Overview
Trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the world’s great long-distance treks, circling Western Europe’s highest mountain through France, Italy, and Switzerland. This classic alpine journey combines dramatic mountain scenery, high mountain passes, and a rich mix of landscapes and cultures into one unforgettable walking adventure.
Over 10 days on the trail, we complete the entire circuit around the Mont Blanc massif, following well-maintained mountain trails through open valleys, traditional alpine villages, and famous cols such as Col de la Seigne and Grand Col Ferret.
Led by highly experienced IML-certified guides and staying in a mix of mountain refuges and simple but comfortable hotels, this is a challenging but achievable trek for fit hikers looking to complete a true alpine classic.
We finish in Chamonix, one of Europe’s most iconic mountain towns, with the option to arrive early or stay on after the expedition to further explore the area.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Geneva, Transfer to Les Houches
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Group transfer is included from Geneva to Les Houches, where your Tour du Mont Blanc will begin with a full trek briefing.
Day 2
Trek Les Houches to Les Contamines (7hrs)
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Ascend by cable car to the start of the trek through alpine meadows and across Col du Tricot (2,120m). Superb views across the Miage valley and towards the Mont Blanc massif.
Day 3
Trek Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (7-8 hrs)
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Climb via an old Roman road to Col du Bonhomme and on to Col des Fours (2,665m), the highest point of our trek.
Day 4
Trek Les Chapieux to Val Veny (6-7 hrs)
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Cross into Italy via Col de la Seigne (2,516m) with stunning views of Mont Blanc’s Italian side. Descend through Val Veny past Rifugio Elisabetta to Val Veny.
Day 5
Trek Val Veny to Courmayeur (3-4 hrs)
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A shorter, easier day. Climb to the Courmayeur ski area with the option to descend by foot or cable car. Afternoon free to explore Courmayeur, one of the Alps’ classic mountain towns.
Day 6
Trek Courmayeur to Val Ferret (6-7 hrs)
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Climb to Rifugio Bertone and join the famous balcony trail high above Val Ferret. Superb views of hanging glaciers and granite peaks before reaching Rifugio Bonatti.
Day 7
Trek Val Ferret to La Fouly (6-7 hrs)
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Ascend to Grand Col Ferret (2,537m), the highest point of the classic TMB route and the border between Italy and Switzerland. Enjoy the expansive views of the Grand Jorasses before a gentle descent through alpine meadows to the quiet village of La Fouly.
Day 8
Trek La Fouly to Champex-Lac (4-5 hrs)
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An easy, relaxed valley walk through forests, meadows, and traditional hamlets. Arrive early afternoon at the lakeside town of Champex-Lac with time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Day 9
Trek Champex-Lac to Trient (5-6 hrs)
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Steady climbing through forest and open pasture, with glimpses across the Rhône Valley. Traverse high above the vineyards before descending into the village of Trient.
Day 10
Trek Trient to Tré-le-Champ (6-7 hrs)
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Climb through forest and high alpine pasture to Col de Balme (2,191m), crossing back into France. Expansive views of the Chamonix Valley and the Mont Blanc massif. Descend through meadows and traditional hamlets to Tré-le-Champ.
Day 11
Trek Tré-le-Champ to Chamonix (6-7 hrs)
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Conditions permitting, finish on a high route to Lac Blanc (2,352m) via fixed ladders. Outstanding close-up views across to the Mont Blanc massif in clear conditions. Traverse above the Chamonix Valley with final views of Mont Blanc before descending into town for a celebration dinner.
Day 12
Transfer from Chamonix to Geneva Airport. Depart
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After an early breakfast, the expedition concludes with a group transfer back to Geneva Airport.
Facts
What's included:
- Pre-departure training weekend in Wicklow
- An Earth's Edge softshell jacket and a buff for all participants
- 10 days guided hiking on the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit
- Led by a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader (IML-certified guide)
- Return scheduled group airport transfers from Geneva Airport - Les Houches/Chamonix
- 2 nights hotel accommodation based on twin sharing in Les Houches (pre-trek) and Chamonix (post-trek)
- 9 nights accommodation in mountain refuges and guesthouses on the trail
- A pillow and blanket is provided at the refuges
- All meals and drinking water except in Les Houches/Chamonix where accommodation is based on B&B
- A celebratory dinner on Day 11
- All planned group transportation throughout the expedition
- Excess luggage storage in Chamonix while on the trek
Exclusions:
- Flights
- Doctor
- Luggage transfers (can be added separately)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
Flights
We'll outline a recommended flight itinerary to Geneva Airport (GVA) so you can avail of our free group transfer. This will be shared with you once your booking is confirmed.
You are, of course, welcome to choose alternative flights and make your own way to Les Houches, France, in time for the briefing on Day 1.
Classic Tour du Mont Blanc - Costs, Inclusions and Payment Schedule
- Secure your place with a €199 deposit
- The remaining balance is payable by instalments or in full
- All fees are due 90 days prior to departure
Want more information on our Tour du Mont Blanc trek?
Contact us on support@earths-edge.com to request your free:
- Tour du Mont Blanc Information Pack (including detailed itinerary)
- Tour du Mont Blanc Equipment List
Or, book your free 15-minute trip consultation with one of the team to have all of your questions answered - we can help you make sure this expedition is for you!
Want to be the first to hear about new dates added, or to join the waitlist for an existing date? Contact us on support@earths-edge.com!
