The highlights version of Tour du Mont Blanc is the perfect option for trekkers who are short on time, but don’t want to compromise the best bits. With a seamless combo of daily hikes and transfers to make the most out of your 9-day tour, you’ll cross three different European countries before you even know it. See the Alpine wonders of France, Italy, and Switzerland in all their glory: crystal clear lakes, high cols, towering peaks, and quaint villages, just to name a few. Your tour starts and ends in the world-class mountaineering town of Chamonix, but you’ll also spend nights at unique chalets, auberges, hotels, or chambre d’hôtes along the way.
Make your way to Chamonix, a charming mountain town which is the starting point for your adventure. Spend the day as you wish—wandering its cobblestone streets or tasting French fondue. You’ll meet your guide and your group at around 6pm for a briefing about the trip, followed by your first dinner together. Make sure to ask the reception to give you the Guest Card, since it entitles you to free trains and buses in the Chamonix Valley.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel or chalet
We start the day with a cable car journey on the Bellevue (the cable car usually runs from mid-June until mid-September—if you’re here earlier or later than that, then we walk up!). We then cross the spectacular suspension bridge at the foot of the Bionnassay glacier, and we have several route choices to take us to Les Contamines.
We usually cross the Col de Tricot, with a coffee stop at the spectacularly-located Chalet de Miage (at the foot of the Dômes de Miage), but if the weather is bad then we may take a lower level route through the scenic villages of Bionnassay, Champex and La Gruvaz.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: 3-star hotel
Distance: 9.3 miles / 15 km, 6-7 hours
Ascent: +2,746 ft (+837 m)
Descent: -4,985 ft (-1,520 m)
Luggage access: Yes
Today we have around 40 mins on the flat to reach the chapel at Notre Dame de la Gorge. Here we join the Roman road: it’s a bit of a rude awakening with a steep uphill, but we soon get into our stride! We continue past the Chalet de Balme (if we’re doing well, it’s a perfect coffee stop!) and up to the Col de Bonhomme (2,329 m) for a well-earned lunch break. We then have a climbing traverse, often with snowy patches until mid-July, to the Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2479m), from where we have a great view towards the Vanoise National Park. Next we have a 2 hour walk down to Les Chapieux, and stay either in an auberge or a chambre d’hôte, depending on availability.
This is one of the longest days on the TMB—it does feel quite hard because there’s a long ascent, and it’s only the second day so we haven’t had time to acclimatize…….however, the day shouldn’t pose any real problems and we take the climb slow and steady, splitting it into stages to make it perfectly manageable.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Auberge
Distance: 11.9 miles / 19 km, 8 hours
Ascent: +4,450 ft (+1,348 m)
Descent: -3,150 ft (-960 m)
Luggage access: Yes
We take a newly-cut path up to Ville des Glaciers (in previous years, the TMB took the tarmac road). There is usually the option to have a minibus transfer from Les Chapieux if you prefer (included). The leader will let you know about this. At Ville des Glaciers, if the farmer is on hand, you might have the opportunity to see how the Beaufort cheese is made. After passing Refuge des Mottets, we start to climb more steeply up to our goal, the Col de La Seigne, at 2516m the 2nd highest pass on the Tour du Mont Blanc. We’ve reached the border with Italy!
From here, we descend past the Elisabetta hut (we may divert here for lunch or coffee, depending on how we’re doing for time) and the Lac de Combal to La Visaille, where we take a bus to the vibrant mountain town of Courmayeur.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Distance: 13 miles / 21 km, 6 hours
Ascent: +3,295 ft (+1,004 m)
Descent: -2,790 ft (-850 m)
Luggage access: Yes
The day begins with a steep walk up from Courmayeur to the Bertone hut, which is a great little coffee stop. From here, we will either take the beautiful balcony route high above the Val Ferret, or the Mont de la Saxe ridge, a longer, variant. The leader will make the decision about this.
After Bonatti there is around 1.5 hours to walk to the Chalet Val Ferret in Arnouva – a small hotel in a tranquil setting at the head of the Val Ferret, surrounded by mountains and truly a beautiful spot.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Luggage access: Yes
Today we trek over the Grand Col Ferret (one of the highest cols on the trip at 2,537 m). We are rewarded with stunning views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Grand Combin and Mont Dolent (the summit of which is on the border of France, Switzerland and Italy).
At the top of the col, we cross over into Switzerland, where the scenery changes yet again. If we’re doing well for time, we might stop for a coffee at La Peule. Here we leave the signposted TMB and head to La Fouly via a higher balcony path. La Fouly is an alpine village with traditional Swiss chocolate-box chalets. At 4pm, we’ll take a short transfer to the pretty lakeside resort of Champex (20 minutes).
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Simple hotel / auberge
Distance: 9.3 miles / 15 km, 6 hours
Ascent: +2,985 ft (+910 m)
Descent: -3,444 ft (-1,050 m)
Luggage access: Yes
There are two options today. If we’re feeling energetic and the weather serves is, we’re taking the Fenêtre d’Arpette, which would be the highest col of the trip at 2,665m (8,745 ft). It’s a fantastic route with views of the Trient Glacier.
Alternatively, we could take the normal route—via Bovine, to the Col de la Forclaz. Continue down to the valley of Trient, our Swiss base for the night. We should have time for a celebratory ice cream at the Col de la Forclaz before we take our 20 minute transfer back to Argentiere.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Simple hotel / auberge
Distance: 9.3 miles / 15.4 km, 6 hours
Ascent: via Fenêtre d’Arpette: +4,870 ft (+1,484 m) | via Bovine: +2,625 ft (+800 m)
Descent: via Fenêtre d’Arpette: -5,775 ft (-1,760m) | via Bovine: -2,460 ft (-750 m)
Luggage access: Yes
We finish our trip with a wonderful hike up to the famous Lac Blanc via the Lacs des Chéserys, with the best views of Mont Blanc. This is one of the best walks in the Chamonix valley, and we use a series of ladders and chains to skirt the cliffs—this is nothing to worry about and is not difficult! We then traverse to the Flégère and descend by cable car to Les Praz, and transfer back to our hotel in the Chamonix valley.
We are in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve, and are often lucky enough to see ibex, chamois and marmots. After a hard-earned refreshment at the Lac Blanc refuge, we descend to the Flégère and take the cable car to Les Praz, then either walk back to our hotel along the river, or we can take the bus or train.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel or chalet
Distance: 5.6 miles / 9 km, 6 hours
Ascent: +3,280 ft (+1,000 m)
Descent: -1,800 ft (-550 m)
Luggage access: Yes
Your adventure in the Alps has come to an end. Say goodbye to your guide and your team. Leave Chamonix or stay a bit longer to explore the area.
Meals: Breakfast
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
Even though Tour du Mont Blanc is not technically difficult, it is generally recommended for those with at least an extensive experience of longer day hikes on mountain trails and great fitness. You can expect up to 3,000ft of daily ascent and descent and hiking 10 miles on average for 7 consecutive days. Keep in mind that hiking can be made difficult because of changing weather. However, you will be able to take many breaks and your guide will adjust the route if it gets too strenuous for your group. Due to some more exposed sections, the tour is not recommended for those with severe fear of heights.
If you think you may not be ready for this trek at the moment, we suggest you adopt a training regiment in the weeks leading up to the trip, with long daily hikes in hilly terrain, as well as activities like jogging, swimming, playing squash, or circuit training. By adequately preparing both physically and mentally for this adventure, the vast majority of the hikers can fully enjoy the challenges and rewards that this remarkable trek has to offer.
If you’re looking for guided TMB adventures suitable for advanced hikers, check out this high-level Tour du Mont Blanc adventure and this more rugged version of the Tour du Mont Blanc.
Here’s a list of the equipment and clothes you need to bring:
Typically, the weather along the route is warm and fairly stable, requiring minimal extra gear. However, it’s crucial to bring all the items from the list due to unseasonal conditions that can occasionally occur. At least once every summer hikers witness unseasonal snow and heavy rainfall, with temperatures plummeting from mid-30s°C (86°F) to below zero (0°C/32°F).
For rain, waterproof jackets and trousers are essential, along with multiple pairs of gloves. In the event of snow, quality hiking boots, walking poles, warm clothing, and gloves are necessary. Sometimes hikers experience heatwaves, meaning that they need to be equipped with rehydration salts, 3-4L of water, and a sun hat.
Don’t underestimate the importance of proper gear; be well-prepared for any situation. You’ll be able to discuss your packing list with your guide prior to your trip.
During your guided Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights hiking tour, all breakfasts and evening meals are included. Most nights, you’ll dine in the accommodation you’ll be staying at, enjoying a fixed 3-course menu that showcases excellent local food from France, Italy, and Switzerland. Hotel breakfasts are continental-style, featuring tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice, croissants, bread, jams, cereals, yogurts, and often eggs, cheese, and local meats. Breakfasts in mountain huts and simpler auberges are more basic, typically offering tea, coffee, bread, jam, and cereal.
Vegetarians are accommodated with an improving range of options, although some places may offer simpler choices like omelets or pasta. Vegans can also be catered for, but occasional breakfasts may consist mainly of fruit, so having a few snacks on hand is advisable. Your guides are vigilant and work to improve options for vegan diets with local hoteliers. Special diets due to allergies or intolerances, such as gluten-free, nut-free, or lactose-free, are accommodated to the best extent possible. However, given the set meal service in many accommodations, a wide range of options might not be available. We appreciate sticking to the specified diet, as last-minute changes are often challenging for hoteliers serving large groups.
Lunches are not included to provide flexibility. Your guide will advise on ordering lunch via the hotel, stopping at a shop or bakery for snacks, or enjoying a sit-down lunch in the refuges. While drinks are not included, you can order beer, wine, and soft drinks at all hotels, including mountain refuges. Tap water is drinkable throughout the trip.
During your guided Tour du Mont Blanc Highlights hiking trip, you can expect a range of accommodations. In larger towns like Chamonix, Les Contamines, Courmayeur, Champex, and Argentière, minimum 3* hotels are chosen, providing twin-share rooms with en-suite facilities. In smaller hamlets like Les Chapieux, La Fouly, and Trient/Forclaz, where simpler accommodations prevail, the best available lodging options—mostly auberges and small hotels—will be selected, although en-suite facilities may be limited.
If you opt for a single supplement, please note that it may not always be available—please let us know upon booking if interested.
Group sizes and prices:
Hiking the Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc can be arranged for larger or private groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Chamonix, most people fly into Geneva International Airport (GVA), one hour away. Once you arrive, there are several ways to reach your destination, including public transport. Looking to make the 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!
Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, usually at your hotel in Chamonix at 6 p.m. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group to start off the tour the following morning.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
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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!