Guided Tour du Mont Blanc Holiday Dossier

This is the famous classic of the Alps, a complete circuit of the magnificent Mont Blanc (4810m), the highest mountain in Western Europe.

The Tour du Mont Blanc or TMB is one of the most popular long distance walks in Europe. It circles the Mont Blanc Massif covering a distance of 168km (105 miles), passing through parts of France, Italy and Switzerland. It is considered one of the worlds classic long distance walking trails.

The route was officially inaugurated in 1952 but the history of the trail stretches back to 1758 when De Saussure, a man driven by the allure of Mont Blanc, made the first full circuit of the Massif du Mont Blanc.

Our TMB guided tours are group hiking holidays with a guide. The itinerary is devised so that we can walk the entire circuit. We meet in Les Houches, France and from there embark on a journey taking in the rich history and culture of the mountains. We walk the full circuit of the Tour du Mont Blanc. We visit remote farms and refuges, ancient Roman towns and beautiful mountain villages. The alpine landscape is stunning, the high mountain peaks with unforgettable views, and the valleys with individual characteristics. There is an abundance of mountain flowers, adding their riot of colour, and alpine wildlife.

This is a challenging route with an accumulated height gain and loss of approximately 10,000M. It has, as the route crosses from valley to valley via the mountain passes, long and some steep, ascents and descents therefore participants on this holiday must be physically fit, and equipped to meet it. The terrain on this trail is a diversity of country lanes, forest trails, rocky mountain paths, rolling farmland and high mountain meadows.

Each night on the trail you stay in a different location. Accommodation varies from remote small family run village hotels to mountain huts. Staying at the huts is a wonderful alpine experience – the views as the sunsets in the evening, the stars at night, and sunrise in the early morning. Breakfast and ten evening meals are included. Luggage transfer between accommodation is provided on most days, the exceptions being to the mountain huts when you will need to carry a small amount of overnight/next day gear in your rucksack.

Start point
Les Houches near Chamonix, France

End point
Les Houches near Chamonix, France

Direction of walk
Anticlockwise

Group size
There will be a maximum of 10 people plus guide on your holiday.

Grade
A challenging route walked at a steady pace and therefore a good level of fitness (stamina and cardiovascular) is required.

Terrain
The terrain on this trail is a diversity of country lanes, forest trails, rocky mountain paths, rolling farmland and high mountain meadows. There are no technical climbs and ropes are not required though there is a small section of ladders, which can be avoided if necessary.

Included in the price of your holiday

  • 13 nights accommodation with breakfast

  • 10 evening meals

  • Experienced guide

  • Luggage transfer between overnight accommodation (except for the walks to the mountain huts Elisabetta, Bonatti and La Flegere when you will need to carry a small amount of overnight/next day gear).

Not included in the price of your holiday
Packed lunches, drinks and snacks, holiday insurance, travel to and from Les Houches, souvenirs, etc.

Holiday insurance
Clients must have insurance that includes cover for helicopter search and rescue.

Accommodation
varies from small family run village hotels, pensions and remote mountain huts. We stay in different accommodation each night (except for 2 nights in Courmayeur where we have a rest day). For 8 nights we stay in mainly twin, and some triple rooms, in the hotels and pensions (rooms are ensuite for 5 nights). For 5 nights we stay in dormitory rooms in the remote villages and mountain huts.
‘Hutting’ is an alpine experience. The Huts are in fabulous locations, with breathtaking views offering a comfortable and sociable stay. They consist of a living/dining area. Sleeping arrangements are generally in mixed dormitories with bunk beds.

Single travellers
This group holiday is a good way to meet like minded people who share a passion for hiking in the mountains. Almost half our customers are single travellers. It’s a great way of meeting new people and making new friends. There is no single supplement as we will room with a fellow traveller(s). Single occupancy rooms are not available on this tour.

Guide
Your experienced Guide will provide daily information about the route, and guide the way. Your Guide will provide daily information about the route its varied landscapes, flora and fauna, and local history.

Luggage transfer
Luggage allowance is 1 bag/person weighing not more than 15kg (33lbs). We will transfer your bag from accommodation to accommodation, except for the walks to mountain huts Elisabetta, Bonatti and La Flegere when you will need to carry a small amount of overnight/next day clothing (on these days your main bag will be securely stored).

Meals
Breakfast is included in the cost of your holiday and is served at your accommodation. Evening meals are included at your accommodation on 10 nights. Packed lunches are not included but they are available to buy from your accommodation or on route.

Extra nights accommodation
You can add extra nights accommodation in Les Houches. Price from £65/person/night.

Weather
Daytime temperatures generally range from 15°C to 25°C but lower and higher daytime temperatures can be experienced. It can be cooler in the evening especially in the high mountains. The weather is more stable during summer but alpine weather is unpredictable and you should be prepared for all possibilities. If severe weather conditions prevail during your holiday the guide may have to change the route, delay or cancel a day’s walk.

Clothing
Good outdoor clothing and waterproofs are essential.

Footwear
Comfortable walking boots which provide good grip on multiple terrain and ankle support are recommended.

Equipment
A suggested equipment list will be sent to you.

Travel
For information on travelling to and from the route please click here


Route description

The following is intended to provide some further information about the route and points of interest. Please note that all distances, timings and heights are approximate and along with all the other information are provided as an aid to describe the route. The time to cover the distance includes time spent walking and time for breaks. If further information is required please contact our office. Several guide books providing detailed route descriptions and information are also available.

Day 1 Les Houches
Les Houches in the Chamonix valley is at the start of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. This small town has several shops, bars and restaurants. Chamonix is only a few miles from Les Houches.
Accommodation: Hotel Slalom - twin, and one triple, ensuite rooms on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 Les Houches (1007m) to Les Contamines (1167m).
Distance 10miles/16km - Strenuous - Height Gain 650m – 6.5 hours.
We start our tour from Les Houches, on a 650m ascent to Col de Voza (1653m), with stunning views of Chamonix Valley that get better as we climb. From Col de Voza we follow the traditional route as it descends through lush pastures and woodland, passing through tiny alpine villages, on route to the small town of Les Contamines.
Accommodation: Hotel Montjoly - rooms of 2 to 5 people. Half board.

Day 3 Les Contamines (1167m) to Les Chapieux (1554m).
Distance 11miles/18km - Strenuous - Height Gain 1320m – 8.5 hours
Starting along a Roman road we make the long ascent through mountain pastures to the Col de la Bonhomme (2329m). We then traverse the hillside to another slightly higher Col where ibex can often be seen, before a gentle descent to the lovely hamlet of Les Chapieux where herds of sheep, goats and cows spend the summer grazing.
Accommodation: Auberge de la Nova - dormitory. Half board.

Day 4 Les Chapieux (1554m) to Rifugio Elisabetta (2195M).
Distance 9.5miles/15km – Strenuous - Height Gain 1000m – 5.5 hours
We follow the road along the valley where cows produce the famous Beaufort cheese; with the opportunity to buy some for a picnic! A steady climb to the Col de la Seigne (2516m) and into Italy with views of the ‘other side’ of Mont Blanc. From the Col we descend to Rifugio Elisabetta (2195m) for a true night in the mountains. Sunset views can be magical.
Accommodation: Rifugio Elisabetta - dormitory. Half board.

Day 5 Rifugio Elisabetta (2195M) to Courmayeur (1226m).
Distance 11miles/18km - Strenuous - Height Gain 460m – 6.5 hours
We descend to the milky blue Lac Combal where the route then climbs to a balcony path with wonderful views. The route descends via Plan Checrouit and Dolonne to the ancient Italian town of Courmayeur.
Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss - twin, and one triple, ensuite rooms. Half board.

Day 6 Courmayeur (1226m) – Rest day.
Today we have rest day in Courmayeur and after a leisurely breakfast there are a number of options, the town itself has some great shops cafes and bars for those who want to just wander peacefully. For the adventurous we suggest a trip up the cable car to point Helbronner and fantastic views of Mont Blanc and the glaciers of the valley blanche. Whatever you decide your rest day should leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the challenges ahead.
Accommodation: Hotel Edelweiss - twin, and one triple, ensuite rooms. Half board.

Day 7 Courmayeur (1226m) to Rifugio Bonatti (2025m).
Distance 7.5miles/12km - Strenuous - Height Gain 860m – 5.5 hours
We leave the old quarter of Courmayeur and head up the Mont de la Saxe Ridge through pine forests to the Bertone Refuge for a coffee. Then along the ridge with some of the finest views of the Mont Blanc range, before arriving at the Refugio Bonatti (2025m) for our second night in the mountains. The Refuge pays homage to the great Italian mountaineer and photographer Walter Bonatti.
Accommodation: Rifugio Bonatti - twin, and one triple, rooms. Half board.

Day 8 Rifugio Bonatti (2025m) to La Fouly (1610m).
Distance 12.5miles/20km - Strenuous - Height Gain 900m – 7.5 hours
The day starts with a gentle traverse of the mountainside to the Rifugio Elena for morning coffee. A climb to the Grand Col Ferret (2537M) where we cross the border into Switzerland. Down through the flower meadows to the small village of La Fouly.
Hotel Edelweiss - twin, and one triple, rooms. Half board.

Day 9 La Fouly (1610m) to Champex (1466m).
Distance 9.5miles/15km – Strenuous - Height Gain 420m – 5.5 hours
An easier day as we follow a Swiss mountain valley to Champex. Dairy cattle graze the pastures as we pass the local farming communities.
Accommodation: Pension Plein Air - twin, and one triple, rooms. Half board.

Day 10 Champex (1466m) to Trient (1279m).
Distance 10miles/16km - Strenuous - Height Gain 750m – 6.5 hours
We leave Champex and begin to climb along the Bovine trail which traverses the mountainside through flower filled pastures. There are stunning views down to the Roman town of Martigny and the Rhone valley as we walk to Trient for the night.
Accommodation: Relais de Mont Blanc - dormitory. Half board.

Day 11 Trient (1279m) to Argentiere (1252m).
Distance 8miles/13km - Strenuous - Height Gain 1100m - 7 hours
As we come full circle we head up and over the Col de Balme from where Charles Dickens penned a letter describing the stunning beauty of the mountains. Along the Posettes ridge and down through the forests to the Argentiere.
Accommodation: Hotel De la Couronne - twin, and one triple, ensuite rooms. Bed and breakfast.

Day 12 Argentiere (1252m) to La Flegere (1875m).
Distance 5miles/8km - Strenuous - Height Gain 1100m – 5.5 hours
From the Col des Montets we head up through the Nature Reserve to the famous Lac Blanc which provides a magnificent view of the Mont Blanc Massif, with its peaks and glaciers. Enjoy the flowers of the high mountain and see ibex and chamois, often we can get very close. We walk down to Refuge La Flegere (1875m) for our last night in the mountains.
Accommodation: Refuge La Flegere - dormitory. Half board.

Day 13 La Flegere (1875m) to Les Houches (1007m).
Distance 10.5miles/17km - Strenuous - Height Gain 770m – 6 hours
We head for Le Brevent (2526m), the high point of the day, and an amazing full frontal view of Mont Blanc. From here we descend a steep path with spectacular views to Les Houches.
Accommodation: Hotel Slalom - twin, and one triple, ensuite rooms. Bed and breakfast.

Day 14 Les Houches (1007m)
After breakfast at your hotel depart for your journey home.