french-alps-hiking-complete-tour-du-mont-blanc

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 3
Mon Roadbook App
Mountain Hotel
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3L4
12 days from 1715 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A classic multi-day mountain hike

  • France, Italy, and Switzerland: explore three alpine cultures.

  • Hike to Lac Blanc included.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

Circling the Mt. Blanc Range means hiking as close as possible to this legendary alpine giant without actually climbing it. Every day, enjoy so many new discoveries as you explore the different sides, cultures, and landscapes of the range: first through France, and then Italy and Switzerland. The well-marked trails are trade and communications routes that have been used, in some cases, since Antiquity. This is hands down one of the world's major and most classic multi-day mountain hikes!

Your choice of lodging + Luggage transfer

Mountain Hotel From mid-june to september

Mountain Hotel From mid-june to september

With luggage transfer From 1985 €* Book / Enquire Devis
Without luggage transfer From 1715 €* Book / Enquire Devis

Are you looking for a singular experience with family, friends, colleagues, or a club, organized and led by one of our professional mountain guides?

Travel with a guide

* Price based on 4-person group

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Past questions
Topics
Nick M.
Traveler
Itinerary
Hello,

I am very interested in doing the TMB hike this summer. I would appreciate information about the different packages available for the hike. Our group would be two people and we are wondering if there are options that allow for tent camping along the TMB that also allow access to the restaurants along the trail. And other information about the available options would be appreciated as we would like to pick the plan that works best for us.

Thanks very much in advance,

Nick
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hello Nick,
    Please contact me directly at [email protected], I'll be happy to answer your questions!
    Regarding the camping options, we are not organizing camping trips, only hotels to hotels or huts to huts trips, but there is some camping around Mont Blanc.
    Regarding availabilities, the TMB is one of the most requested treks in the Alps and it starts to be complicated to find availability for summer 2023. We still have availability in our guided trips!! I recommend having a look at that because, on guided trips, we guarantee availability in the best huts of the TMB! If you are flexible on the dates and the comfort level it is still possible to organise a self guided trip :-)
Morella L.
Traveler
Timing and season
Hi there,
We are a group of 5 who would be interested in a self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc for 8 days, staying in mountain lodges (I presume they are more picturesque than hotels?).
Is a start around the 23rd of September of 2023 too late in the season? Do you have availability then?
Thank you.
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hi Morella! I'll be happy to organize this trip for you but it is not possible to plan a start on the 23rd of September. it is too late in the season, particularly if you want to stay in Mountain Huts which will be closed on this date. The last departure date is the 15th. Hotels stay open longer, so it could be possible to organize a later trip. For more information, please contact me directly at [email protected]!
Medy S.
Traveler
Itinerary
Hi, I would like to query the TMB self guided if you have available dates from July 23 for the 12 days with luggage transfer please. Kindly provide me quotation for 2 adults. Thank you.

Kind Regards,
medy
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hello Medy,
    The TMB is very requested for summer 2023, but it is still possible to organize a self-guided trip! Please contact me directly at [email protected]! I'll be happy to chat with you and find the best moment to organize your TMB!
Mariel v.
Traveler
Itinerary
Interested for a group of 8 in June
  • Julie M. Julie M.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    Hi Mariel, Please contact me directly at [email protected]! I will be very happy to organize the perfect trip for you!
Ellen A.
Traveler
Timing and season
Hello,
My son and I are interested in hiking the TMB without a guide. Our tentative dates would be arrive in Chamonix Aug 25 and begin hiking on the 26th or 27th. We'd like to hike the TMB in 12 days, but could do it in 10 days. We live in Colorado and are both year round hikers. Please advise if there would be accommodations available during this time period.

Many thanks in advance,
Ellen Atchison
  • Thomas B. Thomas B.'s photo
    Mont Blanc Experience Team
    I am really unable to organize your trek on this date. We are full and the month of September is busy too. I suggest thinking of 2023. If you have any questions for the future, do not hesitate to contact us.

Itinerary

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.

Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.

Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 12 days
Luggage transfers : 2 options: with or without luggage transfer
Lodging : Mountain Hotel
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-june to september

Day by day

Day 1

Welcome in Chamonix !

Lodging : hotel.

Getting to the mountain town of Chamonix Mont Blanc is easy by train or shuttle. Once you arrive, settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through Chamonix's quaint cobblestone streets, and relax before embarking on what will be a truly amazing through-hike.

Day 2

From Chamonix to les Houches by the Brévent

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1650 m. Hiking : 6 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Take the Planpraz gondola to Planpraz. Start by hiking to Col du Brevent Pass and then all the way to the summit of Brevent Peak (2525 m). Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Blanc and the major glaciers of the range. Hike to Bellachat Hut for a short break, and then make the relatively short ascent to the summit of Aiguillette des Houches. From here hike down to Merlet and Les Houches.
Day 3

From les Houches to les Contamines Montjoie

Distance : 11 km (7 mi.) - Ascent : 650 m. Descent : 1250 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

From Les Houches and then the Bellevue aerial tram. At the top (1780m), stare in awe at the high peaks looming above as you stand at the foot of the standard route for climbing Mt. Blanc and the trailhead for day 1 of your tour. Start with a traverse to the Bionnassay Glacier. Next, hike through the beautiful alpine meadows that lead up to Col de Tricot Pass (2120m). After a short break to admire the views of Contamines-Montjoie Valley, hike down a steep trail to the quaint rural chalets in Miage (1559m). Finally, contour around Mt. Truc (1811m) and then hike down into the village of Contamines-Montjoie, where you will spend the night.

Please note: it is possible to shorten this hike if you bypass the ascent to Col du Tricot Pass. An alternate route is described in the roadbook.
Day 4

From les Contamines to les Chapieux via Bonhomme pass

Distance : 15 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 1250 m. Descent : 950 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

After a short transfer in the morning to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210m), take the time to visit the renowned baroque church that marks start of the Roman road, the historic trade route used to travel from one mountain valley to another. The steady climb to Col du Bonhomme Pass (2329m) presents a beautiful section of hiking along the far southern end of the range. The trail marks the boundary between the Mt. Blanc Range and the Beaufortain Mountains. The ascent continues to Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433m), which offers spectacular views of Mt. Pourri (3779m). On the descent, hike through alpine pastures to the small hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549m), typical of the area, where you will spend the night.

Day 5

From les Chapieux to Courmayeur

Distance : From 15 to 25 km (10 to 16 mi.) - Ascent : From 750 to 1250 m. Descent : From 850 to 1800 m . Hiking : from 5 to 7 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Transfer to Ville des Glaciers (1800m). Make sure that you stop at the local farm along the way to learn about how world-famous Beaufort cheese is made. Continue your ascent through beautiful alpine meadows to Col de la Seigne Pass (2516m) and the Italian border. From here, admire the jagged, steep side of the Mt. Blanc Range; the views are simply breathtaking! Legendary summits like Mt. Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey Spire, and the Grandes Jorasses appear close enough to touch. The descent takes you through Val Veny down to the foot of the Miage Glacier, with its peaceful lake and unique alpine flora. Make one last effort up to the hut at Col de Checrouit Pass. Descend by ski lift to Courmayeur (In June and September, the lifts are closed. For the 800 vertical meter descent on foot, add 1.5 hours. Or hike the 450m up and 50m down to La Visaille for the short <1 hour transfer by local bus to Courmayeur).
Day 6

From Courmayeur to Bonatti Hut

Distance : 12.5 km (8 mi.) - Ascent : 1050 m. Descent : 250 m. Hiking : 5 hrs.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Start one of the most beautiful sections of the tour. Walk into Courmayeur, the capital of the Italian Alps, for a quick visit. Then hike up to the Bertone Hut (2000m) for front-row views of the legendary Grandes Jorasses and one of the most breathtaking panoramas of the entire trip! Continue along the balcony trail to the Bonatti Hut (2025m), where you will spend the night and experience one of the most stunning sunsets... ever.
Day 7

From Bonatti Hut to la Fouly via Grand col Ferret pass

Distance : 20.5 km (12.5 mi.) - Ascent : 900 m. Descent : 1250 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs.
Lodging : mountain inn. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
This short day at the halfway point on your tour offers the opportunity to take it easy and recuperate. The trail descends to the Elena Hut (2061m), located in the upper end of Val Ferret, and beneath the mighty Mt. Dolent (3823m). From there, hike up to and cross over the border from Italy into Switzerland at either Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537) or the much wilder Petit Col Ferret Pass (2490). Take one last look back into Italy before starting the descent through Switzerland's gentle alpine meadows as you hike all the way down to the small village of La Fouly (1600m).
Day 8

From la Fouly to Champex

Distance : 15.5 km (9.5 mi.) - Ascent : 450 m. Descent : 550 m. Hiking : 4 hrs.
Lodging : mountain inn. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
During this short day, you will time to rest and relax along Champex Lake. From La Fouly, a leisurely hike takes you to Praz le Fort. (1151m). The trail follows Ferret River to the hamlet of Issert. From there, enjoy the hike through the forest up to Champex Lake (1477m).
Day 9

From Champex to Trient via Bovine (option via Fenêtre d'Arpette)

Distance : From 14.5 to 15.5 km (9 to 9.5 mi.) - Ascent : From 750 to 1200 m. Descent : From 900 to 1350 m. Hiking : from 5 to 8 hrs.
Lodging : mountain inn. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

From Champex, start by hiking through the Swiss mountain pastures and alpine meadows known for the grazing cows that produce some of the Alps' most famous cheeses! From Bovine, enjoy incomparable views of the Rhône River Valley. We also offer an alternate hike: please be aware that this option presents a much longer and more committing adventure. Fenêtre d'Arpette (2665m) is a spectacular high-mountain notch located near the Grands Glacier. Finish the day in the village of Trient (1280m), where you will eat dinner and spend the night in a guest house.

Day 10

From Trient to Argentière via Col de Balme pass

Distance : From 15 to 16.5 km (9 to 10 mi.) - Ascent : From 900 to 1100 m. Descent : From 1050 to 1150 m. Hiking : from 5 to 6 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

From Trient, hike up to Col de Balme Pass (2191m) to cross the French-Swiss border. At the top of the pass enjoy great views into Chamonix and the valley below, as well as the spectacular panorama that includes Mt. Blanc, the Mer de Glace (glacier), and the Argentière Glacier. Hike down (or take the chairlift/gondola) the dirt roads and trails through the meadows and pastures to Le Tour (1453m). From there, a leisurely walk takes you to Montroc (1370m) and Argentière.

Day 11

From Argentière to Chamonix by lake blanc

Distance : 10 km (6.5 mi.) - Ascent : 900 m. Descent : 550 m. Hiking : 6.5 hrs.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.

Enjoy a truly unforgettable hike on last day of your trip. Scrambling through the Aiguilles Rouges, with the Mont-Blanc Range just across the valley, means incredible views of the many glaciers and summits high above Chamonix. From Col des Montets Pass (1461m), follow the balcony trail to Cheserys Lakes, all known for reflecting in their clear blue waters some of the Alps' most famous peaks. Continue to Lac Blanc (2352m). Open your eyes, observe your surroundings, and look for one of the area's many alpine ibex. From here, walk down la Flégère, where a gondola takes you down to Chamonix.

Day 12

Chamonix - Au revoir!

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out. Take the time to explore Chamonix before heading off.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from june to september 2023

Mountain Hotel
Price per person		Without luggage transferWith luggage transfer
Low seasonPeak seasonLow seasonPeak season
2 people1 shared room1720 €1845 €1995 €2125 €
3 people1 shared room1720 €1845 €1955 €2125 €
4 people1 shared room1715 €1820 €1985 €2100 €
5 people1 shared room1715 €1820 €1980 €2100 €
6 people1 shared room1710 €1820 €1975 €2100 €
  • Low season : From 06 September 2023 to 20 September 2023
  • Peak season : From 15 June 2023 to 05 September 2023, from 13 June 2023 to 05 September 2023

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes:

- Accommodations as described.
- Transporting your bags if you choose this option.
- Breakfast for days 2 through 12.
- Dinners for days 2 through 10 (except day 5 in Courmayeur).
- The roadbook (as well as a map and reservation vouchers) for a 2 to 4 person group.
- Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).

The price does not include:

- Transportation to the meeting point at the start of the trip and from the point where the trip officially ends.
- Dinners in Chamonix Mont Blanc and Courmayeur.
- Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
- For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing.
- Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Other expenses:

- Lunches: at grocery stores or huts for your picnic lunches.
- Public transportation and chairlifts/gondolas during the tour.

  • The cable-car between Chamonix and Plan Praz, approximately €15.
  • The cable-car between Les Houches and Bellevue, approximately €15.
  • The shuttle between Les Chapieux and Ville-des-Glaciers, approximately €3.5. At the beginning of the season, you might need to reserve a taxi.
  • The shuttles (regularly scheduled) from Visaille to Courmayeur, approximately €3. At the beginning and the end of the season, you need to reserve a taxi. Check with your hotel/hut/guest house manager to ask if there are other hikers in the same situation with whom you can share the fare.
  • Optional: the Col de Balme chairlift and gondola at Le Tour, approximately €20.

- Tickets to visit monuments or museums.
- Drinks.
- Tips.

Currencies

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

 

Access

Access

This trip starts and ends in Chamonix Mont-Blanc. The nearest airport for this trip is Geneva Airport. All of our self-guided tours are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the most flexibility. If you are flying into Geneva, the easiest way to get to Chamonix is to use an airport transfer service. We can book this transfer for you, just ask our specialists.

During your trip

Lodging

You will stay in a selection of comfortable simple hotels or mountain Inn, in either a single or double room with an on suite bathroom. Rooms with three beds (1 double and 1 single, or 3 singles) are for groups of three people.
The mountain inns are communal living and most of the room comes with a shared bathroom. Occasionally during peak season we are unable to offer private room accommodation and will offer a private room in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in the valley below or at last option dormitory in the mountain huts.

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.

- Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations. Dinners in Chamonix and Courmayeur are not included.

- Lunch : There are a few grocery stores and small shops all along the tour where you will be also able to purchase food supplies. Your accommodations (huts or guest houses) should be able to cater to your needs as well.

Luggage transfer

Depending on the package you choose:

- With luggage transfers included, you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night.

- Without luggage transfers, plan to carry everything you need for the entire week on your back (pay attention to weight!).

Trails

On self-guided trips, you are responsible for knowing how to read a map and use a compass. The roadbook we provide at the beginning offers a few additional details. For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.
 
Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Required before leaving

Formalities

Please check with your embassy.

Health

Vaccinations

Required vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • An anti-diarrheal tablets
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips,

Gear list

What we supply for your trek

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials :
- Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not. 
- Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
- Warm hat.
- Cap.
- Sun glasses.
- Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
- Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
- Warm mid-layer tops.
- A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
- 1x Walking trousers.
- Light gloves.
- Shorts.
- Buff or Snood.
- A natural or synthetic down jacket.
- Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
- Nightwear and underwear.
- Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in Moutain Huts).
- Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories :
 - Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in Mountains Huts), etc.
- Toilet roll/tissues.
- Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
- Sun block and lip balm.
- Electrical socket adapter.
- Energy bars/snacks.
- Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
- Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
- Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
- Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
- Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
- Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
- Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
- WATER - please be able to carry 2 litres of water.
- Your sense of humour and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:
- Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras

- Binoculars.
- Book to read or Kindle.
- Notebook and pen.
- Ear plugs.


Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

- 2 litres of water.
- sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
- warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
- water proof layer.
- Lunch
- head torch.
- hand sanitiser/soap and toilet paper.
- your camera.
- any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
- Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!


Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Allibert Trekking keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation (ATT-ATR).

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.