This right here is the Tour du Mont Blanc done right: 11 days of epic trekking across France, Italy, and Switzerland, with stunning trails by day and comfortable hotels by night. We’ll take on high passes, hike alongside glaciers, and wander through postcard-perfect alpine villages. We’ll hit all the TMB highlights along the way, from crossing into Italy via Col de la Seigne to soaking in the reflections of Mont Blanc at Lac Blanc. And after all that adventure? We’ll unwind in cozy 3-star and 4-star hotels, enjoy hearty mountain meals, and let the luggage transfers do the heavy lifting. With an expert guide leading the way, all you have to do is take it all in. Ready to take on this iconic trek?
Our adventure begins in the beautiful town of Chamonix. Arrive at your leisure and enjoy some rest at your hotel. In the evening, you’ll meet the guide for a briefing and enjoy a welcome drink. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow hikers and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chamonix
Our first hiking day starts with a ride on the cable car of Planpraz. We’ll hike to the Brevent pass and summit (2,525 m / 8,284 ft), then descend to the Bellachat hut, where we’ll take a break before descending to Les Houches, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation: +545 m / +1,788 ft, -1,560 m / -5,118 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Les Houches
Today we’ll walk from Les Houches to the bottom of the Bellevue cable car which will take us up into the mountains. From here, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the Mont Blanc range. We’ll make our way towards the Col du Tricot, hiking under the impressive Bionnassay glacier before descending to the Chalets de Miage and finally reaching our destination in the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation: +675 m / +2,215 ft, -1,305 m / -4,282 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Les Contamines-Montjoie
We’re in for a challenging but rewarding hike to the Col du Bonhomme (2,329 m / 7,641 ft), starting with a walk from Les Contamines-Montjoie to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge. This leg of our journey offers a true taste of alpine hiking with significant distance, elevation gain, and altitude. After crossing the pass, we’ll truly disconnect: there is no coverage past this point. We’ll descend to the hamlet of Les Chapieux where we’ll get a private transfer to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, our home for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation: +755 m / +2,477 ft, -970 m / -3,182 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice
After a hearty breakfast, a private transfer will take us to La Ville des Glaciers, where we’ll get back on the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Our path takes us through a pasture up to the Col de la Seigne (2,516 m / 8,255 ft). A few more steps and we’re in Italy! We’ll pause to admire breathtaking views of iconic peaks like La Noire de Peuterey and the Grandes Jorasses. We’ll take a local bus from La Visaille to our accommodation in Courmayeur, the charming capital of the Italian Alps.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation: +755 m / +2,477 ft, -880 m / -2,887 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Courmayeur
Today we’ll discover the beauty of Mont de la Saxe. From Courmayeur, we’ll head towards the Bonatti hut for a spectacular hike up the Saxe Mountain, which offers superb views of the entire southern slope of the Mont Blanc chain. We’ll enjoy summit and glacier views on the horizon until we reach the refuge of the famous Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti (2,022 m / 6,633 ft). From there, we’ll hike down to the Lavachey hamlet to catch a bus back to Courmayeur.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Elevation: +1,080 m / +3,543 ft, -300 m / -984 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Courmayeur
Today we venture into Switzerland! After a bus to Arnouva, we’ll hike up to the Rifugio Elena and then on to the Grand Col Ferret, marking the Italian-Swiss border. We’ll enjoy the breathtaking view from the top of the Col and take one last look at the Italian side of our tour. Our descent takes us to the picturesque village of La Fouly.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation: +820 m / +2,690 ft, -990 m / -3,248 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in La Fouly
This short day gives us time to rest near the lake of Champex. From La Fouly, an easy walk leads us to the village of Praz le Fort (1,151 m / 3,776 ft). The path follows the river of Ferret to the hamlet of Issert. Then we’ll hike up to the beautiful lake of Champex (1,477 m / 4,846). Ready for a refreshing dip?
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Elevation: +580 m / +1,902 ft, -740 m / -2,428 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Today starts with a gentle hike along the historic “cattle road,” enjoying typical alpine scenery. Our path takes us through hilly terrain, forests, and pastures, offering splendid views of the Rhone Valley, the town of Martigny, and the Dents du Midi. We’ll walk down to Col de la Forclaz, where we’ll get a private transfer to our accommodation in Argentière.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 14.2 km / 8.9 miles
Elevation: +800 m / +2,625 ft, -750 m / -2,461 ft
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Argentière
Our final hiking day is a real treat! We’ll hike up to a beautiful balcony in the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, passing by ibexes and mountain goats. Our reward will be breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc range and its impressive glaciers. A major highlight is our visit to the stunning Lac Blanc. We’ll then head to La Flégère for one last panoramic view before heading back to Chamonix for the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance: 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation: +1,200 m / +3,937 ft, -1,420 m / -4,659 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chamonix
After breakfast, our Tour du Mont Blanc adventure comes to an end. If you’re staying in the area, feel free to ask your guide for recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
The itinerary, distances, and elevations may vary slightly due to weather and trail conditions. Your guide will make necessary adjustments to ensure the best and safest experience possible.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This Tour de Mont Blanc hotel-based adventure requires great physical condition. You’ll hike for 9 consecutive days on mountainous and often challenging terrain, including high mountain passes.
Expect from 12 to 18 km (7.5 to 11.2 mi) of hiking in a single day with up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) of ascent and up to 1,560 m (5,118 ft) of descent.
To enjoy this adventure, you should be comfortable hiking for 6-8 hours a day in mountain terrain. Regular cardiovascular exercise and hill walking or hiking practice in the months leading up to the tour will help ensure you’re prepared for the challenges of the TMB.
For more Mont Blanc hiking tours, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
A Tour du Mont Blanc hotel-based adventure can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Tour du Mont Blanc hotel-based adventure is Chamonix, France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport (GVA).
Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make airport transfers hassle-free? Check out Mountain Drop Offs—they provide door-to-door service in their comfy and spacious shuttles. Use the code 57HCHX to get a 5% discount!
You will meet your guide in the evening of Day 1 for a welcome drink in Chamonix.
Repatriation/search and rescue insurance is mandatory, while travel insurance is highly recommended to join this trip. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!