Spend 7 spectacular days hiking landscapes in France Switzerland and Italy
Lace-up your hiking boots for a magical 7-day self-guided Tour du Mont Blanc hike, following the world-renowned tour route. This shortened version of the Tour du Mont Blanc takes in the highlights of the TMB, and uses local transport to shorten the valley bottom walking sections. If you only have a week, this is the best Tour du Mont Blanc itinerary.
The Tour du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Highlights Tour lets you experience the majesty and grandeur of the highest summit in the Alps along a classic route that takes you across borders and through a delightful variety of landscapes and cultures.
Each day holds something new to discover as you follow these well-marked trails from one breathtaking vista to the next. Experience the Mont Blanc massif and the beauty of the surrounding Alpine range from different vantage points as you follow this self-guided hiking tour through the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps.
Follow in the footsteps of generations as you trek along the ancient communication routes that have been travelled through the ages. Join the legacy of those who have encountered the Mont Blanc massif in this personal way. This is an unforgettable alpine hike!
Note that due to the popularity of this tour, it is recommended that you book well in advance, many hotels, guesthouses and refuges along this route sell out a year in advance.
Highlights of the Self-Guided Tour Du Mont Blanc
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
Day 1 Trek to Les Contamines-Montjoie
Today you start on your Tour du Mont Blanc Trek. Transfer to the Bellevue Cable Car and ride the lift over Val Montjoie. Begin hiking along the Bionnassay Glacier trail and cross the suspension bridge for a beautiful view of the Bionnassay glacier. Follow the trail up the Col de Tricot Pass (2,120m). Continue hiking down to the Chalets de Miage (1,559m) where you can take a break in the shadow of the snow-covered peaks of the Dômes de Miage. Next, the trail takes you up to Chalets du Truc (1,750m) before a final effort brings you to Les Contamines Montjoie.
Overnight Location:1-Star Hotel in Contamines-Montjoie
Distance: 5 hrs, 650 m ascent, 1,300 m descent
Meals:Breakfast, Dinner
Day 2 Trek to Les Chapieux or Ville des Glaciers
Take a free shuttle bus from Les Contamines-Montjoie to Notre Dame de la Gorge (1,210m) where you can visit a beautifully decorated baroque chapel. This is where the road ends and your Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) hike begins in earnest. Hike the TMB trail to the Col du Bonhomme pass (2,329m) which runs between the Mont Blanc and Beaufortain ranges. Continue climbing to the Croix du Bonhomme pass (2,433m) and stop to enjoy the spectacular views from Mont-Pourri (3,779m). Descend through a charming alpine pasture to the lovely village of Chapieux.
Overnight Location: Shared room (or private room if available) in Guest House in Chapieux or Ville des Glacier
Distance: 6-7 hours, 1,300 m ascent, 950 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Trek to Courmayeur (Italy)
Begin your hike on the TMB today from the Ville des Glaciers (1,800m), where the well-known Beaufort cheese is made. Walk again through peaceful alpine pastures to reach Col de La Seigne Pass (2,516m) and cross the border into Italy. This spectacular overlook brings you impressively close to famous peaks such as Mont Blanc de Courmayeur, Noire de Peuterey, and Grandes Jorasses. Descend through the beautiful Val Veny, which is at the end of the Miage glacier. Take the bus to spend the night in Courmayeur (1,226m), a very nice town in the heart of the Italian Alps.
Overnight Location: Elena Refuge or 2-star Hotel in Courmayeur
Distance: 5 hours, 750 m ascent, 900 m descent
Meals: Breakfast only. Dinner on your own in town.
Day 4 Trek to La Fouly or Champex (Switzerland)
Halfway through the week, Day 4 on the Tour du Mont Blanc is designed as a recovery day. After a quick shuttle from Courmayeur to the end of the Val Ferret, hike from the end of the Pré de Bar glacier with Mont Dolent (3,823m) above you to the Elena Refuge (2,052m). Head toward the Grand Col Ferret pass (2,537m) and cross the border into Switzerland. Your walk through a lovely alpine pasture gives you a final view of the pretty Val Ferret to end another wonderful trekking day on the Tour du Mont Blanc. Rest and relax in the village of La Fouly, or take a bus to Champex to spend the night by a lovely lake.
Overnight Location: Shared room (or private room if available) in Guesthouse in Champex or La Fouly
Distance:5 hours, 800 m ascent, 950 m descent
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5 Trek to Trient
Today’s route on the TMB begins in Champex, so those who spent the night in La Fouly will take the bus to this charming lakeside village. As you walk from Champex, explore scenic Swiss alpine pastures full of grazing cows. This area is famous for its cheese. This hike offers amazing views of the Rhône River valley and the Swiss region of Valais. A variant of the main route is possible over the beautiful Fenêtre d'Arpette (2,665m), but be advised this trek is longer and harder. After a great day on the TMB, stop for the night in the village of Trient (1,280m).
Overnight Location: Shared room (or private room if available) in Guest House Trient
Distance:5.5 - 8 hours, 750 – 1,200 m ascent, 900 – 1,400 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 Trek to Argentière (France)
From Trient, the Tour du Mont Blanc takes you back to France. Cross the French border at the Col de Balme Pass (2,191m) and take in a spectacular panoramic view up to the summit of Mont Blanc, the Mer de Glace, the Argentiere Glacier and down through the Chamonix Valley. Continue hiking down to Le Tour (1,453m) (or take the optional chairlift/gondola – not included in price). A final push brings you to Montroc (1,370 m) and the resort town of Argentière (1,250m).
Overnight Location:Double Room in Hotel
Distance: 5-6 hours, 900 – 1,150 m ascent, 850 – 1,000 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 Trek to Chamonix via Col des Montets and Lac Blanc
Your Tour du Mont Blanc concludes with a day amazing day of walking. Enjoy glacier and summit views as you hike in the Aiguilles-Rouges massif, just in front of the Mont Blanc massif. From the Col des Montets pass (1,461m), follow the trail to Lake Chéserys where you will see Mont Blanc reflected in the still water. The hike continues back to the lovely Lac Blanc (2,352m), one of the prettiest places on the entire walk. Pause to appreciate the beauty all around you and watch for a chance to see an alpine ibex. Continue walking down to La Flégère (1877m), where you will find a gondola that takes you down to Les Praz and Chamonix.
Overnight Location:n/a
Distance: 5 hours, 900 m ascent, 600 m descent
Meals: Breakfast
Self-Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
Enjoy a private, self-guided tour for just your group! Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room. Please note that you can also book this tour without luggage transfers to reduce the price by up to $195 USD per person, depending on your group size.
This tour typically runs from mid-July to mid-September, 2024. The prices below are per person.
- Self-guided group of 2-3: $1,250 USD per person
- Self-guided groups of 4+: $1,175 USD per person
Single room supplements will apply to single rooms required
Trekking Tour du Mont Blanc with a Guide
Guided tours can be arranged too. Please contact us with dates and group information and we’ll create the itinerary just for you!
Book NowTour du Mont Blanc Accommodation
Accommodation on the Tour du Mont Blanc is highly variable, and includes shared dormitories, private rooms in guesthouses and private rooms in hotels. For hotels, you will sleep in a double room. At guest houses, the rooms are usually shared (three or four beds), and where possible you will have a double room (this depends on availability when the reservation is made).
Please note that due to the popularity of this tour, it is possible that the specific accommodations listed below may be changed due to lack of availability.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room as a solo travelers. In some cases, there may be other solo travelers, and if desired we can try to match you with participants of the same sex.
Hotels on Standard Tour
La Gélinotte ★
Rest comfortably in a room with a private bathroom and mountain views. Take advantage of the indoor pool or the sauna. La Gelinotte guesthouse also offers delicious meals in their restaurant and bar.
Auberge de la Nova (Refuge) ★
This cozy little mountain refuge offers everything that hikers need after a long day: a good meal, a hot shower, and a comfortable bed.
Auberge Vieux Pommier (B&B) ★★
Auberge Vieux Pommier offers simple but comfortable rooms in a truly authentic Italian atmosphere. Enjoy local specialities in the restaurant or sample something from their well-stocked wine cellar.
Maya Joie Hut (Refuge) ★
Maya Joie offers a playground, a sun terrace, ski-to-door access, and free high-speed WiFi. Rooms have stunning views of the mountains, the river, or the garden.
Auberge du Mont Blanc in Trient ★★
Auberge du Mont Blanc is a traditional Swiss inn that offers free WiFi, a library, a sauna, a terrace, and a playground. The restaurant offers a traditional Swiss menu including fondue.
Hotel de la Couronne in Argentière ★★★
Hôtel de la Couronne offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountains. Expect friendly service from the staff and cozy, comfortable rooms.
What’s included in the Tour Du Mont Blanc Self-Guided Tour
Meals
6 breakfasts and 5 dinners are included. Lunches are at your own expense and can be purchased from local stores or refuges to be eaten along the trail.
Accommodations
Accommodations are included for each night as described. Please remember that due to the popularity of the Tour du Mont Blanc, there is a high likelihood the specific accommodations will vary based on availability but every effort will be made to maintain a similar standard.
Transportation during the Tour du Mont Blanc
Baggage transport is included on this tour. You can reduce the overall cost if you choose to carry your own bag. You are responsible for any personal transfers required for this tour.
Also Included
- A roadbook for the Tour du Mont Blanc (as well as a map and booking vouchers) for a group of two to four people.
- Access to Mon Roadbook mobile app with GPS assistance
- 24/7 Emergency hotline
Not included
- Travel insurance for cancellations, interruptions, loss of luggage, or other needs for assistance.
- Priority processing fee for registrations made within 30 days of departure.
- Anything not mentioned as ‘included’
- Greenhouse gas emission compensation
- Tickets for local public transport and cable cars during the tour (please see FAQ for more info)
- Entrances to monuments, museums
Frequently Asked Questions about Tour du Mont Blanc in Guesthouses
Allibert Trekking is a Tour Operator based in the French Alps, specializing in incredible trips for the active outdoor enthusiast. They cater to your specific wants to create an unforgettable adventure.
Allibert Trekking specializes in mountain sports adventures throughout the European Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy, and Austria). From the Dolomites to the Mediterranean coast, they create and organize hiking, mountaineering, ski touring, snowshoeing, and multi-sport trips throughout the Alps.
With 45 years of experience, Allibert offers both exceptional “ready-made” trip itineraries and customizable plans to make sure your experience is everything you want it to be.
Allibert places great importance on sustainable travel. Because of this, they focus on creating trips that make as little an impact as possible on the natural environment. Ethics, respect, and responsibility represent the cornerstones of their commitment to responsible tourism.
Learn MoreTour du Mont Blanc in Guesthouses Map
Click map for a larger version
Is this tour for me?
Local Guide
Ask a Question
Originally from the Southern French Alps, Julien has been playing in the mountains since childhood. He loves backcountry skiing and mountaineering, long hikes, trail running, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Julien loves to share his passion for travelling and the mountains, and genuinely enjoys coming up with new ways to explore his favourite places in the Alps with visitors.
- Q: What is your favourite trip you’ve taken and why?
- A: Bernese Oberland is one of the few places in the Alps that surprised me. The landscape and views are amazing. Hiking under the 1000m cliff wall of the famous Eiger Northface and along the U-style valley of Lauterbrunnen is a fantastic experience.
- Q: What is one experience anybody visiting your country should have?
- A: It's very hard to choose as there are so many things to see and do. But I would suggest visiting the quiet, wild southern Alps.
- Q: What is one local dish or drink that visitors absolutely have to try?
- A: The Savoyard fondue, which tastes even better than the original one from Switzerland!
- Q: What is the most challenging adventure you've ever taken on?
- A: Ski touring in the Armenian mountains.