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Best TMB Tour

Looking for the best tour du mont blanc trip.

Look no further. Alpenwild’s Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc   stands above the rest!   Alpenwild has perfected the TMB and here's what sets us apart from any other TMB trek:

Best hotels on the Tour du Mont Blanc  

No other tour operator on the TMB includes better hotels . For 11 nights you’ll stay in 3- or 4-star hotels, most will have a pool and spa services available. A few of our favorites are the Grand Hotel des Alpes in Chamonix, France, and the Chalet Val Ferret in Courmayeur, Italy. Every night you’ll have a private room—no packed musty dormitories or huts on an Alpenwild TMB. We feel that when you sleep better, you hike better!

Best Cuisine on the Tour du Mont Blanc  

On the TMB you’re hiking through three of Europe’s finest food regions—the Haute Savoie, the Swiss Valais, and the Val d’Aosta. With our focus on food you’ll enjoy the best of local specialties, cheeses, wine, and chocolate. All meals are included—breakfast, lunch, dinner, and trail snacks. We feature a la carte dining wherever possible at select restaurants.

Best Guides on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Many operators farm out trip leadership to third-party guides they’ve never even met prior to the tour. We use our own guides exclusively. They are intimately familiar with the route, history, and culture. They are certified and legally authorized to guide on the TMB. Most are native English speakers. They include professional World Cup skiers, an Olympic athlete, and skilled photographers. They are the best in the business. They bring the trail to life and provide you with an amazing experience! Want to know more? Meet them on our Alpenwild Trip Leader page. In addition to our top-notch guides, you'll interact with an expert naturalist to provide added depth and enrich your experience in the Alps. 

Best Excursions on the Tour du Mont Blanc

Though the hiking is the main attraction, Alpenwild also make sure to enjoy the journey by exploring some of the best excursions along the way! In Chamonix, France, our favorite experience is the Aiguille du Midi  and in Courmayeur, Italy, our favorite excursion is the Skyway Monte Bianco . Come with us on the TMB and you may get to experience both, depending on weather. 

Fully supported hiking | Daily luggage transfers

You’ll have your luggage waiting for you at the hotel every night , so you can have a light pack and enjoy the hike to its fullest. A shuttle is waiting to pick you up at the end of the hike—saving you from walking miles along a road to get to and from the trailhead.

Ultimate Flexibility – Guided or Self-guided

Alpenwild offers the TMB on both a small-group guided basis or as a self-guided tour. On a self-guided tour, you have both flexibility and support. You choose the dates, the standard of hotels, and where you want your luggage transferred, and we’ll create a custom itinerary that’s perfect for you. We get you started and we’ll be here for you every step of the way. Your vacation, Alpenwild's expertise.

Avoid the crowds

We’ve crafted a route with timing, lunch breaks, and accommodations that avoid the crowds swarming around the huts and cols. You’ll enjoy the TMB in a more peaceful and pristine setting.

True to the Tour du Mont Blanc

Our route is not a hodge-podge of dayhikes or a trudge along overly-trodden trails. It’s true to the mountain and an adventure in the spirit of Saussure’s first walk around the Mont Blanc Massif in 1767 —but with better hotels, food, and a lot more fun!  

Ready to take on the TMB?

We would love to have you join us in the Alps! Let us show you all of our favorite things about the trek and we're sure you'll come to enjoy it as much as we do. You can read more about the specifics of our TMB here .  

Watch this video and be a part of the TMB experience

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7 Best TMB Self Guided Tour Planners – 2024

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Best Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Planners: Your Go-To Guide for Booking the TMB Hiking Adventure

Say goodbye to the stress of planning and hello to the Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided adventure of a lifetime!

Despite being arguably the best trekking trail in Europe , planning the TMB is a real hassle. This is the purpose of a “self-guided planner”.

It’s for people that don’t need or want a human guide walking with them , but get overwhelmed (or don’t have time) to piece together the route, in-sequence individual hut and hotel reservations that are extremely limited during the hiking season.

Author’s TL;DR: No time to read the whole article? Here’s my top recommendation based upon personal experience. But keep scrolling for the entire list if you want to learn more 👎

What You Will Learn

Overall Best TMB Self Guided Tour Planner 👉 Communication

Morgan’s half tmb hike video, 7 best tmb self guided tour planners, guide to tmb self guided planners, faq: self-guided tmb adventure, final verdict, more resources, become a european adventure travel insider in just 5 minutes.

👉 There are even guided tours for those of you that want more local insights (or if the planners are fully booked).

For self-guided planning I love Alpenventures because of the professionalism , communication and never feeling ghosted.

10 Day Tour All Private Rooms

• Relaxed pacing
• Private rooms available except 1 day
• Rest day in Courmayeur possible
• Max distance per day 11.7 miles

What we liked:  The availability of private rooms all but one day is appealing for people that are light sleepers and luggage transportation is possible.

• Exclusive access to tours in a navigation app, even when offline
• Custom eGuidebook containing maps, daily itinerary, accommodation information and more
• Carbon offsetting for your tour (1 metric ton per customer)
• Optional Airport to Airport full service booking
• Booking and logistics assistance during your tour
• All private rooms
• Rest day in Courmayeur
• Communication with experts
• Some short hiking days
• Need a lot of vacation days
• Limited # of guaranteed itineraries

15 Day Itinerary

• Super relaxed pacing
• Experience the FULL range of the TMB accomodations
• Max distance per day 11.1 miles, some as short as 3.9

What we liked:  Shorter days allowing you time to de-compress and really experience the magic of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

• Mix of refuge, hostel, private rooms

5 Day Southern Section

• Only 5 days, good for shorter vacations
• Hike through more remote sections
• Stay in mountain huts and hotels
• Gondolas available to skip long ascents/descents

What we liked:  More rugged and rustic charm with expansive vistas and authentic high elevation passes.

• Shorter time required
• More rugged terrain
• Gondolas available in parts
• Only half the trek
• Mountain huts required for sleeping
• Luggage transport not as easy

However, there are multiple great companies doing this service and it’s a fantastic way to contribute to the “ responsible tourism ” movement by hiring experts in the hut to hut hiking industry.

The costs of the TMB vary depending on the type of experience you want to have (private rooms, number of days, etc). You’ll have to contact each self-guided planner for a bespoke quote based on your needs, but they are generally in a similar price range.

Do some of you have some recommendations? Head over to our facebook group “ Plan Hiking Adventures in Europe ” and share your thoughts so we can keep this list up to date. 🪂 Also, do the paragliding in Chamonix before or after, it’s worth it!

Read until the end where I share a free printable TMB Packing list and a detailed guide to the refuges on the trail.

And final protip: You’ve got to get started early.

Overall Best Company for Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc

The Tour du Mont Blanc hike is the most popular multi-day hiking route in Europe. Think about getting in touch a year in advance of your planned travel.

1. Alpenventures Unguided : Overall Best for English Speakers

Founded by a native-English speaker, Alpenventures Unguided makes the experience fun and seamless with great customer service. Brittany offers trekking, hiking, via ferrata and various bike tours centered in the Alps. I found it really helpful to get on the phone to learn more about the logistics and ended up happily taking my family on a “hiking vacation”.

This firm is great for finding secluded variants (like the one by the La Gorge gondola), private rooms, and providing maps. They have multiple ways to hike the TMB from a short 4 day to 11 days and everything in between. You can also arrange higher levels of “comfort”, i.e. private rooms.

Listen to the founder’s story here .

Book a Self Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Hike Today 👎🏻

“Brittany and her team enabled us to experience a wonderful trip that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. After substantial online research, I realized that reserving refugios and identifying routes in the Dolomites was too complicated on my own, especially on a tight time frame. I’m so glad I came across Alpenventures and felt confident in the offering after a brief call with Brittany. The service she provided from up front assessing route options, to creating the itinerary, to securing all reservations, and then providing super helpful tools (eguidebook and very user-friendly navigation app with detailed turn by turn directions and tips) was top notch. I highly recommend Alpenventures for anyone interested in a trek of a lifetime ;)”

Michelle, Portland OR

2: Cloud 9 Adventure: Overall Runner Up Tour du Mont Blanc Tour Companies

This Chamonix based company came highly recommended to me via a mountain guide from Chamonix. I wanted to try a fastpacking route and he gave me all the details of how to shorten up the route using gondolas and buses to make the itinerary work.

Us Americans only have so much vacation time! We ended up doing only a section, but this company basically gave me everything I needed to know to DIY it without any form of payment. That’s how you build trust!

“Cloud 9 Adventure organized a first TMB for our family of five. Everything was perfect, our guide Lindsay was amazing, the accommodations were wonderful, the food was excellent and the trek length (10 days) and degree of difficulty were perfect for our family – challenging but very enjoyable. Emma at Cloud 9 had worked out all the details and organized a marvelous trip which we will always remember!”

– Nicola

3: Mont Blanc Treks : Best Chamonix Based

This small business based in Chamonix offers both guided and self-guided trekking experiences on the TMB and is one of the best tour du mont blanc companies. With 5 years experience, they’ve shown they are hungry to provide clients with top notch service and support.

They also offer Monte Rosa, Haute Route and Dolomites planning.

“Had a fantastic experience with Mont Blanc Treks. They booked our trip and provided a detailed set of instructions for our self guided trek. The instructions were easy to follow while hiking. The hotels that were booked were excellent, and our rooms in each hotel were very nice with great views. The meals were all very good, including the hotel picnic lunches that were recommended to be ordered for each day’s hike. We felt well taken care of, and had a fantastic time. We also were provided with a packing list that we followed, and there was not a single thing that we packed that we didn’t use, and not a single thing that we thought we were missing. Our trekking instructions provided information about daily distances, elevation gains, elevation losses (descents) and also timing milestones to keep us on track for the day. We felt really well set up for success on the trek. The self guided trekking materials and booked hotels exceeded our expectations.”

Yvonne Brill, CA

4: Alpine Exploratory: Best Scotland Based

Founded in 2005, Alpine exploratory offers both guided and self-guided TMB tours typically taking 11 days to walk with a rest day in Courmayeur. They have fantastic reviews within facebook groups and google and have an excellent reputation as a tmb route planner.

“[Scenery?] “Unbelievably gorgeous! We had clear views for 10 of the 11 days of hiking, and every day was beautiful.

Wonderful dinner followed by impromptu “concert” by the kitchen staff. Beautiful location — at the end of a challenging day of hiking.

We had a fabulous time and appreciate everything Alpine Exploratory did to schedule each day and arrange for our lodging. It was physically challenging, but in a rewarding way. The route is both extraordinarily beautiful and culturally engaging as we walked through three countries. We took the high route options at every turn, which created extra physical challenges but was definitely worth it. Thank you so much for making this a vacation that was strenuous, care-free (with respect to our daily plans and accommodations), and rewarding on so many levels.”

Tremaine Family

5: Macs Adventure : Best German Based

Macs Adventure and Abentuerweg (sister companies) offer a dazzlingly large number of self-guided tours throughout Europe and is best self-guided tour companies in Europe.

The host of the “ Trails Worth Hiking ” podcast raved about the hike and booking process the Macs helped him with to do the tour with family and friends. Listen to the podcast here.

“Really great service provided all the way. Helpful app made navigating the trails easy and the onward delivery of luggage a big plus. All bases and eventualities were covered so that you are free and confident to enjoy the walking, which we did immensely. No hesitation in recommending this company. However, the accommodation in some areas was a little below parr but for the price paid understandable.”

6: The Hiking Club : Best Price & Most Modern TMB Planner

A newcomer on the TMB planning scene, the Hiking Club actually offers a very reasonable price to get you the details you need to do your own tour du mont blanc self guided tour.

They offer free online classes about the whole process, have a stunning website, a noteworthy newsletter with all kinds of hiking and trail tips.

My local German hiking facebook group highly recommended their “Haute Route” self guided tour, but their TMB tour is equally as impressive. They really break down the trails for you so there is no guesswork.

The hiking club does not call to book your huts for you though. So if you’re looking for more high touch, you may consider more comprehensive services like Alpenventures.

They do offer 1-on-1 consultations via phone for those who have more specific or bespoke hikes they are considering.

“The value for the price was outstanding. I am so grateful for the information and resources that were shared. The planning portal was informative and easy to use, and the GPS map was very helpful in planning and pacing my days on the trail. The hiking club is the perfect option for hikers who want to hike the Alps on their own, but take a lot of the guess work out of planning.”

7: Salamander : Most Experienced but Least Choice

With 30 years of booking the TMB for English speaking clients, Salamander has a great reputation as shown by their almost 200 reviews. They rank lower on the list however as they only have one version of the TMB hike – – 11 days. For a self guided tour du mont blanc that is traditional, you’ll love it.

“Tour du Mont Blanc This is a great trek which I would recommend to anyone. The hotels varied in quality but the most welcoming and helpful was the Hotel Astoria in La Palud. We even elected to stay there a further night!”a

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a popular hiking trail that takes you through three countries, offering stunning views of the Alps.

Planning a self-guided tour of the TMB can be challenging, but with the right tools and knowledge, you can make your trip a success.

Is it more expensive than camping or individually booking your own trip? Yes. Is it worth it? Depends on how much you love spreadsheets and conversing via email in multiple languages.

I’ve planned and friend’s and family 5 day TMB hike. And I can confidently say that next time I’ll pay a service to avoid the headache.

My list of recommended self-guided tour planners can help you with:

• accommodating groups from 1 -20 people
• taking care of all your planning needs
• arranging higher levels of comfort (i.e. private rooms)
• luggage transfer
• luggage storage
• route management
• recommending tour du mont blanc hike shortcuts

You just go and hike your hike and leave the logistics up to the agency.

TMB Refuges

There are limited spaces at high elevation mountain huts so planning is essential. Generally plan 1 year in advance.

There are some serious chokepoints in planning. Meaning the bed book up quicky and there’s not many options. If you cannot get the particular hut you’ve got a really long hike around or you’ll need to dip down into a valley village hotel.

Chokepoints:

• Rifugio Bonatti
• Croix du Bonhomme
• Refuge Mottets
• Col de la Forclaz
• Auberge la Boerne
• Refuge la Flegere
• Refuge du Lac Blanc

Learn About ➡️ Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation

More tmb resources.

• The Tour du Mont Blanc Hike vs the Alta Via 1
• Camping Guide to the Tour Du Mont Blanc Hike
• Can you bring trekking poles on the plane ? Watch video here .

Here are some essential tips and considerations for TMB self-guided tour planners:

1. Choose the Right Time of Year:

The TMB is open from June to September, but the best time to hike the trail is from mid-July to mid-September. During this time, the weather is generally good, and the trails are well-maintained. Often you will have to select from a pre-planned period of time where slots are available.

2. They Will Plan Your Route and Send You GPS Routes:

The TMB is a circular trail that spans 170 km and takes around 10-12 days to complete. Study your route carefully, taking into account the distance, elevation gain, and terrain of each day’s hike. Some services use hiking apps like Komoot or AllTrails to plan your route and track your progress. Some companies will send you paper maps as well.

3. They Will Book Your Accommodation:

Accommodation along the TMB can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. You’ll stay at a combination of mountain huts, hotels or airbnb in the valleys or camping.

4. They Should Send you a Packing List:

👉 Read my Full TMB Packing List Post

When hiking the TMB, it’s essential to pack light and bring only the essentials. Consider the weather conditions and pack accordingly. Don’t forget to pack a map, a compass, and a first-aid kit. You can download my free TMB packing list below.

5. Luggage Transfer:

If you’re bringing extra luggage besides your hiking backpack, a tour company can plan to arrange for your luggage to be stored during the duration of your hike, or they can have a mule transport it. Some refuges are not possible to have luggage transport due to their location.

I recommend to ditch the extra luggage and just wash out your clothes each night. Save the mules! Or give the mules business it’s up to you.

6. Tour du Mont Blanc Costs:

Each company will have varying levels of service, types and durations of trips, and customer experience.

Read my guide to the typical costs of the TMB broken down by expense and how hard is the Tour du Mont Blanc hike .

While I wouldn’t recommend hikers actually climb Mont Blanc , hiking around it is pretty amazing.

Alpenventures Unguided

What we liked: Tour du Mont Blanc Hike

This firm is great for finding secluded variants (like the one by the La Gorge gondola), private rooms, and providing maps. 

• Book 4-11 day trips
• Get GPS routes, written directions
• Arrange higher "comfort" levels (i.e. private rooms)
• Luggage transportation

Note:  It's a good idea to book in September of year previous to hike.

Discover gear that elevates your outdoor adventures. As a physical therapist, I’ve curated product comparisons to enhance safety and enjoyment, perfect for beginners or those with weary knees.

Physical Therapist Curated Gear Guides for Hikers & Skiers

• 🧎 Make your knees feel better while hiking and walking: Best Knee Braces for Hiking
• 🌳Make the downhills stop hurting and hike with more confidence Best Trekking Poles Review
• ⌚ Never get lost on the trail and navigate the wilderness safely with My Review of the Best GPS Watches for Hiking
• ❄️ Go hiking on uneven terrain safely: The Best Hiking Boots with Ankle Support
• Don’t get lost in the backcountry with : My Review of the Best 2 Way Radios for the Mountains

✨Unlock Europe’s best-kept secrets with our free bi-weekly newsletter.

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.

TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOURS

Very limited availability for the 6 & 7 day tour. must be a group of 1 or 2 people and have flexibilty with dates. 10-day tour sold out, tour du mont blanc self-guided hiking tours for 2024, tour du mont blanc self-guided hiking tour overview.

The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek (TMB) is one of the best long-distance hikes in the world!  This classic well-signed 170 km (105.633 miles) long hike takes you around the glacier-covered Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. You’ll hike through the pristine alpine regions of France, Italy, and Switzerland. You’ll climb dramatic mountain passes, hike through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, and pass pristine mountain lakes.

Your efforts will be rewarded each day with delectable local cuisine from each country shared in the company of fellow TMB hikers.

Our Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided tours give you the freedom to hike on your own. But without the time-consuming hassles of booking accommodation in three different languages, planning your route, or trying to look up bus schedules. You also get peace of mind, knowing if something goes wrong on the trail, we’re only a phone call away.

We can also arrange guided tours on request if you already have a small group of hikers and would like the expertise of a local mountain guide. 

Our 10-day tour is sold out. VERY limited availability for the 6 and 7-day tours. Please only book if you can provide at least 3 different alternative start dates and are a group of 2 or less.  

For the 7-day tour only dormitory accommodation with a slightly different itinerary and a few pre-booked dates are available. Contact us for the dates. Going fast! 

 2) provide us with a few different possible start dates.

RESERVE YOUR TMB SELF-GUIDED TOUR NOW

HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR

✔ Hike in 3 countries – France, Italy, and Switzerland.

✔ Be wowed by the incredible views of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe, from all sides.

✔ Hike one of the most iconic long-distance trekking trails in the world.

✔ Pass through charming mountain villages in the French, Italian and Swiss Alps.

✔ Eat delicious meals with a regional flair from each country.

✔ Hike dramatic mountain passes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and gorgeous alpine lakes.

✔ Choose to stay in mountain huts/mountain refuges on the trail or hotel/ B&Bs in nearby villages.

✔ Add an epic guided Mont Blanc glacier tour or Chamonix Via Ferrata to your adventure

COMPARE: 6, 7 and 10-DAY SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Not sure which tour du mont blanc self-guided hiking tour is right for you, check out our comparison chart below to help you find your perfect tour..

Our 10-day tour is sold out. VERY limited availability for the 6 and 7- day tours. Please only book if you can provide at least 3 different alternative start dates and are a group of 2 or less.  

6-DAY TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED LUXURY TOUR INFO

Our luxury tour is the most luxurious offer we have for the TMB. It’s an excellent choice if you prefer more creature comforts. After hiking, you’ll stay in 3-star accommodations for three nights and have your own private bathroom, and in 2-star accommodations for two nights.

Your 6-day luxury Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided tour starts in Les Houches and finishes in Chamonix. You’ll hike the most scenic parts of the trail for a total of ~ 76 km (47 miles) and skip the less beautiful parts via transfers (buses, lifts, cable cars or private taxis).

Our 6-day luxury self-guided tour is an excellent choice if you want more comfortable accommodation, are new to long-distance trekking, or are short on time. Or simply want to spend a few days eating croissants at cafes in Paris (no judgment here).

You’ll hike ~4 – 6 hours each day w/ 500 m (1640 ft) – 1300 m (4265 ft) of elevation gain. Our Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided tour includes a detailed route description, walking times and a map. We’ll also provide you with a contact number should any emergencies arise during your trip.

Our TMB self-guided trek allows you to experience the freedom of independent hiking without all the headaches of organizing the logistics.

VERY limited availability for the 6-day tour. Please only book if you can provide at least 3 different alternative start dates and are a group of 2 or less.  

Day 1: Les Houches – Bellevue – Col du Tricot – The Les Contamines

Your tour starts at the lift in Les Houches, which you’ll take up to Bellevue (1780 m (5840 ft)).

You’re now at the foot of the route of the regular route to the summit of Mont Blanc and at the starting point of your incredible trek!

Your hike starts with a beautiful crossing that takes you under the glacier of Bionnassay. Then, you’ll climb the alpine pastures to the Col de Tricot (2120 m (6955 ft)). Reward your efforts so far by taking in the panorama of the Contamines-Montjoie Valley before descending a steep path on the rustic chalets of Miage (1559 m (5115 ft)). Finally, you’ll go around Mount Truc (1811 m (5942 ft)) to reach the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, where you’ll spend the night.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 600 m (1968 ft) ascent, 1200 m (3937 ft) descent, ~ 11 km (6.84 miles).
• Transfers: Lift from Les Houches to Bellvue (2 km (1.24 miles), Cost: €14.30 pp, 10 minutes). If you wish to hike this section and skip the transfer, it’s 4.5 km (2.8 miles), 797 m (2618 ft) ascent and takes ~1.5 hours.
• N.B.: it is possible to shorten this stage by removing the climb to Col du Tricot. You’ll find info on the alternative route in your Travel Pack.

Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge – Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme – Les Chapieux – Bourg St. Maurice

You’ll start the day with a short transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m (3970 ft)) and an optional visit to the famous Baroque church. Then, it’s a progressive hike up to Bonhomme Pass (2329 m (7641 ft)) between the Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain mountain ranges. You continue going up until you reach Col du Bonhomme (2433 m (7690 ft), where a beautiful panorama of Mont-Pourri (3779 m (12398 ft)) is the reward for your efforts.

Then, you’ll hike down through an alpine pasture that leads you to the hamlet of Chapieux. From there, you’ll take a private taxi (included in the price) to your accommodation in Bourg St Maurice.

• Hiking Time: 6 hours, 1300 m (4265 ft) ascent, 950 m (3117 ft) descent, ~ 15 km (9.32 miles).
• Transfer 1: Notre Dame de la Gorge: 3.6 km (2.24 miles).
• Transfer 2: Bourg Saint Maurice 15 km (9.32 miles) (transfer to your accommodation in the village). You’ll do the same transfer the next morning to start hiking again.

Day 3: Bourg Saint Maurice – Col de la Seigne – Val Veny – Courmayeur

You’ll start the day with a private transfer (included in the price) to la Ville des Glaciers (1800 m (5906 ft)) and start hiking from there. But first, you may want to start with a visit to the cheese farm to discover how the famous Beaufort cheese is made. Then, you’ll hike up to an alpine pasture to La Seigne Pass (2516 m (8255 ft)).

You’ve now reached the Italian border. It’s a stunning viewpoint with views of legendary summits like Mont-Blanc of Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey, and Grandes Jorasses. They all seem so close!

Then, you’ll hike down to the Val Veny at the end of the Miage Glacier. It’s a short transfer by local bus to Courmayeur (1226 m (4022 ft)), the capital of the Italian Alps, where you’ll be spending the night.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 750 m (2460 ft) ascent, 900 m (2953 ft) descent, ~ 13.5 km (8.39 miles).
• Transfer 1: Bourg Saint Maurice – La Ville des Glaciers: 19 km (11.81 miles).
• Transfer 2: To Courmayeur: 7 km (4.35 miles).

Day 4: Courmayeur – Grand Col Ferret – Ferret or La Fouly – Champex

Courmayeur to the end of the Val Ferret. You’ll begin the hike at the end of the Pré-de-Bar Glacier and Mont Dolent (3823 m (12543 ft)) and hike until you reach Elena Hut (2052 m (6732 ft)).

Then, you’ll continue hiking in the direction of the Grand Ferret Pass (2 57 m (843 ft)), the border pass between Italy and Switzerland. Take one last look at the Val Ferret before you hike down through the picturesque Swiss mountain pasture to reach the hamlet of Ferret (1 740 m (5709 ft)). Then you’ll take a short transfer on a local bus to the village of Champex and its charming lake where you can cool off with a swim.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 800 m (2625 ft) ascent, 850 m (2789 ft) descent, ~ 12 km (7.47 miles).
• Transfer 1: To Arnuvaz: 13 km (8.08 miles).
• Transfer 2: To Champex: 19 km (11.81 miles).

Day 5: Champex to l’Argentière

From Champex, you’re going to discover the famous Swiss mountain pastures and the cows that produce some of the most famous cheese in the Alps! From Bovines, the view of the valley of the Rhônes and of the Swiss Valais is amazing.

There’s also an option for a longer and harder hike to the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2665 m (8743 ft)), a splendid pass that’s one of the highlights of the trip. Note: this option should only be done in good weather conditions. Your hike finishes in the village of Trient (1280 m (4199 ft)). From there, you’ll take a private transfer to l’Argentière. You’re now back in France.

• Hiking Time: Bovines Route: 5:30 hours, 700 m (2296 ft) ascent, 800 m (2625 ft) descent OR Arpette Window: 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent, 1400 m (4593 ft) descent, ~ 14 km (8.7 miles).
• Transfers To l’Argentière: 15 km (9.32 miles) or 10 km (6.21 miles) by foot.

Day 6: l’Argentière – Tré-le-Champ – lacs Chéserys – Lac Blanc – La Flégère – Chamonix

You’re in for a treat on your final day. This hike in the Aiguilles-Rouges Massif in front of Mont Blanc provides spectacular viewpoints of glaciers and summits. From Montets Pass (1461 m (4793 ft)), you’ll follow a balcony trail to Chéserys Lake. It’s famous for its reflection of Mont Blanc!

You’ll continue to the beautiful Blanc Lake (2352 m (7717 ft)), then hike down to La Flégère (1877 m (6158 ft)). You can either take the Lift Les Praz de Chamonix or hike down to Chamonix. It’s your choice. Your hike finishes at the train station in Chamonix.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 950 m (3117 ft) ascend, 650 m (2133 ft) descent, ~ 10 / 11 km (6.21/6.84 miles).
• Transfers: Argentière – Col des montets (10 min, 3 km (1.86 miles)), Lift of la flégère (cable car) 30 min, Bus Praz de Chamonix to Chamonix (5min, 3 km (1.86 miles)).

COST OF THE 6-DAY LUXURY TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED TOUR:

€1679 Single supplement of €860 pp since accommodations charge for a double room and most don’t have single rooms.

30% is due at the time of booking. You can see the booking terms and conditions here .

We’re proud to partner with THE best local hiking company, Nuyama, located in Chamonix, France, to bring you an incredible TMB trip.

They’ll answer all your questions and you’ll book your trip with them, through their secure booking system and they’ll handle all your tour logistics, trip details, and even meet with you in Chamonix for an in-person briefing before the start of your tour!

You’ll have locals and some of the most knowledgeable people about the TMB on the ground planning your epic tour. This ensures that more of your money benefits the local community where you’ll be hiking. But of course, I’m here to help if you need anything. 

Optional Extras: Take a rest day in Courmayeur (~ 1/2 way) (€115 per person, minimum two people) to recover or do our epic 1/2 day guided Mont Blanc Glacier Tour .

And for a truly epic finish to your Tour du Mont Blanc Hike, do one of our Mont Blanc Glacier Tours , or check out our guided Via Ferrata near Chamonix, which combines hiking and rock climbing for an adrenaline-packed adventure under the supervision of a guide so you’ll be safe.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✔ 5 nights of accommodation (3 nights in three-star accommodation with a private bathroom and 2 nights in two-star superior accommodation with a shared bathroom) ✔ 5 breakfasts and 2 dinners (dinner in Bourg St Maurice,  Courmayeur and Argentière are not included). Restaurants nearby. Luggage transfer (limit one bag per person 15 kg/33 lbs) ✔ Transfer to and from Bourg St Maurice on days 2 and 3 and from Trient to Argentière on day 5 ✔ In-person pre-tour briefing in Chamonix for Mon-Sat departures ✔ Detailed route description, walking times, and map ✔ Unlimited email support pre-tour Tour du Mont Blanc Toolkit (useful resource) ✔ 24/7 phone support while on your tour in case of emergency

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

• Travel insurance that covers you for this tour and includes pandemic, emergency evacuation and hospital care in the unlikely incident that you get injured. HeyMondo insurance covers this, which is why we recommend it. Plus, you’ll get a 5% discount for being a Monkeys and Mountains reader.
• Transfers, ~ €70 pp. We provide you with the information, but they’re not included in the price except for the transfers to Bourg St Maurice, as indicated above. If you book the tour in June or September, you may have to take a taxi, which is more expensive than public transportation.
• Dinner on days 2, 3 and 5 in Bourg St Maurice Courmayeur and l’Argentière, but there are restaurants nearby.
• Lunches – but they can be ordered for the next day at mountain huts or hotels for an additional fee.
• Snacks and personal items.
• Accommodation on the last day of your trip.
• Optional rest day in Courmayeur. Stay at a B&B for an additional cost of €115 per person. It does not include dinner, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby.
• Anything not indicated above.

Note: All times, distances and elevations are approximate. The route may vary slightly depending on whether you’ve chosen dormitory or private accommodation in a and on availability.

On some sections, you have a choice of an easier or more difficult route. You’ll find all this information in your Travel Pack that you’ll receive before your tour. The times indicated above don’t include breaks. Allow more time than you think you’ll need.

Please carefully check the difference in elevation gains and times to make sure you have the ability to do this tour. It’s not technical, but it does require a good degree of fitness.

In June and into July, there will still be snow in some sections and again in September, so please ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in the snow if you book your tour at these times.

Contact us before booking if you have any doubts or questions. 

  RESERVE YOUR TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED TOUR NOW

7-DAY TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED TOUR INFO

For the 7-day tour only dormitory accommodation with a slightly different itinerary . Please only book if you can provide at least 3 different alternative start dates and are a group of 2 or less.  

The best of the Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided hiking tour starts in Les Houches and finishes in Chamonix. You’ll hike the most scenic parts of the trail and skip the less beautiful parts via transfers for a total of ~ 92 km (57 miles).

This is the second easiest of our TMB hiking tours. The easiest is the 6-day tour, but only because it’s one day shorter.

Our 7-day self-guided tour is an excellent choice if you’re new to long-distance trekking, are short on time, or simply want to spend a few days eating croissants at cafes in Paris (no judgment here).

You’ll hike ~4 to 6 hours each day w/ 500 m (1640 ft) – 1300 m (4265 ft) of elevation gain. Our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided tour includes a detailed route description, walking times and a map.

Plus, you get an in-person briefing in Chamonix to ask any last-minute questions you have and to get the latest trail updates.

This allows you to experience the freedom of independent hiking without all the headaches of organizing the logistics.

Your 7-day Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided tour starts at the lift in Les Houches, which you’ll take up to Bellevue (1780 m (5840 ft)).

You’re now at the foot of the route of the regular route to the summit of the Mont-Blanc and at the starting point of your incredible trek!

Your hike starts with a beautiful crossing that takes you under the glacier of Bionnassay. Then, you’ll climb the alpine pastures to the Col du Tricot (2120 m (6955 ft)).

Reward your efforts so far by taking in the panorama of the Contamines-Montjoie Valley before descending a steep path on the rustic chalets of Miage (1559 m (5115 ft)). Finally, you’ll go around Mount Truc (1811 m (5942 ft)) to reach the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, where you’ll spend the night.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 600 m ascent, 1200 m descent, ~ 11 km (6.84 miles).
• Transfers: Lift from Les Houches to Bellvue (2 km (1.24 miles), Cost: €14.30 pp, 10 minutes). If you wish to hike this section and skip the transfer, it’s 4.5 km (2.8 miles), 797 m ascent and takes ~1.5 hours.
• N.B.: it is possible to shorten this stage by removing the climb to Col du Tricot. You’ll find info on the alternate route in your Travel Pack.

Day 2: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge – Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme – Bourg-Saint-Maurice

You’ll start the second morning with a short transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m (3970 ft)) and a visit to a famous baroque church. The progressive climb to the pass of Bonhomme (2329 m (7641 ft)) gives you a superb view of the Mont Blanc massif.

The climb continues to the Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme (2433 m (7982 ft)), and a magnificent panorama on Mount Pourri (3779 m (12398 ft)) rewards your efforts.

Then you’ll descend into alpine pastures in the hamlet of Les Chapieux (1549 m (5082 ft)) and from there, take a transfer to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where you’ll spend the night.  

• Transfers: * Bus (3.7 km (2.3 miles), optional).

Day 3: Les Chapieux – Col de la Seigne – Val Veny – Courmayeur

You’ll make your way to the Ville des Glaciers (1800 m (5906 ft)), where you’ll want to stop at a farm to discover the production of the famed Beaufort cheese and naturally stock up. Then you’ll climb in the beautiful alpine pastures of the Col de la Seigne (2516 m (8255 ft)) to the Italian border. From this point of view, the slopes of the Mont Blanc massif are splendid!

Then you’ll descend into the Valle Veny at the foot of the Miage Glacier and its pastoral lake, where you’ll find unique alpine flora. You’ll cap off the day with a short transfer to the bottom of the Val Ferret (2052 m (6732 ft)).

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 750 m (2461 ft) ascent, 900 m (2953 ft) descent ~ 13.5 km (8.08 miles).

Day 4: Courmayeur – Grand Col Ferret – Champex

This shorter day is an opportunity to let your weary muscles recover. After an unforgettable night at the foot of the Pre-de-Bar suspended glacier and the Dolent mountain (3823 m (12543 ft)), you’ll drive in the direction of the Ferret Pass 2537 m  or (8323 ft), the border between Italy and Switzerland.

Take a last look at the Italian Val Ferret as you climb mountain pastures to reach the hamlet of La Fouly. You’ll take a bus to the village of Champex and its charming little lake. Are you ready for a refreshing dip?

• Hiking Time: 4 hours, 500 m (1640 ft) ascent, 900 m (2953 ft) descent for dormitory accommodation OR 4:30 hours, 800 m (2625 ft) ascent, 850 descent for private accommodation, ~ 12.5 km (7.77 miles).
• Transfers: Bus from Courmayeur to Arnouvaz in the morning (13 km (8.08 miles)) and then from La Fouly to Champex (19 km (11.8 miles)).
• Note: it’s possible to extend this step by hiking to the village of La Fouly.

Day 5: Champex – Les Bovines (option: fenêtre d’Arpette (Arpette Window) – Trient

If you have stayed in La Fouly, take a bus to the village of Chamex and its charming little lake

You’ve been discovering the Swiss mountain pastures and their cows that produce some of the most renowned cheeses from the Alps, so it should come as no surprise that the regular route is called the Bovine Route.

It offers fantastic views of the Rhone Valley and the Valais Mountains. We highly recommend this route in the early season and when the weather is bad.

If you’re seeking more of a challenge, Arpette Window (2665 m (8743 ft)) is a more technical route. You should only take this route in good weather and when there’s no snow. The day ends at the village of Trient (1280 m (4199 ft)).

• Hiking Time: Bovines Route: 5:30 hours, 700 m (2297 ft) ascent, 800 m (2625 ft) descent OR Arpette Window: 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent, 1400 m (4593 ft) descent, ~ 14 km (8.7 miles)

Day 6: Trient – Col de La Balme – Le Tour – Montroc – Tré-le-Champ (Dormitory) or Argentière (Private)

From Trient, you’ll head back to the French border, the Col de Balme (2191 m (7188 ft)). Here you get a fantastic view of Chamonix Valley and one of the most beautiful panoramas on the summit of Mont Blanc, the Sea of Ice and the glacier of Argentiere!

You have the option of descending by foot or taking the lift (1453 m (4767 ft)). Then walk to Montroc (1370 m (4495 ft)) and Tré-le-Champ.

• Hiking Time: Dormitory accommodation: 5 hours, 900 m (2953 ft) ascent, 750 m (2461 ft) descent, ~ 10 km (6.21 miles). Private accommodation: 5:30 hours to the hotel in Argentière. It is possible to take a lift down Col de Balme and a bus from Le Tour to Argentière (for private accommodation only).

Day 7: Tré-le-Champ (Dormitory) or Argentière (Private) – lacs Chéserys – Lac Blanc – La Flégère – Chamonix

This is one of the best days of the Mont-Blanc massif. The trail takes you across Les Aiguilles Rouges (a nature reserve) in front of the glaciers and the great summits of the Mont-Blanc range; Aiguille Verte, Mer de Glace, north face of Grandes Jorasses, and of course Mont-Blanc itself.

• Hiking Time: 5 hours, 950 m (3117 ft) ascend, 650 m (2133 ft) descent, ~ 11 km (6.84 miles).

Congratulations! You’ve now completed the Tour du Mont Blanc!

Cost of the 7-day tour du mont blanc self-guided tour and inclusions.

Both options include 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners. For dormitory-style accommodation, we include 1 night in a private room in Courmayeur at no extra cost.

€1119 per person for dormitory-style accommodation Please only book if you can provide at least 3 different alternative start dates and are a group of 2 or less.  

€1499 for private double accommodation (mixture of mountain refuges/guest houses/hotels), a combination of both on the trail and in nearby villages, depending on availability SOLD OUT

For dormitory-style accommodation, we include one night in a private room in Courmayeur at no extra cost.

A single supplement will be charged if you choose private double accommodation since accommodations charge for a double room, and most don’t have single rooms. This is calculated at the checkout.

And for a truly epic finish to your Tour du Mont Blanc, do one of our Mont Blanc Glacier Tours , or check out our guided Via Ferrata near Chamonix, which combines hiking and rock climbing for an adrenaline-packed adventure under the supervision of a guide so you’ll be safe.

✔ 6 nights accommodation in either dormitory-style or in private double rooms ✔6 breakfasts and 5 dinners (dormitory) and 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners (private double accommodation). Restaurants nearby ✔1 night in private accommodation in Courmayeur (for dormitory bookings) ✔In-person pre-tour briefing in Chamonix for Mon-Sat departures ✔Detailed route description, walking times, and map ✔Unlimited email support pre-tour ✔Tour du Mont Blanc Toolkit (useful resource) ✔24/7 phone support while on your tour in case of emergency

• Transfers. This tour requires transfers as indicated above (lifts, shuttle buses or taxis). We provide you with the information, but they’re not included in the price. Plan ~€50 per person, but it will likely be €20 – 30. Note: some of the lifts and buses only run in July and August. If you book the tour in June or September, you may have to take a private taxi, which is more expensive than public transportation.
• Dinner on day 3, and dinner on day 6 for the private double accommodations) but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby.
• Luggage transfer is available. We transport your luggage each day, and it will be taken to your next accommodation. Bag transfers are limited to one case/bag per person weighing up to 15 kg (33lbs) per bag. It costs €225 for the 7-day tour. Insider TMB Tip: If you’re a group of 2 people, you can save € by just having one bag transported.
• Optional rest day in Courmayeur. Stay at a B&B for an additional cost of €115 per person (this doesn’t include dinner, but there are plenty of restaurants to choose from nearby).

Note: All times, distances and elevations are approximate. The route may vary slightly depending on whether you’ve chosen dormitory or private accommodation and on availability. On some sections, you have a choice of an easier or more difficult route.

You’ll find all this information in your Travel Pack that you’ll receive before your tour. The times indicated above don’t include breaks. Allow more time than you think you’ll need. 

In June and into July, there will still be snow in some sections and again in September, so please ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in snow if you book your tour at these times.

10-DAY TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED TOUR INFO

Our 10-day tour is sold out for 2024!

Your 10-day Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided tour starts in Chamonix and finishes in Chamonix. It’s more challenging than the 6 and 7-day trips as you’re hiking more, ~130 km (81 miles) and taking fewer transfers.

It’s an excellent choice if you’re seeking a challenge but at a more relaxed pace. Several transfers are required. You’ll hike ~5 to 6 hours most days w/ 400 m (1312 ft) – 1050 m (3445 ft) of elevation gain each day. Our self-guided tour includes a detailed route description, walking times, a map and all your accommodation.

This allows you to experience the freedom of independent hiking without the time-consuming headaches of organizing the logistics.

Day 1: Chamonix – Brevent – Les Houches

Your tour starts in Chamonix with a lift. You’re now at the foot of the route of the regular route to the summit of the Mont-Blanc and at the starting point of your incredible trek!

You’ll hike to Brevent Pass and Brevent Summit (2525 m (8284 ft)). Here you’ll get amazing views of Mont Blanc and its glaciers. Then you’ll hike down to Bellachat Hut, where you take a break before climbing up to Aiguillette des Houches, then descending down to Houches.

• Hiking Time: 6 hours, 600 m (1969 ft) ascent, 1670 m (5479 ft) descent, ~ 6 km (3.73 miles).
• Transfers: Gondola lift from Chamonix to Plan Praz (2000 m (6562 ft)). (Cost: €24.50 pp).

Day 2: Les Houches – Les Contamines Monjoie

You’ll start the day by taking a lift from Les Houches to Bellvue. Here you’ll start hiking at a beautiful crossing that takes you under the glacier of Bionnassay from a Nepali hanging bridge.

Then, you’ll climb the alpine pastures to the Col du Tricot (2120 m (6955 ft)). Reward your efforts so far by taking in the panorama of the Contamines-Montjoie Valley – you’re really doing this – before descending a steep path on the rustic chalets of Miage (1559 m (5115 ft)).

Finally, you’ll go around Mount Truc (1811 m (5942 ft)) to reach the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, where you’ll spend the night.

• Hiking Time: 5- 6 hours, 600 m (1969 ft) ascent, 1200 m (3937 ft) descent.
• Transfers: Lift from Les Houches to Bellvue (2 km (1.24 miles), Cost: €14.30 pp, 10 minutes). For hikers wishing to hike this section and skip the transfer, it’s 4.5 km (2.8 miles), 797 m (2615 ft) ascent and takes ~1.5 hours.

Day 3: Les Contamines-Montjoie – Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme – Les Chapieux – Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Today is a long day, but you’ll get great views. You’ll start the day with a short transfer to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m (3970 ft)), where you have the option of visiting a famous Baroque church.

Then it’s a progressive hike up to Bonhomme Pass (2329 m (7641 ft)) between the Mont-Blanc and Beaufortain massifs. The trail continues up to Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass (2433 m (7982 ft)), where the beautiful panorama of Mont Pourri (3779 m (12398 ft)) awaits. The descent leads you through an alpine pasture to the hamlet of Chapieux.

• Hiking Time: 7 hours, 1300 m (4265 ft) ascent, 950 m (3117 ft) descent.

Day 4: Bourg-Saint-Maurice – Les Chapieux or La Ville des Glaciers – Col de la Seigne – Val Veny – Courmayeur

You’ll start hiking at the Ville des Glaciers (1800 m (5906 ft)), where you can visit a cheese farm to discover the famed Beaufort cheese for yourself. That’s one of the great things about hiking, you get to reward yourself with treats like yummy cheese!

Then you’ll hike up to the alpine pasture to La Seigne Pass (2516 m (8255 ft)) to reach the Italian border for an amazing view of legendary Mont Blanc summits like Mont-Blanc of Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey, and Grandes Jorasses. Then you’ll hike down in the Val Veny to the end of Miage Glacier before taking a short transfer to Courmayeur (1226 m (4022 ft)), the adventure capital of the Italian Alps.

• Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours, 750 m (2461 ft) ascent, 860 m (2822 ft) descent, ~ 15 km (10.56 miles) + 5 km (3.1 miles) if the lift (optional) is closed in June and September.

Day 5: Courmayeur – Refuge Bertone – Mont de la Saxe – Courmayeur

Walk up to the Bertone Hut (2000 m (6562 ft)) to discover one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Tour du Mont Blanc on the famous Grandes Jorasses. The balcony path leads you near the Bonatti Hut (2025 m (6644 ft)). You can take a short detour there if you want to stop there.

After your hike, you’ll go down to Val Ferret and take a local bus to Courmayeur, where you’ll spend the night.

• Hiking Time: 6 hours, 1000 m (3281 ft) ascent, 590 m (1936 ft) descent, ~ 14 km (8.7 miles).

Day 6: Courmayeur – Arnouva – Grand Col Ferret – La Fouly

In the morning, before your hike, you’ll take a local bus to the end of the Val Ferret, to Arnouva. From Arnouva, you’ll start hiking up to the Grand Col Ferret Pass (2537 m (8323 ft)) to enter Switzerland. You’ll finish off with a walk down to the hamlet of La Fouly.

• Hiking Time: 5 -6 hours, 820 m (2691 ft) ascent, 990 m (3248 ft) descent, ~ 15 km (9.3 miles).

Day 7: La Fouly – Val Ferret Suisse – Champex

This short day gives you time to rest near the lake of Champex. From La Fouly, an easy walk leads you to the village of Praz le Fort. (1151 m (3776 ft)). The path follows the river of Ferret to the hamlet of Issert. Then you’ll hike up to the beautiful lake of Champex (1477 m (4846 ft)). Ready for a refreshing dip?

Hiking Time: 3 hours, 400 m (1312 ft) ascent, 100 m (328 ft) descent, ~ 14 (8.7) to 15 km (9.32 miles).

Day 8: Champex – Arpette window (optional: The Bovines) – Trient a Fouly – Val Ferret Suisse – Champex

You’ve been discovering Swiss mountain pastures famous for the cows that produce some of the best cheeses in the Alps. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the regular way is called the Bovine Route. It offers fantastic views of the Rhone Valley and the Valais Mountains. We highly recommend this option in the early season and in inclement weather. If you’re seeking more of a challenge, Arpette Window (2665 m (8743 ft)) is a more technical route. You should only take this way in good weather and when there’s no snow. The day ends at the village of Trient (1280 m (4199 ft)). Hiking Time: 5:30 – 6:00 hours, 700 m (2297 ft) ascent, 800 m (2624 ft) descent (The Bovines route) OR 8 hours, 1200 m (3937 ft) ascent, 1400 m (4593 ft) descent (Arpette Window), ~ 14 (8.7) to 15 km (9.32 miles).

Day 9: Trient – Col de La Balme – Argentière

From Trient, you’ll hike up to the French border at the Balme Pass (2191 m (7188 ft)). Here you’ll get one of the best panoramas of Mont Blanc Summit and Chamonix Valley. Then you’ll either hike down to Le Tour (1453 m (4767 ft)) or take a lift, your choice. You’re almost there; it’s just a bit further to reach Montroc (1370 m (4495 ft)) and the village of Argentière. Hiking Time: 5 hours, 900 m (2953 ft) ascent, 750 m (2461 ft) descent, 15 km (9.32 miles) (dormitory). 5:30 hours to the hotel in Argentière (private accommodation). It’s possible to take a lift down Col de Balme and a bus from Le Tour to Argentière (private accommodation only).

Day 10: Argentière – Chèserys Lake – Lake Blanc – Chamonix

You’re in for a real treat on your last day. This hike in the massif of the Aiguilles-Rouges is n front of the Mont Blanc Summit. It offers a spectacular view of glaciers and summits. From the Montets pass (1461 m (4793 ft)), you follow a balcony trail to Chéserys Lake, which reflects the most famous mountain in the Alps! You’ll continue to the beautiful Lake Blanc (2352 m (7717 ft)). Then you’ll hike down to La Flégère (1877 m (6158 ft)) to reach the Lift Les Praz de Chamonix.

Hiking Time: 5 hours, 950 m (3117 ft) ascent, 650 m (2133 ft) descent, ~ 10 (6.21) to 11 km (6.84 miles).

Congratulations, you’ve now completed the epic Tour du Mont Blanc! You’ve earned your bragging rights.

Cost of the 10-day tour du mont blanc self-guided tour and inclusions.

Includes ten breakfasts and eight dinners. For dormitory-style accommodation, we include 1 night in a private room in Courmayeur at no extra cost.

€1539 per person for dormitory-style accommodation SOLD OUT!

€1929 per person for private double accommodation (mountain refuges/guest houses/hotels), a combination of both on the trail and in nearby villages, depending on availability. SOLD OUT!

For dormitory-style accommodation, we include 1 night in a private room in Courmayeur at no extra cost.

✔ 9 nights accommodation in either dormitory-style or in private double rooms ✔ 9 breakfasts and 8 dinners (not included in Courmayeur) (dormitory) and 9 breakfasts and 7 dinners (private double accommodation). Restaurants are nearby. ✔ 1 night in private accommodation in Courmayeur (for dormitory bookings) ✔ In-person pre-tour briefing in Chamonix for Mon-Sat departures ✔ Detailed route description, walking times, and map ✔ Unlimited email support pre-tour ✔ Tour du Mont Blanc Toolkit (useful resource) ✔ 24/7 phone support while on your tour in case of emergency

• Transfers. This tour requires transfers as indicated above (lifts, buses or taxis). We provide you with the information, but they’re not included in the price. Plan ~ €50 per person, but it will likely be €20 – 30. Note: some of the lifts and buses only run in July and August. If you book the tour in June or September, you may have to take a taxi, which is more expensive than public transportation.
• Dinner on day 4 and on Day 9 (private double tour only), but there are restaurants to choose from nearby.
• Luggage transfer is available in which we transport your luggage for you each day (with the exception of one day when it’s not possible). Luggage is limited to one case/bag per person and costs €297 per bag. Insider TMB Tip: If you’re a group of 2 people, you can save € by just having one bag transported.

You’ll find all this information in your Travel Pack that you’ll receive before your tour. The times indicated above don’t include breaks. Allow more time than you think you’ll need.

In June and into July, there will still be snow in some sections and again in September, so please ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in the snow if you book your tour at these times. Contact us before booking if you have any doubts or questions. 

TOUR DU MONT BLANC REVIEWS

Check out more of Nuyama’s reviews here .

TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED TOUR INFO

Availability.

Our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided hiking tours are available to start between June 10th – September 14th. You can choose a start date for your tour that’s convenient for you.

Note: you’ll encounter snow at the beginning and end of the season, so ensure that you’re comfortable hiking in snow if you book at this time.

Book as soon as possible to ensure that accommodation is available on your start date, especially during peak season in the summer months. Double private rooms fill up VERY quickly, and some accommodations are almost fully booked by January each year.

Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tour Details

On our self-guided tours, you get the flexibility and freedom to start your day when you choose. You hike at your own pace and take breaks whenever your heart (or lungs) desire. But without the pain and time-consuming planning and booking accommodations in three different countries in three different languages.

We’ll take care of booking your accommodation at our preferred providers, arrange for daily luggage transfer (if you wish), and provide you with a map and instructions in English.

We’re there for you both prior to and during your trip if you have any questions, and even provide an in-person briefing for you in Chamonix!

But keep in mind that these are self-guided trips so you also need to use your judgment and arrange your own transfers (unless otherwise indicated).

You can read more about guided vs self-guided hiking tours here .

Luggage Storage and Luggage Transfers

Upon booking with us, we can recommend hotels that will likely store your luggage for you while you trek. Always check with the hotel when you book that they’ll do this.

Alternatively, if you want your luggage with you, we also offer luggage transfer. The rates are €225 for the 7-day tour and €297 for the 10-day tour. Luggage transfer is included in our 6-day luxury tour.

On the 10-day tour, there’s one day that luggage transfer isn’t available due to the location of the hut. On this day, you’ll pack what you need for the night. Your luggage will be transported to your next accommodation.

Grade & Terrain and Required Fitness Level

Grade 3 (middle) for the 6 and 7-day tours and Grade 4 (challenging) for the 10-day tour. We recommend that you are in decent shape and active and ideally have previous experience. If you don’t have previous experience doing a multi-day hiking trip, then we recommend choosing the 6 or 7 day tour and adding in a rest day in Cournayeur for a better experience. Otherwise, you likely will find it too challenging.

Altitude Sickness

While Mont Blanc is an incredible 4807 m (15,771′), on your self-guided tour, the highest elevation you’ll be going to is 2532m (8307 ‘) at the Grand Col Ferret mountain pass.

The second highest is Col de la Seigne (2516m) (8255 ‘). This isn’t high enough to cause altitude sickness in most people.

Packing for the Tour du Mont Blanc

See our Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List for full details of what to bring and this post on what to include in your first aid kit..

Hiking Times/Distances

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations, as are the hiking times. These don’t include breaks. We’ve used the times indicated on the hiking signposts on the trail to be consistent, but most people find it takes them longer than the times indicated.

The itineraries shown may change slightly based on the available accommodation for your self-guided tour.

Transfers (lifts and buses ) if required, are not included. The total cost will come to less than €50 unless you take a taxi. You’ll take transfers on selected days as indicated in each tour section. Some of these are optional. You can either choose to hike these sections or take the transfers to make it easier. It’s your choice.

Lunches are not included. They can be ordered from your mountain hut (refuge) or hotel the night before for an additional fee. You’ll also need to bring your own snacks.

Travel insurance is required and not included. We recommend HeyMondo (get a 5% discount for being a Monkeys and Mountains reader.) since it includes mountain rescue and repatriation insurance which are required and not covered by all insurance policies.

RESERVE YOUR Tour du mont blanc SELF-GUIDED TOUR NOW

TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED TOUR FAQs

Where is the best place to stay in chamonix before/after my tour.

Check out our recommended accommodations in Chamonix and Les Houches . Note: some accommodations will store luggag for you while you’re on your tour, but always check before you book.

How Do I Get From Geneva to Chamonix?

The closest airport is in Geneva. You can get a shared or private transfer directly from the airport. The cheapest way to go is by FlixBus, but you’ll have to go into Geneva to catch the bus. Check out our guide on how to get from Geneva to Chamonix here .

Is the Tour du Mont Blanc hard?

While the tour isn’t technically hard, it is physically demanding. You’ll be hiking on a mixture of hiking trails and rugged terrain. There are a sustained amount of ascents and descents, and you’ll be hiking for 4-7 hours a day, depending on which self-guided tour you choose.

How long does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

You can do the highlights self-guided tour in 6 or 7 days or do the complete Tour du Mont Blanc route in 10 days.

Can you do the Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 days?

You can do the highlight tour in 7 days, in which you skip the least interesting parts and hike the most amazing ones, but it’s not possible to do the complete route in 7 days (unless you’re trail running).

Can you do the Tour du Mont Blanc by yourself?

Yes, it’s possible, but it’s very time-consuming to plan and book all the accommodations yourself in three languages. That’s why we recommend our self-guided tour. You get our expert advice and will avoid the common pitfalls. See this post for further details.

Can you do the Tour du Mont Blanc without a guide?

Absolutely. The route is well-marked for the most part, and while it’s physically challenging, it’s not technical.

We recommend a self-guided tour so that you get the freedom of hiking on your own but without the time-consuming hassle of booking accommodations in 3 languages.

Is luggage transfer possible on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Yes, this is an option on our self-guided 7 and 10-day tours. It’s already included in our luxury 6-day tour.

I’m planning on arriving in Chamonix a day or two early. What should I see and do?

Check out our guide to the best things to do in Chamonix in the summer .

If I take a rest day in Courmayeur, what is there to do and see?

Many of our Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided tour clients take an extra day as a rest day in Courmayeur, which is approximately halfway through your tour. Check out our guide to what to see and do in Courmayeur .

When is the best time to hike the TMB?

You can hike the TMB between mid June to mid September.

July and August, and the first week of September are the busiest months, but have the most favorable weather.

In June and mid-September will have fewer crowds, but it rains more and you’ll encounter more snow, so you need to be comfortable walking on snow if you go at this time. Also, some of the lifts and buses will not be running, so you may not have the option to shorten some sections and you may need to take a private taxi, depending on the tour you’re doing.

There’s no “best time”, it really depends on what’s most important to you in a trek.

What currency do I need for the TMB?

Carry Euros (€) for France and Italy, and Swiss Francs (CHF) for Switzerland. Note: it will be possible to use euros in Switzerland, but the exchange rate isn’t always favorable. Many of the mountain refuges only accept cash, so ensure that you bring enough.

What are the best places/most scenic on the TMB?

Notable scenic highlights include Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Seigne, Grand Col Ferret, the tranquil Val Ferret, and the stunning Lac Blanc, each offering unique and breathtaking views of the Alps.

BOOK YOUR TOUR DU MONT BLANC SELF-GUIDED HIKING TOUR  NOW

Our Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided hiking tours give you the freedom to hike on your own. But without the time-consuming hassles of booking accommodation in three different languages and planning your route.

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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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Mont Blanc Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Mont Blanc. We've got 17 trips going to Mont Blanc, starting from just 5 days in length, and the longest tour is 13 days. The most popular month to go is July, which has the most tour departures.

17 Mont Blanc tours with 252 reviews

• Hiking & Trekking
• Mountain Hikes

Mont Blanc Explorer

We hiked the Chamonix to Chamonix in September 2018. The hike was strenuous and challenging at times. Our guide Tom was great at judging our progress and rest requirements. He was very knowledgeable and Safety was always his first priority. The mountain accommodation was bunks in dorms but all refuges were comfortable and the food was good. The two hotels were comfortable probably 3 star. This was our first g adventure trip and we would use the company again.

Mont Blanc Highlights

It was a great tour. The leader was very experienced and interesting. He provide good information about a wide variety of things. The chalet hosts were fun and so enthusiastic. The trip was well organised and the whole experience was really amazing and I loved every minute of it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves walking in steep terrain.

Trekking Mont Blanc

Heather was a fantastic guide. It was truly an amazing experience and highly recommend to any experienced hiker

Wonderful guided hikes, all different and amazing views. Tourradar really surpassed all my expectations. From a wonderful hotel - stayed at Richemond Hotel, in the centre of town to the amazing prepared lunches and restaurant dinners to our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Nichole. Thank you Nicole for your energy, patience, calmness, and expertise both up and down each mountain adventure. You made our trip a wonderful

Tour du Mont Blanc TMB Circuit

An amazing experience, would thoroughly recommend. Having done several other No Roads trips, this one was a luxury in many repects, no tents & the pleasure of a hot shower & glass of wine at the end of each day ! Don't hesitate , as this was the first No Roads TMB trip, I can assure you the next one, will be even better!

• Christmas & New Year

TOUR DU MONT BLANC – Switzerland France Italy

Tour du Mont Blanc Week

Stunning scenery! It's a demanding hike so make sure you've prepared well because you do the circuit clockwise which has steeper ascents. The accommodation was as expected but most meals weren't great.. I'm sure better choices could be made. Take your own first aid supplies and hiking poles are essential.

Highlights of Mont Blanc

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Mont Blanc Classic

we did the 8 days counter clockwise, self-guided tour. the information provided by tour radar / Renee has been excellent. transportation of the bags went smoothly. the day hikes have been fantastic, yet some days have been rather long (day 3 (33km) & 4) whereas day 5 and 6 have been really short. Accommodation could sometimes have been better (e.g. 1* Hotel Venezia in Courmayeur or Col de la Forclaz (12 person dormitory in the attic)); food was ok (day 4-6) to excellent (days 1-3)

Tour du Mont Blanc 12 Days Self-Guided

Tour du Mont Blanc 8 Days Self-Guided

• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Mont Blanc Rambler Self Guided

Walking Tour du Mont Blanc

Walking Tour du Mont Blanc - Premium

Mont Blanc Walks – Short Break

What people love about mont blanc tours.

Amazing!!! Wonderful view Alvaro our guide was excellent

Excellent guide and chalet host!

TourRadar did a fine job of making the purchase of my Tour du Mont Blanc easy and accurate.

Mont Blanc Tours starting in:

• Chamonix (10)
• Hiking & Trekking (15)
• Explorer (12)
• Fully Guided (9)
• Personalized (7)
• Self-Guided (6)
• Private (5)
• Small Group (9)
• 10 Day Tours (11)
• Spring 2024 (1)
• Summer 2024 (15)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (11)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (1)
• Spring 2025 (2)
• Summer 2025 (10)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (8)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (1)
• May 2024 (1)
• June 2024 (9)
• July 2024 (13)
• August 2024 (13)
• September 2024 (11)
• October 2024 (1)
• January 2025 (1)
• February 2025 (1)
• March 2025 (1)
• April 2025 (1)
• May 2025 (2)
• June 2025 (7)
• July 2025 (10)
• August 2025 (10)
• September 2025 (8)
• October 2025 (2)
• November 2025 (1)
• December 2025 (1)
• Mont Blanc: Hikes, Itineraries and Maps
• How to Get to Mont Blanc (from Geneva, Lyon & other)
• When to Climb Mont Blanc (Winter & High Season)
• Permits for Mont Blanc 2024/2025: How to Get them
• Do I Need a Guide to Climb Mont Blanc?
• Requirements for Climbing Mont Blanc (Beginners & Experts)
• Gear List and Equipment for Mont Blanc
• Tour du Mont Blanc Cost: Self-Guided & Camping (2019 Edition)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (9)
• Seniors (12)

Trekking Mont Blanc

Our specialist TMB agency has expert guides to take you on one of our 4 to 9-day treks , or to help you organise your own “ Tailor-made Tour du Mont Blanc ” or “ TMB your way ” adventure.

Do you have a question?

Tour du Mont Blanc: all our treks

Eleven guided itineraries revealing every aspect of the highest summit in the Alps. Whether you wish to walk or run the TMB, we have the perfect route for you!

Full Tour du Mont Blanc in 10 days

Embark on the full TMB and see the very best it has to offer.

Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 days

The iconic TMB through France, Switzerland and Italy, circling the highest summit in the Alps.

Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 days (comfort)

Walk the paths of the TMB enjoying every evening accommodation selected for their comfort.

Tour du Mont Blanc High-level route – 7 days

A wild and alpine itinerary over high mountains and across glaciers. Not for the faint-hearted!

Trail running the Tour du Mont Blanc – 5 days

For those who want to do the TMB (almost) as fast as Kilian Jornet!

Tour du Mont Blanc camping – 7 days

Experience nature at its most authentic as you camp your way round the best-known trek in the Alps.

Tour du Mont Blanc in 8 days

Discover all the beauties of the Tour du Mont Blanc without luggage transfers, for a more sustainable approach to this exceptional trek.

Tour du Mont Blanc in 5 days

From Courmayeur to Chamonix, the northern part of the Tour du Mont Blanc will have no secrets for you!

Tour du Mont Blanc in 4 days

From Chamonix to Courmayeur, get away from it all with this trek through varied landscapes offering breathtaking views.

Sell-guided Tour du Mont Blanc – 7 days

Discover the most beautiful stages of the Tour du Mont Blanc in total freedom!

Sell-guided Tour du Mont Blanc – 10 days

Tour du mont blanc your way.

A consultant will help you create your own TMB in detail. Enjoy the freedom of trekking, the choice offered by a bespoke service, and the experience of our guides!

Watch our Tour du Mont Blanc video

Discover the TMB as if you were there!

Why walk with us?

Tmb experts.

We know the TMB better than the backs of our hands!

Our routes are designed by Mont Blanc experts who are true mountain enthusiasts.

Small groups

So you can share your experiences and really get away from it all, our treks are limited to small groups.

Little extras

Homemade picnics, little-known route variations, comfortable accommodation… We do everything we can to make your trek the best ever!

Experts in organisation

From booking mountain refuges to preparing the day’s snacks, our agency takes care of everything!

Specialists in bespoke services

Book your TMB with experts who have been crafting treks for 15 years.

Clients who have walked the TMB with us

Read what outdoor enthusiasts who have walked with Trekking Mont Blanc have to say.

« Le TMB… 11 jours hors du temps dans un cadre superbe. Tout est au rendez-vous : les paysages, le dépaysement, le dépassement de soi, l’effort mais aussi la bonne humeur, la découverte et de quoi régaler les papilles tant dans les refuges que pendant les pique-nique. Une expérience humaine qui est véritablement ancrée dans la nature.

Un immense merci à Seb de Watse Trekking Mont Blanc et toute l’équipe pour cette expérience inoubliable et exceptionnelle. Vivement la prochaine aventure avec vous ! »

« En cette période de Covid nous avons passé 7 jours de trek magnifique autour du Mont Blanc, exceptionnellement avec très peu de monde cette année !

Une météo clémente, une équipe solidaire, un super guide , des repas d’exception, nous avons vécu une semaine inoubliable avec des paysages plein les yeux… On regrette juste de ne pas avoir choisi le tour intégral en 11 jours !

Merci à toute l’équipe de Watse et à une prochaine pour d’autres aventures… »

« Un 1er trek extraordinaire. Tout était parfait, le guide, l’itinéraire, les refuges et des paysages à couper le souffle …

Que d’excellents souvenirs…et nous pensons déjà au prochain… merci Pierrick et Xavier, vous êtes au top.  »

« C’était formidable, on a adoré. nous avons apprécié le sérieux et le fait de ne pas être lâchés, même en liberté. Sébastien nous a toujours appelé pour nous donner les informations nécessaires jusqu’au dernier jour. Nous avons aussi passé de super moments avec lui et Bruno !

Les choix des refuges et des hôtels était chouette, on a bien mangé. C’était super de passer par vous, on ne s’est jamais senti seul.

C’est appréciable et sécurisant d’avoir à faire à des gens de terrains.On a eu le sentiment d’être bichonnés et que vous n’étiez pas là juste pour vendre un produit. Restez comme vous êtes !

On se reverra pour un autre trek, c’est sûr. »

Are you ready for your own adventure?

If you love the mountains and the natural environment and you long to travel, come and walk the TMB with Trekking Mont Blanc!

With our range of four to nine-day treks, we have the perfect solution for you, whether you intend to take your time or push yourself to the limit.

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Availability on the TMB for 2024 is limited! Search  other amazing Alpine trips , or book for 2025

Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Tours

Tour du mont blanc.

• Hike Europe's incredible, world-famous long-distance Alpine route
• Awe-inspiring panoramic mountain views at every bend of the trail
• Three countries in one hike; France, Italy & Switzerland
• Savor delicious classic cuisine, from tasty cheeses to local wines
• Stay in traditional alpine mountain huts or cozy historic hotels
• Hassle-free hiking: all our trips include bag transfer & 24/7 phone support

Circling Western Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc (15,780 ft), this 100-mile alpine trail crosses through three beautiful European countries- France, Italy and Switzerland. With far-reaching landscapes, wildflower meadows, high mountain passes, and snow-covered peaks, this glorious route is the epitome of an alpine adventure. The unmatched sunsets and alpenglow are the perfect complement to the unique mountain culture of the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Not only do we have unrivaled knowledge and expertize in the area, we’ve also sent thousands of Macs customers on the TMB and refined our tours to provide the most fulfilling self-guided hiking experience. Self-guided hiking means having the freedom to explore independently at your own pace, along well-waymarked routes, with our 24/7 first-class support. The hiking days are consistently long and remote, making it a suitable accomplishment for the experienced long-distance hiker.

The option to choose between the Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort , staying in cozy hotels, and the Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts , staying in traditional mountain huts, allows hikers to choose their experience based on their preferences. Staying in the huts not only immerses you in the mountain culture but also fosters comradery with fellow hikers, adding to the overall sense of adventure and community.

Featured Tours - Tour du Mont Blanc

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort (extended)

Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Classic Walks of Mont Blanc

Discover tour du mont blanc.

It's an awesome, long distance circular hike around the mountain of Mont Blanc, crossing three countries – France, Switzerland and Italy.

We've constructed various routes to choose from. Complete the full route , which is around 100 miles or if you're short of vacation time, just the best stages .

The highest elevation you'll reach is 8,823 ft, which is at the mountain pass ‘Grand Col Ferret’. This is on the Italy / Swiss border – so you can have your feet in both countries!

July to mid-September is the time to travel. Outside this period snow can be problematic.

There's a lot of ascent– in total a staggering 34,776 ft but the incredible views and experience you're rewarded with, make the journey worth it!

HUTS - Tours In Huts

Traditional mountain huts (refuges/rifugios) create a sense of comradery, mountain culture, and good spirits. Dining is a communal event where one pot meals served by the local hut owners are enjoyed round a long table with other travelers. This is often a highlight where memories are made. Chat with fellow trekkers, exchange stories from the previous days, and get excited about future hikes.

The beds are set up dormitory style and are either bunk beds or raised mattresses next to each other. The dorm rooms range from sleeping 4 to 20 people and are mixed gender. The huts have shared and mixed gender restroom facilities.

COMFORT - Tours In Comfort

The 'In Comfort' tours offer overnight stays in historic alpine hotels nestled in iconic TMB mountain towns. We hand-pick the hotels for their location, welcoming staff members, and local cuisine.

On some nights there are no alternatives to mountain huts. In these instances, we try to book you in a private room. These will most likely have shared restroom facilities and may not have a double bed option.

The best place to view all the tours together is in the ‘featured tours' on this page. From here you can select your tour depending on the below questions.

• The majority of days are 12 miles longs with ascent and descent.
• How many days am I able to walk back to back this distance
• How fit do I need to be for the TMB
• We offer 14 days / 12 days / 8 days or 5 day tours.
• Hotels with the odd night in a private room in a refuge
• Huts in dormitories rooms

We have several excellent blogs with further information, our favorites are: 25 Frequently Asked Questions and Top tips for hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Raclette - A type of cheese that's melted and eaten with potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions and cured A type of melted cheese that is enjoyed with potatoes, cucumbers, pickled onions and cured meats. Raclette is just as delicious as it is filling. Depending on the hut, the cheese will either be melted over a personal table-top grill or a massive hot iron and will coat your plate and toppings.

Tartiflette - Reblochon cheese melted over a mixture of potatoes, onions, bacon and chives. It's the epitome of alpine comfort food—providing the perfect balance of warmth and satisfaction, especially after a long day on the trail.

Rosti - A Swiss version of Tartiflette that includes grated fried potatoes covered in Gruyére cheese and topped with ham and often a fried egg. Mushrooms are also often added, traditionally foraged from the surrounding hills.

Beers - If you enjoy a drink, be sure to look out for Bierre Leman and Veyrat - two local beers that are often served in the area.

Wine - There's a French belief that wine expresses the characteristics of the area it's grown in. If you enjoy wine, we absolutely recommend you taste the local varieties along the way!

Génépi - A local liqueur often enjoyed after dinner, Génépi tends to be an acquired taste with a sweet herbal chamomile and absinthe flavor. We encourage anyone with adventurous palates to try this!

Great news - Luggage transfer is included as standard. This means you are able to enjoy the hiking with just your essentials in your daypack.

Our responsible and friendly baggage handlers will take you main suitcase/luggage to your next overnight destination. As they move hundreds of bags each day, they can only accommodate one 33lbs bag, per person.

The Bonatti Refuge and Lac Blanc Refuge are incredible alpine mountain huts that you may stay in during your trip. Due to their remote location, they are inaccessible by road. Therefore, you will need to carry your overnight items on these days if you are booked in Bonatti or Lac Blanc, but no stress, you will be reunited with your main bag the following day!

Availability dependent, the 'complete' TMB tours will have an overnight at Refugio Bonatti, and the 'complete in huts' will have nights in both Bonatti and Lac Blanc.

Macs Adventure has been running self-guided hiking adventures on the Tour du Mont Blanc since 2010.

Follow Bill and Malin on their TMB journey! 

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Welcome to the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB)

3 countries, one identity, 10,000 m in altitude and about 60 hours of walking, 170 km of discovery for a total of 10 days of satisfaction!

Online bookings of huts, rooms, hotels

Trails conditions

The Tour du Mont Blanc trail conditions

The itinerary of the TMB and trail stages

The hikers diary

The Tour du Mont-Blanc hikers diary

Focus Nature Reserves : good and banned practices summer 2023

Get ready to go.

The route, the safety, the conditions, the equipment: everything you need to know about the Tour du Mont-Blanc

The TMB and the trails around Mont Blanc

Accomodations

Cartography

8 wonders around Mont Blanc

Il Monte Bianco ed i suoi Ghiacciai

Video Tutorial Summer

Prudence - Sécurité en montagne par la Chamoniarde

Age and altitude

Telemedicine

Séjours Transfrontaliers Espace Mont Blanc 2013

A collection of videos on the theme of the mountains

Come and discover the paths around Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc

Alpage de Porcherey

Alpage de la Peule

Rifugio Bertone

Update on the condition of the trails around Mont Blanc

Our mountains are a fragile environment with an exceptionnal fauna and flora.To limit our impact …

Mild weather and pleasant temperatures in this period of mid-june. the snowfields are rapidly …, starting from july 14th and until 30/10/21 it is forbidden to circulate by bicycle (including mtm ….

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…

Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation and Refuge Guide

The Tour du Mont Blanc is arguably the greatest trek in the world. Despite the fact that you’ll experience pristine wilderness and remote surroundings by day, you can still enjoy plenty of creature comforts each night. Trekking over jaw dropping mountain passes and eating fine charcuterie in the same day? It might just be the best hike ever!

If you want to make the most of your self-guided Tour du Mont experience , it is essential to do a little advance planning when it comes to accommodation. Many places book up early in the season, and some options are much better than others.

In this guide, we’ll cover the need-to-know information on TMB refuges and other accommodations. We’ve also included an excellent directory of the best accommodation and refuges for every style, budget, and itinerary.

In This Post

Tmb accommodation directory.

• TMB Accommodation Basics
• Should I Reserve My TMB Accommodation in Advance?

TMB Accommodation Cost

Tmb refuges: what you need to know.

Everything you need to plan your TMB – all in one place.

Whether you prefer mountain huts or hotels, fastpacking or meandering, or something in between, we’ve got you covered.  Our Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc  is the ultimate tool to help you plan your perfect trip.

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• Accommodation Insights:  You’ll get information on accommodation options for every stage, including where to book when popular huts are fully booked!
• 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.
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There is a variety of accommodation to suit every need along the Tour du Mont Blanc. From mountain refuges to five-start hotels, you are sure to find something that works for you.

In the following directory we’ve provide our top picks for where to stay in all the towns and villages along the route, along with some details on the mountain refuges you’ll pass in between.

This directory is organized to follow a counterclockwise itinerary with all of the typical stops. For each option, we’ve provided our most highly recommended place to stay, along with a few additional choices at various budgets.

Additional details on how to book accommodation on the TMB, what to expect, and how much you can anticipate spending are found later in this post.

You can view a map of accommodation options along the Tour du Mont Blanc below as well:

The directory includes recommendations for these places:

Les Houches

Les contamines, les chapieux, rifugio elisabetta, rifugio bonatti.

• Col de La Forclaz/Le Peuty/Trient

Tré le Champ/Les Frasserands/Argentiere

Refuge la flégère/refuge du lac blanc.

Be sure to check out our TMB Logistics article for helpful advice when planning your trek!

While the TMB technically does not pass through Chamonix at any point, many hikers like to stay here before and/or after their trek. Chamonix is the heart of the region and you’ll find tons of restaurants, outdoor shops, grocery stores, and anything else you might need before your trek.

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

Just minutes from shops, restaurants, and the bus terminal, Heliopic Hotel & Spa’s location is perfect for those starting or finishing the TMB. Furthermore, the rooms are spacious and well-equipped, the staff is friendly, and they have great amenities like free luggage storage and a heated pool and spa that is available to all guests!

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

Mid-Range Option: Auberge du Manoir

Auberge du Manoir is a charming hotel located right in the center of Chamonix that is a great mid-range option for TMB hikers. The staff is exceptionally welcoming and you’ll be within walking distance of all the major services in town. The rooms themselves are cozy, with lots of wood accents and comfortable bedding. If you can swing it, we recommend opting for a room with a balcony!

Budget Option: Le Chamoniard Volent

Le Chamoniard is the best place to find an affordable bed in pricey Chamonix. It’s not luxurious, but this well-run hostel is consistently clean and friendly to TMB walkers. Guests have access to a communal kitchen and lounge area, plenty of bathrooms and showers, and free wifi. The hostel is located a little over a mile from the city center, but it is also conveniently near a bus stop.

Les Houches is the official start of the Tour du Mont Blanc and many hikers will enjoy staying here both before and after their hike. We personally always stay in Les Houches as it has a much quieter vibe than adjacent Chamonix. There are still plenty of services in the village including a well-stocked supermarket and several outdoor stores. You’re also an easy bus/train ride away from Chamonix if needed.

Check out our top picks for where to stay in Les Houches below:

RockyPop is our top option in Les Houches for those looking to stay a bit closer to the start. It's affordable, comfortable, and close to services and the frequent valley bus service. On-site luggage storage as well!

• On-site luggage storage

This eclectic and funky hotel is a great option in Les Houches. RockyPop features unique 80’s-style decor, an excellent restaurant, and a convenient location. Rooms are basic, but they are clean and many have good views. Luggage storage and an airport shuttle are available.

You also have easy access to the bus into Chamonix from here and its a short walk into the Les Houches town center.

Mid-Range: Chalet Hotel du Bois

Guests love the friendly service and incredible views at this hotel. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the start of the TMB, this is a great place to stay on either end of your trek. Treat yourself with their luxurious beds and on site sauna before you rough it on the trail!

Budget: Gite Michel Fagot

Your stay at Michel Fagot includes a fabulous dinner, incredibly helpful and friendly service, and a dorm bed with linens provided- all for a very reasonable fee. The facilities are well-kept and feature a self-catering kitchen and a cozy living room. The gite is located just steps from the bus stop and the start of the TMB.

Refuges between Les Houches and Les Contamines

Between Les Houches and Les Contamines you’ll find several refuges that serve TMB hikers. Keep in mind that some of these are located along the Col de Tricot alternate route:

Refuge du Fioux

Refuge de Miage (Col de Tricot route)

Auberge du Truc (Col de Tricot route)

Not sure if these refuges make sense for your itinerary? We can help!

From trail guides to custom itineraries we’ve got everything you need plan your perfect trip. Learn more below.

For those hiking in the traditional anti-clockwise direction, you’ll reach Les Contamines at the end of your first day. This is a lovely village with plenty of restaurants and other services, along with many places to spend the night.

Find our top picks for accommodation in Les Contamines below:

Our top pick for TMB hikers in Les Contamines is Chalet-Hotel Gai Soleil. This comfortable hotel gets our top marks for the friendly staff, central location, and comfortable rooms. Perfect for after a long day on the trail!

• Friendly staff
• Comfortable rooms
• Lovely grounds

Chalet-Hotel Gai Soleil is located just off the main street in Les Contamines and is our top pick for TMB hikers. Most of the rooms are outfitted with cozy wood paneling and have tremendous views of the surrounding mountains.

But what really sets Gai Soleil apart is the friendly and outgoing staff. No question is too small for them, and they are happy to help weary TMB hikers find a good place to eat, somewhere to stock up on supplies, and even offer advice for the next stage of hiking!

Mid Range: Chalet-Hotel la Chemenaz

This traditional chalet-style hotel is a welcome respite for tired hikers! It is located just a short distance from the trail and features a heated pool, jacuzzi, and sauna for soothing aching muscles. The rooms are cozy and many have great views. There is a good restaurant on the premises.

Mid-Range: Hotel le Christiania

This hotel consistently gets rave reviews for its clean rooms, excellent service, and cozy decor. It is located near the TMB, as well as near shops, restaurants, and other services. The on site restaurant serves up delicious local fare, and many rooms have spectacular views.

Budget: Chalet des Contamines

Given that it is operated by CAF, the French Alpine Club, this chalet has the feel of a true mountain refuge while still being conveniently located in the heart of the village. The accommodation entails simple dorm beds and shared bathrooms, but the friendly hosts and delicious food make for an outstanding experience.

Refuges between Les Contamines and Les Chapieux

There are a handful of refuges between Les Contamines and Les Chapieux. These make sense for hikers looking to shorten the long stage between the two villages and enjoy a night in a mountain refuge.

Refuge de Nant Borrant

Refuge des Prés (off the main TMB)

Refuge de la Balme

Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme

The tiny hamlet of Les Chapieux will be the second night on the trail for most hikers. There are only two accommodation options here, both of which tend to book up early!

Mid-Range: Chambres de Soleil

This guesthouse is one of two great options in the beautiful hamlet of Les Chapieux. There are a variety of room types available, most with private bathrooms. Dinner and breakfast are included with your stay, and the unique food offerings are a definite highlight.

Budget/Mid-Range: Auberge de la Nova

This cozy and welcoming auberge is the other good option in Les Chapieux. Budget-minded travelers will appreciate the dormitory option, while those seeking a bit more comfort can stay in one of the six private rooms (shared bathrooms). There is a lovely outdoor terrace, and dinner and breakfast are included with your stay. Keep in mind, like many accommodations on the TMB, Auberge de la Nova does not accept credit cards.

Mountain Refuge: Refuge des Mottets

For those willing to hike a bit past Les Chapieux or who opt to take the Col des Fours alternate route, you’ll find excellent accommodation at Refuge des Mottets. One of the most well-regarded refuges on the entire route, you’ll find spectacular views and comfortable accommodation here.

Nothing available in Les Chapieux?

Planning your TMB but not finding any accommodation available in Les Chapieux? You can typically find additional options in nearby Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

Read more about how to get there in our TMB Public Transport post and see some of our top pick in Bourg-Saint-Maurice below:

Hotel Arolla – Located a short walk from the bus stop to/from Les Chapieux, this is our top pick in Bourg-Saint-Maurice.

If there are no beds to be found in Les Chapieux, then we recommend taking the bus to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and staying at Hôtel Arolla. It is close to the Les Chapieux bus stop and has an exceedingly friendly owner!

• Easy to get to
• Breakfast included
• Friendly staff/owner

The next stop on a traditional Tour du Mont Blanc circuit is Rifugio Elisabetta. In fact, between Les Chapieux and Courmayeur you will only find mountain refuges (or rifugios in Italy) and no hotels. If you’re willing to utilize public transit to travel off route , there are easy connections to Courmayeur.

Mountain Refuge: Rifugio Elisabetta

A large majority of TMB hikers stop at Rifugio Elisabetta, due to the fact that it is the only accommodation in the area for many miles (4.5 miles from the previous stop and 6 miles from the next one). Perhaps another reason why so many TMB hikers make a point to stay at Elisabetta is because it is so wonderful!

This historic refuge boasts tons of quintessential Alpine charm, an absolutely stunning location, and plentiful opportunities to enjoy the company of fellow hikers. There are dorms and private rooms available. Advance bookings are essential, and only cash payments are accepted.

Rifugios between Rifugio Elisabetta and Courmayeur

There are several rifugios between Elisabetta and Courmayeur. Some of these are located just off the main route, but still present a good option for accommodation on this section of the TMB.

Cabane du Combal

Rifugio Maison Vieille

Rifugio Monte Bianco (off the main route)

Gite le Randonneur du Mont-Blanc

You’ve made it to Courmayeur! Although not officially the halfway point, it sure feels like it after several days of tough walking. You’ll find tons of hotels in the largest city on the entire TMB. If you can, we recommend taking a rest day here and staying for two nights to fully enjoy the vibe of this Italian gem.

Our favorite hotel on the entire Tour du Mont Blanc! Maison La Saxe makes the perfect place to relax after completing the first half of the TMB. You couldn't ask for better service or more comfortable rooms.

Highly recommended!

• Top notch service
• Incredible breakfast
• Stunning rooms

This cozy hotel offers top-notch service in a peaceful setting and is our favorite hotel on the entire TMB! It is located in the tiny town of La Saxe, which is a short walk to the center of Courmayeur. 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.

If you can spare the time, we highly recommend spending two nights here.

If Maison La Saxe is fully booked or you prefer to be in the heart of Courmayeur, we recommend Hotel Croux. The location is excellent, the rooms comfortable, and the staff welcoming.

• On-site laundry
• Great location

Hotel Croux is located in the heart of Courmayeur and is a well-run and affordable option. The rooms themselves are comfortable and well-appointed, but it’s the free breakfast that really shines here. You’re sure to be well-fueled for the steep climb out of Courmayeur on your next stage after a stay here!

Budget: Hotel Edelweiss

Hotel Edelweiss is a great budget option in Courmayeur. Clean and well-maintained rooms offer a peaceful place to spend the night. We also like the location, which is central but outside of the hustle and bustle or the main tourist area in Courmayeur. A great option for TMB hikers.

From Courmayeur those hiking the TMB in the traditional direction will have a steep hike out of town en route to Rifugio Bonatti. Along the way you’ll pass Rifugio Bertone , which is only 2 or so hours past Courmayeur. As such, most hikers will prefer to make it to Bonatti, but Bertone does provide a good alternative should Rifugio Bonatti be fully booked.

Mountain Refuge: Rifugio Bonatti

This is arguably one of the most memorable accommodations on the entire TMB. Its remote location boasts incredible views of Val Ferret and the jagged peaks surrounding it. The cozy interior and convivial atmosphere lend themselves to a true mountain experience.

Accommodation between Bonatti and La Fouly

There are a few options for accommodation between Rifugio Bonatti and La Fouly. Many hikers will find the Bonatti is fully booked, necessitating a stay at one of the following or taking a bus back to Courmayeur.

Hotel Lavachey (off route, in the Val Ferret below Bonatti)

Hotel Chalet Val Ferret

Rifugio Elena

Gite Alpage de la Peule

Hotel du Col de Fenêtre

Crossing from Italy into Switzerland brings you into your third and final country on the Tour du Mont Blanc. You’ll find prices are a bit higher in Switzerland compared to France and Italy, but the views are stunning, the fondue to die for, and the people friendly and welcoming!

Your first stop will be the small village of La Fouly, which has several good accommodation options available.

Our favorite hotel in La Fouly is Hotel Edelweiss. Set just off the main street, this friendly hotel welcomes tons of TMB hikers every year. The rooms are very comfortable and the location is excellent!

• Multiple room types
• Welcoming staff

This smart hotel balances traditional mountain charm with fresh and modern updates, all while maintaining a high level of excellence. Enjoy the lavish breakfast spread and relax sore muscles in the sauna. There are also posh dormitories for those looking for a more upscale budget option.

Mid-Range: Auberge des Glaciers

While some rooms are a bit outdated and cramped, this auberge offers a convenient location and great food at a very reasonable price. There are a variety of room types to suite groups of all sizes.

Budget: Chalet le Dolent

Outside of camping, this is the cheapest accommodation you’ll find in La Fouly. This very rustic chalet is located on the edge of town and offers dorm beds, free wifi, and complimentary hot showers. There is a self-catering kitchen, but no meals are served on-site.

Read more: Tour du Mont Blanc Maps

Champex-Lac

Champex-Lac is the largest town in Switzerland you’ll visit and enjoys a lovely lakeside location. You’ll find a variety of accommodation options here from fancy hotels to more modest guesthouses. Either way, this is a wonderful place to spend the night and enjoy a bit of Swiss culture.

If you’re planning to take the tough Fenetre d’Arpette alternate route you should also consider staying at Relais d’Arpette , which is located 40 minutes past the village on the alternate route.

Check out our top picks for Tour du Mont Blanc hikers in La Fouly below:

A favorite among TMB hikers in Champex, Au Vieux Champex has lovely views of the lake and is centrally located. There are several different rooms types to suit your group, and the rooms are clean and modern.

• Modern rooms
• On-site restaurant

Au Vieux Champex is centrally located with wonderful views across the lake. The hotel welcomes plenty of TMB hikers every year and their attention to details shows through. The food gets top marks as well as the cleanliness of the rooms. Our top pick in Champex!

High-End: Au Club Alpin

A true luxury experience along the TMB can be found in Champex at Au Club Alpin. The rooms are tastefully designed and very comfortable, while the on-site restaurant is one of the best in Champex. The true delight here is the on-site spa, perfect for revitalizing after a long day of hiking.

Mid-Range: Hotel Splendide

Hotel Splendide has a lot going for it, like the rich breakfast spread and gorgeous vintage furnishings, but all of that pales in comparison to its million-dollar views! Soak in the phenomenal Alpine vistas from the sweeping terrace or from the comfort of your own room (book a south-facing room for the best views)

Budget: Pension en Plein Air

Champex, like most Swiss resort towns, is very expensive. Budget accommodation in Champex is very limited, and Pension en Plein Air is your best bet for cheap lodging. Don’t expect anything beyond the basics and you won’t be disappointed.

Col de la Forclaz/Le Peuty/Trient

Continuing on from Champex-Lac, you’ll reach your final stop in Switzerland, where several accommodation options are located near the tiny village of Trient.

Hikers trekking in the counterclockwise direction will reach Col de la Forclaz first, and then will arrive in Le Peuty after another 40 minutes downhill. Trient is about 20 minutes from Le Peuty, just off the main TMB route.

Auberge du Mont Blanc is our top pick for accommodation in Trient. Although the sleeping quarters can be a bit cramped, overall you'll find this a great place to spend the night.

For those wishing to stay down in the valley, the Auberge du Mont Blanc is a great value. There are private rooms and dorm beds available, and many of the rooms have lovely views. The auberge also offers a spacious sauna and cozy lounge for guests to enjoy. The bus stop is just steps away, convenient for those who may need to detour or exit the trail early.

Mid-Range: Hotel de la Forclaz

This historic hotel sits by itself on the Col de la Forclaz above Le Peuty and Trient. It is a convenient TMB stop, offering a range of private rooms, dorm beds, and camping to suit every budget. Breakfast is included with private room bookings, and it can be added on for the others. There’s also a small shop next to the hotel that sells souvenirs and snacks.

Budget: Refuge du Le Peuty

The low-maintenance types will love this rustic bunkhouse with bohemian vibes. The refuge is located directly on the TMB route and offers a good, affordable option with plenty of opportunities to get to know fellow hikers. There are shared unisex bathrooms and snacks and drinks can be purchased in the yurt lounge next door.

Refuge Col de Balme

Upon leaving Trient TMB hikers will make the long switchback laden climb up to the Col de Balme. Here, on the Swiss/French border, you’ll find an excellent refuge of the same name, with stunning views of Mont Blanc. Well worth a stay if you can work it into your itinerary.

The TMB route passes directly through the village of Tré le Champ, but the only accommodation there is Auberge la Boerne. There are a few additional places a bit further down the trail in the town of Les Frasserands. Alternatively, you can take the 25-minute detour to the larger town of Argentiere, where there are more services and options available.

Hotel: Les Grands Montets

While getting to this hotel will require the extra walk or bus ride to Argentiere, many walkers will find this to be a worthwhile endeavor for the luxury they’ll enjoy in return for their efforts. Pamper yourself in the pool, jacuzzi, and spa, or take in the views while relaxing on the wonderful terrace. If you’re in need of a pick-me-up to get you through your final days on the trail, this is the hotel for you.

Budget/Mid-Range: Auberge la Boerne

This inviting guesthouse is conveniently located along the TMB route in the tiny hamlet of Tre la Champ. While the accommodation is rather basic (dormitories and shared bathrooms), the traditional mountain charm makes it a memorable stay for many TMB walkers. There is a communal kitchenette available if you choose to self-cater.

Budget/Mid-Range: Gîte Le Moulin

If you continue a bit past Tre la Champ, you’ll reach the town of Les Frasserands, which is also quite convenient to the TMB route (albeit a short walk from the trail). This cozy gite offers simple dorm-style accommodation with a nice lounge area and good showers. The real highlight of Gite le Moulin, however, is the fantastic food. Don’t miss the fresh croissants at breakfast!

While Refuge la Flégère is the traditional stop along the main TMB route, many walkers opt instead for the variant to Refuge du Lac Blanc. Both refuges are cozy and comfortable. If you’re looking for convenience and an easier hike, Flégère is your best bet. If you’re looking for spectacular scenery, it may be worth the extra climb to Refuge du Lac Blanc.

Mountain Refuge: Refuge la Flégère

Refuge la Flégère can be a bit off-putting at first glance, given its position next to a giant cablecar station and ski area. However, once you settle into the charming and recently-renovated building, take in the panoramic views from the terrace, and enjoy some of their delicious food, you’ll surely warm up to it. It’s important to note that potable water is not available at the refuge. You can fill up inside the cable car station during its opening hours, and you can also buy bottled water at the refuge.

Mid-Range: Refuge du Lac Blanc

To reach Refuge du Lac Blanc, you’ll need to follow the signed detour from the main TMB route which leads up a very steep path to the lake. Your efforts will be richly rewarded with the stunning views across tranquil Lac Blanc to the region’s most majestic sights: Mer de Glace, the Aiguilles Vert and Charmoz, and the Grandes Jorasses. This is a basic refuge set in the remote wilderness. There’s no potable water (bottles are available for purchase or you can bring a lightweight filter like this one ), no wifi, and only three outlets for the 43 beds. You’ll also need to pack out all of your trash.

Refuge Bellachat

Looking to savor your TMB experience with one last night spent on the trail? Then check-out Refuge Bellachat, which is the final refuge you’ll encounter on your descent into Les Houches.

Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation Basics

There are accommodation options along the TMB to suit every budget and travel style. While not all of these options are available at every stage of the route, you can certainly customize your itinerary to fit your needs.

The TMB is certainly famous for its remote mountain refuges, located throughout the route in high alpine environments with stunning views. In addition, you’ll also find hotels, gites, and campgrounds along the route, each with their own personality and benefits.

We’ve provided a brief explanation of each of the options below:

Typically small and independently owned, the hotels along the TMB provide a welcome dose of luxury to weary hikers. Unless otherwise noted by the hotel, expect all of the usual amenities (hot shower, private bathroom, breakfast offered, linens and towels provided, etc).

Hotels typically cost upwards of €65 per person (extra supplement for singles). For an additional fee, many hotels offer half-pension (AKA half-board or demi-pension) which includes dinner and breakfast. A few hotels along the route have dortoirs in addition to private rooms. Dortoirs are dormitories that offer a good budget option.

Gites d’Etape and Auberges

These are simple guest houses offering basic, dorm-style accommodation. Half-pension (dinner and breakfast) is typically included in the price. There are shared bathroom facilities with hot showers. Bed linens are usually provided. These are a good option for those who want to stick to a smaller budget, but don’t want to carry camping gear. Expect to pay around €65 per person for half-pension. 

Mountain Refuges

We consider a stay in a mountain refuge (aka mountain huts or rifugios) to be a highlight of any TMB trek. Set in stunning and remote locations, the ambiance at the refuges can’t be beat. Half-pension gets you a bed in a dorm (linens not provided), a delicious communal dinner, and a basic breakfast. Some refuges also offer private rooms (with shared bathrooms). Expect to pay around €80 per person for half-board in a dorm. 

Campgrounds

Although they are the cheapest accommodation option along the route, TMB campgrounds can still be quite luxurious. All provide sinks and toilets, and many offer hot showers and even WiFi! Expect to pay around €15 per person to camp.

Want to know more about camping on the TMB? Check out this in-depth post!

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Our free PDF guide covers all the basics – when to hike, accommodation, typical costs, and more!

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Should I reserve my accommodation for the TMB in advance?

This is a question that creates stress and anxiety for many hikers as they are planning for their TMB adventure. The short answer is that, yes, you should absolutely book your TMb accommodation as early as possible, but the longer answer is a bit more nuanced. We’ve broken it down for you here, so you can plan with more confidence and less worry.

When is your trek?

If you plan to complete your trek in peak season (July-August),  it is almost guaranteed that all of the refuges and guesthouses will fill up in advance. Book as far in advance as you can, but at at minimum you’ll want to start booking 5-6 months before your trip. Many of the most sought after refuges will book as soon as they open in October or November in the fall prior.

Struggling to find accommodation for dates?

We can help!

We’ve worked one-on-one with dozens of groups who missed out on peak booking season, but still want to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc. A little creativity is always needed, but we can almost always find a way to help make your dream trip a reality!

Get in touch below and we can discuss how to make your trip a success!

Where do you plan on staying?

Mountain refuges   are the most important to book ahead of time. Many of these huts are quite small, so they fill up quickly. Several refuges accept reservations year-round, typically allowing you to book up to 12 months in advance.

Some, however, do not respond to reservation requests during the winter months (September-March, typically). You should still try to email or call the refuge to reserve your spot as soon as you know your itinerary. When they finally get around to responding, they often fill requests in the order in which they received them.

Gites, auberges, and guesthouses   should be your next priority when it comes to advance bookings. This is especially true in the smaller villages where accommodation options are limited, and/or if you have specific preferences for your lodging (ex; private room, linens provided, etc). In terms of when you should make your bookings, the rules are similar to refuges.

As soon as you’ve made your travel plans, reach out to the gite/guesthouse (or book online). For peak summer months, it’s optimal to have these bookings made by the end of November.

For larger hotels,  you have a bit more wiggle room when it comes to making reservations. You should definitely still try to do it as early as possible, but they have more rooms and are often located in places with greater availability of lodging options.

You do not need to make advance reservations for any of the campgrounds on the TMB.  In fact, we recommend that you don’t. This will allow you to maximize the freedom and flexibility that camping provides , and it will make it much less complicated to check-in at the campgrounds.

I waited until the last minute…Am I doomed?

Certainly not! You can still have an amazing TMB trek, but you may need to be a bit more flexible and creative when it comes to finding places to stay. The first thing you should do is contact all of the places you would like to stay to check if they still have availability. If some key stops are sold out, it’s always possible to make some tweaks to your itinerary.

For many of the popular stops along the way, you can utilize public transit to access additional accommodation options. Read our full post on transit along the Tour du Mont Blanc for additional details.

I’m more of the spontaneous type…Can I do the TMB without booking ahead?

Yes you can, and we admire your free spirit! The easiest way to hike the TMB without a set itinerary is to camp . For those who prefer to stay indoors, it is nearly impossible to simply show up and expect to find a bed. However, there are often some last minute cancellations that can be your saving grace.

If you’re hiking during peak times, get familiar with the transportation options and nearby villages so you have back-ups if your first choice of accommodation is full or consider bringing a lightweight tent just in case.

Prices vary greatly from place to place, but generally speaking,  here’s what you can expect to pay for accommodation along the Tour du Mont Blanc.

• B&B/Guesthouse/Hotel:  €65+ (per person/per night)
• Gite d’Etape/Auberge:  €55 (per person/per night w/half pension)
• Mountain Refuge: €75 (per person/per night w/half pension)
• Camping: €15 (per person/per night)

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

What to Expect

Mountain refuges on the TMB are rustic and communal at heart. Many are set in remote locations that can only be reached by foot or pack mule; some actually get supplies dropped in by helicopter!

Due to their off-the-grid nature, they are relatively basic. Luxuries like hot water and electronics charging will be limited and will likely come at an additional cost. Wifi and cell service are virtually non-existent at mountain refuges. Most refuges are cash-only, so make sure you bring enough!

While a few refuges have a small number of private rooms available, by and large you will be sleeping in a dormitory with anywhere from 4-16 beds (mostly bunk beds stacked two or three high). You’ll be provided with a mattress, pillow, and blanket, but you will need you bring or rent your own sleep sheet.

Bathrooms are also shared and typically (but not always) separated by gender.

Staying in a mountain refuge is a magical and memorable experience. There is nothing like swapping stories with fellow hikers over a shared meal and taking in the sunset in some of the world’s most stunning mountain scenery. Mountain refuges truly are one of the very best parts of the TMB!

What’s Included

Most TMB refuges provide half-pension (AKA demi-pension or half board). This includes your bed for the night, as well as dinner and breakfast. Dinner is often a lavish, multi-course affair. They can typically cater to vegetarians (notify them in advance), although other special diets might not fare as well. Breakfast is very simple and typically consists of cold cereal, bread, jam, and tea/coffee.

Alcohol and snacks can be purchased a-la-carte, and a packed lunch can usually be ordered for the next day (additional fee).

Expect to pay extra for a shower and if you’d like to rent a sleep sheet. Some refuges ask a small fee for electronics charging.

What to Pack

Most TMB refuges require you to use a sleep sheet or sleeping bag liner. While you can rent one in some places, if you plan on staying in several refuges, it is a good idea to bring your own. While there are tons of sleep sheets on the market, we really like the offerings from Sea to Summit, which are both comfortable and high-quality. We Won’t sleep in a refuge without ours! If you’re looking for something less pricey, we also like this version from Amazon.

The Sea to Summit Silk-Cotton blend liner is perfect for mountain refuges. You'll get a spacious and comfortable liner that adds a touch of warmth without overheating.

Additionally, if you want to shower, you will need to bring your own towel.

In our opinion, good earplugs and an eye mask are essential for dormitory sleeping. There’s nothing more frustrating than being kept up by a loud snorer when you’re exhausted from a big day on the trail!

Boots are not allowed inside the refuges, so many provide slippers for you to wear while indoors. If you’d prefer to wear your own pair , make sure to pack them.

Finally, electronics charging is an important consideration along the Tour du Mont Blanc. This is important for keeping cell phones charged (especially if you’re using yours to navigate). While many refuges do permit charging, it can be total chaos when trying to get access to an outlet.

We HIGHLY recommend you avoid that craziness and simply back a batter backup/power bank to ensure your electronics are always charged. We always recommend the BioLite Charge 80, which is specifically designed for the rigors of hiking. Check it out below:

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!

For a complete list of refuge-specific gear, be sure to check out our TMB Packing List.

Travel Insurance for the TMB

We recommend all hikers purchase travel insurance for the TMB. Not only will this provide valuable coverage if you become ill or injured on the hike, but it can also come in handy in getting back accommodation costs if you aren’t able to stay for a covered reason.

Should your flight be delayed, you luggage lost, or any other potential issue, with the right travel insurance you won’t be on the hook for all those deposits you’ve paid at mountain refuges that you can no longer make! Well worth it in our opinion.

You can read more about travel insurance for the TMB here , but our recommended provider is World Nomads, which will provide a free quote for your trip below:

We like World Nomads for all of our hiking and trekking adventures. They specifically include coverage for hiking, and offer comprehensive evacuation coverage. Highly recommended!

• Covers hiking & trekking
• Offers policies with evacuation coverage
• Easy online interface

How to Book

Booking your accommodation along the TMB can be a frustrating process. There is no single unified booking platform for the entire hike, so you’ll likely have to do it a bit piecemeal.

The  Autour du Mont Blanc website  has a platform that allows you to enter your starting location and date and create bookings for each stage of your itinerary. 

However, there are likely to be a few stages in your itinerary where your preferred accommodation is not able to be booked through the Autour du Mont Blanc platform. For these situations, you will need to reach out to individual accommodation providers to make a reservation.

You can always send your request in English.  If the accommodation provider doesn’t speak English, they will often use Google Translate to send the reply. If you book by phone, make sure to ask at the beginning of the call if English is okay. If not, send your request via email.

For a step-by-step tutorial on how to book your accommodation, you can check out the video below. If you want full access to all of the resources shown in the video, be sure to check out our Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc!

Notable Exceptions:

There are still a number of accommodation providers that do not accept online bookings. For these, you’ll need to make a reservation by email or phone. We’ve included contact information for some of the most popular ones along the route:

What to include in your booking email:

When you send an email to make a reservation request, make sure to include the following information:

• Number of people
• Room type (private, shared bathroom, dorm, etc)
• Check-in and check-out dates
• If you would like half board, full board, picnic lunch, or bed only
• Special dietary requests, if reserving half board (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)

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.

Additional TMB Accommodation Resources

• Autour du Mont Blanc: This official TMB website has tons of excellent information, including a nearly-complete accommodation listing of all of the lodgings along the route and a booking portal that can be used for many refuges and smaller guesthouses.
• Cicerone Guide Book: This guidebook is an indispensable resource that we recommend to all TMB hikers. It has a handy accommodation index in the back, as well as practical information for all aspects of the hike. Lightweight trekkers can download an e-book version on their phone or tablet.

What’s Next?

If you’ve read our Guide above, you’re well on your way to having an incredible experience on 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 TMB to learn everything you’ll need to know to prepare for your trip and don’t hesitate to comment with your questions below!

• Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List – Be sure you’ve got everything you need!
• The Ultimate Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc
• 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!
• TMB Trip Report – Know what to expect!
• 10 Essentials for the Tour du Mont Blanc- The quick and dirty basics
• Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc – The essential resource!
• Tour du Mont Blanc Photo Galley – Find some inspiration!
• How to hike the TMB for (nearly) free – save BIG on your TMB costs!
• How Much It Cost Us to Hike the TMB
• Tour du Mont Blanc Map
• How to Train for the Tour du Mont Blanc
• Tour du Mont Blanc – Shortcuts, Detours, & Public Transit

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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.

Let Us Help Plan Your TMB!

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Self-Guided Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc

For a quick trip to the Mont Blanc region, this half-TMB tour is a fantastic 6-night hike from Courmayeur through Switzerland to Chamonix.

• Self-Guided ,
• Inn-To-Inn ,
• Relaxed to Moderate ,

The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the best hiking tours in the world. For those without time for the full circuit, we’ve designed this shorter hiking tour hitting all the highlights.

Hiking from Courmayeur to Chamonix across the northern half of the tour has always been our favorite stretch of the TMB. You see all three countries, visit both Courmayeur and Chamonix, and enjoy some of the best views from the circuit. Meet hikers from around the world, stroll through postcard-perfect Champex, perhaps tackle the daunting Fenetre d’Arpette pass (your choice), and finish with the exhilarating views of Mont Blanc from the Balme pass as you hike into France.

Yes, you can express your way through the whole circuit in a week, by skipping a hike here and a night there, but that requires prioritizing passes over highlights. This isn’t that. You won’t see the southern half of the TMB on this tour, and you won’t miss it. This trip is fantastic, moving at the right pace and leaving time for the most important sights and best hikes. You will love it. With years of personal experience on this route, we’ll use our expertise and attention to detail to help you savor one of the world’s classic hikes.

Our self-guided Great Hikes of Mont Blanc tour is another great option for exploring the region from Chamonix and Courmayeur on a quick trip.

See our guided version

• 7 days, 6 nights
• Jun 20 – Sep 1, 2024
• $3190 Per Person
• $1050 Single Room

Itinerary At a Glance

Chamonix to courmayeur, italy.

Arrive and make your way to Chamonix, France.  After a first night here, transfer in the morning to Courmayeur, the sunny Italian side of Mont Blanc. Take a fabulous day hike on a balcony trail to Bonatti hut, and leave plenty of time to enjoy the delights of this medieval town before moving on.

Switzerland, la Fouly to Trient - taxi to Chamonix

Hike across the Ferret pass to Switzerland, to the tiny village of la Fouly. Then it’s on to beautiful lakeside Champex. From here, your choice of hikes lead either through forest and farms or over a high, rocky pass to Trient, where a taxi will meet you to transfer to Chamonix

France, Chamonix

finish with 2 nights in Chamonix. Hiking to the Balme pass, separating Switzerland and France, with stunning views of Mont Blanc, Aiguille Verte and the entire Mont Blanc range.  Return to Chamonix for a final night.

Your tour includes 5 nights in village hotels and 1 night in a hiker’s inn, with all breakfasts and 3-4 dinners (depending on night 5). Taxi transfer to Courmayeur on day 2, to Arnuva on day 3, and to Chamonix day 5 (if skipping Trient), and luggage transfers to all stops are included. You will also receive topo maps, detailed route descriptions, gps routes and sightseeing suggestions. We are always available by phone if you have questions during your tour.

This tour does not include arrival or departure shuttles.  Please ask if you would like help with these.

Full Itinerary

Your Best of the Tour du Mont Blanc starts in Chamonix.  It’s best to fly to Geneva, then make your to beautiful Chamonix.  We start here since the route to Italy is way too time-consuming midday.  And because it’s awesome.  Enjoy your first views of Mont Blanc and settle in to your relaxing hotel.

There is plenty to do around Chamonix. The Aiguille du Midi cable car can take you high into the mountains, or the Montenvers train leads to striking glacier views at Mer de Glace.  We like to spend our first day simply strolling the pedestrian-only streets of Chamonix, a visual feast with cafes, outdoor gear stores, and seemingly something always going on.

We’ll include dinner in a favorite Chamonix restaurant tonight.

Arrival: Geneva.  Plan to arrive by the day your tour starts.  You can book a private or shared shuttle from GVA to Chamonix.  The trip takes 1½ hrs.  We recommend booking early with Mountain Dropoffs or Chamonix Valley Transfers.

A morning taxi gets you to Courmayeur quickly and easily where you head out on the trail.  Perhaps our absolute favorite hike of the TMB is the high traverse of Mont de la Saxe above Courmayeur. You have to work hard for a couple hours to gain the ridge, but are rewarded with incredible views of Mont Blanc and the towering Grandes Jorasses as you hike to the Bonatti hut.

This is a grand panoramic hike and is a stunning introduction to the Mont Blanc region. Mont de la Saxe is a big hike, but there is a more moderate option as well, an undulating traverse just above tree line directly to the hut. Return to Courmayeur for a memorable night in this handsome village.

There is plenty to do if you don’t feel like hiking… cable cars take you up to high vantage points, or the nearby Pre St Didier spa is also a great way to relax if you arrive early. Courmayeur is a beautiful village, with cobblestoned pedestrian-only alleyways filled with comfortable cafes and stylish shops. Dinner is on your own tonight.

HIKE: 5-7 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 3520 ft. up, 1950 ft. down

Start with a short transfer by taxi to Arnuva, near the top of the Italian Val Ferret, where you start your hike. You’ll enjoy more great views while crossing the Grand Col Ferret and into Switzerland. The Grand Col Ferret is a modest pass, with grassy meadows great for a mid-day break and a picnic lunch. You savor views back toward Mont Blanc while you contemplate the trail ahead.

When you’re ready to leave, you’ll descend through tidy green fields with high cliffs and glaciers reaching down from the heights. Walk in to the tiny village of la Fouly, one of the quieter corners of the Tour du Mont Blanc. Stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel or a friendly hiker’s inn.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 2840 ft up, 3380 ft down

Today is a nice, easy day. One of the mellower hikes on the Mont Blanc tour takes you on a valley walk through woods and up to the pretty village of Champex. Champex is a very pleasant little town, astride a beautiful small lake, and surrounded by flowers, babbling streams and hiking trails.

For strong hikers looking for a bigger day, we have a great option today. A much more strenuous alternate route leads over a high pass to a hut perched along the edge of the Orny Glacier. Gets those legs moving and head up for a true alpine experience in the ice and snow, and stop in at the hut before descending to Champex. Stay in a comfortable 3-star village hotel.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9.5 miles; Elevation: 1560 ft up, 2000 ft down

Trient or Chamonix

You’ll have two great options today, the easier Bovine route or the much steeper route over the Fenetre d’Arpette pass. If you’re keeping it mellow, an undulating trail known as the Bovine route leads through pine forests and alpine pastures and plenty of cows). Stop at a small cafe enroute for lunch or a drink, with sweeping views of the Rhone valley.

Weather and energy permitting, a more rigorous possibility leads up to the high pass of Fenetre d’Arpette, a tiny notch in a rocky ridge, and one of the highest points along the tour. The steep descent is accompanied by incredible views of the Trient Glacier.

Private room with shared bathroom down the hall, breakfast and dinner included in Trient.  If the local inns are all full, we’ll arrange a taxi from here to Chamonix for an extra night there.  In that case, you will have taxi included, a 3-star hotel in Chamonix, but dinner will not be included.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 9 miles; Elevation: 2460 ft. up, 2260 ft. down (Bovine) or 7-9 hours, 9.5 miles; Elevation: 3940 ft. up, 3740 ft. down (Fenetre d’Arpette)

Your final hiking day of the tour is a great one. Hike up to the Col de Balme pass on the border of Switzerland and France, where you’re greeted with spectacular views of Mont Blanc, Aiguille de Tour, Aiguille Verte and the entire Chamonix Valley. Truly a classic view and a great capstone to your tour.

If you’re looking for a shorter day, there is a gondola that can take you up to or down from the pass. Otherwise, we send you on a beautiful side trail through alpenrose and wild blueberries with the brilliant glaciers of Mont Blanc ahead in the distance.

Hike down to the village of le Tour where you catch a bus back to Chamonix.  Dinner will be on your own in Chamonix tonight.

HIKE: 6-8 hours, 8 miles; Elevation: 3160 ft. up, 2580 ft. down

Today you say au revoir, and depart for your post-Mont Blanc destinations.

Departure: Geneva.  Plan departure for the day your tour finishes.  You’ll need to book a private or shared shuttle from Chamonix to GVA, and the trip takes 1½ hrs.

Tour Options

Self-guided, self-guided best of the tour du mont blanc.

• Great options for easier to moderate hiking days
• A moderate inn-to-inn with 5 stops in 6 nights
• Chamonix to Courmayeur taxi included, luggage all 6 nights
• Slow down and enjoy! Extra nights in Chamonix
• The highest peaks in the Alps, Mont Blanc, Grandes Jorasses and more
• The northern half of the classic Tour du Mont Blanc circuit

Self-guided Classic Tour du Mont Blanc

• Big passes almost every day. Not too hard, but not easy either
• A fairly strenuous inn-to-inn with 8 stops in 10 nights
• Luggage transfers included every night
• Slow down and enjoy! Extra nights in Chamonix and Courmayeur
• A great tour for meeting other hikers from around the world
• $4190 Per Person
• $1450 Single Room

Self-guided Deluxe Tour du Mont Blanc

• A fairly strenuous inn-to-inn with 7 stops in 10 nights
• 7 nights in deluxe 4-5 star hotels, private transfers, luggage every night
• The most luxurious version of the Alps’ most renowned tour
• Extra days in Chamonix and Courmayeur to relax and unwind
• $5890 Per Person
• $1950 Single Room

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

Tour du Mont Blanc self guided v guided

Whether to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided or guided is one of the first and biggest decisions you need to make after you’ve decided to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc.

In fact, over the last few years, another popular alternative option has become available to TMB hikers – the ‘self guided package’.

Self guided packages allow you to choose from a number of set TMB itineraries , give detailed trail information, and include accommodation bookings. Customised itineraries, according to individual needs can be created for extra dosh. Some also provide mobile map apps to help guide you along the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. I discuss who I believe is the best company for Tour du Mont Blanc self guided packages below.

We discuss the three options below of how you can hike the Tour du Mont Blanc below:

1. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided independently

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided is actually quite easy. It’s definitely not necessary to hire an independent Tour du Mont Blanc guide or go with one of the many guided tour companies that ply the route because the trail is very well marked. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided independently is very easy to do if the weather is kind . The official TMB site has an interactive map which can help you plan your trip and you can also book many of the refuges through the site (although note many of the best refuges Bonatti, Lac Blanc to name a few need to be booked privately).

However, of course favourable weather cannot be depended on, particularly in the mountains so if you are planning to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided, you do need to be prepared. Mountain weather is very changeable. Bad weather can appear very quickly so make sure if you’re intending to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided, that you are equipped with a compass, map and whistle – and know how to use them. Check the weather regularly on the run up to your departure day to make sure there are no storms predicted, and set off early each morning as thunder storms tend to gather late afternoon in the Alps particularly in July and August.

I would also highly recommend using an offline GPS app such as Gaia GPS so you can easily see where you are on the trail even if you have no phone signal. Offline GPS apps really are an excellent way to keep safe and I can’t recommend them enough. You need to download the maps before you depart and always, obviously, have your phone charged whilst you’re on the trail so that you can see your position at all times. Make sure you have a power bank on your packing list. You can read our article on why every Tour du Mont Blanc hiker should download the Gaia GPS app here .

Walking the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided does require quite a bit of planning. You need to get acquainted with the trail, choose how far you want to trek each day and then book the accommodation accordingly. It can be quite hard to get your head around the trail initially. One of my biggest tips is to invest in a 3D relief map of Mont Blanc. You can find them for as little as €17.00. They really give you a sense of the elevation on each stage and can help you plan better, especially if you want to veer away from the standard 11 days to shorten or fast track stages.

One huge advantage of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided independently is the cost. It’s way cheaper than taking a guided tour. Camping along the trail can slash your Tour du Mont Blanc budget by more than half although it’s a lot of extra effort in carrying your camping gear and is a slightly different experience as wild camping is only permitted in France so on some stages you might need to backtrack to find official campsites.

I would say that most people would be absolutely fine to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided independently. The trail is well worn and very busy. There are refuges every 5km along the route. Unless you are really worried to trek independently, there is no need to book a guided tour. However a self guided assisted trek may be a better option for those who want the stress out of booking the refuges & are much more convenient having some other reassuring extras – we discuss this further down this article in No 3 – you can jump to it here No 3 Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with a Self Guided Package

Independent trekkers that might like to talk through the trail day by day over an interactive map (screen sharing) with me can now book a 1 hour zoom call consultation with me. I can give you the low down on each stage giving you trail tips and general advice. I’m also happy to look over your itinerary to see whether there’s anything glaringly out of place.

2. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with a guide via a tour company

The plus side of hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with a tour company is that it’s so much easier. You really don’t have to do anything at all, apart from your own physical preparation for the TMB.

The tour operator will arrange your pick up from the airport (Geneva, 1hr away), arrange all the luggage transfers between the huts and is guaranteed to give you peace of mind if you’re a worry wart. A professional guide will lead you and will know exactly what to do should an emergency arise.

Another huge plus of hiking with a tour group is the extra information you will glean on your surroundings from your guide. Your guide will be well versed in the history of the trail, the flora and fauna, the villages and the people.

If you’re trekking solo and want to meet other hikers or just want more of a social aspect to your trek, being part of a tour group definitely has an appeal. Remember though – this is a tough hike. Group tours try to bag together hikers of the same level but this can be difficult. You might find it hard to keep up with the group if you’re not at the same fitness level or you could find that the group is too slow for you and get frustrated. In general however the guides are very good and accommodating to all level of hikers.

Booking a TMB guided tour is for hikers who want a bit of extra reassurance, want to learn more from a local expert, are looking for a more social experience. My first recommendation for those who want to book a guided trek would be local company Adventure Base who I work with on self guided assisted treks. Guided treks do get booked out quickly so my advice is to book well in advance. My readers do get expedited through the booking process though with Adventure Base so it’s worth mentioning you’ve come through this website. Readers also get free hiking pole hire using this code TMBHPOLE.

3. Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc with a self guided package

A new popular way to trek the Tour du Mont Blanc is with a self guided package. Providing the wealth of knowledge necessary to plan your own trek, these third party companies offer a number of set itineraries for you to choose from, or they can custom build an itinerary for you bespoke according to your needs.

The huge advantage of this option is that all the planning is done for you. Once you’ve chosen your itinerary, the company will book your accommodation, so all you really need to do is rock up and be fit enough.

This option allows for independent hiking and is perfect for those who don’t have the time, or just don’t want to get bogged down in the detail of trek planning and who don’t want to be in a large group. You get the freedom of hiking at your own pace, without strangers and it’s much more stress free than planning it yourself. Of course this service comes at a slightly higher price than if you were to trek completely independently so if you’re trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc on a budget this would not be an option for you.

If you are considering this a TMB self guided package option then of course you’ll want to research which is the best company for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

There are many Tour du Mont Blanc companies however in my experience the best company for the Tour du Mont Blanc self guided packages would be Adventure Base, a local company in Chamonix.

I am now working exclusively with Adventure Base to power the self guided itineraries that I have carefully planned for trekkers. If this is an option you’d like to explore, you can choose from the various itineraries depending on your fitness, time frame and how many hours you want to hike per day. I’ve planned two family Tour du Mont Blanc itineraries with much shorter stages to help with little legs for families hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc. I’ve also include several itineraries for super fit trekkers/fast packers and an itinerary for adventure seekers set on on staying in high mountain huts and of course the full 11 day Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary, a variant TMB itinerary (which as the names suggests follows all the variant trails) and the half tour itineraries too. You can view all the itineraries here.

These itineraries have been built by myself and can be either trekked completely independently or if you want help booking the refuges, arranging airport & baggage transfers as well being able to store luggage in Chamonix and have someone meet you in Chamonix and have 24hr assistance if required on the trail – you can book them as a SELF GUIDED OPTION or guided. Adventure Base are based in Chamonix and have a wealth of experience trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc and as I said I believe them to be the best company for Tour du Mont Blanc trekkers who want to take the stress out of organising their TMB trek.

Please note that our 2023 self guided treks are now completely sold out. However we are now taking bookings for 2024. Click on our itineraries page , scroll to the itinerary you are interested in, and you’ll find a red BOOK NOW FOR 2024 button. You can pay a deposit now and pay for the rest of the trek 10 weeks before.

So which should I choose?

Lets face it, it’s far more adventurous (and a fraction of the cost) to choose the independent trekking option. It’s a very easy route to follow and for me personally, planning is half the fun of the adventure.

But everyone is different. Age, fitness and attitude will determine your options, as well as budget.

• If budget isn’t an issue, you want peace of mind and to meet other hikers – choose the guided tour
• If you want to trek independently but don’t want to plan it all out – choose the self guided package.
• If you’re trekking on a shoestring, are an experienced hiker or are an adventurous soul – do it independently.

Further Reading...

Tour du Mont Blanc luggage transfer – everything you need to know

Planning – the first steps

Tour du Mont Blanc Tips – good advice before you begin

16 comments.

Renee Barthelman

I am interested doing a self-guided package. Where do I start?

tourdumontblanchike

Hi Renee I work with Adventure Base, a local company in Chamonix, to operate my self guided packages. With self guided packages you can choose from my set itineraries which I’ve carefully planned or they can customise one for your requirements. Most start in Les Houches but not necessarily depending on the time you want to trek for or what say what highlights you wanted to see depending again on the length of your trek. I’ll ping you an email now direct with more info. Best. Mags

i am looking for a lower mileage per day trip. Closer to 5 to 6 miles per day. I am looking for around a 4-5 day trip also. Can you help me find an itinerary like this? Thank You, Patty Wurm

Hi Patty take a look at our 6 day family friendly itinerary. It covers the first half of the trek from Chamonix in France to Courmayeur in Italy. The days are shortened significantly.If you wanted to cut this down to just 4 days you could take a taxi from Chamonix to Les Contamines and start from there.

https://tourdumontblanchike.com/family-friendly-tour-du-mont-blanc-6-day-itinerary/

Hi Meg, Happy New Year. Thanks for all the information but I have not read your link articles yet due to time constraints but will do so if we meet certain basic conditions and consider doing it. I hope you can answer my following questions: 1)How much will a self guided tour cost per person and will be if cheaper if we are a group? 2)Can someone without mountain climbing experience or training do this trip? Do you think it’s more or less strenuous compared to the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek? 3)Is there any peak or low peak season that my affect the cost? 4)How far ahead must we book for the accomodations? Any answer will be.much appreciated.

Hi Stanley. It is not necessary for people hiking the TMB to have mountain climbing experience. There are certain variants (stage 8 variant Col du Fenetre that I would not advise to anyone who is not comfortable with more challenging mountain terrain as this route crosses a boulder field). In general the standard route is a well trodden, well signposted path. On stage 10 the standard route includes a series of 13 metal ladders which in practice is not really an issue (it sounds scarier than it is – unless of course you suffer from vertigo. In this case there is an alternative route you take to avoid the ladders.

I haven’t done the Annapurna Circuit or EBC trek – I’m hoping to do it this year so I can’t comment on that. The altitude would certainly be easier – at no point will you be struggling for breath however the ups and downs are constant and many people underestimate the elevation gain per day.

You should be booking now if you haven’t done so – many of the refuges are already full. The shoulder seasons are last half of June and September however June normally has snow on the trail in some sections. Sept is a lovely time to hike however public transport options will have stopped if you were looking to use these to cut your trail times. Sept normally has lovely weather with much less storms than August.

Cost wise no it wouldn’t be cheaper as a group unfortunately – the prices of the refuges are set and don’t change whether its shoulder season or peak season. I use Adventure Base, a local company, for all my self guided treks. They/We have stopped taking bookings for summer 2023 now as the availably in the refuges are now so restricted or full. Adventure Base are taking my bookings for 2024 though so if you contact them direct mention my name. They are taking bookings without a deposit for 2024.

Hope this info helps. Best. Mags

David Felton

Hi Mags – do you this hike is possible in mid-May ’23? Thanks

Hi David no the official opening date of the trail is 14 June and then it can have snow on it for the first couple of weeks in particular areas. The ski season goes on into May so as you can imagine there still is a lot of snow then. Best. Mags

Øyvind Nilsen

Hi Meg, I am planning to do a self-guided on Tour du Mont Blanc this summer but only have one week for disposal. 22 July to 28 july. Do you have any packages for running approximately 35-50 km pr day with available refuges? Best regards, Øyvind Nilsen

Hi Øyvind sorry for the late reply. Hopefully you are sorted now? July is almost fully booked – it’s very hard to get around the trail now. I have some zoom clients, some runners, plan a route around in July where they are camping two nights and the rest in refuges. If you’d like assistance planning this you can contact me on [email protected] for a private zoom consultation. Thanks. Mags

Is the only way to do the circuit via refuges or camping? If refuges are full, is it an option to stay in a nearby town instead?

Hi Elizabeth. Absolutely it’s an option. For example at the bottle neck at Les Chapieux you can order a taxi to go down to the town of Bourg St Maurice which is around 20 minutes down the valley.

Brad Muender

Quick question… if I want to book a self guided tour would I book with you or Adventure Base? I wasn’t sure if you are separate companies or if you are working together.

Hi Brad we work together so you can ping me an email to [email protected] . Speak soon. Mags

Like to receive updates via email

Hi Kelly. No problem I’ve added you onto my mailing list.

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Tour du Mont Blanc packing list

Tour du mont blanc luggage transfer - everything you need to know, tour du mont blanc hike, privacy overview.

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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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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