Trekking through France, Italy, and Switzerland is one of Europe’s premier high-alpine adventures, but mapping out daily logistics can quickly become overwhelming. This Tour du Mont Blanc 10 day itinerary breaks down the exact route, daily distances, elevation profiles, and overnight stops across all three countries so you can plan a seamless trek.
Whether you are organizing refuge bookings independently or trekking with a guided group, you don’t need a massive, wordy travel diary to get your logistics sorted. Here is the direct, practical guide to hiking the TMB—covering everything from the Bovine Route to Lac Blanc—without any unnecessary fluff.
TMB Fast Facts & Route Overview
Total Distance: ~170 km / ~105 mi
Elevation: ~10,000m / 32,800 ft.
Countries: France, Italy, Switzerland
Starting & Ending Point: Les Houches / Chamonix, France.
Direction: Classic Counter-Clockwise.
Best Time to Trek: Late June to early September
Average Time: 9-10 Days
Tour du Mont Blanc 10-Day Itinerary
If you’re looking for details of a Tour du Mont Blanc 10 day itinerary, you’ve come to the right place! This is our exact route, distance and elevation, stays, and daily details.
Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization in Les Houches
- Stats: Arrival / Acclimatization
- Highlights: Fly into Geneva, transfer to Les Houches, meet group/prep gear
- Stay: Chalet Les Méandres, Les Houches
After flying into Geneva, take a bus to Chamonix. We booked a Flix Bus for the hour-and-thirty-minute trip. You’ll arrive in the Chamonix bus terminal, where it is easy to take a public bus or an Uber to Les Houches, which is the official starting point of the Tour Du Mont Blanc.
If you arrive with enough time to explore Chamonix, we recommend it! The picturesque streets will have you wondering why you planned a Tour du Mont Blanc 10-Day Itinerary when you could have spent all 10 days right in Chamonix. The top activities in town include Paragliding, taking the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car to breathtaking heights, and riding the Luge Alpine Coaster. Those are listed from most to least expensive!
Once in Les Houches, enjoy their little downtown area. Le Solerey is a great Brewpub for basic food items and happy hour with a view. If you want something to go, Pizzeria Lou Vio offers a wide variety of pies; bring it back to your accommodation or eat at one of the picnic tables behind the church near the water tap.
Day 2: Les Houches to Les Contamines
- Stats: 14.2 km / 8.8 mi | +710 m / +2,329 ft. | -1,317 m / 4,322 ft.
- Highlights: Cable car up to Bellevue, descend through Bionnassay and Champel with views of the Mont Blanc range.
- Stay: Hotel le Chemenaz, Les Contamines.
Get an early start on day one! It’s your first day on trail, carrying your pack, and you never know how it’s going to go! On day one of your Tour du Mont Blanc 10 day itinerary, don’t forget to take your photo at the arch; the official starting point of the TMB.
We opted for the Bellevue Cable Car on day one of hiking to minimize our climbing (About $20). It made for instant incredible views and a mellow first few miles. We opted for the alternate route to Col De Tricot. We crossed a suspension bridge over a roaring glacial torrent, hiked through fields of wildflowers, and enjoyed lunch at the Col, sitting at just under 2,120 meters/ 7,000 feet.
A steep descent brought us to Refuge De Miage where we stopped for a bathroom break and a cold drink! The mountain views behind the colorful Lupine were a sight to behold. We did have to leave the beauty behind to climb again to the small refuge and farm, Auberge du Truc, before the long, wooded descent to Les Contamines
Day 3: Les Contamines to Refuge Croix du Bonhomme
- Stats: 12.5 km, 9.29 mi | +1,311 m, +4,567 ft | -49m, -161 feet
- Highlights: Big climb over Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme into high-alpine terrain.
- Stay: Refuge Croix du Bonhomme.
It was difficult to leave the comfort of our gorgeous hotel in Les Contamines, however, the breakfast was incredible and had us all feeling ready to take on the day. Day three of the Tour Du Mont Blanc is practically all uphill and starts on a partially paved, wooded path before opening up to epic mountain views.
We stopped for lunch at the power lines and ate quickly as a storm started to roll in. Then it was a mad dash up to the Col du Bonhomme where there’s a small shelter; news flash: it was full and we wound up using it as a wind block while we waited for everyone in our party while still getting poured on.
Once we all reconvened, we traversed over to Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme. As we did, the weather started to clear, revealing incredible views in every direction. We nearly cried tears of joy at the sight of the hut! Sunshine and a beautiful place to lay our heads for the night felt so special after battling the storm for the last portion of our climb.
Day 4: Refuge Croix du Bonhomme to Courmayeur
- Stats: 22 km, 13.67 mi | +945 m, +3,100 ft | -1,737 m, -5,699 ft
- Highlights: Cross Col de la Seigne into Italy, views of Val Veny and Mont Blanc Massif glaciers.
- Stay: Hôtel Dei Camosci, Courmayeur.
We woke for sunrise and enjoyed incredible pink hues on the mountain as the sun rose. After breakfast, we packed up and hiked to the junction where we did a little bit of stretching before a long day on trail. We opted for the alternate route today, which brings you up and over Tête Sud des Fours before descending into Ville des Glaciers.
Once we arrived in Ville des Glaciers, we bought and tasted some incredible dairy products. We also enjoyed a little tour of the farm where we learned how the cheese is made and stored. Post-tour, we continued to Refuge de Mottets, where we enjoyed our packed lunch (I forgot mine at the hut, whoops! Luckily, everyone was kind enough to share with me).
Post-lunch was met with what felt like a long climb to cross Col de la Seigne into Italy. The Col was cold and windy but felt like such an accomplishment – crossing into Italy. The descent was mellow to start but became steep on the road after the marshland. We met the city bus at La Visaille, where we enjoyed a free ride to our hotel in Courmayeur.
Day 5: Italian Val Ferret Circuit
- Stats: 14 km, 8.70 mi | +1,397 m, +4,583 ft | -1,097 m, -3,599 ft
- Highlights: Alpine pastures, mountain huts, panoramic balconies over Val Ferret.
- Stay: Hôtel Dei Camosci, Courmayeur.
After an incredible dinner and equally beautiful breakfast, we set out for a day hike. Since we would be returning to Hotel Dei Camosci, we had lighter packs and opted for the more difficult, alternate route today over Testa Bernada to the bus stop in Lavachey.
Up, up, and away through the woods until we broke the tree line just below Refugio Bertone. After a quick fill up at the fountain, we continued to ascend beyond the typical TMB route to more scenic variant. Along this variant, we saw few people and enjoyed epic views of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif.
After summiting Testa Bernada, we descended through incredible fields of wildflowers to Rifugio Walter Bonatti. Here we descended a variety of steep switchbacks through the woods to the bus stop at Lavachey. We caught the city bus back into town to clean up at the hotel. We then made our way into town to enjoy gelato and beverages before returning to the hotel for another incredible dinner.
Day 6: Val Ferret to La Fouly (Italy to Switzerland)
- Stats: 15 km, 9.3 mi | +793 m, +2,602 ft | -899 m, -2,949 ft
- Highlights: Grand Col Ferret border crossing into Swiss Val Ferret and the quiet village of La Fouly.
- Stay: Auberge Maya-Joie, La Fouly.
Today we woke and immediately boarded the bus. We took the bus to Arnouva, a few miles beyond where we were picked up at the end of Day 5. The start of the hike was incredible! Up, up, and away, with incredible views the whole time, to Rifugio Elena. Here we stopped for a bathroom break, a water fill-up, and I even grabbed a cappuccino from the hut to enjoy with a view.
At the Col, we stopped to eat lunch and enjoy the view; it was windy, but beautiful, and we shared many laughs at the summit before officially crossing into Switzerland. Again, we opted for an alternate route around Tête de Ferret and down into the valley. We were the only people who took this alternate route, and we were so glad we did!
Arrival at Maya-Joie was met with incredible views and a traditional Swiss dinner. After we cleaned up and enjoyed a glass of wine with beautiful views of the Alps, we enjoyed Raclette. Raclette is a dish where each individual melts their own Raclette cheese and then pours it over boiled potatoes, pickled gherkins, and cured meats.
Day 7: La Fouly to Champex-Lac
- Stats: 17 km, 10.56 mi | +683 m, +2,241 ft | -844 m, -2,769 ft
- Highlights: Lower-elevation valley walking through traditional Swiss hamlets and forests, ending at the lake.
- Stay: Hotel Sunways, Champex.
Day 7 starts easy; a slow walk through the woods along Dranse De Ferret before the trees open up to quaint Swiss towns with perfect historic chalets. Meandering through the quiet streets felt like a movie set. Although the easy hiking was the majority of the day, it wasn’t long before you start your climb to Champex Lac.
This climb felt like the toughest of the trip; partially because of the midday heat and maybe in part due to it being the final miles of the day. We passed many wood-carved statues, a water trough, and a small cave which we explored before continuing to Champex Lac.
The hiking today was uneventful; however, Champex-Lac was a treat! Upon arrival, we forgot entirely about our bagged lunch and made way for the nearest restaurant for a delicious hot lunch. After lunch, we made our way to the park so we could take an icy dip. And after that, we grabbed affogatos and ice cream on our way out of town to our accommodation. Here we enjoyed another incredible family-style meal together at Hotel Sunways, Champex.
Day 8: Champex to Vallorcine (The Bovine Route)
- Stats: 15.5 km, 9.63 mi | +793 m, +2,602 ft | -899 m, -2,949 feet
- Highlights: Historic Bovine Route with sweeping views across the Rhône Valley before crossing into Vallorcine.
- Stay: Gîte Le Saint Louis, Vallorcine.
I’ll say it straight up: Day 8 was my least favorite of all the days. It does, however, set you up for the most fun and beautiful day of the trip. Without further ado, though, let’s debrief Day 8… it starts with easy woods walking, mostly downhill, until you reach a road and small town. You spend a mile or so on the road before you begin the climb.
Many long switchbacks lead you to your high point. We ate lunch here in the shade of a tree. The downhill here was actually kind of fun and spits you out at Hotel Col de la Forclaz. We stopped here for some gelato and a beverage before continuing on the remainder of the downhill.
After descending fully into Trient, we posted up at the iconic pink church. We lit candles for our loved ones passed and waited for a taxi. We were staying in Vallorcine for the night and skipping a few miles of the trail due to accommodation issues.
Day 9: Vallorcine to Lac Blanc & Refuge de la Flégère
- Stats: 11 km, 6.84 mi | +1,052 m, +3,451 ft | -500 m, -1,640 ft
- Highlights: Iconic ascent to Lac Blanc for mirror reflections of Mont Blanc, night at La Flégère.
- Stay: Refuge de la Flégère.
We started with some easy road and roadside path walking through quaint villages and through the shade cast by the surrounding mountains and trees. At Col des Montets we began our ascent. At first, we climbed steadily through forest. When we finally broke out of treeline, we were faced with the ladder section.
I enjoy heights and found the ladders to be a fun addition to the hike; I did not find them to be scary, however, other people in our party found them to be nerve-wracking but doable! It did feel a bit like a never-ending climb, but the views are so incredible that you don’t really mind. The first lake you’ll encounter is Lacs de Cheserys; the reflection of Mont Blanc in its still waters is truly incredible.
Climb an additional 600 feet in about .6 miles to reach Lac Blanc. Grab a snack or beverage from Refuge Lac Blanc and take in the views. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of of an ibex if you look up above the lake in the rocky outcroppings. Once you’ve had your fill of Lac Blanc and the Mont Blanc Massif, start your descent to Refuge de la Flégère where you’ll continue to enjoy epic views but with a little bit of comfort.
Day 10: Grand Balcon Sud to Chamonix
- Stats: 5.7 km, 3.54 mi | +268 m, +2,602 ft | -161 m, -2,949 ft
- Highlights: Scenic balcony trail finish in Chamonix
Be sure to wake for sunrise on your final day. Seeing first light on the mountains as you wrap up your journey is truly moving…
Head out along the balcony trail, enjoying views of Mont Blanc throughout the day. The trail is mostly mellow, with a short, steep push at the end to get to Brevent. Enjoy your final views of Mont Blanc with paragliders flying in the foreground; wouldn’t that be an epic way to end your trip?
This is the end… take the Planpraz cable car into Chamonix and enjoy a hard-earned meal in the city! We grabbed lunch, drinks, and affogatos before continuing to our next location, Annecy, France. Staying in Chamonix for a few days of luxury and relaxation would have also been great! Not ending in Les Houches, back at the sign, did feel a bit anti-climactic for the end of our Tour du Mont Blanc 10 day itinerary.
Refuge vs. Hotel Accommodations: What to Expect
A major highlight of the Tour du Mont Blanc is its hybrid accommodation style, combining high-alpine mountain huts (refuges) with cozy town hotels and village gîtes. Expecting a mix of rustic communal living and charming village hospitality keeps you prepared for every night on the trail.
High-Alpine Refuges
When staying at high-altitude stops like Refuge Croix du Bonhomme or Refuge de la Flégère, you are experiencing classic alpine hut culture:
- Dorm Etiquette: Dormitories range from small 4-bed rooms to large 20+ person bunk spaces. Always leave heavy hiking boots in the shoe cubbies at the entrance and slip into the provided indoor clogs/crocs.
- Half-Board Meals (Demi-Pension): Most refuges include a family-style, multi-course dinner (think hearty soups, stews, polenta, and local cheeses) and a simple breakfast spread. Dinner is served at a fixed time for all guests, making it a great opportunity to swap trail stories.
- Showers & Power: Hot water is limited and often coin-operated (usually €2–€4 for a 3- to 5-minute shower). Wall outlets for charging phones and power banks are limited in communal spaces, so bring a portable battery bank.
- Sleeping Gear: Silk or cotton sleeping bag liners are mandatory for hygiene in all refuges. Heavy sleeping bags are not required, as blankets and pillows are provided.
Town Hotels & Village Gîtes
Stops in towns like Les Contamines, Courmayeur, or Champex-Lac offer standard hotel amenities:
Use these town days to hand-wash sink laundry, charge electronic gear, and restock trail snacks or extra blister supplies at local markets. These are true opportunities to get a good night’s sleep and prepare yourself for the next few days on trail.
At these locations, you can enjoy private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, full electrical access, and Wi-Fi. I would be sure to plan for one of these kinds of stays in at last 2 of these three towns where they are available.
How to Train & Prepare for the TMB
With over 24,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain and steep alpine descents over 10 days, physical preparation is key to enjoying your trek.
- Build Downhill Quad Endurance: Climbing gets your lungs working, but continuous downhill descents place intense eccentric stress on your quads and knees. Incorporate weighted step-downs, lunges, squats, and stair-master sessions into your workouts at least 2–3 months before your trip.
- Train with Weight: Practice hiking on local trails with a loaded pack weighing 15–20 lbs. Getting your shoulders, core, and lower back accustomed to carrying weight over consecutive days prevents mid-trek fatigue.
No trails to hike with your backpack? Find some town walking with hills and wear a weighted vest that is similar to the weight of your pack. - Trekking Pole Efficiency: Learn to use dual trekking poles correctly on steep ascents to transfer energy to your upper body and reduce joint strain on steep mountain descents.
It would also pay to include upper body strength training in your preparation to help with carrying your pack and efficient trekking pole use.
TMB Gear & Packing Essentials
Packing light is essential when moving between locations every day. Reminder that the Tour du Mont Blanc 10 day itinerary includes carrying your gear day to day. Aim for a pack weight between 15 and 22 lbs (excluding water).
Apparel & Layering System
- Merino Wool Baselayers: Lightweight merino tops resist odor over multi-day wear and regulate temperature in fluctuating mountain weather.
- Mid-Layer Insulation: A lightweight fleece or packable down jacket for chilly mornings and high col crossings. I got cold easily, so I also packed a packabl down vest.
- Outer Shell: Quality windproof and waterproof rain jacket (GORE-TEX or equivalent) plus rain pants. Weather in the Alps can shift rapidly from sunshine to alpine rain or cold winds.
- Hiking Bottoms: Comfortable, quick-drying technical hiking pants or shorts with good stretch.
Footwear & Sleep Systems
- Trail Runners or Light Hiking Boots: Ensure footwear is well broken in before arriving in Geneva. Pair with high-quality merino wool hiking socks to prevent hot spots.
- Refuge Sleep Liner: A lightweight sleeping bag liner (compact and lightweight).
- Hut Shoes: Lightweight sandals or slip-ons for walking around refuges after offloading boots.
Essentials & Electronics
- 30L to 40L technical backpack with a rain cover.
- Dual collapsible trekking poles.
- A portable power bank
- Personal toiletries (quick-dry microfiber towel, biodegradable soap, earplugs, and eye mask for dorms).
Mont Blanc Alpine Etiquette & Leave No Trace
The Mont Blanc Massif is a fragile ecosystem shared across three nations. Preserving these high-alpine trails ensures they stay pristine for future trekkers.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Carry all trash out of the mountains, including organic waste like fruit peels and tissues, which decompose slowly in alpine climates.
- Stay on the Marked GR Trail: Avoid cutting switchbacks. Cutting trails causes severe erosion on steep slopes and damages fragile alpine flora.
- Respect Farm Animals & Wildlife: You will pass through active grazing pastures with cattle and sheep (especially along Swiss and French alpine farms). Keep a respectful distance, leave pasture gates as you found them (open or closed), and never feed livestock.
- Water Refills: Refill water bladders at designated potable fountains in villages. Use a filtration flask when topping off from natural streams near livestock pastures.
Tour du Mont Blanc: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc, and how fit do I need to be?
The TMB is a challenging, high-altitude trek with significant daily elevation gains and steep descents. While it is technically non-alpine (no ropes, crampons, or technical climbing required in peak summer), you need strong cardiovascular endurance and leg strength to hike 6 to 12 miles daily with a loaded pack.
2. Do I need a permit to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
No, you do not need a general permit or park pass to hike the trail itself. However, reservations are strictly required in advance if you plan to stay in mountain refuges (refuges/rifugios). Spots fill up months ahead of the season (often by December or January for summer trips).
3. Should I bring cash, and which currency do I need?
Yes, carry cash. You will need Euros (€) for France and Italy (Days 1–5 and 9–10) and Swiss Francs (CHF) for Switzerland (Days 6–8). While major hotels and restaurants in towns accept credit cards, many high-altitude mountain refuges only take cash for small purchases like lunch, snacks, or beverages.
4. What is the best time of year to hike the TMB?
The official season runs from late June through early September. Late June brings lush green meadows and wild alpine flowers, though some snow bridges may remain on high passes. July and August offer warm weather with open trail passes, while early September brings cooler days and fewer trail crowds.
5. Can I complete the TMB with luggage transfers, or do I have to carry everything?
You can choose either! Many trekkers carry a full multi-day backpack (30–45L) with all their gear. Especially if planning to stay at high mountain huts. However, organized luggage transfer services (or package providers) can haul your main bag from hotel to hotel each day, allowing you to hike with only a lightweight daypack. (Note: Luggage transfers generally only apply to valley hotels and accessible roads, not remote mountain refuges like Croix du Bonhomme).
Final Thoughts: Embarking on the TMB
Trekking around the Mont Blanc Massif is more than just a multi-day hike—it is an unforgettable journey through rich alpine culture, breathtaking high-mountain passes, and unforgettable landscapes across three countries. Whether you tackle the trail in full self-supported gear or enjoy the comfort of luggage transfers and cozy town hotels, proper planning is the key to a successful trek. Map out your daily stops, pack light, and prepare your legs for the elevation—the views from the cols will make every step worth it.
Have questions about planning your Tour du Mont Blanc 10 day itinerary? Drop a comment below, or check out our full packing list and gear reviews to get trail-ready!