beers at Refuge de La Balme!

• Highlight: Freedom to go your own pace
• Price: Moderate
• Logistical Effort: You'll need to understand maps, trail guides, hut check-in

• Highlight: Enjoy the journey with no stress
• Logistical Effort: Just show up, they will get you at airport

1. Air Travel from the USA

When planning your TMB hike, it is important to consider the most convenient location to fly into. Geneva, Switzerland is a popular starting point for TMB, and a shuttle transfer can take you to Chamonix, France where the hike begins. Les Houches is the official starting point of the hike.

Flight prices can vary greatly depending on the time of the year and where you are flying from. To get the best deal, consider flying during a weekday, not on holiday, and during shoulder months. From Atlanta to Geneva, leaving the first week of September and returning the last week of September, we paid $1250/person.

Here are some important points to keep in mind when booking your air travel from the USA:

• Geneva, Switzerland is a popular starting point for TMB
• Consider taking a shuttle transfer to Chamonix, France where the hike begins
• Les Houches is the official starting point of the hike
• Flight prices can vary greatly depending on the time of the year and where you are flying from
• To get the best deal, consider flying during a weekday, not on holiday, and during shoulder months

Remember to do your research and book your flights in advance to get the best deal.

2. Airport Transfer

When traveling from Geneva to Chamonix, there are several transportation options available to you. Your choice of transportation will depend on your budget. Here are the most common ways to transfer from Geneva to Chamonix:

• Shuttle Bus: The shuttle transfer is the most popular way to travel to Chamonix. It is convenient, reasonably priced, and takes approximately 75 minutes. You can book online or in-person. During peak season, it is recommended to book ahead of time. Private shuttles are available for larger parties. Chamonix Valley Transfers is a popular shuttle company that charges $53 per person.
• Bus: Buses are another convenient option to get from Geneva Airport to Chamonix. There is a bus station at the airport, and the journey takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. The cost depends on the number of stops, but it usually ranges from $12 to $30. BlaBla Car Bus, EasyBus, and FlixBus are some of the popular bus companies.
• Train: Although it is the least convenient option, a train journey from Geneva to Chamonix takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and requires multiple train changes. The cost ranges from $25 to $56 per person.
• Car Rental and Taxi: Car rentals and taxis are more expensive options. Renting a car is not necessary unless you plan to explore other parts of the country before starting the hike. Renting a car or hiring a taxi can cost at least a couple of hundred dollars.

The shuttle transfer is the most popular and convenient way to travel from Geneva to Chamonix. Buses are another affordable option, while trains are the least convenient and most time-consuming.

Car rentals and taxis are expensive and not necessary unless you plan to explore other parts of the country.

Read ➡️ Exactly How to Go from Geneva to Chamonix

3. luggage transfer.

To make your hike more comfortable, you can use a luggage transfer service to transport your bags from one accommodation to another. However, keep in mind that this service is only available for mountain huts (refuges), hotels, and staffed camping grounds.

We have always chosen to carry our things and leave “normal” clothing in a parked car or with a previous hotel. Everyone smells on the TMB anyways. But you do you if you need luggage transportation it’s available.

BnB accommodations, private accommodations, accommodations without reception service, and some mountain huts like Rifugio Bonatti are not included in this service.

You can easily find this information on the website of each transfer service company.

There are three main companies that offer luggage transfer services.

Chamonix Valley Transfers offers a flat rate of $705 (€600) for up to 14 bags, which is a great deal for large groups. The weight limit for each bag is 15 kg (33 lb.).

Besson Transports Taxi Mont Blanc provides a customized quote depending on the number of bags you have and all the places you would like the luggage transferred to. They have a very user-friendly website that allows you to enter all the necessary information and provides you with an immediate quote.

For a friend’s hike, they had one luggage piece delivered to every accommodation except Rifugio Bonatti, and the cost was $297 (€250) per bag. The weight limit for each bag is also 15 kg (33 lb.).

Tip: If you want to save money, you can carry everything yourself or split the cost with someone else.

Keep in mind that if you have extra luggage that you are not taking on the trail, your hotel may have a storage room where you can leave it. Some luggage transfer companies also offer free storage for your extra luggage. This can reduce your Tour. du Mont Blanc cost significantly.

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when using a luggage transfer service:

• Make sure that the name on your accommodations reservation matches the name on your luggage transfer service reservation. This is the only way for them to verify that they are delivering to the correct place.
• The weight limit for each bag is 15 kg (33 lb.).
• BnB accommodations, private accommodations, accommodations without reception service, and some mountain huts like Rifugio Bonatti are not included in the luggage transfer service.

Using a luggage transfer service can make your hike more comfortable, but make sure to plan ahead and choose the service that best fits your needs.

Read ➡️ Detailed Guide to Luggage Transfer on the TMB

4. gondolas and chairlifts.

During the Tour du Mont Blanc, you may utilize cable cars, trains, and buses to move around the valley. Chamonix Valley Bus and Train Transfers are reliable and affordable ways to move around the valley.

If you are staying in one of the hotels in the valley, you will receive a free ticket to ride the bus or train during your stay with the Carte d’Hôte (Guest Card). Otherwise, it is €1.5 per ticket.

Cable cars are a great way to avoid some of the ascends or descends to preserve your knees, but they can be pricy starting at $17 one way. Most of them close at the end of the season in August and may not be available if you are hiking in September.

Important points:

• Use Chamonix Valley Bus and Train Transfers to move around the valley.
• You will receive a free ticket with the Carte d’Hôte (Guest Card) if you are staying in one of the hotels in the valley.
• Cable cars are a great way to avoid some of the ascends or descends to preserve your knees.
• Cable cars can be pricy starting at $17 one way.
• Most cable cars close at the end of the season in August and may not be available if you are hiking in September.

Read ➡️ My Guide to the TMB Shortcuts and Gondolas

5. accommodations.

When it comes to accommodations, there are several options available to you on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

• The cheapest option is camping, with campsites costing anywhere between $10-$30 per night. However, wild camping is not allowed and campsites must be reserved in advance.
• Mountain huts, or refuges, are a more expensive option but still popular among hikers. With half-board, which includes overnight stay, dinner, and breakfast, they cost anywhere between $50-$95 per night. Showers, towels, and packed lunches may come at an additional cost.
• Hotels are the most expensive option, with prices ranging from $75-$350 per night. However, some hotels are fairly reasonable in price. Most hotels include breakfast in the price.
• Private rooms with showers in refuges are also available, but they are more expensive than dorm-style accommodations.

Most hikers use a combination of camping, refuges, and hotels for their accommodations.

For 10 days of hiking, the cost for both camping and hotel accommodations can be approximately $2000.

It is important to note that private rooms with showers in refuges and hotels with better views and balconies will cost more.

For more detailed information on accommodations ➡️ TMB List of Accommodations

6. food and snacks.

One of the benefits of the Tour du Mont Blanc hike is that you don’t need to carry much food with you as you will be passing through villages and towns every day where you can restock.

You can either stop at a refuge on the trail for lunch or have your accommodations pack a lunch for you. The cost for a refuge/hotel to prepare lunch for you is between $9-$12 per person, and about the same if you stop somewhere for lunch.

If dinner is not included in your accommodations, it usually costs $25-$50 per person.

The cost of food and snacks can vary significantly depending on your taste, the restaurants you visit, and if you like to cap the night off with a nice bottle of wine.

Some food options you may encounter on your hike include:

• Breakfast: Depending on your accommodations, breakfast may be included in the price or available for an additional fee. You may be able to find breakfast options at local cafes and bakeries as well.
• Packed Lunch: Many accommodations can prepare a packed lunch for you to take on the trail.
• Dinner: If dinner is not included in your accommodations, you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes along the way.
• Snacks: You can find a variety of snacks at local grocery stores and supermarkets along the route. Cheeses, bread, and dried meats are popular options.
• Drinks: You can find a variety of drinks at local cafes and restaurants along the route. Wine, beer, coffee, and tea are popular options.

The cost of food and snacks can add up quickly, so it’s important to budget accordingly. The Tour du Mont Blanc Cost Breakdown Table shows that food and snacks can cost around $300 for a 10-day hike for two people on a budget travel option, and up to $1000 for luxury travel options.

Remember to pack some snacks and water for the trail, but don’t worry too much about food as you will have plenty of options along the way.

Okay okay, this one is actually pretty good. Unless you’re going to camp, you won’t need a whole lot for hiking on the TMB as the huts provide most of what you need.

Certainly the most important thing to have are sturdy legs so you’ll need a gym membership – just kidding!

While the trek is strenuous with a lot of elevation gain each day, it’s more of a hike than a “trek”.

If you are starting from absolute scratch, I wouldn’t recommend the TMB.

So most of you will have what you need: good footwear, rain gear, trekking poles , hiking clothes, a comfortable backpack and sun protection.

The only special thing you’ll need for the huts are a sleep sac , earplugs and cash to buy wine. And btw: it’s hit or miss if you can bring trekking poles on a plane .

Check out my list of the minimalist gear needed.

8. Trekking Insurance

In case of emergency 👉 rescue insurance.

Crave the Planet partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services.

Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. Learn more about trekking insurance , but we highly recommend our audience enroll with Global Rescue .

Pros and Cons

• Comprehensive Emergency Services : Members have access to a wide array of emergency services, including medical and security evacuations, field rescues, and telemedicine consultations.
• Global Coverage : Global Rescue operates around the world, offering support and evacuation services in both remote and urban settings, which is particularly beneficial for travelers and adventurers.
• Expertise and Resources : The company is well-regarded for its team of medical and security experts and has a partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, ensuring high-quality advice and care.
• Cost Factor : The membership can be expensive, especially for those who travel infrequently or are on a limited budget.
• Membership vs. Per-Trip Insurance : Since the services are membership-based, they may not be as cost-effective for those seeking coverage for a single trip as opposed to regular travelers.
• Limited Traditional Travel Insurance Benefits : The membership focuses on emergency evacuation and rescue, which means it may lack comprehensive trip insurance features like trip cancellation, baggage loss, or delay coverage.

Related 👉 Review of Global Rescue Travel Insurance

9. guided or self-guided tour.

When deciding whether to choose a guided or self-guided tour for Tour du Mont Blanc, there are a few factors to consider.

While the trail is well-marked and guides are not necessary, some people may feel more comfortable with a guide or hiring a tour company to manage all accommodations and provide all the materials for a self-guided tour.

Guided tours come with the added benefit of a guide, who can provide insight into the history and culture of the area.

🥾 Ready to book your 2024 TMB hut to hut hike??

Hike your own hike. If you want to spend less time, then my personal recommendation is to choose Alpenventures Unguided Self-Guided Hut to Hut Hiking Tours , with a self-guided tour, you’ll have all the information and resources you need at your fingertips, so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the stunning beauty of the Alps.

Additionally, all accommodations, dinners, and breakfasts are covered, but lunches, snacks, airport transfers, and luggage transfers may come at an additional cost.

Some guided tours can be as expensive as $6255 per person, which may not be feasible for everyone.

Self-guided tours, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and can be more cost-effective. Self-guided tours start at approximately $1800 per person, but this price may not include dinners for all accommodations, lunches, private rooms, luggage, or airport transfers.

However, by booking your own accommodations and arranging transfers, you can save quite a bit of money.

If you decide to go with a self-guided tour, it is important to note that the ability to complete the hike in less than ten days can save costs, as well as opting for lower-cost accommodations.

Switzerland is the most expensive country of the three, so arranging to spend the least amount of time there can help with the budget too.

Here are some important points to consider when deciding between a guided or self-guided tour:

• Guided tours offer the benefit of a guide, but can be more expensive.
• Self-guided tours offer more flexibility and can be more cost-effective, but may require more planning and research.
• When booking a self-guided tour, make sure to factor in additional costs such as meals, transfers, and accommodations.
• Completing the hike in less than ten days and opting for lower-cost accommodations can help save costs.
• Switzerland is the most expensive country of the three, so spending less time there can help with the budget.

Ultimately, the decision between a guided or self-guided tour depends on your personal preferences and budget.

With proper planning and research, a self-guided tour can be a great option for those looking to save costs and enjoy the flexibility of the trail.

Self-Guided Tour Planning Service

• [Self-Guided] - You're on your own once you start
• Must book in Oct to Jan of year prior to hike
• Fully done for you route
• Service finds and books your huts
• Maps provided on app

What we liked: The logistics of the TMB and other hut to hut hikes can be very daunting, especially if you don't speak Italian and French. 

Note: Lesser known trails are often easier to book.  

• Ease of route
• No finding or dealing with huts
• Tapping into expertise
• No waiting for slow hikers
• No feeling rushed if you're slower
• Less control of dates
• No guide on the trail
• Unknown - you didn't "plan"

Guided Group Tour : 4 Days

• small groups (<10 typically)
• local Chamonix guides
• all transfers/breakfast/dinner/accommodations included
• airport transfer included
• stay in the insanely beautiful Rifugio Bonatti and other huts at high elevation

What we liked:   Designed for busy people that want to experience the highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc without having to take 2 weeks of their precious vacation time.  Everything is done-for-you and you can show up and relax in the most stunning mountains. 

Note: The standard price includes shared rooms in the huts.

• All transfers included
• Best price for a guided trip
• Local Chamonix Guides
• At the mercy of group pace
• Not the full circuit

DIY: Book Your Own Huts

• Cheapest Option
• Most Freedom
• Take side excursions as you like

What we liked: The challenge of it.  It's so fun to route plan, find trails and the huts you want.  Often it's not the expense saved, but the learning of the trail while planning that is satisfying. 

Note: Be prepared to spend some time with spreadsheets and wait weeks for replies from hut owners.  BONUS:  Click on the link to watch my 10 part video series on HOW to book a hut to hut trip.  It's a Dolomites hut trip but it's basically the same process for TMB. 

• Cheapest option
• Most freedom
• Learn the Trail by planning
• You must be organized
• Map skills are essential

• campgrounds can be crowded
• reservations often needed in advance
• Wild camping is prohibited or limited by elevation

Not really my favorite thing for hut to hut trails in Europe. The huts are quite often the best part of the hiking trip and the rules are so complicated about wild camping.

• Price is good
• More Flexibilty
• Wild camping is tricky
• Rules change
• harder and heavier pack

Average Cost of a Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

If you’re planning to take a guided Tour du Mont Blanc, the average cost can vary depending on the length of the tour and the services included. On average, a 10-day guided tour can cost around €2000-€3000 per person. However, this cost can increase if you opt for additional services such as luggage transfer, accommodations, and meals.

Differences in Cost between a Guided and Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

Self-guided tours are generally less expensive than guided tours, but you’ll have to plan your itinerary and arrange accommodations and meals yourself. The cost of a self-guided tour can vary depending on the services you choose, but on average, a 10-day self-guided tour can cost around €1000-€2000 per person. Keep in mind that the cost can vary depending on whether you choose to camp or stay in accommodations along the route.

Typical Itinerary for a 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc

A 5-day Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary is a shorter version of the classic 10-day route. The itinerary can vary depending on your starting point, but generally, it includes hiking through France, Italy, and Switzerland. A typical 5-day itinerary includes hiking for 4-6 hours per day and staying in accommodations along the route.

Best Mont Blanc Hiking Tours and Their Costs

There are many Mont Blanc hiking tours available, each with its own unique itinerary and cost. While I wouldn’t recommend hikers actually climb Mont Blanc , hiking around it is pretty amazing. Some popular options include the Mont Blanc Highlights Tour, the Mont Blanc Family Tour, and the Mont Blanc Circuit. The cost of these tours can vary depending on the length of the tour and the services included, but on average, they can range from €1000-€3000 per person.

⭐️⭐️⭐️Recommended Guided TMB Tour

⭐️⭐️⭐️Best Guided Tour for Beginners - 4 Days Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

Based on my personal experience, Skyhook Adventures offers the best 4 day TMB hiking experience that's do-able for most people.

Perfect option for busy people that just want to show up, feel safe with a guide and hike without doing any logistics.

The tour features small groups (<10 typically) and

Note: Skyhook hires only local Chamonix guides.

Difficulty Level of the Tour du Mont Blanc and How It Affects Cost

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a challenging hike, with steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and unpredictable weather conditions. The difficulty level of the hike can affect the cost, as guided tours with experienced guides and additional services such as luggage transfer and accommodations can be more expensive. However, opting for a self-guided tour can be less expensive, but you’ll need to be prepared for the physical demands of the hike.

Resources for Booking a Tour du Mont Blanc and Comparing Costs

There are many resources available for booking a Tour du Mont Blanc, including tour operators, travel agencies, and online booking platforms. It’s important to compare costs and services offered by different providers to find the best option for your budget and preferences. Some popular resources for booking a Tour du Mont Blanc include Alpenventures Unguided for self-guided, Skyhook Adventures for a guided hike, and my TMB post for DIY.

Planning your trip?

• 🏨 Book your perfect stay on Booking.com
• 🎢 Make your trip more exciting with GetYourGuide
• 🚗 Hire a car with Discover Cars
• ✈️ Find cheap flight tickets with WayAway
• 📲 Buy eSIMs with Airalo
• 🥾 Get off the beaten tourist path with Fully Planned and Booked Self-Guided Hut to Hut Hiking Trip
• 🥾⭐️ Step into social adventure with Guided Group Hut to Hut Hiking Tours in Europe.

We hope this guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc costs has given you the proper information to plan your adventure.

Author profile :  Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.

Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc [2024 Update]

Have you ever wanted to spend 11 days in the world’s most majestic mountains, walking on rugged trails by day, indulging in delicious food by night, and sleeping under the stars?

Welcome to the Tour du Mont Blanc.

This trek is truly incredible any way you approach it, but we’re here to tell you that bringing your tent makes the experience so much more rewarding. This post has everything you need to prepare for your Tour du Mont Blanc camping adventure.

In This Guide:

• About the Hike
• Why You Should Camp on the TMB

Campsites on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Wild camping on the tour du mont blanc.

• How to Find Your Campsites

What to Pack for Camping on the TMB

• Food and Drink while Camping

Budgeting and Money

Everything you need to camp on the tmb – all in one place..

Simplify your Tour du Mont Blanc camping adventure by getting the resource specifically designed for camping along the Tour du Mont Blanc . From custom itineraries to maps created specifically for campers, our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc is the ultimate resource to help you plan your trip.

When you purchase a guide, you’ll get instant access to all the information you need to plan your trip in our planning portal as well as in a downloadable PDF eGuide.

• Planning Portal Access: Get instant access to our online trip planning portal complete with 9-day, 11-day, and 12-day TMB Camping itineraries.
• Campground Insights:  You’ll get detailed information for every camping option along the route, including amenities, nearby services, transportation, and helpful area maps.
• GPS Maps:  Every guide comes with custom GPS maps for three different itineraries. Download the maps for offline use so you’ll always be able to find your next campsite.
• Expert Advice:  Find detailed maps for every stage, accommodation & booking information, packing lists, and much more.

We’re confident this is the best resource available for camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc.  Pick up your guide below and if you’re not satisfied for any reason we’ll give you a full refund!

( 100% Money Back Guarantee )

About the Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc takes trekkers through France, Italy, and Switzerland on one of the most spectacular trails in the world . Typically completed in 11 stages , the route circumnavigates  Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe. The trail passes through seven unique and beautiful valleys, where charming hamlets and regional delicacies abound. Between the valleys, the route traverses rugged mountain landscapes and stunning high alpine scenery .

The TMB is one of the most popular long-distance treks in Europe and is considered to be a classic walk that belongs on any passionate hiker’s bucket list. Along the way most hikers stay in refuges , high mountain huts that provide basic accommodation and meals. However, in recent years it has become increasingly difficult to secure bookings at these huts, making camping along the route very appealing!

To get an overview of camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc check out our virtual fly-through video below:

Why You Should Camp on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc opens a world of possibilities that simply aren’t possible if you’re staying in mountain refuges along the route. We outline our top three reasons to camp below:

#1 – Avoid the refuge booking craze!

Every year it seems like booking refuges along the TMB gets more and more difficult. Nowadays, unless you have a full itinerary ready to go in early October, your chance of securing beds at all of your preferred refuges is slim to none. So, you’re either stuck with settling for an alternate itinerary or paying a tour company to arrange your bookings.

Camping solves this problem!

When you camp on the TMB, you don’t need to worry about making any reservations. You can simply show up and pitch your tent at any of the campgrounds along the route.

#2 – Add flexibility!

When you camp, you add a layer of flexibility that isn’t possible when staying in refuges. Even if you run into bad weather, twist an ankle, or end up hiking slower or faster than anticipated, you won’t have any flexibility if you’ve booked your night’s stay at a refuge. You simply must make it there or forgo your reservation.

However, campers have ultimately flexibility by not only avoiding the need for reservations, but also having everything they need with them. Simply find a safe and legal place to camp, and you’ll be all set.

#3 – Save money!

The last one is maybe the most obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. Camping is significantly less expensive compared to staying in refuges along the Tour du Mont Blanc. Yes, you won’t enjoy some of the creature comforts that the refuges provide, but you’ll be able to complete the trek on a much smaller budget!

There are many campgrounds along the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit, and it is possible to hike the entire trek and camp every night. The following section covers all of the campgrounds on the route as well as some of the more popular wild camping locations. We’ve also created the helpful map below so you can see the location of each camping option:

For those interested in wild camping on the TMB, be sure to check out the section later in this article that outlines the rules and regulations. We generally recommend against wild camping outside of sanctioned areas, as this leads to all sorts of negative impacts on the environment.

Our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc has three of the best camping itineraries for the TMB. It also has all of the information you need to plan your own TMB trip in your tent.

Get Your FREE TMB Campground List

Wondering where you can camp along the TMB? This downloadable list has all of the campgrounds along the route, plus a few wild camping spots too. It’s the perfect tool to help you start planning your adventure.

Your TMB Campsite List will be emailed to you shortly. 

Les Houches & Chamonix

The Tour du Mont Blanc officially begins in the town of Les Houches, which is about 15 minutes by bus from Chamonix. The bus is easy to use and runs frequently , so you can stay in either town the night before starting your trek.

Campers will be spoiled with choices when it comes to campgrounds in the area. Here are our recommendations for the best places to pitch your tent in both Chamonix and Les Houches, as well as the services available at the campgrounds and nearby.

Camping Les Arolles (Chamonix)

Washing area, toilets & hot showers, bus connections available.

There are several campgrounds in the Chamonix Valley, but Camping Les Arolles is the only camping option within the actual town of Chamonix. If you prefer the convenience of being able to walk from your tent to shops, restaurants, and other amenities, this is your best bet.

If you don’t mind riding the bus to get to things, there are several more campgrounds in Les Bossons, which is on the bus route between Chamonix and Les Houches. Camping Les Arolles is nice, but it can get a bit crowded in peak season. Try to get there early in the afternoon to snag a good pitch.

• Services at Camping Les Arolles: Free wifi, washing area, electronics charging, toilets, and hot showers.
• Nearby: Chamonix has multiple grocery stores and outdoor retailers, bus stops, a train station, post office, several bars, restaurants, and bakeries, laundry facilities, and pharmacies.

Camping Bellevue (Les Houches)

In Les Houches, camping is available at the Bellevue Campsite which is located at the base of the cable car of the same name. This is your only camping option in Les Houches. The campground is also right at the start of the trail, so you can get an early start on your first day.

This makes for a good option if you prefer the quieter village of Les Houches to busier Chamonix. The camping area is large and flat, making for a comfortable place to pitch your tent.

However, be warned that there is almost no shade at Camping Bellevue, so it can get a bit hot on summer afternoons.

• Services at Camping Bellevue: The campground has basic bathroom facilities and places to charge electronics. 
• Nearby: Les Houches has several bars, restaurants, ATMs, a small outdoors store where you can purchase stove fuel, a post office, and a grocery store.  There is a bus that runs frequently to and from Chamonix, which has several outdoor retailers and shops that will provide you with anything you may have forgotten to pack. 

Refuge de Miage Wild Camping

Drinking water, public toilets.

If you’ve taken the Col de Tricot alternate route on the first stage, it is possible to camp adjacent to the lovely Refuge de Miage. This is a beautiful place to pitch your tent, with stunning views of the surrounding remote valley.

Drinking water is available nearby and there are also public restrooms available for your use.

You can also purchase food and drinks from the refuge, just don’t count on being able to get dinner as that is typically reserved for guests only.

Les Contamines Region

Upon reaching Les Contamines, most campers will prefer to pitch their tent at Camping Le Pontet , just past the town of Les Contamines. This is the traditional stopping point for this stage, and it gives you better access to services and amenities, both at the campground and in the nearby town.

However, if you’d like to cover even more ground on stage one and you’d prefer a site that is more similar to wild camping, there is also the option of continuing on to Nant Borrant or even further to Refuge de la Balme .

Camping Le Pontet (Les Contamines)

Bar & restaurant.

This campground is located about 40 minutes past the town of Les Contamines. You can continue on the TMB trail to reach Camping Le Pontet, or when the trail forks you can veer left to climb briefly uphill to reach the town.

When you reach the edge of town, descend back down to the trail and walk onward to the campground. While you have to walk a bit further to reach the campground, it is right on the TMB and you’ll have a head start the next morning! 

• Services: This campground has toilets, sinks (with potable water), warm (not hot) showers, a café/bar, places to charge electronics, and a covered area for cooking.  
• Nearby: Les Contamines has bars, restaurants, shops, and an ATM. We highly recommend stopping in town for a cheese plate and a Picon Biere (beer mixed with the famous French orange liqueur, Picon) en route to the campground!

Refuge Nant Borrant Bivouac

Water supply, near refuge.

If you continue walking a short way past the Nant Borrant Refuge, you’ll see some legal wild camping spots on the left hand side of the trail.  The camping area is marked by a sign reading “bivouac” and you can spend the night here free of charge.

There is also a water source about 200 meters from the camping area and you’re also adjacent to a small river which can be filtered for drinking water.

• Services: Toilet
• Nearby: You can fill up on drinking water at the refuge. There are no other services near this camping area.

Refuge de la Balme Bivouac

Refuge de la Balme is located another 1.2 miles past the Nant Borrant camping area. Hikers are welcome to camp for free near the refuge. Check in with the refuge staff before pitching your tent.

This is a beautiful campsite with stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks. If you have the energy, we recommend camping here as opposed to the bivouac area near Nant Borrant.

• Services: Toilets, potable water, sinks, and meals are all available at the refuge.
• Nearby: There are no services near Refuge de la Balme.

Les Chapieux & Surrounding Area

The traditional stopping point at the end of stage two is the lovely little hamlet of Les Chapieux, where free camping is available in the field next to the tourist office. However, if you want to stop earlier, it is possible to camp outside of the Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme.

Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme Bivouac

This refuge is located just past the top of Col du Bonhomme, meaning that in good weather this could be a glorious place to pitch your tent with sweeping views of the surrounding area. Hikers are allowed to set up camp for free just outside the refuge. However, in cold/windy/rainy/stormy conditions, this would be a pretty miserable place to camp, given its exposed location.

• Services: Toilets, showers, electronics charging, potable water, meals for purchase.
• Nearby: There are no shops or services until you reach Les Chapieux.

Les Chapieux Free Camping

Bar & restaurant nearby.

When you descend into tiny and charming Les Chapieux, you can’t miss the large grassy field on the edge of town in which you can pitch your tent for free.

The folks in the tourist office can provide you with tickets and information for the bus that travels to Refuge Des Mottets .  This bus allows you to avoid the one of the TMB’s longest sections of road walking (about 2 hours’ worth) on your next day.  

• Services: The tourist office, located in the center of the camping area, has bathrooms with sinks (cold water, potable) and toilets.
• Nearby:   There is a small shop across the road from the campsite that sells delicious local cheeses, snacks, and hiker basics like instant noodles, trail mix, and some toiletries. Additionally, the Auberge de la Nova, just down the road from your campsite, is a nice option for drinks, snacks, or dinner.

Rifugio Elisabetta & Val Veny

The traditional stage three of the TMB poses some problems for campers. You cannot camp at Rifugio Elisabetta and there are no towns or campgrounds anywhere near the rifugio where you can pitch a tent. So, what’s a camper to do?

The best alternative is to head to one of the three campgrounds in the Val Veny, just off the main TMB route. This alternative requires you to hike further than the traditional stage three stopping point (about 4-5 miles extra), but much of that walking is easy road walking or gentle downhill trails.

Hikers who choose this option will leave the traditional TMB route and descend into the Veny Valley, where they can walk and/or catch the bus to one of the three campgrounds in the area.

For more in-depth details on how to plan your itinerary around these campgrounds, you’ll want to get our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc .

Not sure where to camp?

We get it- the options for camping on this section of the TMB can be confusing. You’ll need to utilize alternate routes and/or public transportation in order to make it work, which can be complicated.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc simplifies your options and provides specific itineraries that allow you to camp on every stage with detailed maps and directions!

Check it out below:

Camping Aiguille Noire

Camping Aiguille Noire is our top pick for camping in the Val Veny, primarily for its convenience to the trail as well as public transit. However, this is also a wonderful place to spend the night with great facilities such as a well-stocked food shop, bar/restaurant, and well-equipped toilet and shower facilities.

Behind the campground is a link trail that takes you back up to the main Tour du Mont Blanc route and there is also a bus stop right in front of the campground.

• Services: You’ll find great services at Camping Aiguille Noire including a bar/restaurant, food shop, clean shower block, and free WiFi.
• Nearby: There is a bus that runs between La Visaille and Courmayeur, and you can catch it from a stop very close to the campgrounds. There are no other services available until you reach Courmayeur.

Camping Hobo

Camping Hobo sits adjacent to Camping Aiguille Noire and is another popular stop for TMB campers. The campground is more basic, but the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, making this a great place to pitch for the night.

You’ll get all the typical amenities you would expect from a full service campground, and it is relatively easy to rejoin the TMB route from here.

• Services: Camping Hobo has a bar, free WiFi, a place to charge electronics, a small shop, and an indoor common space. There is also on-site laundry.

Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente

Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente is the least convenient of the three Val Veny campgrounds for Tour du Mont Blanc hikers. It is located further down the valley and off the main road. This makes for a quieter camping experience that is worth considering if you don’t mind a bit of extra walking.

The facilities at La Sorgente are excellent and equivalent to the other campgrounds in Val Veny.

• Services: Bar/restaurant, free WiFi, clean toilet/shower block, small shop.

Courmayeur Camping Options

There are no campgrounds within the town of Courmayeur .  One option is to treat yourself to a real bed and in Courmayeur, Italy’s iconic mountaineering village.

Alternatively, you can hop on the local bus to reach a number of well-appointed campgrounds in either Val Veny or Val Ferret. We’ve laid out your options below:

Option #1: Courmayeur (no camping available)

The first time we hiked the TMB, we decided to splurge on a hotel in the lovely nearby town of La Saxe (just north of Courmayeur), and let me tell you it was worth every penny.  If you’re into cozy, luxurious, and affordable lodging experiences, check out Maison La Saxe .  

This tiny hotel offers top-notch service and a peaceful location with convenient access to the Courmayeur city center.  They also serve up a delicious complimentary breakfast made with all local, high-quality ingredients.  Book Suite #2 for a private roof terrace and breathtaking views of the entire valley.

There are tons of other great accommodation options in Courmayeur and the surrounding towns of Dolonne, La Saxe and Entrèves, but you won’t find any campgrounds in these towns.

Nearby: Courmayeur has restaurants, bars, ATMs, laundry services, outdoor retailers, pharmacies, grocery stores, and a bus stop.  

Option #2: Stay in either Val Veny or Val Ferret

If you prefer to camp, you’ll need to catch a bus or hike to one of the campgrounds in either the Val Veny or Val Ferret. Either works fine, just be sure to double check those bus schedules before deciding on one.

For Val Veny, see the campgrounds listed in the previous section, which includes Camping Aiguille Noire, Camping Hobo, or Camping Mont Blanc La Sorgente.

If you prefer Val Ferret, we’ve outlined your campground choices below. Be sure to check out The Guide to Camping on the TMB to learn more about these options.

Camping Grandes Jorasses (Val Ferret)

Camping Grand Jorasses is a good camping option near Courmayeur.  It is about 3.5 miles down the road past Courmayeur in the town of Plampincieux (local bus #924 will take you right there from Courmayeur).  

The campground is in Val Ferret (directly below the TMB route). The staff can give you information about nearby trails that will connect you back with the TMB. 

There is a bar/pizzeria onsite or you can make the trip into Courmayeur for tons of additional options.

• Services: Bathrooms, sinks, showers, electronics charging, small shop, and a pizzeria/bar. 
• Nearby: Besides the bus stop, there are no other services available. You’ll need to go into Courmayeur to access shops, ATMs, and other services.

Camping Tronchey (Val Ferret)

Camping Tronchey is your other option in the Italian Val Ferret. W e highly recommend you stay at Camping Grandes Jorasses instead, as the facilities here are not nearly as nice here . However, it does have a bus stop right in front and is set back a bit further from the main road compared to Grandes Jorasses.

• Services: Very basic bathroom facilities, small shop .

Camping near Rifugio Bonatti

Unfortunately, there are no sanctioned camping areas between Courmayeur and La Fouly . This creates a challenge for campers, since nearby towns and bus services to alternate campgrounds are limited on this stage. Don’t worry though, we’ve shared all of the options below:

If you don’t want to sleep indoors at Rifugio Bonatti, Camping Grandes Jorasses, located in Val Ferret, remains the closest and most convenient camping option on this stage of the TMB.

If you really want to camp every night, but don’t want to miss out on too much of the main TMB route, here’s what you can do:

• Upon completing stage four, take the bus from Courmayeur to one of the camping options (either in Val Veny or Val Ferret) and then ride the bus back to Courmayeur to begin hiking on the morning of stage five.
• Upon reaching Rifugio Bonatti at the end of stage five, you’ll see a link trail that leads down to Val Ferret, where you can catch the bus or walk to Camping Grandes Jorasses.
• The next day (stage six), you could take the bus from Camping Grandes Jorasses to the Arp Nouvaz stop, where you’ll be able to connect back to the TMB and hike onwards to La Fouly.

For more details on Camping Grandes Jorasses and Camping Tronchey, see the previous section on camping near Courmayeur.

The Rifugio Bonatti area is another part of the TMB that presents challenges for campers. You’ll need to use link trails and public transportation to get to your campsite, making things a bit tricky.

Camping in La Fouly

Campers will breathe a huge sigh of relief upon getting to this stage. Finally, you don’t have to deal with inconvenient workarounds when it comes to pitching your tent!

With a well-located campground just off the Tour du Mont Blanc route, La Fouly is as easy as can be (at least the camping part…the hiking part is another story!)

Camping des Glaciers

Camping des Glaciers might feel a bit hectic at first, but it has plenty of redeeming qualities.  Yes, you’ll be camping with what feels like half of Switzerland’s children, dogs, and RV’s, but you’ll have your pick from several flat and shady sites and the views are dynamite. 

We recommend choosing a spot that borders the river to drown out any ambient noise from your neighbors. The camp office (like most places in the Alps) is closed for a lunch break in the middle of the day, but you can choose a site, set up camp, and use the facilities before registering in the office.  

• Services: The campground offers hot showers, toilets, sinks (with potable water), electronics charging, and good free wifi.  The office sells a few snacks, stove fuel, and beverages. You can order fresh bread for the morning if you’d like.
• Nearby: About a ten minute walk from the campground, the town center has a few restaurants, an ATM, and a grocery store.  

C hampex-Lac

Upon reaching Champex-Lac you’ll have two choices for routes on the following day, which may impact where you camp. The standard Tour du Mont Blanc route travels along the Bovine Alp route, while the challenging alternate Fenetre d’Arpette route takes hikers up and over a difficult pass.

Your first option, Camping les Rocailles in Champex will work for either route, while you may prefer to camping at Relais d’Arpette if you plan to hike the Fenetre d’Arpette.

Camping les Rocailles

Camping Les Rocailles is located on the far end of Champex, past the city center.  When you reach Champex, just remind yourself that you have another 20 minutes of walking before you are really done for the day.  This might help you to avoid the “Are we there yet?” syndrome that can come after a long day of hiking. The good news is that you’ll have a head start on the hike tomorrow.  

This lovely little campground offers three terraces with mostly flat spots to pitch your tent, but not much shade to be found.   If you want to continue on even further to get a head start on the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant the following day, see the alternative option described below. 

Keep in mind you’re in Switzerland, and the prices at Camping les Rocailles reflect that!

• Services: The campground provides toilets, sinks (with potable water), hot showers, a dishwashing/laundry room, electronics charging, wifi, and an area for drying wet clothes.  The office sells beer, wine, and soda.  
• Nearby: Champex has a grocery store, cafes, bars, restaurants, outdoor retailers, and an ATM. The lake offers several tranquil and beautiful spots along the shore for relaxing after a long day on your feet. Make sure you stock up on provisions before leaving Champex, as this is the last real town that the TMB passes through directly until the endpoint in Les Houches. 

Relais d’Arpette

This alternative only makes sense for hikers who are planning on taking the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant the following day, as the Relais d’Arpette campground is not located along the main TMB route.

The campground is reached by continuing about 45 minutes gently uphill past the town of Champex. To find it, simply follow the Fenêtre d’Arpette trail signs. Make sure you stock up on provisions before leaving Champex, however, as this is the last real town that the TMB passes directly through until the endpoint in Les Houches. 

• Services: Toilets, hot showers, potable water, free wifi, electronics charging, restaurant, and packed lunches available.
• Nearby: There are no services nearby once you leave Champex.

Col de la Forclaz, Trient & Le Peuty Camping

You have two great options for camping on this stage of the TMB.  You can camp on the terraced field next to Hotel de la Forclaz or pitch your tent on the edge of the tiny hamlet of Le Peuty.

Hotel Col de la Forclaz Camping

The camping at Hotel Col de la Forclaz is the more luxurious option of the two available on this stage. Here you’ll have access to toilets and showers, as well as the option to purchase breakfast and/or dinner at the hotel.

There is a small shop where you can pick up snacks and a few essentials. This campsite is also closer to Champex, making for a shorter day of hiking. This option doesn’t make sense for hikers who who take the Fenêtre d’Arpette variant, as they would need to backtrack about half a mile along the main TMB route to reach Hotel de la Forclaz. 

• Services: Toilets, hot showers, electronics charging, restaurant, and a small shop. Transportation on/off the trail may be possible from here.
• Nearby:   Besides what’s offered at the hotel, there are no other services in the area.

Le Peuty Camping

Toilets & showers.

For about half the price of Hotel de la Forclaz, you can camp in the field next to Refuge Le Peuty. Th e facilities are basic, and the simplicity can be a nice change of pace after staying at some of the larger, busier campgrounds along the route .  To reach Le Peuty, simply continue downhill on the trail for another 30-40 minutes past Col de la Forclaz.

Make sure to reference our map when you get close, as the campground is really just an empty field without much signage or information. Just pitch your tent when you get there and someone will stop by in the evening to collect your payment. You can pay in CHF or Euros.  

• Services:  Potable water (cold), toilets (no TP or soap), sinks, sheltered cooking area with picnic tables, trash and recycling, one outlet, portable showers (hot water is hit or miss), clothesline.
• Nearby: There is a restaurant at the gite next to the campsite, as well as a few other restaurant offerings in Trient (15 minutes down the road). There are no grocery stores or ATM’s in the area, so stock up before leaving Champex.

Tré-le-Champ & Argentiere

You’ll again have two options for camping near the Tour du Mont Blanc route on this stage: Auberge La Boerne (Tré-le-Champ) is located very close to the TMB route, while Camping du Glacier requires a 25-minute detour down to the town of Argentiere. 

While Auberge la Boerne get points for its proximity to the trail, Camping du Glacier has the advantage of being near a bigger town with more services.  Find more details on each option below.

Auberge la Boerne (Tré-le-Champ)

This cozy Auberge in Tré-le-Champ offers convenient camping just off the trail. The campground has magnificent views of the Aiguille Verte from its nice grassy pitches. The only downside is that the camping area is small and can get quite crowded during peak season. There is an excellent restaurant onsite, and campers can opt for half-board if they wish. 

• Services: Toilets, showers, drinking water, restaurant, small shop. 
• Nearby: There is a train station in nearby Tré-le-Champ (5 minutes from the campground) which you can take to get to Argentiere or Chamonix.

Camping du Glaciers (Argentiere)

Camping du Glaciers in Argentière consistently gets excellent reviews.  This is a large campsite with lots of great amenities. To reach the campground, you’ll have to walk an extra 25 minutes off the trail (and then back the next morning), but in exchange you’ll get easy access to a much wider array of amenities in the larger town of Argentière

• Services: T oilets, hot showers, drinking water, laundry, wifi, a restaurant (which serves breakfast), and a place to purchase snacks and stove fuel.
• Nearby: Grocery store, ATM, restaurants, a Tourist Office, and bus connections.

Refuge La Flégère & Surrounding Area

There is no official campground on this stage, but it is possible to camp about 100 meters from Refuge La Flégère (ask the refuge staff to show you where to pitch your tent when you arrive). Y ou can also wild camp near Lacs de Chéserys, which is off the main TMB on the route up to Lac Blanc.

If you are unsure where wild camping is permitted in this area, we highly recommend downloading the Chamonix App which has a detailed map of where camping is permitted in this area.

For those camping near Refuge La Flegere, y ou can use the facilities at the refuge or in the cable car station during its open hours.

If you would like to stay at a developed campground or need to access more services, there is also the option of taking the cable car down to the town of Les Praz from La Flégère. 

Refuge La Flégère Bivouac

Adjacent to the refuge is a small water reservoir inside a wooden fence. Refuge staff generally permit bivouacking within the fenced in area so long as you set up your tent later in the evening and are packed up early in the morning.

The good thing about wild camping here is that during the daytime you’ll have access to the services at the refuge as well as the adjacent cable car station.

• Services: Potable water and toilets in the cable car station. Also, you can charge electronics and use the bathroom in the refuge if you have a drink or a meal there.
• Nearby: There is a café in the cable car station that provides meals, water for purchase, and snacks. If needed, you can ride the cable car down from here to Les Praz to access grocery stores, sporting goods stores, and other modern amenities, but the ticket is quite pricey. Information about the cable car can be found here.

Camping de la Mer de Glace (Les Praz)

For those who would like to stay at a developed campground or need to access more services, there is the option of taking the cable car down to the town of Les Praz from La Flégère.

Be sure to check ahead of time to make sure the cable car will be running during your hike and to see updated prices . Once you get down to Les Praz, Camping de la Mer de Glace is a 15-minute walk from the cable car station.  In the morning, you’ll need to ride the cable car back up to La Flégère to rejoin the TMB.

• Services: Toilets, hot showers, electronics charging, free wifi, laundry facilities, covered sitting area, bar, and small food shop.
• Nearby: There are restaurants, transit links, and a small shop in the town of La Praz.

Where to stay upon completing the TMB

Congratulations! You’ve completed the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic walks! This is no small feat, as the TMB is a major physical and mental challenge.

It’s time to reward yourself. Hardcore campers can return to one of the campgrounds in the Chamonix Valley, while those looking to reward themselves with the luxuries of the indoor world should check out our recommendations below.

Regardless of where you stay, make sure you take some time to reflect on your journey and toast to your remarkable achievement!

Hotel Helopic & Spa is our top pick in Chamonix for before the Tour du Mont Blanc. You'll find comfortable rooms, spacious guest areas, and the location can't be beat!

• Spacious Rooms
• Excellent Spa
• Easy access to public transport

Featuring spacious rooms and an on-site spa, the Heliopic Hotel & Spa is the perfect location to relax after your TMB trek. The central location makes it easy to get to and they have great amenities like free-luggage storage and beautiful common areas.

This is our top-pick in Chamonix for Tour du Mont Blanc trekkers.

Auberge du Manoir – Known for their friendly staff, beautiful rooms, and great location, the Auberge du Manoir is a great option in Chamonix.

Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons – The Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons is located adjacent to the Chamonix Sud bus station, making it an ideal location for the night you arrive in or before you depart Chamonix.

Wild camping along the TMB is a bit complicated. The trail passes through three countries and several local municipalities, each with their own specific rules and regulations. Generally speaking, wild camping may be allowed in France at high altitudes between sunset and sunrise, it may be permitted above 2,500 meters (from dusk until dawn) in Italy, and it is strictly forbidden in Switzerland.

If wild camping in the area near Chamonix, you’ll need to register on the Chamonix App before setting up camp. The app also has a super helpful map that shows where wild camping is allowed, where it’s discouraged, and where it’s outright forbidden.

The good news is that there are many official campsites that are easily accessible along the TMB. While not entirely cheap, we feel it is important to use these facilities whenever they are available in order to give respect to the local communities and the fragile natural environment. Furthermore, there are quite a few opportunities to pitch your tent in free sanctioned wild and semi-wild camp spots along the TMB. If you choose to wild camp outside of these areas, set up after dusk, pack up at dawn, and utilize leave no trace practices.

Sanctioned Wild and Semi-Wild Campsites

• Chalet Miage (located on the Col de Tricot variant)
• Refuge Nant Borrant
• Refuge de la Balme
• Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
• Les Chapieux
• Refuge la Flégère
• Inside the Réserve Naturelle des Aiguilles Rouges (7p.m. to 9 a.m.)

Let us help plan your TMB

We’re here to help! We offer comprehensive TMB planning support so you can plan your perfect trip!

In addition to our popular guides, we also offer the following TMB planning services:

GPS Digital Download

GPS files for the entire TMB

Navigate with confidence on the trail

Works with all GPS navigation apps & devices

Custom GPS File

Custom GPS file created for your unique itinerary

Includes all of your accommodations

Confidently navigate using a GPS file designed just for you

Expert Consultation s

1-on-1 video calls

Specifically catered to your questions

Problem-solve your itinerary, bookings, route options, and more!

Why work with us?

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all of the information you need to have your best TMB experience. 

We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

How to Find Your Campsites on the Tour du Mont Blanc

As you’ve no doubt noticed from the list of campground above, not every camping option is located directly along the main Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Several, especially those around Courmayeur and in the Chamonix area, will require you to detour off the main route in order to find camping options.

Not only that, but you’ll also surely be wondering how far you need to hike to get to the next campground, regardless of where you are on the trail.

Our solution to this is to use a GPS navigation app, with our favorite being Gaia GPS.

Our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc comes with three unique GPS files that contain all of the campground locations along the route along and intel on the best link trails to get to all of the campgrounds that aren’t on the main route. Using our files, your navigation app will look like this:

As you can see, you have a clearly labeled route to the campground making it easy to stay on track. Trust us, having a GPS route saved for offline use will be the single best thing you do to make your trek more manageable!

If there is one best reason to purchase our Guide , this is it! Do yourself a favor and make navigating while camping on the TMB that much easier!

Don’t want the full camping guide? No worries, we also offer a basic GPS file for the entire TMB.

Packing for camping on TMB is balancing act between ensuring you have everything you need and not making your experience miserable by carrying too much weight. You’ll have a more extensive packing list compared to hikers staying in refuges and the stakes are a bit higher if you neglect to bring something essential.

We’ve provided a summary below, but for a complete packing list, check out this post .

How much should my pack weigh?

This isn’t easy to answer, since there are a ton of factors that influence how much is too much for any individual hiker. Some things to think about…

• How fast are you hoping to hike? Generally speaking, lighter=faster
• Have you completed a multi-day through hike with this specific backpack and this amount of weight before? If not, you should really try to keep it below 25lbs (including water!) 
• Are you injury-prone or do you have any chronic knee, hip, or back issues? If so, you need to make sure that backpack is below 20lbs!
• If you have other travel destinations before or after the TMB, you can store your extra luggage in Chamonix. See our logistics article for more on this. 

What type of tent should I bring?

Most of the campgrounds on the TMB will have a level place to pitch your tent and soft ground that will make staking a breeze. However, if you plan on wild camping or staying at any of the bivouac areas described above, you’ll want to bring some heavy duty stakes and a durable ground cover for underneath your tent.

You can expect variable weather at any time of year on the Tour du Mont Blanc, so a good rain fly is an absolute must. Wind is also a concern, so a lower profile tent makes a lot of sense.

Finally, you’ll want something reasonably lightweight as you’ll have to pack it up and carry it across challenging terrain each day on the trail!

In terms of the best brands, we like the backpacking tents offered by MSR, Big Agnes, and Sierra Designs. Our favorite is the MSR Hubba Hubba , which is widely available in both North America and Europe. Check it out below:

The MSR Hubba Hubba 2 is our top pick for a backpacking tent that stands up to any and all conditions. Lightweight, durable, and easy to set-up, this is our favorite backpacking tent!

How warm should my sleeping bag be?

We often get asked about the warmth rating your sleeping bag should have for the Tour du Mont Blanc. The answer, of course, is that it depends.

Generally speaking, most campers will be comfortable with a sleeping bag in the -5 to 5 degree Celsius range. That will cover most conditions that you’ll encounter while still keeping your pack relatively light.

If you tend to sleep a bit hot, you should be fine with something in the 10 degree Celsius range. Just be sure you have a well insulated sleeping pad.

Top gear picks for TMB Campers

Beyond a good tent and sleeping bag, here are a few specific items that we found really make camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc a lot more enjoyable:

Battery Backup

If you plan on using your phone as a GPS to navigate along the TMB (which we highly recommend!), it’s imperative that it stays charged. Many campgrounds will allow you to charge electronics, but this isn’t a guarantee everywhere. And trust us when we say it gets competitive for access to an outlet!

Our favorite power bank for backpacking is the BioLite Charge 80 , which is super lightweight, designed specifically for use in the outdoors, and charges most phones 4-5 times. This is an essential item for TMB campers in our opinion.

The BioLite Charge 80 is our favorite power bank for hiking. It will charge your phone up to five times and won't weigh down your pack!

Trekking Poles

These are a total game-changer on a tough trek like the TMB. You (and your knees) will be so glad to have them on steep sections, and this is especially true for campers who are carrying heavier loads.

Merino Wool Socks

Keeping your feet happy is one of the best pieces of advice we can offer for would be TMB trekkers. This means using comfortable boots/trail runners that you have hiked in before and are well broken in.

However, your socks are just as, if not more, important than your boots. Bringing a few pairs of high-quality merino wool socks will be your best defense against blisters and foot issues. For that, we highly recommend Darn Tough socks for their comfort, durability, and lifetime guarantee. These are the only socks we hike in!

Darn Tough makes legendary socks that are known for their durability, odor control, and lifetime warranty. We don't hike in anything else!

A few other honorable mentions…

Puffy down jacket: Lightweight, warm, packable and all you need (it’s not necessary to bring a heavy fleece, too).

Kev Reynolds’ Ciccerone Guide to the TMB : The best guidebook for the Tour du Mont Blanc in our estimation.

Don’t forget travel insurance!

One final item to get squared away before your trip that isn’t on many TMB campers list is travel insurance. We recommend a basic policy for all TMB trekkers to protect you against lost luggage, medical evacuation, and any other issues that can pop up and ruin your trip. We have a full breakdown of what to look for in travel insurance for the TMB here.

Food and Drink for TMB Campers

One of the many wonderful things about the TMB is that you don’t need to worry about carrying (and eating) eleven days’ worth of underwhelming freeze-dried backpacker meals. Due to the fact that the trail passes through many towns and villages, you will be able to resupply every few days. We’ve noted the availability of shops and restaurants at every stop along the route in our Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Make sure you plan accordingly, as you won’t pass shops on every stage.

For budget travelers, it is possible to self-cater and keep your food and drink costs quite reasonable. You’ll need to bring your own camp stove and cooking equipment if you plan on fixing most of your own meals along the TMB. 

Additionally (for those with slightly deeper pockets), many of the hotels, gites, and refuges offer the option of purchasing meals. You can just show up for lunch, but you’ll need to order dinner ahead of time (earlier in the day is typically fine). Not all refuges are able to accommodate campers for dinner.

Whichever way you approach your food and drink strategy, we think you’ll find that trekking in the Alps is every bit as much a culinary delight as a natural one! 

All of the hotels, gites, and campgrounds provide potable water. You will pass through many villages with public drinking fountains, but make sure to plan ahead and carry 1-2 liters of water each day. Due to the presence of agricultural activity near large swaths of the trail, we do not recommend drinking any water from natural streams without filtering it first.

As such, packing a lightweight and packable water filter is always a good idea. We’re partial to the simple, yet effective, Sawyer Squeeze for a great option for campers on the TMB:

The Sawyer Squeeze is a lightweight, packable, and dependable water filter. We've used our backpacking all over the world with great success!

Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc is a great way to save money on your trip. Not only will you avoid the expense of staying in a refuge each night, you’ll also be able to save money on food and drink by getting many of your meals from shops and small cafes, which tend to be a lot less expensive than refuges.

Below, you can find a few basics to keep in mind in terms of money on the Tour du Mont Blanc:

Cash or Credit?

While an increasing number of accommodation providers, shops, and other services are beginning to accept credit cards, cash is still the primary payment method used along the TMB. It is important to carry enough cash to cover all of your expenses for several days, as  ATMs are infrequent along the trail.

The TMB crosses the borders of three different countries, meaning that you’ll need to switch from using Euros in France to Swiss Francs in Switzerland then back to Euros upon entering Italy. While most places in Switzerland will accept Euros, you’ll get better exchange rates using Francs. 

Typical Costs

Although it has the reputation for being one of the more expensive and luxurious thru-hikes, it is still very possible to hike the TMB on a tight budget (camping helps tremendously with this!) Furthermore, you can even eat delicious foods and drink some tasty beverages without breaking the bank.

The two keys to saving money on the TMB? Lodging and food.

Since you’ve found this camping guide, you’re well on your way to having the first one covered. Camping will save you boatloads of money, and you’ll have a better experience too!

In terms of food, the best thing you can do is to avoid eating meals at restaurants and refuges. Sure, stop for a coffee and a pastry, enjoy a post-hike beer, and definitely pick up some local cheese, but if you cook some of your own meals you will greatly, greatly reduce your overall spending.

Read more: How Much it Cost Us to Hike the TMB

Let Us Make Your TMB Trip A Success

We have used our experience, research, and passion to create effective and trail-tested resources for all TMB hikers. If you plan to trek without the support of a tour company, our resources can help you with the logistics of preparing for the trip of a lifetime.

• Camping Guide (Our Best Seller): If camping is more your style, our dedicated camping guide is just for you. It includes detailed campground descriptions and camping-specific itineraries.
• GPS Digital Downloads (2nd Best Seller): Navigate the TMB with ease using our GPS files, updated yearly and compatible with most devices. The files cover the entire trek, including common alternate routes.
• Guide to the TMB:  Our comprehensive guide includes everything you need to know about the TMB. It’s available on our online planning portal and as a downloadable eGuide. The guide includes accommodation recommendations, offline GPS & maps, and video fly-throughs of the trail.
• Custom Itineraries:  We’ll help you design a TMB itinerary that fits your specific needs, including your trip length, accommodation type, hiking ability, budget, and more.
• Custom GPS Files:  For a truly personalized experience, we can create a GPS file customized to your specific itinerary, including your accommodations and route preferences.

As passionate hikers, we’ve made it our goal to empower you with all the information you need for your best TMB experience. We’ve helped over 2,500 hikers prepare for their trips, navigate on the trail, and simplify the planning process.

What’s Next?

If you’ve read our post up to this point, you’re well on your way to having an incredible experience walking the Tour du Mont Blanc.

However, you still have lots of preparation before you’re truly ready! Be sure to read our entire series on the Tour du Mont Blanc to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for this incredible adventure!

• Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List – Be sure you’ve got everything you need!
• Tour du Mont Blanc | Maps & Routes – Get an overview of this incredible trail!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Logistics – Don’t forget the small details!
• How to Navigate on the TMB – Turn your smartphone into a GPS!
• How to find all of your campgrounds on the TMB – Know where you are and where you’re going!
• How to train for the TMB – Avoid being the last person to the campground!
• 10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc- The quick and dirty basics
• TMB Trip Report – Know what to expect!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Photo Galley – Find some inspiration!
• How to hike the TMB for (nearly) free – save BIG on your TMB costs!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation and Refuge Guide
• Tour du Mont Blanc – Shortcuts, Detours, & Public Transit

47 thoughts on “Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc [2024 Update]”

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Thank you for producing such a fantastic, comprehensive and inspirational website!

My wife and I have been wanting to hike the TMB for over 15 years and we have finally got round to it. We start tomorrow.

Until we read your website we had not considered camping on the route. However, your website changed all that and we are now planning to spend as many nights as we can in the tent on the TMB. Your detailed camping information really leaves no stone unturned and we can’t wait to get started!

Thanks again.

John & Sharon Crawford (UK)

John & Sharon, Thank you so much for your kind words! We are so glad that you found the information useful and that it inspired you to camp more along the route. We hope you have a fantastic time on your walk! -Emily & Ian

Did you make any reservations in advance for the campsites? Thanks!

Hi Joy, We did not reserve any of our campsites in advance, and had no problem finding a pitch. Hope this helps!

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Hello Guys! Thanks for all the information you share! Very useful!

I am Tiago from Brazil!

I will do the tour in august 2018 with my wife. Would like to know if the campsites rent a tent? And how much it cost?

Thanks a lot for your attention, apreciate!

Hey Tiago, glad you’ve found the information useful! Excited to hear about your 2018 TMB plans. Unfortunately, none of the campsites we visited rented tents, so you’ll need to bring your own. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any more questions!

Thanks for producing this info guide. It has been a huge help with planning my TMB trip 2018 or 2019.

Do you remember the price of camping at Chalet Pierre Semard please?

This site is the only place I’ve even heard of it and I like the sound of it.

I checked the site you gave the link for but I can’t figure out how to translate it to English.

Thanks again for all the helpful info.

Hi Phil, Glad our guide has been helpful in planning your trip. Pierre Semard was definitely one of our favorite campgrounds and we were thrilled to find it given that there wasn’t a lot of information available on it. If I remember correctly we paid 4 euros/night – a bargain.

The website here has some additional information in English: https://www.chamonix.com/camping-pierre-semard,117-209642,en.html Hope this helps and be sure to let us know if you have any other questions.

Hi Im planning on camping on the trail in June, what are the coldest night temperatures i can expect? Thank you for this great website!

Hi Sebastian, We hiked in early-July and the coldest it got at night was low 50s (10 Celsius). It will most likely be a bit colder in June and you can see the average monthly temperatures for June for Chamonix here: https://www.accuweather.com/en/fr/chamonix/136573/month/136573?monyr=6/01/2018

Also, if hiking in June you’ll want to be prepared to encounter snow on the trail. It has been a very snowy winter in the Alps this year so I’d imagine snow will linger on the trail into July. Best of luck!

Thank you so much for writing this! I am hiking the TMB this June (17th -26th). I’m fairly experienced with trekking as well as snow hiking. In your experience, do you think even with the heavy snow year, the TMB is doable for capable hikers?

Either way, thank you so much again for this post! We are hoping to camp most of it.

Hi Jenny, Glad you found our information useful! It’s really difficult to say what the trail conditions will be like in mid-June. We hiked in early July last year, and there were short sections that were snowy and slightly difficult with a loaded backpack. We’d recommend checking in with the various huts on the route, as they’ll have a good idea of current conditions. The good news is that even if some sections are too snowy to traverse there are plenty of alternate routes and ways to connect various sections of the trail.

Hi! Looking to go in June! Very helpful article. Would you by any chance have any advice on how to complete the trail in 7 nights/8 days? Wanted to see if you have any advice/trails for us since we still wanted to complete the full hike with cutting down the days!

Hi Kristina, Thanks for reaching our and glad you’ve found our site useful! Tackling the entire trail in 8-days will be very difficult, though not impossible. Be prepared for some very long, very tiring days. Our best recommendation would be to hike from Courmayeur to Alpage de La Peule, skipping Refugio Bonatti. From La Peule you would then walk to Champex, skipping La Fouly. You could also combine the last day and walk directly from Tre-le-Champ to Les Houches. For all of these days you’d want to get a very early start and be prepared to arrive very late in the day.

There are also bus connections that would make an 8-day trek much more pleasurable without the long demanding days. Hope this helps!

Hello Kristina a, I am also hiking the tour in June as a post-graduation experience, but unfortunately I will be hiking alone. I am hoping to meet people on the hike when I go. I was wondering when in June will you be hiking?

Hello, do you recommend completing this hike alone? I would very much like to hike this tour during June 2019 as a post-graduation vacation, but I am slightly worried because of the conditions and lack of experience hiking. Is it likely to meet other groups or people during the hike and joining them? Thank you very much and have a great day!

Hi Ryan, The TMB is certainly a great hike to do solo. The trail is well marked and there are many groups of other hikers who you are likely to encounter. We’d recommend being sure you are fit enough given your lack of experience hiking and also brushing up on some of your outdoor preparedness skills in advance. With both of those accomplished it is very likely that you’ll meet other sociable hikers along the route! Hope you have a great TMB!

Hi! Great info and I want to purchase your guide, but how up-to-date is it? I understand that the route might change slightly from year to year, and nothing would be more frustrating to have outdated info on a guide. Thanks in advance!

Hi Alex, Glad you’re finding the info on our site useful! All of the campsite info in our Guide is up to date for 2019 and the route doesn’t change year to year, unless there was heavy snow and you are starting early in the season. Either way we always offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for our Guide so if you buy it and don’t like it we’ll give you a refund no questions asked! Cheers, Ian

hi, im planning on going and walking over 12days. im going with a 10year old how bad is the wild camping restrictions uphold as i am sure one or two days my son will be too tired to make camp sites

Hi there, It’s difficult to give you an easy, surefire answer, as the rules and availability for wild camping vary quite a bit throughout the walk. At most stages, if you’re able to set up camp after dusk and pack up at dawn you’ll likely be okay. If you think your itinerary could be too challenging, there are lots of easy ways to cut out segments via public transportation or you could look into adding or cutting out days.

Hope you and your son have a great trip! Emily and Ian

Hello, i know it might be a silly question, but is reservation necessary for the campsites?

thank you for your website! it was key for organizing my TMB trek.

Hi there, Not a silly question at all! While reservations are very necessary for many of the mountain huts, you do not need them at the campgrounds. In fact, many won’t even accept them in advance. If you’re concerned about getting a good pitch, try to get there a little earlier in the day and you should be just fine.

Have a wonderful trip! Emily and Ian

I am planning to hike the TMB next year and I have found your online guide to be extremely helpful and informative. I have just a couple of questions:

1. Did you make your reservations ahead of time for camping? If not were you ever turned away because it was at capacity?

2. Did you make reservations in advance when you stayed at the refugio’s? And if so how far in advance?

I would rather not be tied down to a schedule but also don’t want to stress about no available sites!

Hello! 1. Campsite reservations are not necessary. They always make room for walkers. If you’re worried about getting a good pitch, try to get there a bit earlier in the day and you’ll have no problem.

2. Yes, we strongly recommend that you book the refigios ahead of time. Many fill up months in advance. As soon as you work out your itinerary, it’s a good idea to call and make a reservation. If you’re on the trail and you think you’ll need to change something, you can phone the hut and see if they’ll be able to adjust your reservation.

Hope you have a great hike! Emily and Ian

Hi, thanks for the camping guide. One update: we hiked the tour last week and camping close to refugio Elisabetta was strictly forbidden (at the refugio they told us that the police comes and checks… which was a bit unfortunate, as the refugio was fully booked). As we walked clockwise, we continued that day to cross the boarder to France and reach Les Chapieux (very long day!). Also, some people wild-camp higher up, closer to the French boarder, or at the French side.

How was your clockwise hike? Where did you start your hike and did you complete the entire TMB? We are planing to hike this late June early July 2020 and don’t yet know if my husband will have more than 7 days. We looked at alternatives for starting points and I was leaning towards starting in Courmayeur since Chamonix has a number of events in late June and early July that will make it quite busy (Mont Blanc Marathon June 25-28; Chamonix Yoga Festival Jul 3-5 and Climbing World Cup Jul 11-13).

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Thanks so much for this info! I’m keen to buy your guide book and follow stages above, just checking if info is still valid for summer 2022? I’ve seen a few places where it says wild camping is illegal below 2500 m? Just thought I’d double check. Also, is there still no need to book if I go early august?

Hi Becky, Yep, the Guide is up to date for 2022! Just to note, it does not include specific wild camping sites, but rather is focused on staying in developed campgrounds. We always recommend this to limit impacts on the environment. Thanks, Ian

Hi there! thanks so much for all the well detailed info and useful tips. I was interested to hike during the month of May 2023. as the following months I won’t have the same availability. Is this possible at all?

Hi Calen, Glad you’re finding it helpful! Unfortunately, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to do the hike in May. There’s typically too much snow still on the trail to trek without snow-specific equipment, and most (if not all) of the refuges and campgrounds will not have opened for the season.

Hello, I’m looking to camp the trail in early October will this be possible due to the weather conditions and availability of camping spots?

Hi Kyle, It’s hard to say what the weather will be like in early October. You might get lucky with some lovely sunny fall days, but you also might encounter some wicked rain and snow. Either way, be prepared for cold nights and mornings. Many of the campgrounds will have closed for the season, so you will need to wild camp at many points along the route. Best of luck!

For camping, do I need to bring any sort of container for my food or can I keep it in my tent?

Hi Danila, You can store your food in your tent, as bears or other wildlife are not much of a concern. Have a great trip!

This is great information! I just wish you posted the mileage between each stage and maybe some prices of the campsites and huts. Where do you go to find out the price of the campsites? Thanks!

Hi Kathryn, Thanks for the feedback. To find the most updated prices, we recommend visiting the campgrounds’ websites. Typically you can expect to pay around 10 euros per person at a campground. There are also some free sites along the route. Have a great trip!

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We’re Emily and Ian, outdoor lovers and planning nerds who live in Boulder, Colorado. The only thing we love more than researching and mapping out our next adventure, is actually being out there on the trail. Between the two of us, we’ve been to over 30 countries, and much of our travel in these countries has been on two feet or two wheels. When we’re not in a far-flung destination, we spend a lot of time exploring the amazing camping, hiking, and biking destinations in our home state of Colorado. Learn More About Us

Tour du Mont Blanc

West highland way, laugavegur trail, walker's haute route, coast to coast walk, national parks.

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