Accommodation

The Tour Du Mont Blanc is lined with all kinds of accommodation from mountain refugios to boutique hotels. Unlike many others, their trek differs in accommodating their guests only in comfortable family-run boutique hotels. They do not stay in any refugios along the trek.

You will be accommodated in 3 nights in Chamonix hotel (twin share) and 9 nights in cozy hotels along the trek (twin share).

In Chamonix (3 nights), you will reside in one of their preferred hotels “en place” in twin / double shared rooms with en-suite facilities.

Throughout the trek, they use small family-run hotels for 9 nights. These are quaint hotels with very personal touches throughout. Often, they will have a small waiting area where you can lounge and rest. Please be aware that room sizes in hotels and their facilities will vary from one place to the next and sometimes from room to room within one hotel.

Single supplements are limited along the TMB. Please contact their team directly for further information.

Program

Can you imagine wandering on winding paths through green forests and rolling meadows topped by breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif, with its hanging glaciers and peaks crowned by majestic Mont Blanc itself? Can you smell the fresh mountain air, see the flower spotted fields, hear the dangling bells of the cows lining the trail?

What will you visualize after passing over the next Col, through the next forest and valley? Which country, language, and culture will await. What typical regional food will tease your palate tonight?

The Tour du Mont Blanc, circumnavigating Europe’s highest mountain, remains one of the most iconic treks among hikers and adventurers. It will take you mountain high and valley low, covering all kinds of terrain, taking in pristine mountain views after every turn.

Hiking days on this fully supported trek range from 5-6 hours on average to peak days of 8-9 hours. Nights are spent residing in boutique hotels nestled in local villages along the way.

Together with your guide, you will cover roughly 160 kilometers in 9 days, exploring Mont Blanc’s massif with its seven valleys and bordering ridges flowing into Italy, Switzerland, and France. Each valley presenting its unique culture, architecture, and landscape to you and your group to explore.

This challenging, literally breathtaking adventure will take you into the alpine region in the heart of Europe, visiting three different countries among like-minded people, sharing your stories over a delicious meal sourced from local produce each night.

Fully guided

An excellent guide can make the difference between a trip of a lifetime and just an ordinary adventure.

Their multi-lingual certified mountain guides (all are IFMGA International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations members the largest Mountain Guide Association in the world), are passionate about the nature that abounds around Mont Blanc.

While you need to ensure you get into adequate physical shape for the trek, your guide will look after all the required preparation for trekking safely in the mountains, setting the path for you to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

All mountain lovers, they skied, climbed, and hiked many of the routes around the area and spend their days exploring the Mont Blanc range and many other mountain ranges in the world. The guide will ensure that your trip is truly inspiring, a huge amount of fun, and safe. All guides are trained in Mountain Safety First Aid.

Are you ready to get enthralled by their fascinating stories?

Luggage transfers

Their Tour Du Mont Blanc is fully supported and your luggage is transferred to your new destination each day. This gives you the chance to enjoy your daily walks while only carrying a light day pack.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Geneva airport and transfer to Chamonix

Check into the hotel and enjoy your free time. Stay at Hotel Pointe Isabelle.

Day 2: Chamonix

Today, you will have time to explore picturesque Chamonix and its surroundings. After an introductory town tour by the local guide, you may want to take the infamous “Aiguille du Midi” cable car leading up to the highest restaurant in Europe or wander around the cobbled streets, taking a coffee and pastry in one of the street cafes, or even a spot of last-minute expedition shopping.

Chamonix is a wonderful place to explore and a great place to relax before your expedition the following day. This evening, you will go out for dinner and receive your briefing with the trek leader.

Stay at Hotel Pointe Isabelle (B, D)

Day 3: Trek from Les Houches to Les Contamines (6 hours, 11.8 kilometers / 7.33 miles)

You begin by driving a short distance down the Chamonix valley to Les Houches and then taking the Bellevue cable car to Col de Voza. This avoids a steep and relentless slog right at the beginning of the trek. Many climbers heading for Mont Blanc also use this cable car.

You descend gently to cross the melt stream of the giant Bionnassay Glacier by a swaying bridge before climbing to the Col de Tricot (2120 meters) from where you begin to have magnificent views of the glacial chaos of the north face of the Domes de Miage. The path descends steeply at first to the homely Refugio ‘Miage’ in the Miage glacial valley.

Here, you will rest and enjoy lunch before heading up over another pass before heading down into the charming hamlet of Les Contamines, where you spend the night.

Les Contamines inhabits the valley floor with the spire of the old church reflecting the magnificent rocky mountains that surround. Les Contamines is the last major settlement before Courmayeur in Italy. Overnight in a charming local hotel.

Stay at Hotel Gai Soleil (B, L, D)
Ascent: 745 meters
Descent: 1370 meters

Day 4: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (7 hours, 17 kilometers / 11 miles)

Transfer to the Baroque church ‘Notre Dame de la Gorge’ built in 1699. From there, you head along the ‘Chemin Romain’, the old Roman road, before crossing the river over an old Roman stone bridge.

You continue to la Balme with the option of a refreshing drink at the Refugio before you head up a steep section to Col du Bonhomme at 2329 meters and even further to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme at 2408 meters and on to Refugio de La Croix du Bonhomme at 2443 meters.

That is your climb for today and from here, you start your descent towards Les Chapieux where you stay in the charming hotel of this small mountain village dating back to the late 19th century.

Stay at Hotel Les Chambres du Soleil (B, L, D)
Ascent: 1281 meters
Descent: 930 meters

Day 5: Les Chapieux across Col de la Seigne and into Italy to Courmayeur (6 hours, 16 kilometers / 9.94 miles)

Today, you start with a 15-minute transfer to the Ville des Glaciers. From here, you head up another 750 meters in altitude to Col de la Seigne marking the frontier between France and Italy. There is an information center just below the Col on the Italian side with good information on the area, including a 3D map of the massif.

A long down to the valley below ends at the wonderful Refugio Elisabetta, where a hot meal awaits and you can taste your first Italian coffee. Your guide will pick out some of the most famous climbing routes on the mountain, including the Peuterey Ridge and Brouillard Face.

The view is stunning with glaciers slowly pouring off the massif, creating amazing valleys and wonderful waterfalls during the summer. If the weather is fine, you might be able to take a high route towards your final destination, the wonderful Italian mountain town of Courmayeur and its views of ‘Monte Bianco’. Otherwise, you will take the more leisurely walk through the valley floor with its lush grasslands and glacial moraine fields.

Stay at Hotel Crampon (B, L, D)
Ascent: 700 meters
Descent: 700 meters

Day 6: Aosta tour followed by free time in Courmayeur

In the morning, you head off for a trip to the ancient Roman town of Aosta, only one-hour south-east of Courmayeur. Here, you explore the historic past in and below the busy streets of this Roman outpost during your private tour.

After lunch in a local ‘Osteria’, you head back to Courmayeur where you will have free time to explore the town, known as the Italian Counterpart to Chamonix.

One of Italy’s premier ski resorts in winter, in summer, Courmayeur is inviting you to roam its charming cobblestone streets and taking in the relaxed atmosphere of the pedestrian center, lined with sophisticated bars, cafes, and restaurants. Crowned by Monte Bianco itself and its dark stone massif with its snow peaks looming over the town. What an amazing backdrop for one of Europe’s most beautiful towns.

This is a day to explore ancient history and local secrets, while giving those tired muscles some time to relax. Your guide is always happy point out more options where to go, what to eat, and what to do.

Stay at Hotel Crampon (B)

Day 7: Courmayeur to Val Ferret (Arnouva) (7 hours, 16 kilometers / 9.94 miles)

After a relaxing breakfast, you set off up a path from Courmayeur crossing a torrent then climbing steeply through thick larch forests (some of the most beautiful on the trail) on a good path to the Rifugio Bertone (1989 meters), a great place for a cappuccino.

From there, if the weather is good, you can take the high route ascending the Mont de la Saxe ridge, a wide grassy ridge dotted with wildflowers. This route is known as the balcony due to its superb views of the Italian side of Monte Bianco and the South Face of the Grandes Jorasses.

You will enjoy this highlight of the trek before crossing the airy summits of la Tete Bernarda (2534 meters and la Tete de la Tronche 2584 meters). After three and a half hours, you reach Refugio Bonatti, maybe another cappuccino, before heading down to the valley floor to Val Ferret. The low route alternative is an easier option with less altitude gain, and a reduction of the final time.

Stay at Hotel Chalet Val Ferret (B, L, D)
Ascent: 1000 meters
Descent: 600 meters

Day 8: Val Ferret across the Col de Grand Ferret into Switzerland to La Fouly (6 hours, 14.3 kilometers / 8.86 miles)

This morning, you head up to the Grand Col Ferret the border between Italy and Switzerland. Along the way, you will stop at Refugio Elena for a morning tea or coffee. There are spectacular views towards the summit of Mont Dolent who divides the three countries of Italy, France, and Switzerland.

From there, you head down to La Peule, a great place for lunch. You will enjoy your picnic lunch made of fresh local produce such as cheeses, cold cuts, and baguette. You continue or walk downhill for another 2 hours through wildflower meadows along sinuous streams before you enter the charming Swiss village of La Fouly with its wooden houses and flower decorated balconies.

Here, you will check into the delightful Hotel Edelweiss where a hearty dinner awaits.

Stay at Hotel Edelweiss (B, L, D)
Ascent: 822 meters
Descent: 1023 meters

Day 9: La Fouly trek to Champex (4 hours, 15 kilometers / 9.32 miles)

Exploring the Mont Blanc Massive by foot is giving you the opportunity to walk the beautiful trails meandering through pleasant pine forests, fields of wildflowers and over towering passes, stopping here and there along the way to marble at the villages you pass through.

Today is such a typical day along the TMB where you will wander the small mountain road from La Fouly to the beautiful village of Champex and its mountain lake, passing through the village of Praz de Fort and the well-preserved village of Issert along the way.

The trail then branches off the main valley and climbs gradually around the hillside, traversing above the pretty village of Champex. You continue along the lakeshore and finally climb 200 meters to the most charming hotel Splendide and its great mountain view (1627 meters).

This day is notable for the old chalets and grain stores in their original condition, lining the narrow streets and if the weather is fine this will be topped by a dip in the crystal clear waters of the lake if you wish.

For those who wish to shorten this day, it is possible to take a local bus from La Fouly to Champex instead.

Stay at Hotel Splendide (B, L, D)
Ascent: 420 meters
Descent: 565 meters

Day 10: Champex to Bovine across the Collet Portallo towards Col de la Forclaz / Martigny (6 hours, 15 kilometers / 9.32 miles)

One of the best mountain days on the whole trek takes you across the Fenetre d’Arpette (2665 meters). This high Col lies at the head of the Val d’Arpette and the crossing is one of the finest variants on the TMB circuit.

The ground is fairly rough but never technical and when you reach the pass, you are rewarded with a fantastic view of the Trient Glacier and across into the glacial bowl of the Plateau du Trient with the Aiguille du Tour (3544 meters) rising above (crossing the plateau de Bovine is an easier or bad weather alternative).

From Col de Forclaz, you will transfer by car down to Martigny, a Swiss town with Roman roots in the Rhone Valley for a delicious dinner of local specialties. (B, L, D)

Note: The above-mentioned trail is one of the TMB’s variants. This will be done if the group is appropriate and the weather conditions are good. Alternatively, you will continue on the normal TMB route to Col de Foclaz via Bovine. This is a 5-hour journey over 13 kilometers with an ascent of 757 meters and a descent of 797 meters.

Stay at Hotel Col de la Forclaz / Campanile (B, L, D)
Ascent: 800 meters
Descent: 700 meters

Day 11: Martigny across Col de Balme back into France to Argentiere (7 hours, 17.4 kilometers)

In the morning, you transfer back to Col de la Forclaz from where you start your second last big climb of the TMB, which sees you ascending 900 meters to reach the Col de Balme (2200 meters). This ancient pass forms the border between Switzerland and France.

As you descend down towards the village of Le Tour on the French side, a spectacular panorama opens up across the entire Mont Blanc range with its peaks and glaciers and you find yourselves gazing down the valley towards Chamonix.

Your accommodation for the night is in the village of Argentiere which serves up excellent meals and a great bed to rest in.

Stay at Hotel La Couronne (B, L, D)
Ascent: 1147 meters
Descent: 1329 meters

Day 12: Argentiere to Chalet de la Flegere then down to Chamonix (7 hours, 10 kilometers / 6.21 miles)

From Argentiere, you transfer to the Col des Montets and ascend via Cheserys lakes into the Aiguilles Rouge on a spectacularly high-level path known as the Grand Balcon Sud. In this elevated position, you can gaze across the valley towards the huge Argentiere Glacier and the tremendous Aiguille Verte (4122 meters).

At Cheserys, you can detour to Lac Blanc (2352 meters), a famously photogenic spot where the Chamonix Needles can sometimes be wonderfully reflected in its still waters. After lunch, you continue on for another 1.5 – 2 hours to Planpraz cable car that will take you directly into Chamonix.

Stay at Hotel Pointe Isabelle (B, L, D)
Ascent: 700 meters
Descent: 1200 meters

Day 13: Depart Chamonix to Geneva

Return transfer this morning from Chamonix to Geneva airport. (B)

Location

The Tour Du Mont Blanc is an approximately 170 kilometers hike circumnavigating, Mont Blanc, the White Mountain, Europe’s highest peak, which is shared by Italy and France.

Officially measuring 4,809 meters, Mont Blanc’s summit varies depending on the height of the snow cap covering the summit.

The full circuit of the Tour Du Mont Blanc with its striking 10,600 meters of ascents and descents will lead you through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Dating back centuries, the official trekking season for the Tour Du Mont Blanc is only open from the 15th of June to the 15th of September.

Taking on this trek with its unfolding staggering scenery, one will discover the reasons why it is one of the most popular treks in Europe.

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Food

What more can they say about the food than it is locally sourced from the countries you are walking through. Even if you are not familiar with any local culinary delights from Switzerland, the cuisine of Italy and France should trigger your culinary imagination.

They are very passionate about food and have integrated a few extraordinary local dining experiences in some of the villages to share the variety of local specialties with their guests.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Regular (typically includes meat and fish)

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

Journey extensions

Check out their Journey Extensions for those that want to stay a little longer or try something different along the way.

Wine and cheese tasting

The perfect way of starting your tour in the heart of Europe, enjoying some of its beautifully crafted drops with your companions.

Sommelier: The wine experts from the wine shop “Vin sur Vin” in Chamonix will present you wines from Cotes Du Rhone, Bordeaux, and more
Where: Your hotel in Chamonix. No need to travel anywhere, they will bring the wine to you
When: Day 2 of your trip at 3:45 pm just before your welcome briefing
Duration: 1.5 hours

Tasting options

“Tour de France” – Degustation of 6 wines, price per person is 90 USD
“Wine and Cheese” – Degustation of 6 wines with cheese, price per person is 110 USD

Please note a minimum number of 5 participants is required for the tasting. They will notify you in time if the tasting is going ahead.

Consecutive gourmet picnic Chamonix

If you would like to explore Chamonix from another angle and your are into wine and food, this is the perfect way of combining both. Collect and sample gourmet foods and wine from 3 well known artisan shops in Chamonix and be guided to one of the many beautiful picnic spots in town to enjoy this French feast with family and friends and the breathtaking backdrop of the Besson Glacier.

What's included

9 days of hiking
Qualified mountain leader
Chamonix Town tour
Aosta tour and transfers
3 nights accommodation in Chamonix hotel (twin share)
9 nights accommodation in cozy hotels along the trek (twin share)
All meals as noted
Picnic lunches and lunches in mountain Refugios
Pick up transfers from Geneva airport to Chamonix return
Luggage transportation throughout
All fees and permits
Lift tickets at Belle Vue and Plan Paz

What's not included

Insurance
International flights

How to get there

Recommended Airports

GVA

Geneva Airport

68 km

Transfer included

Arrival by airplane

Please arrange your flight to arrive at Geneva Airport (GVA). Regardless of where you’re flying from, Geneva International Airport is your destination closest to Chamonix. Depending on the traffic, it is approximately an hour from the airport into Chamonix.

No Roads is providing roundtrip transfers from Geneva Airport to Chamonix for no additional cost at the following hours:

Arrivals: between 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Departures: between 10:00 am and 7:30 pm

If these hours are not suitable, please contact them for a private transfer quote. Pick-up time for departures is ranging from 3.5 to 5 hours before the scheduled flight departure time, depending on the flight destination.

There are no pre-trek meetings scheduled on your arrival day in Chamonix and you are free to arrive any time, keeping the above transfer hours in mind. Rooms are ready for check-in from 4 pm. For earlier arrivals, luggage storage facilities are available at your accommodation.

Airport: Geneva Airport Airport transfer included: Geneva Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.

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