Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsChalet le Prieure
Enjoy the stunning town of Chamonix from a 3-star hotel located in Chamonix.
Tour du Mont Blanc in Guesthouses
Prices
Highlights
Spend 8 spectacular days hiking landscapes in France Switzerland and Italy
Lace-up your hiking boots for a magical 8-day self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc hike, following the world-renowned tour route. This shortened version of the Tour du Mont Blanc takes in the highlights of the TMB, and uses local transport to shorten the valley bottom walking sections. If you only have a week, this is the best Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary.
The Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Highlights Tour lets you experience the majesty and grandeur of the highest summit in the Alps along a classic route that takes you across borders and through a delightful variety of landscapes and cultures.
Each day holds something new to discover as you follow these well-marked trails from one breathtaking vista to the next. Experience the Mont Blanc massif and the beauty of the surrounding Alpine range from different vantage points as you follow this self-guided hiking tour through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps.
Follow in the footsteps of generations as you trek along the ancient communication routes that have been travelled through the ages. Join the legacy of those who have encountered the Mont Blanc massif in this personal way. This is an unforgettable alpine hike!
Note that due to the popularity of this tour, it is recommended that you book well in advance, many hotels, guesthouses and refuges along this route sell out a year in advance.
Tour du Mont Blanc Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival day in Chamonix
Arrive in Chamonix the day before. Most guests decide to take the train to the Mer de Glace or the cable car to Aiguille du Midi, two exceptional excursions you can organize on your own. Chamonix is also the home of mountain exploration and is full of stunning views, great restaurants and shops. You will receive a travel pack with all the information you need for your trip in the evening at your hotel.
- Overnight Location
- 3-Star Hotel in Chamonix
- Distance
- n/a
- Meals
- None
Day 2 Trek to Les Contamines-Montjoie
Today you start on your Tour du Mont Blanc Trek. Transfer to the Bellevue Cable Car and ride the lift over Val Montjoie. Begin hiking along the Bionnassay Glacier trail and cross the suspension bridge for a beautiful view of the Bionnassay glacier. Follow the trail up the Col de Tricot Pass (2,120m). Continue hiking down to the Chalets de Miage (1,559m) where you can take a break in the shadow of the snow-covered peaks of the Dômes de Miage. Next, the trail takes you up to Chalets du Truc (1,750m) before a final effort brings you to Les Contamines Montjoie.
- Overnight Location
- 1-Star Hotel in Contamines-Montjoie
- Distance
- 5 hrs, 650 m ascent, 1,300 m descent
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Trek to Les Chapieux or Ville des Glaciers
Take a free shuttle bus from Les Contamines-Montjoie to Notre Dame de la Gorge (1,210m) where you can visit a beautifully decorated baroque chapel. This is where the road ends and your Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) hike begins in earnest. Hike the TMB trail to the Col du Bonhomme pass (2,329m) which runs between the Mont Blanc and Beaufortain ranges. Continue climbing to the Croix du Bonhomme pass (2,433m) and stop to enjoy the spectacular views from Mont-Pourri (3,779m). Descend through a charming alpine pasture to the lovely village of Chapieux.
- Overnight Location
- Shared room (or private room if available) in Guest House in Chapieux or Ville des Glacier
- Distance
- 6-7 hours, 1,300 m ascent, 950 m descent
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 Trek to Courmayeur (Italy)
Begin your hike on the TMB today from the Ville des Glaciers (1,800m), where the well-known Beaufort cheese is made. Walk again through peaceful alpine pastures to reach Col de La Seigne Pass (2,516m) and cross the border into Italy. This spectacular overlook brings you impressively close to famous peaks such as Mont Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey, and Grandes Jorasses. Descend through the beautiful Val Veny, which is at the end of the Miage glacier. Take the bus to spend the night in Courmayeur (1,226m), a very nice town in the heart of the Italian Alps.
- Overnight Location
- Elena Refuge or 2-star Hotel in Courmayeur
- Distance
- 5 hours, 750 m ascent, 900 m descent
- Meals
- Breakfast only. Dinner on your own in town.
Day 5 Trek to La Fouly or Champex (Switzerland)
Halfway through the week, Day 4 on the Tour du Mont Blanc is designed as a recovery day. After a quick shuttle from Courmayeur to the end of the Val Ferret, hike from the end of the Pré de Bar glacier with Mont Dolent (3,823m) above you to the Elena Refuge (2,052m). Head toward the Grand Col Ferret pass (2,537m) and cross the border into Switzerland. Your walk through a lovely alpine pasture gives you a final view of the pretty Val Ferret to end another wonderful trekking day on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Rest and relax in the village of La Fouly, or take a bus to Champex to spend the night by a lovely lake.
- Overnight Location
- Shared room (or private room if available) in Guesthouse in Champex or La Fouly
- Distance
- 5 hours, 800 m ascent, 950 m descent
- Meals
- Breakfast and dinner
Day 6 Trek to Trient
Today’s route on the TMB begins in Champex, so those who spent the night in La Fouly will take the bus to this charming lakeside village. As you walk from Champex, explore scenic Swiss alpine pastures full of grazing cows. This area is famous for its cheese. This hike offers amazing views of the Rhône River valley and the Swiss region of Valais. A variant of the main route is possible over the beautiful Fenêtre d'Arpette (2,665m), but be advised this trek is longer and harder. After a great day on the TMB, stop for the night in the village of Trient (1,280m).
- Overnight Location
- Shared room (or private room if available) in Guest House Trient
- Distance
- 5.5 - 8 hours, 750 – 1,200 m ascent, 900 – 1,400 m descent
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 Trek to Argentière (France)
From Trient, the Tour du Mont Blanc takes you back to France. Cross the French border at the Col de Balme Pass (2,191m) and take in a spectacular panoramic view up to the summit of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace, the Argentiere Glacier and down through the Chamonix Valley. Continue hiking down to Le Tour (1,453m) (or take the optional chairlift/gondola – not included in price). A final push brings you to Montroc (1,370 m) and the resort town of Argentière (1,250m).
- Overnight Location
- Double Room in Hotel
- Distance
- 5-6 hours, 900 – 1,150 m ascent, 850 – 1,000 m descent
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 Trek to Chamonix via Col des Montets and Lac Blanc
Your Tour du Mont Blanc concludes with a day amazing day of walking. Enjoy glacier and summit views as you hike in the Aiguilles-Rouges massif, just in front of the Mont Blanc massif. From the Col des Montets pass (1,461m), follow the trail to Lake Chéserys where you will see Mont Blanc reflected in the still water. The hike continues back to the lovely Lac Blanc (2,352m), one of the prettiest places on the entire walk. Pause to appreciate the beauty all around you and watch for a chance to see an alpine ibex. Continue walking down to La Flégère (1877m), where you will find a gondola that takes you down to Les Praz and Chamonix.
- Overnight Location
- n/a
- Distance
- 5 hours, 900 m ascent, 600 m descent
- Meals
- Breakfast
Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
Enjoy a private, self-guided tour for just your group! Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room. Please note that you can also book this tour without luggage transfers to reduce the price by up to $150USD per person, depending on your group size.
Prices below are per person.
- Self-guided group of 2: $1,525USD per person
- Self-guided group of 3: $1,450USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 4-5: $1,395USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 6+: $1,395USD per person
Single room supplements will apply to single rooms required
Trekking Tour du Mont Blanc with a Guide
Guided tours can be arranged too. Please contact us with dates and group information and we’ll create the itinerary just for you!
Tour du Mont Blanc Accommodation
Accommodation on the Tour du Mont Blanc is highly variable, and includes shared dormitories, private rooms in guesthouses and private rooms in hotels. For hotels, you will sleep in a double room. At guest houses, the rooms are usually shared (three or four beds), and where possible you will have a double room (this depends on availability when the reservation is made).
Please note that due to the popularity of this tour, it is possible that the specific accommodations listed below may be changed due to lack of availability.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement of $250USD to have a private room as a solo travelers. In some cases, there may be other solo travelers, and if desired we can try to match you with participants of the same sex.
Night 2
See Tripadvisor ReviewsLa Gélinotte
Rest comfortably in a room with a private bathroom and mountain views. Take advantage of the indoor pool or the sauna. La Gelinotte guesthouse also offers delicious meals in their restaurant and bar.
Night 3
See Tripadvisor ReviewsAuberge de la Nova (Refuge)
This cozy little mountain refuge offers everything that hikers need after a long day: a good meal, a hot shower, and a comfortable bed.
Night 4
See Tripadvisor ReviewsAuberge Vieux Pommier (B&B)
Auberge Vieux Pommier offers simple but comfortable rooms in a truly authentic Italian atmosphere. Enjoy local specialities in the restaurant or sample something from their well-stocked wine cellar.
Night 5
See Tripadvisor ReviewsMaya Joie Hut (Refuge)
Maya Joie offers a playground, a sun terrace, ski-to-door access, and free high-speed WiFi. Rooms have stunning views of the mountains, the river, or the garden.
Night 6
See Tripadvisor ReviewsAuberge du Mont Blanc (Inn)
Auberge du Mont Blanc is a traditional Swiss inn that offers free WiFi, a library, a sauna, a terrace, and a playground. The restaurant offers a traditional Swiss menu including fondue.
Night 7
See Tripadvisor ReviewsHôtel de La Couronne
Hôtel de la Couronne offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. Expect friendly service from the staff and cozy, comfortable rooms.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s included in the Tour Du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tour
Meals
7 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. Lunches are at your own expense and can be purchased from local stores or refuges to be eaten along the trail.
Accommodations
Accommodations are included for each night as described. Please remember that due to the popularity of the Tour du Mont Blanc, there is a high likelihood the specific accommodations will vary based on availability but every effort will be made to maintain a similar standard.
Transportation during the Tour du Mont Blanc
Baggage transport is included on this tour. You can reduce the overall cost if you choose to carry your own bag. You are responsible for any personal transfers required for this tour.
Also Included
- A roadbook for the Tour du Mont Blanc (as well as a map and booking vouchers) for a group of two to four people.
- Access to Mon Roadbook mobile app with GPS assistance
- 24/7 Emergency hotline
Not included
- Travel insurance for cancellations, interruptions, loss of luggage, or other needs for assistance.
- Priority processing fee for registrations made within 30 days of departure.
- Anything not mentioned as ‘included’
- Greenhouse gas emission compensation
- Contribution fees to the Compensation Fund of the Office of Consumer Protection, which are set at 0.1% on the value of services bought: airfare and cost of the trek
- Tickets for local public transport and cable cars during the tour (please see FAQ for more info)
- Entrances to monuments, museums
Frequenty Asked Questions about Tour du Mont Blanc in Guesthouses
How hard is Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights Tour?
This tour is rated as 3/5. Hikers should be able to spend about 5 hours per day on the trail and expect to climb 600-800m in elevation and/or cover 15km in distance.
Do I need a Visa?
Every country is different. It’s important to check with your country to see if they require a visa. You could also try this website, though it’s important that you verify with your government.
Are meals included?
6 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. Lunches can be purchased and eaten along the way at your own expense.
Do I need travel insurance for Tour du Mont Blanc?
In order to participate in this tour, it is mandatory that you have Health and Medical travel insurance. You can get travel insurance here.
Are the tours in English?
Yes, the tour information is in English. Note this is self-guided, so you won’t have a guide with you.
Where does the tour end?
The tour begins and finishes at Chamonix, which can be reached by bus or train from the Geneva airport and with a gondola ride at the end of the tour.
Do I need vaccines?
Check with your family doctor.
What is Baggage Transfer?
Baggage transfer means you will only carry what you need for the day’s hike. Your bags are transported between your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night. If you choose to go without baggage transfers you will need to carry everything you need for the entire week on your back (pay attention to weight!).
When should I book the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Tour du Mont Blanc is extremely popular, and early booking provides a much higher chance of finding a suitable accommodation on the Tour du Mont Blanc. During booking, the itinerary may need to be changed to find accommodation.
What's the earliest I can hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
Most hikers on the Tour du Mont Blanc don't start until the second half of June. The reason is that there is the possibility of snow remaining on the trail, making this trip more challenging, and in some cases dangerous. In addition, many refuge's don't open until the middle or end of June.
Can I upgrade my accommodation on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
If you want to stay in private rooms in hotels, please check out the Tour du Mont Blanc in hotels.
How much should I budget for the local transport?
Your expenses are likely to be:
- Bus to Les Houches – free
- Bellevue cablecar: about €15 EUR
- Public transportation Les Contamines – Notre Dame de la Gorge – €3 EUR/person. Not available in June and September
- Shuttle down to Bourg-Saint-Maurice and back to La Ville des Glaciers if you stay in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
- The shuttle between Les Chapieux and Ville-des-Glaciers, approximately €3.5 EUR. At the beginning of the season, you need to reserve a taxi.
- The shuttles (regularly scheduled) from Visaille to Courmayeur and from Courmayeur to Arnuva, approximately €3 EUR each. At the beginning and the end of the season, you need to reserve a taxi. Check with your hotel/hut/guest house manager to ask if there are other hikers in the same situation with whom you can share the fare. You can also ask our staff when you make your reservation for the trip.
- The bus (Postal Bus in Switzerland) from Ferret/La Fouly to Champex, approximately 12 CHF. At the beginning and end of the season, you need to reserve a taxi. You can ask our staff to reserve a taxi for you when making the reservation for your trip.
- Bus to Col des Montets – free if you’ve spent the night before in Chamonix Valley
- La Flégère cable car down to Les Praz: about €15 EUR
- Optional: The Col de Balme chairlift and gondola to Le Tour, approximately €20 EUR (Day 6).Bus to Les Houches (Free)
Please note that these prices are approximate and might change.
Reviews
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I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
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I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
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I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
This tour is rated as 3/5. Hikers should be able to spend about 5 hours per day on the trail and expect to climb 600-800m in elevation and/or cover 15km in distance.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Local guide
Julien
Chamonix, France
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