Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 Days
This 7-day hiking adventure takes you around the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the most celebrated treks in the Alps. Crossing France, Switzerland, and Italy, this legendary route offers exceptional panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif.
Rather than offering countless options from crowded bivouac zones to dormitory-style accommodations, our deep knowledge of the route leads us to propose a single, refined version: a comfort trek based on hotels and chalets with private rooms. We run only one or two departures per year (based on demand) to ensure we stay fresh and enthusiastic—alternating with our beloved Dolomites, Écrins, and Vercors treks.
The classic TMB takes 10 days. Our 7-day version strategically bypasses heavily developed sections to focus on the stages with the strongest alpine character.
With comfortable hotel stays and baggage transfer, the Altimood guides invite you to experience this legendary alpine adventure while fully enjoying the spectacular scenery without logistical constraints.
Highlights ⭐🏔️🦅
- ⭐ Legendary route around Mont Blanc through three countries with exceptional panoramas: glaciers, dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, and authentic mountain villages
- 🏔️ A condensed, athletic, and comfortable version to enjoy the finest viewpoints: Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges, Grand Ferret, Col de la Seigne…
- 🎒 An experienced guide who adapts the route variants based on weather and conditions, plus baggage transfer so you can hike light
Effort level
This comfort version of the Tour du Mont Blanc is designed for hikers with a good base fitness level. Daily stages range from 4 to 6 hours of walking, with elevation gains of 600 to 1,200m over 12 to 18 kilometers. This is a moderate+ level trek (3-4/5). Being in good shape allows you to fully enjoy the landscapes without exhaustion. The hotel accommodations and baggage transfer between stages facilitate recovery and enjoyment.
More about hiking difficulty levels ➜
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👣 Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Les Houches – Argentière
Meeting point at 9:00 AM in Les Houches (1,010m) — view on Google Maps. We strongly recommend arriving the day before in Les Houches or Chamonix to start fresh. If arriving early, a visit to the Mer de Glace is highly recommended.
We begin with a train transfer from Les Houches station to Praz de Chamonix, then take the Flégère cable car. From the top, the adventure begins with an ascent toward Lac Blanc through alpine pastures. Numerous viewpoints overlook the Mer de Glace and Grandes Jorasses. The descent to Argentière follows a less-traveled forest trail. Our hotel is in the heart of this charming village.
- Distance: 10 km
- Elevation: +600m / -1,150m
Day 2 – Col de la Balme – Trient
Early departure from Argentière with a short transfer to Montroc-Le Planet station. The route continues through a typical mountain forest (nature reserve) to reach a ridge trail (not vertiginous), the Aiguilles de Posettes (360° viewpoint), and finally Col de la Balme (2,204m), the gateway to Switzerland. This first section offers exceptional views of the Tour and Argentière glaciers.
The route then crosses Swiss alpine pastures before descending into the Trient valley. The trail winds through remarkable forest before traversing flowering meadows, with snow-capped peaks as backdrop.
The stage ends in Trient, a charming Swiss village where we stay in a family-run hotel known for its warm hospitality.
- Distance: 14 km (variant without transfer: 16 km)
- Elevation: +1,000m / -1,100m
Day 3 – Bovine or Arpette – Champex
A spectacular day with 2 options depending on conditions and group motivation. The classic route passes through Col de Forclaz and the Bovine alpine pastures, offering gentler walking through Valais meadows.
The athletic option takes the legendary Fenêtre d'Arpette (2,665m), a challenging passage rewarded with extraordinary views of the Alps' giants: Mont Blanc, Grand Combin, Matterhorn, and especially the Trient Glacier that accompanies hikers throughout the ascent.
Both routes converge at Champex.
- Distance: 16 km (Fenêtre d'Arpette variant: 12 km)
- Elevation: +1,110m / -750m (variant: +1,300m / -1,000m)
Day 4 – Grand Col Ferret – Courmayeur
After a transfer from Champex to La Fouly (40 minutes), we head to the route's highest point: Grand Col Ferret (2,537m). This is the natural border between Switzerland and Italy. The gradual ascent through Swiss pastures reveals Mont Blanc's imposing south face.
At the pass, the panorama unfolds in all its splendor: Grandes Jorasses, Dent du Géant, Aiguille Noire de Peuteret… A moment of pure emotion facing these giants of ice and rock. The descent into Italian Val Ferret winds through alpine meadows. The day ends with a short transfer from Arp Nouva to Courmayeur.
Courmayeur, a prestigious alpine resort at Mont Blanc's foot, welcomes us for a night in a charming town-center hotel, allowing us to enjoy Italian mountain hospitality.
- Distance: 13 km
- Elevation: +840m / -750m
Day 5 – Col de la Seigne – Les Mottets
Morning ascent toward Col de la Seigne (2,516m), the border between Italy and France. This stage offers perspectives on Mont Blanc's south face and the Brenva glaciers.
The trail first crosses Italian alpine pastures, then descends on the French side into wilder terrain. The pass marks entry into Contamines-Montjoie territory—welcome back to the French Northern Alps.
The stage ends at Ville des Glaciers with a short transfer to Les Chapieux. The tireless may add this 5km section on a beautiful trail as a bonus.
Depending on availability, overnight at Les Chapieux or transfer to Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a hotel stay.
- Distance: 16 km (to Ville des Glaciers, +4 km to Chapieux)
- Elevation: +1,200m / -600m (variant +1,650m / -1,000m)
Day 6 – Col Bonhomme – Les Contamines-Montjoie
Heading for Col du Bonhomme on day six. The trail offers panoramas of the Dômes de Miage and Bionnassay glacier. The descent to Les Contamines-Montjoie traverses different vegetation levels, from alpine meadows to conifer forests and deciduous woods. The final section is perfectly picturesque with a bridge and ancient Roman road. Arrival at Les Contamines faces the Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge chapel. Short transfer to the hotel (5km, 10 minutes).
Les Contamines-Montjoie, an authentic Savoyard village, welcomes us in a charming hotel where local gastronomy takes center stage for this penultimate stage.
- Distance: 16 km
- Elevation: +1,000m / -1,300m
Day 7 – Col du Tricot – Les Houches
Final stage toward Col du Tricot. It offers a viewpoint over the Chamonix valley and symbolically marks the journey's end. The contrast between high glacial mountains and inhabited valleys is striking.
The final descent to Les Houches completes this alpine adventure. The last kilometers through forests and pastures allow savoring the memories of this exceptional week.
Return to Les Houches in the afternoon.
- Distance: 16 km
- Elevation: +1,200m / -1,400m
The program may be adjusted at any time by the professional guide, depending on weather conditions, participants' physical abilities, accommodation availability, or any unforeseen circumstances.
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Price
- 1,860 € per person
The trek is confirmed from 6 participants.
Price Includes
- Professional state-certified mountain guide
- Baggage transfer between accommodations (light day pack only)
- Picnic lunches (x7) prepared with organic, local, and seasonal products
- Half-board (dinner, night, breakfast) in hotels or gîtes
- Transfers indicated in the itinerary
The price does not include your travel insurance, registration fees, tips, and anything not mentioned above.
This hiking trip can be organized from June to September; the itinerary may be adapted based on snow conditions.
Fair Pricing
Yes, you may find cheaper options elsewhere. Here's why our rate is fully justified:
- Human-scale groups (6-10 participants maximum): Unlike large agencies, this voluntary limit reduces group inertia and fosters genuine interactions.
- Direct contact with your guide: No intermediary. Your guide personally prepares your trip and remains your sole contact.
- Fair compensation for all service providers: Local hoteliers, guides, drivers… we prioritize the local economy over maximum margins. We also skip economies of scale—we offer only one or two TMB trips per year. This keeps us fresh, available, and motivated, as if each tour were our first.
- Full compliance with European regulations: State-certified guides, complete professional insurance, and strict adherence to labor laws in all three countries.
Technical Information
On Day 1, the meeting point is at 9 AM in front of Les Houches train station — view on Google Maps.
On Day 7, the trip ends in the afternoon at the same location (estimated around 5:30 PM, to be confirmed at registration if you need to book a train).
You can arrive by train at Les Houches station.
If you wish to arrive the day before or leave the day after, accommodations are available in Chamonix or Les Houches. Our recommendation: arrive the day before to visit Chamonix and perhaps walk or take the little train to the Mer de Glace; leave the day after to avoid the pressure of catching your train on the final day.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in double rooms in hotels or gîtes. Most accommodations have private bathrooms in the room; on Day 3, facilities are shared with neighboring rooms (on the landing). In case of unavailability at booking time (common with late requests), alternatives may be proposed in triple, quadruple rooms, or dormitories. We will maintain your double room request with the hosts, and if cancellations occur, it will be processed as a priority.
Meals
Picnic ingredients are prepared in advance by the guide. Adjustments can be made for allergies, food intolerances, or specific diets specified at booking. They will be prepared together under the guidance of Robin or Alice. Dinners and breakfasts are prepared by hotels and gîtes. Your dietary requirements are communicated to them before the trip.
Requirements
- Valid ID card or passport
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or travel health insurance
- Civil liability insurance covering hiking activities
- Assistance/repatriation insurance is mandatory. Cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
Reviews
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FAQ
What gear should I pack for this multi-day trek?
A 20-30 liter day pack is sufficient since baggage transfer is included. Bring hiking clothes, walking shoes, rain gear, water bottle, and personal items for 7 days.
The classic three-layer system works best—weather can change quickly in the mountains: a breathable base layer (worn), an insulating layer (down jacket, fleece), and a waterproof shell (Gore-Tex jacket).
Can snow affect the TMB and during which periods?
The Tour du Mont Blanc crosses several high passes (Col de la Balme 2,204m, Fenêtre d'Arpette 2,665m, Grand Col Ferret 2,537m, Col de la Seigne 2,516m) that may retain late or early snow.
June: Snow possible on the highest passes, especially Fenêtre d'Arpette. Lower route variants are then proposed.
July-August: Optimal conditions, snow exceptional except for unusual weather events.
September: First snowfalls possible late in the month on high passes.
In case of significant snow conditions, your guide will adapt the route to ensure safety, possibly using lower variants or local transport to bypass difficult sections.
Can the TMB be done as a bivouac trek?
Bivouac camping is not permitted on much of the Tour du Mont Blanc outside designated areas, whether in France, Switzerland, or Italy. This strict regulation protects these fragile, heavily visited natural spaces. If, like us, you have a passion for bivouac camping, wide-open spaces, and having the mountain to yourself, we invite you to explore less-crowded areas. We're available for custom projects in the Mont Blanc massif or the wilder valleys of the Écrins.
If you'd like higher-altitude overnight stays, we can arrange a custom trip with refuge nights that respect regulations while maintaining an authentic mountain spirit.
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