Classic Hiking or Fastpacking of Tour du Mont Blanc

Your adventure starts at the Planpraz cable car station, easily reached by foot from Chamonix center. Get on the trail and hike along the Grand Balcon, passing through alpine meadows and serene forests—showcasing the diverse natural beauty of the region. Pass by the Aiguille Rouges nature reserve and the Chésery mountain lakes. Today you’ll have a shorter walk, allowing you to gradually adjust to the altitude and terrain.

Accommodation: Gîte le Moulin
Hiking: 5 hours, 13 km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: +500 m / +1,640 ft

After a hearty breakfast, leave Montroc and set out for the stunning Col de Balme, a high mountain pass marking the border between France and Switzerland. This stage offers a terrific opportunity to take incredible photos of the monumental Alps. After crossing into Switzerland, make your way back down to Trient, a charming Swiss village nestled in the Valais Alps—this is where you’ll end your day.

Accommodation: Auberge Mont Blanc
Hiking: 6 hours, 13 km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: +900 m / +2,950 ft

As you depart Trient, you’ll gradually ascend towards the Col de la Forclaz, and then further through forests to reach the Bovine meadow. Walk amidst open meadows, where cows and sheep graze in the summer months, and be treated to stunning views of the Rhone Valley stretched out below. You will then enter a serene forested area around Champex-d’en-Haut. Pass through the cool shade of the trees and soak in the tranquil vibes before arriving at the Col de Champex.

Accommodation: Gîte Bon Abri
Hiking: 7 hours, 16 km / 10 miles
Elevation gain: +900 m / +2,950 ft

Start hiking and you’ll soon be treated to the captivating sight of Lac de Champex, a pristine mountain lake surrounded by forests. Descend to the valley of the Dranse river and follow it meander through the Val Ferret. This section is notably shorter and easier than some of the other sections of the trek. Today’s hiking ends in La Fouly, a cozy Swiss village that provides the ideal backdrop for a peaceful evening of relaxation.

Accommodation: Auberge des Glaciers
Hiking: 6 hours, 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation gain: +600 m / +1,970 ft

Starting in La Fouly, journey past the charming hamlet of Ferret and start a long climb over the Grand Col Ferret. This pass marks the border between Switzerland and Italy, and it’s the highest point of the Tour du Mont Blanc! Here is where hikers get to take in breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif dominating the skyline. A steep descent leads you to the Italian Val Ferret, where you’ll reach the Rifugio Bonatti after a long day of hiking. The hut is situated on a balcony opposite the Mont Blanc massif, offering spectacular views of the mountain.

Accommodation: Rifugio Bonatti
Hiking: 9 hours, 19 km / 11.8 miles
Elevation gain: +1,300 m / +4,265 ft

Leave the rifugio and follow the contours of the Mont de la Saxe, offering incredible views of the Mont Blanc range. The path then descends, leading you down into the charming town of Courmayeur, an Italian alpine resort known for its lovely streets, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious cuisine. Final leg of the day is a steep ascent to Maison Vieille, a refuge perched high above the valley. Positioned strategically on the trail, it serves as an ideal place for trekkers to rest, mingle, and enjoy the panoramas.

Accommodation: Rifugio Maison Vieille
Hiking: 8 hours, 17 km / 10.6 miles
Elevation gain: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft

Departing from the rifugio, you’ll follow the Mont Favre ridgeline with more spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. Pass the last few trees on the way down to the Veny valley before it leads you on a long and gradual climb to the Col de la Seigne. This high mountain pass is the border between Italy and France, and it’s the second highest point along the entire Tour du Mont Blanc. Continue going down to the Refuge des Mottets, a welcoming mountain hut that concludes the day’s journey.

Accommodation: Refuge des Mottets
Hiking: 8 hours, 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation gain: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft

Today starts with an easy downhill path to Les Chapieux. This stage stands out for its complete lack of forested areas, allowing trekkers to fully immerse themselves in the open alpine landscapes. As you leave Les Chapieux, the trail takes a challenging turn, with a steep climb leading to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme. Descend down into the picturesque La Balme pasture and finally, after a long day, reach the modern refuge des Prés above the Montjoie valley.

Accommodation: Refuge des Prés
Hiking: 8 hours, 17 km / 10.6 miles
Elevation gain: +1,000 m / +3,280 ft

The ninth day of the Tour du Mont Blanc begins with a gentle descent, guiding you to Pont Romain, a relic of ancient Roman roads. You’ll reach Notre Dame de la Gorge, a picturesque chapel nestled along the trail. Continue onto Les Contamines, a charming Alpine commune where you can grab a coffee or try one of the delicious French pastries. The route then leads you along a gradual ascent, taking you back to Mont Truc to conclude the day. This grassy hilltop offers views of the impressive Mont Joly and Aiguille de Bionnassay.

Accommodation: Chalet du Truc or Chalets des Miages
Hiking: 5 hours, 13 km / 8 miles
Elevation gain: +600 m / +1,970 ft

Last day of Tour du Mont Blanc! Starting from the refuge, pass the Chalets de Miages, an Alpine hamlet. As the trail continues, a short but steep ascent towards the Col de Tricot brings you to the highest point of the day. Take in the views and start descending, crossing a suspension bridge that spans the Torrent de Bionnassay. The trail then takes you uphill to Bellevue, where you can catch your first glimpse of Chamonix, offering a sense of achievement. A final downhill brings you to Les Houches, where the finish arch awaits at the Tourism Office.

Congrats! You’ve just finished the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc!

Hiking: 5 hours, 12 km / 7.5
Elevation gain: +700 m / +2,300 ft

Your adventure starts at the Tourist Office in Les Houches, easily reached by bus from Chamonix center. Right from the start, the trail sets the pace: the climb to reach the Brévent cable car station is long, but a lunch break and 360-degree views await! Continue onto the Grand Balcon, passing through alpine meadows and serene forests—showcasing the diverse natural beauty of the region.

Pass by the Aiguille Rouges nature reserve and the Chésery mountain lakes. After a long first day, reach the town of Montroc and feel the atmosphere of Mont Blanc. Depending on the conditions and weather, this stage may be shortened by using the Planpraz cable car instead of a long ascent.

Accommodation: Gîte le Moulin
Hiking: 8 hours, 27 km / 16.8 miles
Elevation gain: +2,000 m / +6,560 ft

After a hearty breakfast, leave Montroc and set out for the stunning Col de Balme, a high mountain pass marking the border between France and Switzerland. This stage offers a terrific opportunity to take incredible photos of the monumental Alps. After crossing into Switzerland, make your way back down to Trient, a charming Swiss village nestled in the Valais Alps, and gradually ascend towards Col de la Forclaz, a good spot for a lunch break.

Leaving the pass, reach the open meadows of Alp Bovine, where cows and sheep graze in the summer months, and be treated to stunning views of the Rhone Valley stretched out below. You will then enter a serene forested area around Champex-d’en-Haut. Pass through the cool shade of the trees and soak in the tranquil vibes before arriving at the Col de Champex.

Accommodation: Gîte Bon Abri
Hiking: 7 hours, 25 km / 15.5 miles
Elevation gain: +1,700 m / +5,580 ft

Leave Champex-Lac behind and descend to the valley of the Dranse river—follow it meander through the Val Ferret. After a gradual climb to warm up the legs, reach La Fouly, a dreamy hamlet at the end of the valley. From here, the trail takes you on a long, but rewarding ascent over the Grand Col Ferret.

This pass marks the border between Switzerland and Italy, and it’s the highest point of the Tour du Mont Blanc! Here is where hikers get to take in breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif dominating the skyline. A steep descent leads you to Rifugio Elena in the Italian Val Ferret, where you can rest your legs on the inviting terrace after a long day out.

Accommodation: Rifugio Elena
Hiking: 7 hours, 26 km / 16 miles
Elevation gain: +1,600 m / + 5,250 ft

Right at the start, a steep descent leads you to the bottom of the Italian Val Ferret, and then you climb back up to follow the contours of the Mont de la Saxe. The trail has little ups and downs in this section, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding beaks.

The path then descends, leading you down into the charming town of Courmayeur, an Italian alpine resort known for its lovely streets, vibrant atmosphere, and delicious cuisine. It’s definitely worth strolling through this dreamy town and trying out Italian, Alpine dishes at one of its restaurants!

Accommodation: Hotel Viale close to town square
Hiking: 5 hours, 19 km / 11.8 miles
Elevation gain: +500 m / +1,640 ft

Time to say goodbye to Bella Italia! A steep ascent leads you to the Chécrouit pass, and once you reach it, follow the Mont Favre ridgeline with more spectacular views of the Mont Blanc massif. On the way down to the Combal Lake, you’ll pass the last few trees, before the trail leads you on a long and gradual climb through Val Veny to the Col de la Seigne.

This high mountain pass is the border between Italy and France, and it’s the second highest point along the entire Tour du Mont Blanc. Continue going down to the Refuge des Mottets, a welcoming mountain hut that concludes the day’s journey.

Accommodation: Refuge des Mottets
Hiking: 7 hours, 24 km / 14.9 miles
Elevation gain: +1,800 m / +5,905 ft

Today starts with an easy downhill path to Les Chapieux. This stage stands out for its complete lack of forested areas, allowing trekkers to fully immerse themselves in the open alpine landscapes. As you leave Les Chapieux, the trail takes a challenging turn, with a steep climb leading to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme.

Once you’ve taken in the views from up there, descend down into the picturesque La Balme pasture. Reach the Pont Romain, a relic of ancient Roman roads, and then the Notre Dame de la Gorge, a picturesque chapel nestled along the trail. Continue onto Les Contamines, a charming Alpine commune where you can grab a coffee or try one of the delicious French pastries—such as a mocha Eclair or a croissant.

Accommodation: Hotel Gelinotte
Hiking: 6 hours, 22 km / 13.7 miles
Elevation gain: +900 m / +2,955 ft

Last day on the trail! Take it easy in the morning, walk through serene forests until you finally reach the Chalets de Truc. Here is where you can enjoy fantastic views of the Domes des Miages and Aiguille de Bionnassay.

As the trail continues, a short but steep ascent towards the Col de Tricot brings you to the highest point of the day. Take in the views and start descending, crossing a suspension bridge that spans the Torrent de Bionnassay. The trail then takes you uphill to Bellevue, where you can catch your first glimpse of Chamonix, offering a sense of achievement. A final downhill brings you to Les Houches, where the finish arch awaits at the Tourism Office.

Congrats! You’ve just finished the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc!

Hiking: 5 hours, 18 km / 11.2 miles
Elevation gain: +1,250 m / +4,100 ft