UPDATED
Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

A hiker admires the mountain views near Chamonix

Enjoy mountain views from our fantastic hotel in Chamonix

Well posted signs on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Lorena Marques

Meadows above La Fouly | Sue Badyari

Gorgeous views from the alpine trail

Animal encounters on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Ray Wilkinson

The charming lounge area of our hotel in Les Houches

Hiking in the Mont Blanc region | Dana Garofani

A hiker admires the mountain views near Chamonix

Enjoy mountain views from our fantastic hotel in Chamonix

Well posted signs on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Lorena Marques

Meadows above La Fouly | Sue Badyari

Gorgeous views from the alpine trail

Animal encounters on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Ray Wilkinson

The charming lounge area of our hotel in Les Houches

Hiking in the Mont Blanc region | Dana Garofani

UPDATED

Duration

8 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

7 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotels

Meals

3 Dinners
7 Breakfasts

Price

Overview

Trip Code: JEM

Hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc Trip highlights

Tick off Europe’s most iconic alpine mountain walk
All the essential sections of this famous hike
Experience 3 countries on one trip: France, Italy & Switzerland
Walk from alpine meadows to mountain passes, with snow-clad peaks in the background
Flexibility to walk individually or with other guests
Take in Western Europe's highest mountain
Hiking in comfort: Hotel-based tour, private rooms (no dormitories)
Local team on hand 24/7
Single travellers have the option to share a twin room
Luggage transfer included, you only carry your daily essentials

Walk one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails, the Tour du Mont Blanc, on this specially curated itinerary that picks out the most rewarding sections, without compromising on comfort. This 8-day itinerary focuses on scenic variety and cultural depth, with each day delivering dramatic views, alpine villages, and a well-earned rest in quality accommodation.

You’ll walk in the shadow of Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc (4810m), as the trail weaves through three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. From the flower-filled meadows of the Chamonix Valley to the balcony trails above Courmayeur and the tranquil forests of the Val Ferret, every stage has been selected for its spectacular beauty and manageable challenge.

The walking is suited to active travellers with a good level of fitness, but you won’t need to carry a heavy pack: your luggage is transferred each day. Enjoy the flexibility to take it slow or push further with optional extensions to high alpine lakes and lookouts like Lac Blanc or the Cheserys.

Nights are spent in characterful hotels, chosen for their location, warmth and comfort. Whether it’s a lakeside Italian inn or a spa hotel in Argentière, you’ll end each day with a well-earned rest, a good meal, and a chance to soak in the views.

With expert support behind the scenes, detailed route notes on our navigational app, and freedom to walk at your own pace, this self-guided hike is ideal for those who want to experience the best of the Tour du Mont Blanc, without the logistics.

Notes:

*There will normally be up to 8 travellers doing the walk on any date, you have a choice to walk together or individually on some or most days.

*Unlike most of our other self guided treks, this tour operates on fixed dates in order to accommodate the logistics of baggage movement. We will normally have 2 members of staff in the area to carry out the baggage transfers and offer 24/7 local assistance.

*This is a hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc trek with independent hotels that often have fantastic views of the European Alps.

*If twin rooms are available, single travellers can request to be paired to save single supplement charges.

Traveller Rating

Trip Grading

moderate to challenging

More info about grading system

Carbon Footprint

15kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(104kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Les Houches

Make your own way to Les Houches, a resort located 6 km/3.8 miles from Chamonix which nestles under the Mont Blanc massif. This evening you will have a meet and greet with our local team before enjoying your evening meal. Accommodation: Stay in a very comfortable 2* chalet-style hotel facing the Mont Blanc range. All rooms have bath/shower, WC and telephone. The hotel has a shaded garden and a lounge. Food is home made with seasonal products and regional specialties.

Meals: D

Day 2
Les Houches to Les Contamines 19.9 km /12.4 miles, 7 h

Today will certainly get the legs and heart working. A steady climb from Les Houches (950m) via Col de Voza (1653 m) and below the tip of the Bionassay glacier to the Col de Tricot (2120 m). There is a very steep descent from the col to the Chalets de Miage (1550m), followed by a short climb over Truc before descending further through forest to Les Contamines (1170m). Les Contamines is a ski resort in winter and has several restaurants and bars, also a well-stocked supermarket. Many walkers start by taking the cable car up from Les Houches to Bellevue; this avoids the long trek up to Bellevue and makes for a more enjoyable start to your Tour du Mont Blanc walking holiday. Accommodation: A modern 4* hotel with a swimming pool, bright restaurant and a welcoming lounge-bar area. All rooms have ensuite facilities.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux, transfer to Bourg St Maurice 17.3 km/10.8 miles, 8-9h

Ascend to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and then traverse to the slightly higher Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (2479m) before descending to Les Chapieux. Les Chapieux is a tiny and remote settlement with limited accommodation options. From here you will be transferred (included) 15 km/9 miles to the nearest town of Bourg St Maurice for your overnight stay. Accommodation: You'll stay at a welcoming 3* hotel in Bourg Saint Maurice, dating back to 1927. The hotel has a restaurant and offers a comfortable place to relax and unwind after a day of walking, with easy access to the town's local amenities. All rooms have ensuite shower/bathrooms.

Meals: B

Day 4
Les Chapieux to La Palud, up to 30.8 km/19.2 miles, 9h

The day starts with a joined transfer back to Les Chapieux or you can choose to continue with the vehicle up to La Ville des Glaciers. This reduces the start with 7km. It is an exceptionally scenic day with, in good conditions, fantastic views of Mont Blanc, Mont Tiondu, Aiguille des Glaciers and Aiguille Noire de Peuterey amongst many others and of course some great glaciers dripping like candle wax from the mountains. These include Glacier des Glaciers, Glacier de la Lee Blanche, and glaciers Miage, Brouillard, Freney and Brenva. Your first objective of the day is to cross the Col de la Seigne (2516m) into Italy. The Elisabetta refuge is a popular lunch stop. There is a choice of routes onwards, a high route via Lac Checrouit or a shorter route via La Visaille. There is a local bus service along the Val Veni from Cantine de la Visaille to La Saxe and Courmayeur, further reducing the distance by some 10km. From La Saxe or Courmayeur you can walk or catch the bus up to La Palud (1370m). Accommodation: You stay at a comfortable modern 3* hotel. All rooms have private facilities. There is a large terrace, a bar and a TV lounge. It is a short bus ride to the historic town and modern shopping centre of Courmayeur but it is also possible to walk to Courmayeur via La Saxe.

Meals: B

Day 5
La Palud to la Fouly, then bus to Champex-Lac, <25.2km/15.7 miles, 7h

Today we recommend that you start the day taking the public bus from La Palud to Arnuva, which will cut about 10 km of walking by a road. Then you start your climb, passing close by Mont Dolent and cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) to enter Switzerland. From Grand Col Ferret, descend through alpine meadows past the summer pastures and barns of La Peula (refreshments available) to the tiny village of Ferret and optional onward walk to La Fouly (1595m). Take a local bus to Som-la-Proz and connecting bus up to Champex-Lac - a pleasant resort town at the northeastern end of the Mont Blanc range. Accommodation: a charming family-run 3* hotel, offering a restaurant, a cosy lounge and a spa to relax. All rooms have ensuite facilities.

Meals: B,D

Day 6
Champex-Lac to Trient, transfer to Argentiere 15.2 km/9.5 miles, 5.5h

Begin your day with a steady ascent through tranquil woodland trails, eventually emerging into alpine pastures dotted with the barns of Bovine (1987m). From here, take in sweeping views down to the Rhône Valley and the Swiss town of Martigny. The rustic Bovine chalet is a popular stop, offering refreshments and local fare. On a clear day, it's the perfect place to relax on the grass and soak up the scenery. Your path then descends gently to the Col de la Forclaz (1526m), where in season, you might sample a slice of the region’s famed tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry pie). From the col, there’s the option to continue to the Chalet du Glacier for superb views of the Trient Glacier; a worthy extension if energy allows. The final descent brings you into the quiet village of Trient, nestled in the Val Trient and surrounded by rugged peaks. In the afternoon, you’ll be met for a timed transfer across the Swiss-French border to Argentière in the Chamonix Valley, a charming mountain village and your base for the night. Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable hotel in the centre of Argentiere. All rooms have ensuite facilities. There's a bar, a restaurant, a terrasse and a spa with a sauna and a hammam.

Meals: B

Day 7
Argentiere to Chamonix via Grand Balcon approx. 16 km/10 miles, 6.5-9h

Leave Argentière on a gradual ascent through forest along the Chemin des Grands Bois, before climbing more steeply to reach the Grand Balcon Sud – a stunning high-level trail with expansive views across the Chamonix valley towards Mont Blanc. You can continue along the Balcon route or, if you’re feeling strong, detour up to the Lacs des Cheserys and further to Lac Blanc (2352m) – one of the Alps’ most iconic viewpoints, with its mirrored waters and mountain refuge. Rejoin the Grand Balcon Sud and descend to La Flégère (1877m), where you can either take the gondola or walk down to Les Praz de Chamonix, then make your way to the hotel by bus or on foot through Chamonix. Alternatively, stay high and continue walking along the Balcon trail to Plan Praz, with another option to descend by cable car or footpath. Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable hotel in the centre of Chamonix with a sauna and restaurant, rooms are ensuite and come with a coffee machine and a kettle for tea.

Meals: B

Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast

It's the end of your Tour du Mont Blanc walking holiday. Depart Chamonix for your onward journey.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 3 dinners
7 nights twin share accommodation in 2, 3 and 4-star hotels with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer - 1 bag, maximum weight 15 kg
Joined return transfer from/to Les Chapieux (days 3 & 4)
Joined transfer from Trient to Argentiere (day 6)
Digital information pack including route notes & navigational app, physical maps
24/7 Local support

What's not included

4 dinners, lunch & beverages
Travel insurance
Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Local bus transfers on days 4, 5 & 7
City tax to be paid to the hotel
Excess luggage
Guide - this is a self-guided hiking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room

Accommodation

2-4* Hotels

We have organised for your overnight stays, besides a guesthouse and a mountain gite, a selection of independent chalet hotels. Whether 2, 3 or 4 stars, they usually have a space to relax after your walk which could be a garden, lounge, swimming pool, sauna, your private balcony or a communal area. The hospitality is generous and the local knowledge is invaluable.

You will not stay in dormitory-style rooms on this trip and all 2-4* hotel rooms are ensuite.

Grading

moderate to challenging

We grade this tour as moderate to challenging (grade 4); anyone used to hill walking/mountain hiking with a daily height gain/loss of 3,300 feet (1000 metres) per day should find the tour within their capability walking an average of 6 to 7 hours per day. There are no vertigo-inducing sections on this walk provided you stick to the itinerary as described in the route notes and defined on the maps; and avoid the ‘variations’. It is clear from the notes which alternate routes in our opinion do require a ‘head for heights’. Some of the walks can be shortened, if desired, by the use of cable cars or (in Italy) a local bus service. Notes: *There will normally be up to 15 travellers doing the walk on any date, you have a choice to walk together or individually on some or most days. *Unlike most of our other self guided treks, this tour operates on fixed dates in order to accommodate the logistics of baggage movement. We will normally have 2 members of staff in the area to carry out the baggage transfers and offer 24/7 local assistance. *This is a hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc trek with a mixed selection of independent hotels that often have fantastic views of the European Alps. *If twin rooms are available, single travellers can request to be paired to save single supplement charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

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?Does this walking holiday do the whole of the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Walkers on the TMB can choose between different variants of this walk for some of the days. In its purist form, the full circuit of Mont Blanc starts and finishes in Les Houches. However, because of time constraints, this trip is a horse shoe walk from Les Houches to Chamonix. It includes the essential sections of the famous TMB. Please see the itinerary above for full details.

?Why am I staying in Bourg-Saint-Maurice?

Accommodation at Les Chapieux is very limited which is why you will stay in a comfortable hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice instead. Taxi transfers (included) have been scheduled between Les Chapieux and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. There are various options for your evening meal, tonight's dinner is not included.

?What is the easiest way to get to and from the start and end points at Les Houches and Chamonix?

If you are travelling to the Mont Blanc region from abroad, it is easiest to fly or train to Geneva Airport. From there, use a dedicated transfer company such as Mountain Drop offs to take you to Les Houches or back from Chamonix. It takes around 1 hour.

?How much weight can I bring on the TMB trek?

The baggage allowance is 15kg to be transported each day. You will have to carry any extra items during your walking days. However, if you are travelling with a lot of luggage you will be able to leave extra items to be handed back to you at the end of the holiday, small fee applies.

?Is there much exposure to heights on the walk?

Exposure is a very subjective thing, if you suffer from severe vertigo you will not enjoy this walk. Moderate and light sufferers of vertigo can enjoy their alpine walk by taking the variants of the route that are less exposed. Nevertheless, there are still some rocky sections on the normal variants including above the Col du Bonhomme.

?Will altitude be a problem for me?

The highest point reached on our regular Tour du Mont Blanc route is 2532m/8307ft at the Grand Col Ferret. At such altitudes you may feel a shortness of breath, but you are unlikely to be effected too much. Slow down and take it easy!

?What about the weather around Mont Blanc?

The Mont Blanc Massif is affected by Atlantic, Mediterranean and Continental weather influences. Combined with a massive height difference within a small area, this creates huge weather differences. The summer months tend to have periods of fine stable weather, but then Atlantic fronts can sweep in causing days of drizzle and can even produce snow on the higher passes of the walk. Even on fine days, there can be afternoon storms and short periods of intense rain reverting back to calm and bright conditions. When walking around Mont Blanc, you must be prepared for all such conditions and carry a good set of waterproofs, hat and gloves as well as anti sun clothing.

?What is the accommodation on the Tour du Mont Blanc like?

You will stay at a varied mix of handpicked, comfortable hotels with 2, 3 and 4* status. All hotels have en-suite facilities, some a swimming pool, a sauna, and an outdoor area to relax after your day on the trails. It can be difficult to differentiate between the star ratings as these are often based on features and room size.

Hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.