Full Tour du Mont Blanc – 10 days

The Grand Tour du Mont Blanc, for those who want to see it all!

Full Tour du Mont Blanc

One trek, three countries, ten days, 160 kilometres (100 miles), and thousands of steps: even these impressive figures cannot fully reflect the range of emotions you will experience on the TMB!

This circuit is the full version of the mythical TMB. It will enable you to discover the extraordinary diversity of landscapes in the Mont Blanc mountain range.

Immerse yourself in a spectacle of nature with varied flora and fauna, while enjoying your walk with a lightweight pack. In the evenings, your luggage will be waiting for you in accommodation selected for its comfort.

A full circuit for an all-round experience.

Listen to the guide's description of the trip (french)
Your consultant
Pierrick Delattre, guide Watse
Pierrick Delattre 06 65 93 29 29 contact@watse.fr
Pierrick, the founder of the agency, grew up in the Mont Blanc region. As a true mountain lover, he has made the area his playground and his profession, always with your happiness as his goal. He will take you off the beaten track on routes that he has designed and mapped himself. Sharing his experience and passion with you every step of the way, you can entrust yourself completely to his guidance.

The advantages of the Full Tour du Mont Blanc

transfer The complete tour by foot !
all stages This circuit includes all the most beautiful high-level traverses.
stunning views Spectacular views and proximity to the big glaciers
home-made picnics Home-made picnics made from local produce
small group Departure guaranteed as soon as 4 people have signed up.
original itinerary An original itinerary which follows the traditional direction, with a few variants to avoid the busiest paths

Duration

durée10 days

Difficulty

difficulté3/5

Group

taille du groupe12 max.

Departure from

lieu de départLes Houches

Departure date

jour de departEvery 2 weeks, on Sunday in summer

Accomodation

hébergementDormitories

Luggage

bagagesOne night without

Full Tour du Mont Blanc : the programme in detail

Day 1: Les Houches – Bionnassay

5 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: refuge – 800 m (2,625 ft) ascent / 500 m (1,640 ft) descent

Today, you will meet the group and your guide in front of the Bellevue cable car at 9 am. The day begins with a climb through the forest, until you reach the summit of Prarion (1969m), from which you can enjoy a first 360° panorama.

Descent to the Fioux refuge for the night.

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D1

Day 2: Bionnassay – Les Contamines

6 hrs walking time – Accommodation: gîte – 950 m (3,115 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent
For this second day of walking, get ready to be amazed! By a beautiful route at the foot of the glaciers, we pass the Col de Tricot (2120 m) and we cross the alpine pasture of Truc.

Descend to the village of Les Contamines for the night.

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D2

Day 3: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux

7 hrs walking time – Accommodation: Refuge – 1,450 m (4,750 ft) ascent / 800 m (2,620 ft) descent
This morning you’ll head up the path following the Roman road to the Col du Bonhomme (2,408 m / 7,900 ft) and the Col des Fours (2,665 m / 8,740 ft).

After a picnic with panoramic views, your route then takes you into the Les Chapieux valley, at the end of the Tarentaise, home of Beaufort cheese production!

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D2

Day 4: Les Chapieux – Maison Vieille

6 hrs walking time – Accommodation: Refuge – 1,100 m (3,600 ft) ascent / 1,050 m (3,450 ft) descent
Today, you have a magnificent day ahead with views of Mont Blanc beckoning! Start with a climb up to the Col de la Seigne (2,514 m / 8,250 ft), which marks the border between France and Italy. You will then enter the Aosta Valley via Val Veni. The Italian side of Monte Bianco is revealed, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the Maison Vieille refuge awaits at the end of this stage.
Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D3

Day 5: Maison Vieille – Refuge Bonatti

6 hrs walking time – Accommodation: Night in a refuge without luggage – 1,100 m (3,600 ft) ascent / 1,000 m (3,280 ft) descent

The fifth day of the walk starts with a descent into Courmayeur, the Italian “Chamonix”, passing through the old village. You will then climb back up to Val Sapin and the Bertone refuge. You will end the day at the Bonatti refuge, named after a famous Italian mountaineer and facing the impressive Frébouze glacier.

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D4

Day 6: Bonatti – La Fouly

6 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 900 m (2,950 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent

On the sixth day of walking, you will enter another new country on your Tour du Mont Blanc! After a climb with magnificent views of Mont Dolent, you will cross the Grand Col Ferret mountain pass into Switzerland.

The day ends with a gentle descent to the mountain pastures of La Peule and the small village of La Fouly, a picture postcard setting in the Valais.

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D9

Day 7: La Fouly – Champex

6 hrs 30 walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 650 m (2,130 ft) ascent / 650 m (2,130 ft) descent

Today, you will discover Val Ferret in Switzerland and its small traditional villages, before arriving in Champex with its pretty lake. This stage ends with a short climb to our accommodation for the night, a comfortable inn with a soothing atmosphere.

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D5

Day 8: Champex – Trient

Accommodation: at an inn – Choice 1: 715m (2,345 ft) ascent / 925m (3035 ft) descent – 5 hours walking time – Choice 2: 915m (3,002 ft) ascent / (4,135 ft) 1260m – 7 hours walking time 

On this day of walking, you can look forward to a superb high-level traverse above Martigny. In the distance, the vineyards of the Rhone Valley bear witness to Swiss wine production. Descent towards the small village of Trient along the Bisse du Trient irrigation channel. Depending on how the group feels and current conditions, there may be an option to take the majestic alpine route via the Fenêtre d’Arpette (2,665 m / 8,740 ft). Your guide will decide on the best option.

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D6

Day 9: Trient – Le Tour

5 hrs walking time – Accommodation: at an inn – 1,000 m (3,280 ft) ascent / 850 m (2,790 ft) descent

It’s time to go back to France. As the day progresses, the view of the Chamonix valley opens up and becomes breathtaking. The small village of Le Tour is waiting for us, to spend the night in a warm gîte. 

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D7

Day 10: Le Tour – Chamonix

7 hrs walking time – 1,350 m (4,430 ft) ascent / 850 m (2,790 ft) descent

On the last day of your hike, set off for the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve. The path follows a high-level route with fantastic views of Mont Blanc – definitely one of the most famous landscapes in the Chamonix valley!

You will then walk down to La Flégère and another magnificent traverse to Planpraz. Take the cable car down to the centre of Chamonix. Possibility to take a bus to Les Houches.

You have now come full circle!

Full Tour du Mont Blanc - D8

Useful information

Useful information
Luggage transport
The transfer of one piece of luggage per person is provided every day between the different accommodations: a soft bag, of the duffle bag type, of a maximum of 12kg per person.

You only carry your day’s belongings, in a backpack of about 30L.

Level
Ideally, you should have some hiking and/or trekking experience before embarking on this type of trek, but any physically fit beginner is welcome to join us. We’re here to guide you.

Between 6 and 8 hours’ walking per day throughout the trek, with some more difficult sections, particularly at the start of the season when the snow is still present. You should be able to climb at least 1,000 m (3 200ft.)a day for several days in a row.

We strongly recommend that you practice an endurance sport regularly and train specifically for this trek.

Directions and accommodation

Directions to the starting point: Meet at Bellevue cable car station at 9 am on Day 1.

You can leave your vehicle in the Prarion car park a few meters above. It is a free outdoor car park.

> Map to get to the starting point

Return to the starting point: Bus from Place Monte Bianco in Courmayeur to Chamonix, or taxi. Then bus, train or taxi from Chamonix. Return from Courmayeur not included in the price of the trip.

Bus timetables at the Chamonix tourist office (info@chamonix.com +33(0)4 50 53 00 24) or Courmayeur (courmayeur@turismo.vda.it 00 39 01 65 84 20 60).

Accommodation before and after the trek:

  • Hotel Saint Antoine – 7 route Napoléon, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 40 10
  • Hotel du Bois – 475 Avenue des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 50 35
  • Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – 04 50 54 42 28
Equipment
Even if you choose to do it in summer, it can get cold on the TMB! We strongly recommend that you pack clothes suitable for a multi-day hike, such as:

  • A fleece
  • A windproof and waterproof jacket
  • Walking trousers.

The terrain is varied and we recommend you wear walking boots that protect your ankles.

The accommodations provide blankets and pillows, but you will need a silk sheet, for hygienic reasons.

For more information, voir notre our special TMB equipment page.

Insurance
To ensure your TMB goes off without a hitch, Watse Trekking Mont Blanc offers three insurance policies with our partner April International Voyage, and a comprehensive Covid-specific contract.
These contracts are designed especially for treks like the Tour du Mont Blanc.

The Comfort cancellation contract covers you in the case of cancellation before your departure and/or a missed flight.

The Comfort multi-risk contract includes:

  • Cancellation before departure and interruption of your trek
  • Missed flight and flight delay
  • Luggage and personal belongings option
  • Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
  • Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
  • Individual travel accident option
  • Third-party liability abroad
  • Impossible return and early return

The COVID contract includes:

  • Cancellation before departure and interruption of your trek
  • Missed flight and flight delay
  • Luggage and personal belongings option
  • Worldwide repatriation and travel assistance
  • Search and rescue costs up to €15,000
  • Individual travel accident option
  • Third-party liability abroad
  • Impossible return and early return
  • Cancellation due to illness 30 days before departure
  • Cancellation due to denied boarding
  • Remote consultation before departure
  • Medical repatriation
  • Hotel costs and medical fees
  • Psychological support
  • Grocery deliveries and home help

The price varies according to the Tour du Mont Blanc you choose. To take out one of these two contracts, just select the option when you book your trek!

Before and after the trek

The price of the stay does not include the trips before and after the trek.

Our team can help you find and book your plane and train tickets. We can also advise you about accommodation before and after your Tour du Mont Blanc.

Contact us here!

Booking
To book, you must:

  • Click on one of the “book this trek” links and select the insurance, and date options.
  • Select your payment type (cheque, bank transfer, debit card): There are several ways to pay.
    • To pay by cheque: please make it out to WATSE and send to: WATSE – 63 avenue de la gare – 74170 Saint Gervais les Bains Le Fayet – France.
    • To pay by bank transfer: contact us for our bank details.
    • To pay by debit card: your invoice will be in your online account as soon as your payment has been confirmed by the bank. You will then be able to pay the balance directly from your account.
  • Pay a 30% deposit or the balance for your trek
  • Print out the booking form then fill it in, sign it and send it back to us by email or post. Your reservation will only be effective when 30% of the total cost is credited to WATSE’s bank account.
  • The balance must be paid at least one month before departure without a reminder from us.

 

Dates and prices

Full Tour du Mont Blanc in 10 days

Included in the price
  • Supervision by a qualified mountain guide
  • Accommodation in dormitories, as described in the trek programme
  • Half board, as described in the trek programme (dinners and breakfasts)
  • Packed lunches prepared by a chef
  • Dried fruit and nut snacks prepared by a chef
  • Luggage transfer every night (except on day 5)
  • Showers in the accommodations (as described in the trek programme)
Not included in the price
  • Transport to and from the start of the trek
  • Drinks other than water served with meals
  • Any private transport or cable car tickets not included in the trek programme
  • Assistance and cancellation insurance, to subscribe at the time of booking
  • Anything not listed in “Included in the price”

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Contact us!

Do you have a question about this trek? Write us a message and one of our guides will get back to you!