The Tour du Mont Blanc is the world-class, multi-day trek by which others are measured. Taking in France, Italy, and Switzerland in a 10 day hike which captures the best that the Alps have to offer, from breathtaking glaciers and picturesque towns to peaks and pastures.
Our itinerary ensures you stay in the heart of the mountains enjoying a variety of rustic mountain lodges in unique locations, mixed in with stylish hotels and the opportunity to indulge with spa facilities in the mountaineering capital of Chamonix.
A truly unique experience from start to end and the trip of a lifetime. LBH have been guiding the TMB for over 25 yrs, with no stone left unturned, we guarantee an enriching and rewarding experience!
Highlights of The TMB include:
Stunning Mountain Scenery:
Take in stunning Mountain Scenery including the Monte Blanc Massif and Mont Blanc at almost 5000 meters, and glaciers such as the Glacier de Bionnassay and Mer de Glace as you venture between France, Italy and Switzerland
Experience Local Cultures in France, Italy and Switzerland:
Travel through historic and picturesque alpine villages and towns including Chamonix (France), Courmayeur (Italy), and Champex-Lac (Switzerland)
Trek through diverse landscapes:
The Tour du Mont Blanc is punctuated with alpine meadows, forests and rocky trails, taking in high alpine pastures and mountain passes including the Grand Col Ferret (The highest point of the TMB) and the Col de la Seigne on the boarder between France and Italy
Experience unique wildlife:
Ibex, Marmots, Chamois and Vultures inhabit the region and offer plenty of opportunity to see unique and fascinating wildlife in their natural habitats and environments
Arrival to Chamonix
Arriving into the iconic French ski-resort of Chamonix you are afforded an independent evening to acclimatise and relax after your journey.
Your accommodation for nights 1 and 2 of your trip will be at the centrally located Pointe Isabelle hotel.
Our first day begins in Chamonix for a warm-up hike on the Grand Balcon, affording incredible views back over to Mont Blanc and the massif.
The distance covered today = 5.6 km Ascent 559m Descent 434m
Accommodation: https://pointeisabelle.com/fr
A day offering multiple climbs and descents, we begin with a little assistance from a gondola we ascend up to Bellevue, before descending and crossing a suspended bridge with amazing views of the Bionassay glacier.
Climbing up to the Col du Tricot (2114m) we then drop down to the hamlet of Miage and incredible views of the Miage glacier before climbing up to Le Truc and venturing through forest to the ski town of Les Contamines.
The distance covered today = 11.2 km Ascent: 820m Descent: 1332m
Accommodation:
Starting from iconic Notre Dame we pass a splendid Baroque church following an old Roman road to our first climb; the Col du Bonhomme (2330m).
We traverse across to the Col du Croix du Bonhomme (2484m) entering the remote and wild section of the Tarantaise before descending to the beautiful hamlet of Les Chapieux.
The distance covered today = 18.19 km Ascent: 1437m, Descent: 1043m.
Nb. Various trail options today for the descent
Accommodation:
https://www.leschambresdusoleil-montblanc.com/
'Bonjour' turns in ‘Bongiorno!' As today we cross the border from France in Italy,
Hiking from the Valley of Glaciers we climb up to the Co du la Seigne (2506m), the border between France and Italy before descending gently into the majestic Val Veny valley.
The distance covered today = 15km Ascent: 846m Descent: 964m
Accommodation: https://www.albergoedelweiss.it
After several days of exhilarating hikes we take time to recover with a rest day , offering the opportunity to visit a Spa, take a high mountain gondola for views of Mont Blanc https://www.montebianco.com/it, or simply explore the town.
Accommodation:
Following our rest day, we cross the border from Italy over into Switzerland via the majestic Col du Ferret.
The Col sits at 2533m which we reach before descending gradually to Le Peule Farm and the small Swiss village of Ferret.
The distance covered today = 12.34 km Ascent:1029m Descent: 1085m
Accommodation: https://hotelglacier.ch/
On Day 8 of the Tour Du Monte Blanc our trail follows a classic shepherds trail used for centuries, where we pass through the hamlets of Champex-d’en Haut and Champex-d’en Bas.
Climbing up through the forest we emerge onto a high Alpage to enjoy stunning, sweeping views over the Rhone valley.
The distance covered today = 13.91km Ascent: 1021m Descent: 961m
Accommodation: https://trient.ch/tourisme/hebergements/hotel-du-col-de-la-forclaz
Day 9 see's us hiking over the Col du Balme (2186m) to enjoy a delicious lunch at a mountain refuge on the border of Switzerland and France.
Venturing back into France we descend into the beautiful Chamonix valley to complete our Tour du Mont Blanc circuit!
The distance covered today = 8.62 km Ascent: 1041m, Descent 722m
Accommodation: https://pointeisabelle.com/fr
Day 10 marks breakfast as our final meal and departure day at the end of an epic trip, with stories to tell and a mind towards your next adventure.
Q. Is the accommodation listed in the itinerary guaranteed?
A. While we endeavour to ensure that the accommodation listed on the itinerary will be where you stay, open occasion it may be necessary to switch to an alternative.
When this happens we work hard to ensure that the alternative accommodation is of the same or a better standard, that it's location is close to the original destination, and that the overall impact is minimised in every way.
Accommodation details will be finalised and shared close to the trip departure (4-6 weeks in advance), however remains subject to change up to and following departure.
Q. How challenging are the treks / hikes?
A. we have graded this trip as a level 4.
Challenging treks with significant altitude difficult terrain, and long days.
Duration of Trek: 7-10 hours of walking per day, on multi day treks.(please see the grading section on the Live Breathe Hike website).
This trip is recommended for experienced trekkers and demands good levels of physical fitness. You should have undertaken regular preparation treks in advance of departure.
You / your party members should be comfortable carrying your personal possessions required for the day in a rucksack, which might include items such as:
A water bottle
Snacks / lunch
Camera / phone / electronics
Waterproof / windproof jacket / trousers
Warm top / sun hat / sun cream
Any other items you would want to access while out for the day.
If you would like further advice on the suitability of this trip for you or your party, please contact us.
Q. Do I have to do the planned activities, every day?
A. Not necessarily. Clients can take a break from the scheduled itinerary and transfer around to the next location, subject to availability. An extra charge will be incurred.
Note - For this trip there is a scheduled rest day included in the planned itinerary.
Q. When can I access my main baggage?
A. You will have access to your main baggage in Chamonix and Courmayeur.