Tour du Mont Blanc Circuit in Comfort

Welcome to Chamonix, the alpine town on the banks of L’Arve River and the official start point for the Tour du Mont Blanc. It is world-renowned for its popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. If possible, we highly recommend spending a few extra nights here at the start or end of the tour.

Today there is the option of a more relaxed start by taking the cable car up to Planpraz before a short walk to Col du Brévent (2,368m). From here, it’s possible to climb to the peak of Le Brévent (2,525m), considered one of the best lookout posts for viewing Mont Blanc, and the surrounding glaciers and peaks. Continue on the hiking trail to pass Lac du Brévent and descend to Refuge Bellachat, before resuming the steep climb. The final section of the day skirts Parc de Merlet forest before finishing in Les Houches.

Walking for the day: 12km, 6h, ↑500m ↓1,500m

From Col de Voza there are two options for the route to Les Contamines-Montjoie, a shorter, easier option via Aiguille de Bionnassay, or a more scenic route across a suspension bridge spanning a torrent from Glacier de Bionnassay. The hike continues through mountain meadows to Col de Tricot (2,120m) and descends to Refuge de Miage. After a further ascent, there is a rest stop at Le Truc. The finishing point for today’s hike is Les Contamines in the Montjoie valley.

Walking for the day: 17.5km, 7-8h ↑1,440m ↓1,260m (easier option by cable car: 13km, 5-6h ↑380m ↓1,010m)

Please note: If accommodation in Les Contamines-Montjoie isn’t available, we will book you into a hotel in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains (breakfast only) and you will require a private transfer (supplemental cost).

Today’s trek passes over ravines, past glacial lakes and ascends over two cols, all in the view of the southernmost point of Mont Blanc. After a short transfer from Les Contamines-Montjoie/Saint-Gervais-les-Bains to Notre Dame de la Gorge church, where the long ascent to Col du Bonhomme (2,329m) and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2,450m) begins. Take a rest at Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme before the last descent to Les Chapieux. From here, take the public shuttle to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, a lively mountain town with plenty of options for dinner.

Walking for the day: 15.5km, 7-8h ↑1,300m ↓950m

Please note: The public shuttle does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Begin the morning with a short bus transfer to Vallée des Glaciers before beginning the climb up to Col de la Seigne, crossing the border from France into Italy. The route continues through fields towards Rifugio Elisabetta, where there is an opportunity for a break. Continue on to La Visaille to catch the bus to Courmayeur.

Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h ↑795m ↓900m

Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Option of either a rest day in Courmayeur or hiking up to Val Ferret before returning via public bus. From Courmayeur, follow the mountain path to Rifugio Giorgio Bertone and along the crest of Mont de la Saxe to Tête de la Tronche, offering views along the south side of the Mont Blanc range. The path continues over bridges and brooks, passing Rifugio Walter Bonatti ariving at Chalet Val Ferret, which sits at the foot of Val Ferret. From here, take the bus back to your accommodation in Courmayeur.

Walking for the day: 16.5km, 7-8h ↑1,140m ↓560m

Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Begin the morning with a short bus transfer back up to Val Ferret before setting off over Grand Col Ferret (2,537m), heading out of Italy and into Switzerland’s rolling pastures. Rest in one of the mountain lodges along the route before continuing on to La Fouly.

Walking for the day: 13km, 4-5h ↑770m ↓945m

Please note: The public bus does not run during the low season, so private transfers will be arranged (supplemental cost).

Today marks the easiest day of the TMB route, with much less elevation change than previous walks. Dranse River accompanies the trail on this leisurely hike past high mountains, through forests, meadows and traditional mountain villages towards the valley. At the end of the hike, the Murmeltierweg (Marmot trail) takes you up to Champex-Lac. If staying in Orsières, take a short bus from Champex down to Orsières.

Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5h ↑535m ↓670m

This day of walking has the option of two routes which vary in difficulty. The Fenêtre d’Arpette should only be considered in fair weather, as this challenging path reaches the highest point of the TMB, and offers views across the Trient Glacier and down into Vallée du Trient. The alternative route via Alp Bovine, a more leisurely route that follows the northern contours of the rocky spur, leading through high alpine pastures and passing a lunch spot at Alp Bovine (1,987m). End the day by taking a public bus from Trient down to Martigny.

Walking for the day: Via Fenêtre d’Arpette 15km, 5-6h ↑1,190m ↓1,350m (via Alp Bovine 15.5km, 6-7h ↑770m ↓945m)

Today starts with an early morning bus back to Trient before beginning the climb up to Col de Balme (2,191m), and on to the mountain lodge of Refuge du Col de Balme, for a short rest with views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Valley. Descend to the open saddle of Col des Posettes (2,201m) and head along the Kammweg ridge over the summit of L'Aiguillette des Posettes, with a views of surrounding glaciers. The walk ends with a steep descent following a mountain stream to Argentière.

Walking for the day: 16km, 5-6h ↑1,170m ↓1,230m

This is one of the most challenging sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Using a combination of fixed ladders and timber-braced steps over steep rocks to reach Refuge du Lac Blanc. In the afternoon, follow the path across Grand Balcon to Planpraz, which has a cafe at an altitude of 2,000m, for a final break before heading back down the cable car to the mountaineering hub of Chamonix.

Walking for the day: 15.5km, 7h ↑1,440m ↓1,620m (easier option by cable car: ↑1,440m ↓685m)

Please note:
The ladder section on this day is very steep and exposed, with some scrambling elements. For those with a fear of heights or who are feeling fatigued from the previous day’s walking, an alternative lower route along the Petit Balcon Sud to Chamonix is available.

Chamonix is a great place to spend a couple of days, and we recommend adding some extra nights here. There, you can walk in Aiguilles Rouges National Nature Reserve, take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi (3,795m), or take the Montenvers Railway to Mer de Glace.