Complete Tour du Mont Blanc in Huts (extended)

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.

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 - Via Bionnassay, 17.3km, 6.5hours Ascent/Descent: 1036m/853m 

Walk 2 - Via Chalets de Miage, 18.1km, 7.5 hours Ascent/Descent: 1440/1262m

Optional Cable Car: Reduces both routes by 2 hours and 900m of ascent

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.

Walk 1 - Walk to Refuge des Mottets, 19.5km, 7.5 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1621m/893m

Walk 2 - Walk to Les Chapieux, 19km, 7 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1335m/933m

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.

Walk from Les Chapieux: 22km, 6-7 Hours, Ascent/Descent: 1000m/800m

Walk from Refuge des Mottets: 17km, 5-6 hours, Ascent/Descent: 750m/800m

Purists may choose to head back to La Visaille by bus or taxi and cover the section of the trail from Lac Combal via Col Checrouit back into Courmayeur. In favourable weather, this high route is well worth the effort and is a wonderfully scenic section of the trail. Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day relaxing in the charming Italian town of Courmayeur. 

Ascent/Descent: 760m/1560m

Nestled at the heart of Italy’s Aosta Valley Courmayeur is bustling in summer with plenty to fill your day. Choose from a gentle stroll, a relaxing cappuccino and people watching on the piazza or perhaps take the cable car to Rifugio Torino and the Punta Helbronner (3462m), where you can enjoy the most spectacular views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

In good weather the walk from Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable of your Tour du Mont Blanc. Choose from three variations for the next section, all of which start with a steep climb from Courmayeur. The main route then contours around the flank of Mont de la Saxe on an undulating path giving you plenty of time to take in the dramatic icy panorama of the Mont Blanc Massif and Grand Jorasses across the valley.

The variants via Col Sapin or Mont de la Saxe include more climbing but the views are arguably better. Whichever route you choose Refugio Bonatti, the crème de la crème of alpine refuges, marks the end of your day.

Ascent/Descent: 1092m/275m

The day begins with a glorious contouring walk from Rifugio Bonatti before descending into Val Ferret, where the climb of Grand col Ferret begins. The top of the col brings up Switzerland. Descending through picture book scenes of chalets, grazing cattle and fabulous alpine views you soon reach La Fouly, an idyllic alpine village of wooden chalets overflowing with flowers.

Ascent/Descent: 923m/1348m

Walking through the Val Ferret with its patchwork of peaceful forests and green pastures is balm for the body and soul as this is the easiest stage of the TMB. On the way to Champex you will be walking on some of the quietest trails in the Mont Blanc Massif. The village of Les Arlaches, made up of traditional wooden Swiss Chalets, seems to have leapt from a postcard and is a highlight of the day. Your overnight stop is the lakeside town of Champex.

Ascent/Descent: 470m/601m

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: Via Alp Bovine, 17.5km, 6 Hours Ascent/Descent: 768m/946m

Walk 2: Via Fenêtre d’Arpette, 15km, 6 Hours Ascent/Descent: 1199m/1388m

From Trient, you climb to reach the French border at Col de Balme (2191m). 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.

Walk 1 - via Le Tour, 12km, 5 Hours Ascent/Descent: 100m/858m

Walk 2 - via Col de Balme, 13.2, 5.5hours  Ascent/Descent: 1108m/979m

The next two days are a real highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc. The views across the Chamonix Valley to the Mont Blanc Massif are outstanding throughout. From your hotel the trail climbs via Aiguillette de Argentière to the Grand Balcon Sud of the Aiguilles Rouges, taking in a few fixed ladders on the way. You are now in the Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve and sightings of Ibex, Marmot and many other furry creatures are common. You continue to climb to Lac Blanc, a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. Another hour of descent brings you to the cable car station at Le Flégère, continue past the cable car and take the 'Balcon Sud' route traversing across the mountainside with stunning views of Mont Blanc as you go. The balcony route arrives at Planpraz where you can take the cable car down to the centre of Chamonix. 

Ascent/Descent: 1353m/768m

Begin your day by catching the cable car back up to Planpraz. For your last day on the Tour du Mont Blanc, you have several options. The toughest, but most rewarding takes you all the way to Les Houches via the Col du Brevant & the rocky pedestal of the le Brévent (2525m). Mont Blanc seems within touching distance on the opposite side of the valley. Descend past Lac Brevent and traverse onwards to Bel Lachat before making the descent to Les Houches and a short bus or train ride will take you back to Chamonix. This day can be shortened at several points. Chamonix is the centre of mountaineering in the French Alps and always a hive of activity and is the perfect place to celebrate the end of your walk around Mont Blanc. 

 Ascent/Descent: 524m/1526m

Chamonix is a great base to spend a couple of days and we would recommend that you add extra nights here. You can enjoy some fabulous walking in the Aiguilles Rouge Park, take the cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3795m or perhaps the train to the Montenvers on the Mer de Glace.

If you are heading home there are numerous shuttles, buses and trains back to Geneva and throughout France.