8 Days & 7 Nights

4.8

Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts

Hike on Europe’s famous long-distance alpine trek
Relish the stunning mountain views at every turn of the trail
Experience Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc Massive, from all sides
Journey through three countries: France, Italy & Switzerland
Take weight off your shoulders with our luggage transfers

Crossing through France, Italy, and Switzerland, the 100-mile Tour du Mont Blanc trail circles Western Europe’s highest mountain: Mont Blanc Massive (15,780 ft). Using our expert knowledge and years of experience, we have created this itinerary to highlight the most spectacular views and best hiking sections of the route. Traveling in the traditional anti-clockwise direction, cover 6 days of the top sections of the trail, using ski lifts and public transport up some of the steepest ascents or to alternative trailheads. You’ll overnight in a mixture of small hotels, private rooms and dormitories in mountain huts. Enjoy the freedom of hiking with just your daypack whilst your main bag is transferred to your next accommodation. This itinerary is a great option for the experienced hiker short on time but with the wish to experience the mesmerizing beauty of this famous trail.

From $2,720.00

Select Date Inquire Tour Brochure

Gallery

All Photos (10)

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1 Arrive Les Houches

The pretty Alpine village of Les Houches is easily accessible by either train or shuttle from Geneva Airport in just over an hour. On arrival you can settle into your comfortable hotel, stroll through the town and get ready for your adventure on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Overnight Les Houches

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel & Chalet Du Bois | 3 Star | Chalet, Hotel

Hotel du Bois is a comfortable 3 star hotel on the main street in Les Houches. The hotel has typical chalet style rooms, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, large garden with views of the Mont Blanc Massif and a bar and restaurant.

Hotel Saint Antoine | 3 Star | Hotel

Le Saint Antoine, is located in the ski resort of Les Houches in the Mont Blanc region. Its spa has a hot tub, sauna and hamman (free access) and optional massage treatments. The rooms and suites have a flat-screen TV with cable TV channels and free Wi-Fi internet access.

Chalet Hotel Les Campanules | Chalet, Hotel

A 2 Star Chalet Hotel, Campanules punches well above its weight with great views of Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi, fantastic service and comfortable rooms.

Day 2 Walk from Les Houches to Les Contamines 10.8 miles / 17.5 km

Your trek starts with either a climb from Les Houches out of the Chamonix Valley to Bellevue (1801m) or a quick 10 minute ride on the Bellevue telepherique (recommended) where you join the Tour du Mont Blanc.

At Bellevue you have the option of taking the tough route via Chalet de Miage, which is dominated by the Dôme du Goûter and Aiguille de Bionnasay as you pass just beneath the snout of the Glacier de Bionnassay. After passing the idyllic Chalet de Miage you descend to Les Contamines.

The easier option winds through beautiful forests and through alpine pastures via Bionnassay to Les Contamines.

Walk 1 - Les Houches to Bellevue gondola top station + Bellevue gondola top station to Les Contamines via Bionnassay, 17.5km, 7 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1198m/1045m (3930 ft / 3428 ft)

Walk 2 - Les Houches to Bellevue gondola top station + Bellevue gondola top station to Les Contamines via Refuge Miage, 19.3km, 7:50 Hours Ascent/Descent:1480m/1319m (4855 ft / 4327 ft)

Optional Cable Car from Les Houches to Bellevue gondola top station. Reduces both routes by 2:30 hours and 800m of ascent (2625 ft)

Overnight Les Contamines

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Le Christiania | 2 Star | Hotel

A classic chalet style hotel with swimming pool and a restaurant the family run Le Christina is located right in the centre of the village.

Hotel La Gelinotte | Hotel

Located in a quiet area, with breathtaking views of the Dômes de Miage, you can recharge your batteries surrounded by the serenity of the peaks, and the surrounding nature.

Hotel Gai Soleil | 3 Star | Hotel

The charming Hotel Gai Soleil was once the owner’s family’s farm in the mountains. It has been renovated with care and furnished with an aim to preserve all its rustic character and warmth. You can relax among the various flowering trees and wild berries growing in the summer and enjoy the warmth of the full sun on the terrace in winter. From the hotel you’ll find a spectacular view of the Montjoie valley.

Day 3 Walk from Les Contamines to Les Chapieux /Refuge des Mottetsx 11.6 miles / 18.7 km

Leaving Les Contamines the path turns upwards and climbs steadily on the Chemin Roman through the Contamines Montjoie Nature Reserve towards the distant Col du Bonhomme. A steady climb reveals increasingly rugged views of the high peaks and you quickly reach the rugged landscapes of the Col du Bonhomme (2329 m). A further hour on rough and rocky ground brings up the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme.

If you are staying in Les Chapieux you descend past the spectacularly located Refuge Col de la Croix du Bonhomme all the way to the valley below. Those staying at Refuge des Mottets have the choice of either descending to Les Chapieux and then catching the shuttle to Les Mottets or connoisseurs will love the climb to the Col des Fours (2665m), which promises clear views of Mont Blanc before descending into the remote and beautiful Valle des Glaciers.

There is a shuttle running between Les Chapieux and Mottets if you need to make your way between the 2.

Walk 1 - Les Contamines to Les Chapieux via Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (no Col des Fours), 18.7km, 7 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1335m/937m (4379ft/3074ft)

Walk 2 - Les Contamines to Refuge des Mottets via Col des Fours - Optional High Route Variant, 20.7km, 7 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1624m/914 (5328ft/2998ft)

Overnight Les Chapieux

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Refuge Les Mottets | Hut

Extensively refurbished in 2010 the Refuge Mottets maintains a wonderful atmosphere. The original farm buildings and new sleeping accommodation include dormitory and private rooms, while meals are taken in the atmospheric main building.

Refuge La Nova | Hut

The Auberge is a simple mountain lodge and has private rooms (on the in comfort itinerary) and dormitory (on the huts itinerary, solo walkers, and people choosing single room) accommodation. Bathrooms are shared. There is a small farm shop next door, which is a good option for a picnic.

Les Chambres du Soleil | Hut

A small family-run hotel in the village of Les Chapieux with only 5 rooms, first opened in 1856 and run by Celine and Pierre. The scenery here is spectacular, you will be surrounded by upland pasturelands and have excellent views of the Mont Blanc Massif. The accommodation has dormitories (booked on the hut itineraries, solo walkers, and people choosing single room) and private rooms (booked on the comfort itinerary).

Day 4 Walk from Les Chapieux/Refuge des Mottets to Courmayeur 10.5 miles / 17 km

The Col de la Seigne (2516m) lies a steep 750m above the Refuge des Mottets and is where you leave France for Italy. The trail descends through high alpine meadows past refuge Elisabetta into the Val Veni. At Lac Combal you leave the TMB for a couple of kilometres to follow the valley floor to la Visaille, where you catch the local bus to Courmayeur.

If you have stayed overnight in Les Chapieux, you can take a shuttle to Mottets in the morning to get to the start of the walk. If you stayed in Bourg Saint Maurice, a transfer back to Les Chapieux will have been arranged for you.

Walk 1 - Refuge des Mottets to Courmayeur via Col Checrouit, 23.6km, 8:30 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1169m/1808m (3835 ft /5932 ft)

Walk 2 - Refuge des Mottets to La Visaille, 14.2km, 5 Hours Ascent/Descent: 649m/850m (2119 ft / 2789ft)

Optional walk if you start from Les Chapieux: Les Chapieux to Mottets, 6.3km, 2hours Ascent/Descent: 363m/39m (1191 ft /128ft)

Overnight Courmayeur

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Bouton d’Or | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Bouton d’Or is a family-run gem located in Courmayeur, just a few minutes walk from the lively pedestrian centre. Warm and welcoming, it combines traditional Alpine décor with modern comforts. The hotel offers cozy, well-appointed rooms and a rich breakfast buffet featuring homemade cakes, local cheeses, and fresh regional specialties. Guests can relax in the garden after a day of hiking.

Hotel Crampon | 3 Star | Hotel

The Crampon is a charming family run 3 * hotel. It has been entirely renovated and offers the guests a warm and friendly atmosphere between modernity and tradition.

Walser Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

From the hotel you can catch a glimpse of the mountains around, the rooms to the east offer a view of Courmayeur's old town with the church of San Pantaleone, those to the west the Dente del Gigante and Mont Chetif with its ski slopes. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom, hairdryer, television, Wi-Fi and safe.

Day 5: Bus from Courmayeur to Arnouva, walk to La Fouly, and bus to Champex 9 miles / 14.6 km

Your day begins with a bus (25 minutes) to Arnouva, in the heart of the beautiful Val Ferret, in the Grandes Jorasses. Back on your own two feet you ascend Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m), you are in Switzerland! Descent to Ferret (1740 m) where you catch the local bus to the Swiss lakeside village of Champex.

Ascent/Descent: 832m/996m (2730 ft / 3268 ft)

Overnight Champex

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Gite Bon Abri | Auberge, Hut

There are 50 beds at Bon Abri make this a friendly and lively stop of the TMB. The home cooked food is fabulous.

Plein Air | Pension

Our entire team will welcome you on your arrival and offer you half-board.
You can also enjoy our bar, lounge and sunny terrace.

Hotel du Glacier | 3 Star | Hotel

The Hotel Glacier has been in the Biselx family for over 100 years. The hotel includes a number of facilities, including activities such as tennis, biking and hiking, and a restaurant and bar. In summer, the terrace and the garden offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 6 Walk from Champex to Trient 10.8 miles / 17.5 km

The official route goes via Alp Bovine, a splendid walk through pine and larch forests interspersed with alpine meadows and wonderful views down the Rhône Valley.

Alternatively the demanding variant goes via the spectacular Fenêtre d’Arpette to the Trient Valley. Climbing to 2665m it’s a challenging and exposed route but worth every step. Whichever route you choose you will end the day by descending right to the valley floor to the small village of Trient.

Walk 1 - Champex to Trient via Alp Bovine 17.5km, 5:45 Hours, Ascent/Descent: 768m/946m (3520 ft / 3105 ft)

Walk 2 - Champex to Trient via Fenêtre d’Arpette - Optional High Route Variant: 15km, 6:45 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1199m/1388m (3935 ft / 4555 ft)

Overnight Trient

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel La Grande Ourse | Auberge

This simple mountain accommodation was recently refurbished and offers both dormitory and private accommodation. Bathroom facilities will be shared.

Martigny Boutique Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

At the crossroads between Switzerland, France and Italy, the Martigny Boutique-Hôtel is located 7 minutes from Martigny train station in Valais. Your hotel offers modern and stylish rooms as well as a wine bar and a renowned restaurant serving local and Peruvian cuisine.

Hotel Vatel | 4 Star | Hotel

The Hotel Vatel as been completely renovated and welcome you in a friendly atmosphere. The hotel has 51 rooms with view on the Alps, they are well equipped with air conditioning, coffee machine, minibar and free wifi access.

Day 7 Walk from Trient to Tré-Le-Champ, and bus to Chamonix 7.5 miles / 12 km

From Trient, you climb to reach the French border at Col de Balme (2191 m). From the col the entire Mont Blanc Massif stretches ahead; the Chamonix Valley, the summit of Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles, the Mer de Glace and the Argentière glaciers! The route then continues via the Col des Posettes and Aiguillette des Posettes, with wonderful views throughout, before descending into the Chamonix Valley at Tré le Champ.

From Tré le Champ catch a bus to Chamonix for your overnight.

Walk 1 - Trient to Tré-le-Champ via Le Tour, 12km, 4:45 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1000m/858m (3281 ft / 2815 ft )

Walk 2 - Trient to Tré-le-Champ via Aiguillette des Posettes, 13.2, 5:30 hours Ascent/Descent: 1117m/977m (3665 ft / 3205 ft)

Overnight Chamonix

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel De L’Arve | 3 Star | Hotel

Enjoying a quiet location with great views, despite being so close to the centre of Chamonix, the hotel has 37 comfortable rooms and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel Oustalet | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel l'Oustalet in Chamonix is located at the foot of the Aiguille du Midi, right near the pedestrian center of town, and near the train station. This typical, little charming Savoyard hotel is family managed and will guarantee you a warm welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel La Sapiniere | 3 Star | Hotel

La Sapinière features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Attractively located in the Chamonix City Centre, this hotel offers a bar, as well as a sauna and a hot tub.

The accommodation provides a concierge service, luggage storage space and currency exchange for guests.

Day 8: Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 18kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 18kg is equivalent to 1 8-oz steak. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

Expand all

Other Information

Expand all

Is it for me?

This version of the Tour du Mont Blanc is perfect for the seasoned hiker short on time who wants to experience the best sections of this famous trail while enjoying some nights the atmosphere of mountain huts. Expect an average daily ascent/descent of 3000 ft. This tour is a mix of small hotels and huts. When overnighting in alpine huts and certain small hotels, you will sharing dormitory-style rooms, and in the huts have family-style meals at long tables in the dining rooms with fellow TMB-ers. It is not for everyone, but the comradery and alpine culture is fantastic. Your main baggage will be transferred, so you only need to hike with your daypack! For more privacy in the evenings, we recommend our ‘Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort’ tours which stay a great number of nights in small hotels.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Hut to Hut Walking | Walk from hut to hut, changing accommodation each night

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Alpine Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a tough trek with considerable ascent and descent on each day. We would suggest that you are an experienced walker who is looking for a challenge. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme. The terrain is mountainous, rocky and rough underfoot.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodations

Your nights are in a mix of small hotels (generally 2/3*) and mountain auberges/refuges in shared mixed-sex dormitories. Mountain huts are spectacularly located and allow you to stay high in the mountains each night rather than dropping down into the valleys. In the huts, the beds are set up dormitory style and are either bunk beds or raised mattresses next to each other. The dorm rooms range from sleeping 4 to 20 people are mixed gender. The huts have shared and mixed gender bathroom facilities.

** We advise all customers staying in dorm rooms at Refuge la Nova, Hotel La Grande Ourse, Gite Bon Abri and Refugio Bonatti to bring their own sleeping bag liner. These are usually small to pack and lightweight and ensure better hygiene in places receiving a high volume of hikers through the summer months.**

Please note that the Tour du Mont Blanc is an extremely popular route and the accommodation is limited. In some places, we may need to book a hotel or guesthouse in a different location, meaning you will need to use public transport to get to your accommodation and back onto the trail the next day. We will provide all the information needed, should that be the case.

Minimum age: 18.

Single Rooms

If you require single rooms within a party a limited number are available, although a supplement is payable. Single rooms are not available in mountain huts.

Solo Walkers

The Tour du Mont Blanc is available to solo walkers who are experienced and confident hiking in Alpine terrain. While the TMB has become increasingly popular over the past few years, it should not be underestimated. You will be walking in high-Alpine terrain subject to rain, fog, thunder/lightning storms and snow at any time of year. You must be confident walking alone on difficult terrain, over snow fields and navigating in poor visibility/weather conditions. Whilst this is a challenging walk, because of its popularity, there are more often than not other walkers in close proximity, which is why we can offer this tour to solo walkers. However, if you are a first-time Alpine solo walker, we recommend an alternative tour. We have a range of Alpine tours that would be more suitable for you. Please contact us for more information.

Meals

Breakfast in the 2/3* hotels tend to be a buffet selection with lots of sweet treats like pastries, home made jams fruit and cereals. Savoury tastes are also catered for with bread, cheese, ham and eggs usually available. Breakfasts in the mountain hotels and huts tend to be very basic; bread, butter, jams, coffee, tea and orange juice. If you prefer something more substantial before walking, we recommend carrying a few energy bars with you each day and supplement your breakfast with one of these.Packed lunch items can be bought locally from supermarkets or the local boulangerie. If you are staying in a hut or remote accommodation, order a packed lunch with them upon arrival. Allow about €10 per day for lunch. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodation.

Dinner in the hotels will be at least three courses chosen from a fixed menu, and sometimes there is a choice available. Dinner in the mountain huts tend to be a convivial affair, and you will be seated with the other guests. Meal times are a real highlight in the huts, and you can enjoy the company of people from all over the world while you dine on good honest home cooked food. Dinner is typically soup with bread, a main course consisting of meat and rice or pasta, a side salad or vegetables, followed by a simple dessert or cheese. If you have any dietary requirements, please tell us upon booking and we can arrange this with the accommodations. In Chamonix and Courmayeur dinner is not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Savoyard specialities are mostly based on cheese. Dishes which shouldn’t be missed include fondue, tartiflette and raclette.

Navigation What's Included

Included

4 Nights in a mix of two and three star hotels on a twin share basis
3 Nights in mountain huts/refuges in dormitories
Daily bag transfer
7 Breakfasts
5 Dinners (Courmayeur & Chamonix excluded)
Access to maps, tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure app
Emergency support and backup from our team.

Excluded

Mountain rescue / emergency assistance
Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Les Houches and from Chamonix
Lunches
Local transfers and ski lifts
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk
Accommodation upgrade at any point on the trek
Single room supplement if required.

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

By Air: Geneva is the best airport for the Chamonix valley. From here, you catch a train if you wish, but the best option is to take a pre-booked shuttle through a company such as Mountain Dropoffs, use the dicount code MACSTMB. Your Destination & Adventure Specialist will be happy to give you more information about this.

By Bus: The Flix Bus is the quickest and most affordable way to get to and from Geneva Airport. Just make sure you give yourself plenty of time (particularly on your return journey) as it is known for delays.

By Rail: TGV to Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. www.voyages-sncf.com For the return, there are regular trains between Chamonix and St Gervais les Bains Le Fayet.

By Road: Highway A40-E25 Mont Blanc-Chamonix, exit Saint-Gervais-Le Fayet. More information at www.viamichelin.fr

Parking: In Les Houches you can park for free at the Bellevue Cable Car station. In Chamonix, free parking at the Aiguille du Midi & the parking Planards (Montenvers station).

Getting from the End

From Chamonix, take a pre-booked shuttle such as Mountain Dropoffs back to Geneva airport. Alternatively, if you are travelling elsewhere in France, Chamonix has a train station. Timetables and information can be found at sncf.com

Travel during the walk

In order to focus on the best sections of the TMB you will skip some stages of the walk using public transport and lifts. These are very realiable and easy to catch. We include full details, fares and timetables in your information pack so it couldn’t be easier. You will need to pay for these locally.

Day 2: Optional Telepherique from Les Houches to Bellevue

Day 3: Optional shuttle from Les Contamines to Notre Dame de la Gorge. Optional shuttle from Les Chapieux to Ville des Glaciers

Day 4: Local bus or taxi from la Visaille to Courmayeur

Day 5: Local bus or taxi from Courmayeur to Arnuva; Swiss Postal Bus Ferret - Champex via Orsières.

Day 7: Optional ski lift from Col de La Balme – Le Tour.

Luggage Transfer

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 compact bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Baggage transfer is included as standard, allowing you to enjoy the trek with just a light day bag on your back. We ask that you limit your baggage to one bag per person with a maximum weight of 15 kg/33 lbs per person. Please note that while staying at Refugio Bonatti, your bags cannot be transferred due to the inaccessibility of the accommodation. You will need to carry your overnight things on these days and you will be reunited with your main bag the following day.

If you would prefer not to have bag transfer, and prefer to carry everything on your back as you walk, this can also be arranged. Just ask one of your Destination and Adventure specialists for more information.

Info & FAQ

General Information

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes transfer of 1 bag per person and the weight of your luggage allowed is specific to the destination you will be travelling to. This is why it is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags and/or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How do the baggage transfers work? When is the best time of year? What happens if I can't walk a stage? How fit do I need to be? Which is the best airport to fly to? How far in advance do I need to book? What personal equipment do I need?

Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc

Macs Adventure has been running self-guided hiking adventures on the Tour du Mont Blanc since 2010.

Follow Bill and Malin on their TMB journey!