Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort

Hiking to Lac Blanc in France

Enjoy mountain views from our fantastic hotel in Chamonix

Mont Blanc France

Meadows above La Fouly | Sue Badyari

Animal encounters on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Ray Wilkinson

TMB | ClareJ

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc | Michele Eckersley

Tour de Mont Blanc | Sarah Hunt

Walking up the wide alpine Valley de la Lee Blanche in Italy on our Tour du Mont Blanc | Philip Wyndham

Hiking to Lac Blanc in France

Enjoy mountain views from our fantastic hotel in Chamonix

Mont Blanc France

Meadows above La Fouly | Sue Badyari

Animal encounters on the Tour du Mont Blanc | Ray Wilkinson

TMB | ClareJ

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc | Michele Eckersley

Tour de Mont Blanc | Sarah Hunt

Walking up the wide alpine Valley de la Lee Blanche in Italy on our Tour du Mont Blanc | Philip Wyndham

Duration

14 days

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

11 nights in 2, 3 & 4* hotels
1 night guesthouse
1 night basic mountain refuge with shared facilities (Trient itinerary only)

Meals

6 Dinners
13 Breakfasts

Price

Overview

Trip Code: JMB

Hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc Trip highlights

Europe’s most iconic alpine mountain walk
Trek the classic, anti-clockwise itinerary of the complete Tour du Mont Blanc
Hiking in comfort: Hotel-based tour in private rooms
Experience 3 countries on one trip: France, Italy & Switzerland
Walk from alpine meadows to mountain passes, with snow-clad peaks in the background
Includes 3 rest days for relaxing, or enjoy more walking or sightseeing
Flexibility to walk individually or with our other guests
Full circumnavigation of Western Europe's highest mountain
Local team on hand 24/7
Luggage transfers is included, you only carry your daily essentials
Single travellers have the option to share a twin room

Walk one of Europe’s most iconic long-distance trails, the Tour du Mont Blanc, on this specially curated itinerary that covers the full circuit without compromising on comfort. This 14-day itinerary captures the complete arc of the trail, offering a full immersion into Europe's alpine culture and scenery, with each day delivering sweeping vistas, traditional villages, and rewarding overnight stays.

You’ll walk in the shadow of Western Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc (4810m), as the trail loops through France, Italy and Switzerland. From the forested trails of the Chamonix Valley to the open balconies above Courmayeur and the glacier-fed valleys of the Val Ferret, every stage has been selected to balance scenic drama with a manageable pace.

The walking is suited to active travellers with a good level of fitness, and you won’t need to carry a heavy pack: your luggage is transferred for you between accommodations. There’s flexibility built in to take it steady or go further, with optional detours to iconic spots such as Lac Blanc or the Cheserys, depending on conditions and your energy levels.

Nights are spent in characterful alpine hotels and a family-run guesthouse, chosen for their welcoming charm and ideal locations. You’ll have a comfortable base to reflect on your day’s walk and enjoy regional meals that showcase the best of the Alps.

With local support behind the scenes, our tailored navigational app, and the freedom to walk at your own pace, this self-guided route is ideal for those who want to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc in its entirety, without managing the logistics.

Notes:

*There will normally be up to 10 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 and a guesthouse 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

13kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(166kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Standard Route
Trient Route

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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 are ensuite. The hotel has a shaded garden and a lounge. Food is homemade with seasonal products and regional specialties.

Meals: D

Day 2
Les Houches to Les Contamines 20.3 km /12.6 miles, +1451m /-1296m, 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, Col de Voza; this saves about 800m, approx 2 hours walking and makes for a more enjoyable start to your walking holiday. 12.9km/ 8 miles, +708m /-1335m Accommodation: A 4* hotel with ensuite rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant or a welcoming modern chalet.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux 17.2 km /10.7 miles, +1307m /-907m, 8-9 h

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, 15 km/9 miles from the nearest village of Bourg St Maurice. There is a little shop in the hamlet where you may wish to purchase some Beaufort cheese for your lunch tomorrow. Accommodation: You'll stay at a very welcoming family-run guesthouse with a restaurant, an outdoor bar and a lovely garden. The evening meal is included accommodations and offers home-cooked, local specialities. All rooms are ensuite. Packed lunches are available. Due to limited options, you may stay in a hotel in Bourg St Maurice - this stay excludes dinner and includes a return taxi transfer from/to Les Chapieux.

Meals: B,D

Day 4
Les Chapieux to La Palud up to 30.2 km /18.8 miles, +1508m /-1708m, 9 h

Today is the toughest day in terms of distance, and perhaps the most tiring one overall, but can be shortened considerably at both ends by using buses. There are about 3 options on the route today. It is an exceptionally scenic walk 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, reducing the distance by some 10km. From La Saxe or Courmayeur you can walk or catch the bus up to La Palud (1370m). The first 7km of the day can also be avoided by taking the local bus up towards Refuge des Mottets. The middle option via Dolonne and Lac Checrouit: 29km/ 18miles, +1473 / -1832m, 9 h. The shortest option via La Visaille: 19.9km /12.4miles, +991m /-886m, 6h30 Accommodation: You stay at a comfortable modern 3* hotel. All rooms have private facilities. There is a large terrace, a bar and a 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
Free day in La Palud

A chance for a well-deserved rest. On a clear day you may like to take the cable car from La Palud to Pointe Heilbronner (3462m) on the crest of the Mont Blanc massif with impressive views across the Glacier du Geant. Alternatively, you can take one of the TMB variations, from Courmayeur over Mont de la Saxe or Col Sapin, via the Bertone and Bonatti Refuges returning by bus from La Vachey or Pra Sec along Val Ferret to La Palud. 13.6km /8.4 miles , +1116 / -613, 5 hrs walking

Meals: B

Day 6
La Palud to La Fouly 23.3km /14.5 miles, +1195m/-961m, 6.45 h

Today you pass close by Mont Dolent and cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) to re-enter Switzerland. From Grand Col Ferret descend through alpine meadows past the summer pastures and barns of La Peula (refreshments available) and the tiny village of Ferret to our hotel in La Fouly (1595m). This walk can be shortened up to 10km by taking the bus to La Vachey or Arnuva. Accommodation: Stay either at a small, simple 3* hotel, a simple auberge or a mountain gite - rooms have private facilities.

Meals: B,D

Day 7
La Fouly to Champex-Lac 14.6 km /9.1 miles, + 612m/-745m, 4.5 h

Follow the beautiful Swiss Val Ferret and pass through some pretty villages before leaving the valley to climb through woods to Champex in its picturesque lakeside setting. An easy day – in warm weather there is time to cool off in the open-air swimming pool. Champex-Lac is a little resort town at the northeastern end of the Mont Blanc range. Accommodation: a charming family-run 3* hotel, all rooms have ensuite facilities.

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Free day in Champex-Lac

A chance to stroll around the lake and visit the botanic gardens. Alternatively, there is an walks from Champex. One of the most challenging walks is from La Breya (upper cable car station at 2198m) to the mountain hut at Cabane d’Orny (2811m). Walk 9.3km / 5.7km, +/- 796m, 4h. Good weather and a head for heights are needed for this walk. For art lovers it is possible to use this day for an excursion by bus and narrow gauge train to the neighbouring town of Martigny, where the renowned Pierre Gianadda Gallery hosts summer exhibitions. Matisse, Picasso, Toulouse Lautrec, Renoir and Da Vinci have been on show in the past. In Champex, there is a good choice of restaurants with specialities such as raclette, lake trout and local fruit from the Valais. There is also a small shop in the town for picnic items.

Meals: B

Day 9
Champex-Lac to Trient, transfer to Argentiere 20.8 km / 12.9 miles, +963 /-1145, 7 h

Ascend through woods to reach the barns of Bovine (1987m); food and drinks are usually available before you descend to the Col de la Forclaz (1526m); in season, try the local tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry pie). There is then the option of a walk to the Chalet du Glacier and a bit beyond for fine views of the Trient Glacier, before descending to the village of Trient. We consider the ‘Bovine’ route so scenic that it should not be missed. From here, you will have a shuttle transfer to Argentiere for your overnigth stay. Accommodation: Stay 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in the centre of Argentiere.

Meals: B

Day 10
Trient to Argentiere two options up to 21km /12.9 miles , +1208 /-1238, 8 h or 14.3km /9 miles, +937m/-1000, 5h45

Early in the morning a 20min drive will take you back to the trail in Trient. Hike into France via the Col de Balme (2191m) revealing the Chamonix Valley below and the Mont Blanc massif. The distance quoted is for the longest variant as there are a couple of shorter ones. On the way up to the col there is a longer but very scenic and satisfying alternative via Les Grands (head for heights is an advantage). The best way on from Col de Balme is via the spectacular and easy Posettes ridge, from the end of which there is a steep descent on good paths through forest to Tre le Champ and our hotel at Argentiere. For those who want a more leisurely day, a shorter (and still scenic) descent from Col de Balme to Argentiere is possible via Le Tour. 14.3km /8.8miles, +937m/-1000, 5h45

Meals: B

Day 11
Argentiere to Chamonix (Plan Praz) 16 km /10 miles, +1590m /-808m, 9.15 h

Once again there are several route options today depending on the weather and your head for heights. Climb via Tre le Champ (1417m) and Les Cheserys and make a detour to the scenic Lac Blanc (2352m) before rejoining the Grand Balcon route, which looks across the Chamonix valley towards Mont Blanc. On one of the routes there are some ladders so a head for heights is necessary. From La Flegere (1877m) you can normally either descend to the valley at Les Praz de Chamonix on foot or by gondola and cable car. From Les Praz, you make your way to the hotel either by bus or by walking through the pleasant environs; or you can continue along the Grand Balcon for another 2 hours to Plan Praz, from where there is another cable car (or gondola) and another footpath down to Chamonix. Option A: With ladders etc. 16 km /10 miles, +1590m /-808m, 9.15 h Option B: With less exposure: 15.8km / 9.8miles, +1502m /-718m, 9 h Option C: Via Col des Montets 17km / 10.6 miles, +1543/-812m, 7.5h Option D: Bad Weather route: 11km / 6.8 miles, +1092m/ -317m, 6.5 h Note that all these distances assume that you are taking the cable car down from Plan Praz Accommodation: Spend two nights in a comfortable 3* hotel. For your relaxation, the hotel has got a bar and a sauna. All the rooms are ensuite.

Meals: B

Day 12
Free day in Chamonix

We recommend taking the cable car up to the Aiguille du Midi (3842m). You can also catch the train to Montenvers and the Mer de Glace glacier or explore Chamonix and its surroundings. For those who might prefer something totally different from walking, Chamonix boasts an Olympic standard pool and aquatic centre, a summer luge course, paragliding, golf etc. There are also art galleries and a very interesting Alpine Museum.

Meals: B

Day 13
Chamonix (Plan Praz) to Les Houches 12.4 km /7.7 miles, +563 / -1526m, 5.5 h

Rejoin the trail either at La Flegere, using the cable car from Les Praz de Chamonix, and continue along the Grand Balcon to Plan Praz or at Plan Praz via the Brevent cable car from Chamonix. From Plan Praz ascend to Col de Brevent and up to the peak of Le Brevent (2525m), one of the highest points of the tour. This day offers some of the finest views of the route. From Brevent you descend to Les Houches (1010m) and make your way to the hotel where we spend the last night. In case of bad weather or low cloud there are good low/medium level walks leading to Les Houches along the flanks of the Chamonix valley such as the ‘Petit Balcon’ and the ‘Rive d’Arve’. These named walks are well marked and signposted. End your Tour du Mont Blanc trek with dinner in the hotel's tastefully decorated restaurant. Option A: Via Le Brevent 12.4 km /7.7 miles, +563m / -1526m, 5.5 h Option B: Via Aiguillette du Brevent15.5 km /9.6 miles, +708m / -1335m, 7.5 h Option C: Bad Weather route; 10.3km/ 6.4 miles, +659m /-654m, 3.5 h Note Options A and b distances are from Plan Praz (top station) Option C starts from Chamonix directly Accommodation: On your return to Les Houches, stay at the same hotel as on the first night of the tour.

Meals: B,D

Day 14
Arrangements end after breakfast

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

Meals: B

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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 and makes for a more enjoyable start to your Tour du Mont Blanc walking holiday. Accommodation: A 4* hotel with ensuite rooms, a swimming pool, restaurant or a welcoming modern chalet. Due to limited options, you may stay in a 4* hotel in Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains, this stay excludes dinner. Saint-Gervais is a 20 minutes bus ride from Les Contamines.

Meals: B,D

Day 3
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux 17.5 km /10.9 miles, 8-9 h

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, 15 km/9 miles from the nearest village of Bourg St Maurice. There is a little shop in the hamlet where you may wish to purchase some Beaufort cheese for your lunch tomorrow. Accommodation: You'll stay at a very welcoming family-run guesthouse with a restaurant, an outdoor bar and a lovely garden. The evening meal is included accommodations and offers home-cooked, local specialities. Packed lunches are available. Due to limited options, you may stay in a hotel in Bourg St Maurice - this stay excludes dinner and includes a return taxi transfer from/to Les Chapieux.

Meals: B,D

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

Today is the toughest day in terms of distance, and perhaps the most tiring one overall, but can be shortened considerably at both ends by using buses. There are about 3 options on the route today. It is an exceptionally scenic walk 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, reducing the distance by some 10km. From La Saxe or Courmayeur you can walk or catch the bus up to La Palud (1370m). The first 7km of the day can also be avoided by taking the local bus up towards Refuge des Mottets. 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
Free day in La Palud

A chance for a well-deserved rest. On a clear day you may like to take the cable car from La Palud to Pointe Heilbronner (3462m) on the crest of the Mont Blanc massif with impressive views across the Glacier du Geant. Alternatively, you can try one of the TMB variations, for instance from Courmayeur over Mont de la Saxe or Col Sapin, returning by bus from La Vachey or Pra Sec along Val Ferret to La Palud. Please note that this bus may not run before 1 July.

Meals: B

Day 6
La Palud to La Fouly 23.4km /14.5 miles, 6.45 h

Today you pass close by Mont Dolent and cross the Grand Col Ferret (2537m) to re-enter Switzerland. From Grand Col Ferret descend through alpine meadows past the summer pastures and barns of La Peula (refreshments available) and the tiny village of Ferret to our hotel in La Fouly (1595m). This walk can be shortened up to 10kmby taking the bus to La Vachey or Arnuva. Accommodation: Stay either at a small 3* hotel, a simple auberge or a friendly lodge.

Meals: B,D

Day 7
La Fouly to Champex-Lac 15.5 km /9.6 miles, 4.5 h

Meals: B,D

Day 8
Free day in Champex-Lac

A chance to stroll around the lake and visit the botanic gardens. Alternatively, there is an abundance of day walks from Champex. One of the most challenging walks is from La Breya (upper cable car station at 2198m) to the mountain hut at Cabane d’Orny (2811m). Good weather and a head for heights are needed for this walk. For art lovers it is possible to use this day for an excursion by bus and narrow gauge train to the neighbouring town of Martigny, where the renowned Pierre Gianadda Gallery hosts summer exhibitions. Matisse, Picasso, Toulouse Lautrec, Renoir and Da Vinci have been on show in the past. In Champex, there is a good choice of restaurants with specialities such as raclette, lake trout and local fruit from the Valais. There is also a small shop in the town for picnic items.

Meals: B

Day 9
Champex-Lac to Trient 15.3 km/9.5 miles, 5.5 h

Ascend through woods to reach the barns of Bovine (1987m); food and drinks are usually available before you descend to the Col de la Forclaz (1526m); in season, try the local tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry pie). There is then the option of a walk to the Chalet du Glacier and a bit beyond for fine views of the Trient Glacier, before descending to the village of Trient. We consider the ‘Bovine’ route so scenic that it should not be missed. Trient is a tiny village in the Val Trient. Accommodation: There is very limited choice in accommodation and you stay at a very basic refuge in private rooms with shared facilities. Packed lunches are available. *If you want to avoid a stay at this refuge, please select a departure on the 'Standard Route' (see date notes).

Meals: B,D

Day 10
Trient to Argentiere 24 km /15 miles, 7 h

Cross into France via the Col de Balme (2191m) revealing the Chamonix Valley below and the Mont Blanc massif. The distance quoted is for the longest variant as there are a couple of shorter ones . On the way up to the col there is a longer but very scenic and satisfying alternative via Les Grands (head for heights is an advantage). The best way on from Col de Balme is via the spectacular and easy Posettes ridge, from the end of which there is a steep descent on good paths through forest to Tre le Champ and our hotel at Argentiere. For those who want a more leisurely day, a shorter (and still scenic) descent from Col de Balme to Argentiere is possible via Le Tour. Accommodation: Stay in a comfortable hotel in the centre of Argentiere.

Meals: B

Day 11
Argentiere to Chamonix (Plan Praz) 16 km /10 miles, 6.5 h

Climb via Tre le Champ (1417m) and Les Cheserys and make a detour to the scenic Lac Blanc (2352m) before rejoining the Grand Balcon route, which looks across the Chamonix valley towards Mont Blanc. From La Flegere (1877m) you can normally either descend to the valley at Les Praz de Chamonix on foot or by gondola and cable car. From Les Praz, you make your way to the hotel either by bus or by walking through the pleasant environs; or you can continue along the Grand Balcon for another 2 hours to Plan Praz, from where there is another cable car (or gondola) and another footpath down to Chamonix. Accommodation: Spend two nights in a comfortable 3* hotel. For your relaxation, the hotel has got a bar and a spa. All the rooms are fully ensuite.

Meals: B

Day 12
Free day in Chamonix

Meals: B

Day 13
Chamonix (Plan Praz) to Les Houches 11.5 km /7.1 miles, 6 h

Rejoin the trail either at La Flegere, using the cable car from Les Praz de Chamonix, and continue along the Grand Balcon to Plan Praz or at Plan Praz via the Brevent cable car from Chamonix. From Plan Praz ascend to Col de Brevent and up to the peak of Le Brevent (2525m), one of the highest points of the tour. This day offers some of the finest views of the route. From Brevent you descend to Les Houches (1010m) and make your way to the hotel where we spend the last night. In case of bad weather or low cloud there are good low/medium level walks leading to Les Houches along the flanks of the Chamonix valley such as the ‘Petit Balcon’ and the ‘Rive d’Arve’. These named walks are well marked and signposted. End your Tour du Mont Blanc trek with dinner in the hotel's tastefully decorated restaurant. Accommodation: On your return to Les Houches, stay at the same comfortable hotel as on the first night of the tour.

Meals: B,D

Day 14
Arrangements end after breakfast

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

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

Standard Route: 13 breakfasts, 6 dinners (5 when staying in Bourg-Saint-Maurice)
Standard Route: 12 nights twin share accommodation in 2, 3 and 4-star hotels with ensuite facilities, 1 night guesthouse
Standard Route: return transfer from/to Trient on days 9 & 10
Trient Route: 13 breakfasts, 7 dinners (6 when staying in Bourg-Saint-Maurice)
Trient Route: 11 nights twin share accommodation in 2, 3 and 4-star hotels with ensuite facilities, 1 night guesthouse, 1 basic refuge
Luggage transfer - 1 bag, maximum weight 15 kg
Digital information pack including route notes & navigational app, physical maps
24/7 Local emergency hotline

What's not included

Standard Route: 7 dinners, lunch & beverages / Trient Route: 6 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
Excess luggage
Guide: this is a self-guided hiking holiday
City tax to be paid to the hotel
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.

Guesthouse

Stay at a very welcoming small guesthouse that is run by a family. There is a restaurant, a bar and a lovely terrace to relax after your walk. The evening meal, with local specialities homecooked, is included. Packed lunches can be requested as well. With no Wi-Fi or mobile coverage in the guesthouse or garden you will be able to fully disconnect and relax.

Refuge

Due to limited options, on the Trient itinerary, one night on this Tour du Mont Blanc hike is spent at a very basic refuge. Stay in private rooms with shared facilities. A simple dinner is included and packed lunches are available.

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’. We make it clear in 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 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 you will complete the full circuit of Mont Blanc, starting and finishing in Les Houches. Note however that this will involve a couple of long road walking sections and most people will opt to cover a few miles of the walk on a local bus. There is an extra classic variant section, which is from La Palud to the refuges Bertone and Bonatti. You will be able to do much of this day as an optional walk on your free day in La Palud. However, as we don't overnight at both places you will have to return to La Palud.

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

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. It takes around 1 hour.

?Why may I be staying in Bourg-Saint-Maurice?

Accommodation at Les Chapieux is very limited, especially for single rooms. If there is no availability there, you will stay in a comfortable hotel in Bourg-Saint-Maurice and benefit from taxi transfers (included) between Les Chapieux and Bourg-Saint-Maurice. There are various options for your evening meal in Bourg Saint-Maurice, tonight's dinner is not included.

?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 at the first hotel to collect at the end of the holiday.

?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 as well as a mountain guesthouse and on the Trient itinerary in a basic refuge. The majority of 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. Two of the accommodations may have shared bathrooms.

Hotel-based Tour du Mont Blanc Trip reviews

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