Tour du Mont Blanc in 4 days
The Tour du Mont Blanc in 4 days
In our opinion, this accessible hike is without doubt the most beautiful way to discover trekking. Experience the joys of a multi-day hike in the magnificent setting of the Mont Blanc mountain range!
With views of a range of superb landscapes, contemplate the most beautiful sights the Alps have to offer. The recipe for a simple life in the open air, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This trek allows a gentle discovery of the Tour du Mont Blanc with its forests, mountain pastures, villages and glaciers… Get away from it all on one of the most beautiful treks in the world.
Listen to the guide's description of the trip (french)
Your consultant
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 TMB in 4 days
A beautiful route from France to Italy
A short trek with exceptional panoramas
The most varied section of the TMB
High-quality accommodation
Duration
4 days
Difficulty
3/5
Group
12 max.
Departure from
Les Houches
Date of departure
Every Sunday in Summer
Accomodation
Dormitories
Luggage
Every evening
The programme in detail
Day 1: Les Houches – Bionnassay
5 hrs walking time – Accommodation: refuge – 850 m (2,790 ft) ascent / 300 m (985 ft) descent / 8kms
Meeting at 9am close by the Prarion cable car in Les Houches. 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.
Day 2: Bionnassay – Les Contamines
6 hrs walking time – Accommodation: inn – 950 m (3,115 ft) ascent / 1,300 m (4,265 ft) descent / 13 to 15kms
Descend to the village of Les Contamines for the night.
Day 3: Les Contamines – Les Chapieux
7 hrs walking time – Accommodation: refuge – 1,450 m (4,760 ft) ascent / 800 m (2,625 ft) descent / 16 to 20kms
Via the Roman road, we climb towards the Col du Bonhomme (2408 m) and the Col des Fours (2665 m), the goals of this morning. After a picnic facing a vast panorama, we will reach the Vallée des Chapieux, at the end of the Tarentaise, the place of production of the famous Beaufort cheese!
Day 4: Les Chapieux – Courmayeur
6 hrs walking time – 750 m (2,460 ft) ascent / 950 m (3,115 ft) descent / 16kms
Today is a magnificent day facing Mont Blanc ! It begins with a climb to the Col de la Seigne (2514 m), border between France and Italy. We then enter Val d’Aosta via Val Véni. The Italian side of Mont Blanc is in front of us. The descent to Courmayeur marks the end of the adventure.
Transfer by taxi to the Prarion in Les Houches.
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.
Access and accommodation
Access to the starting point:
Meet at the Prarion cable car, in Les Houches, on the departure day at 9:00 AM.
By car: You can park your vehicle at the TMB parking lot in Les Houches. It is a free outdoor parking area and can get very busy in peak season. Anticipate your parking in high season.
By train: The Prarion is located 10 minutes walk away from the “Viaduc Sainte Marie” train station.
You can check the schedules and fares on the website https://www.thetrainline.com/
By bus: From the city-center of Chamonix, the bus line n°1 takes you to the Prarion, last stop of the bus line.
Return to the starting point: Private shuttle back to Les Houches included in the price.
Suggested accommodations before and after the trek:
- Hotel Saint Antoine – 7 route Napoléon, 74310 Les Houches – +334 50 54 40 10
- Hotel du Bois – 475 Avenue des Alpages, 74310 Les Houches – +334 50 54 50 35
- Gîte Michel Fagot – 2 Allée des Sorbiers, 74310 Les Houches – +334 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 high walking boots to protect your ankles.
The accommodations provide blankets and pillows, but you will need a silk sheet, for hygienic reasons. Sleeping bags are not allowed.
For more information, see our special TMB equipment page.
Insurance
To travel with peace of mind, Trekking Mont Blanc offers two insurance policies in partnership with Assur Travel, specially designed to meet the needs of a trek such as the Tour du Mont Blanc. These options, Cancellation and Multirisk, provide coverage to deal with unforeseen circumstances throughout your trip.
Cancellation Insurance :
This option covers the cancellation of your trip for a valid reason (illness, accident, etc.) before the departure date. You will be reimbursed for the amounts paid, subject to the conditions specified in the policy.
- Cost : 3.15% of the trip price
- Subscription : Mandatory upon registration
- In case of cancellation, you should contact the insurance company directly to file your claim, with our team’s assistance if needed.
Multirisk Insurance :
The Multirisk option offers comprehensive coverage, including :
- Cancellation Insurance
- Emergency repatriation assistance : perfectly suited for mountain treks
- Mountain search and rescue costs : up to €30,000
- Luggage: in case of loss, theft, or damage
- Medical expenses abroad
- Individual accident insurance
- Civil liability abroad
- Inability to return or quarantine in case of an epidemic
- Cost : 4.45% of the trip price
- Subscription : Mandatory upon registration
Whether you choose the Cancellation or Multirisk option, you will benefit from optimal coverage to enjoy your adventure with complete peace of mind. The insurance cost depends on the price of your trip, and you can select the desired option when booking.
Booking
To book, you must:
- Click on one of the “book this trek” link and select the insurance, and date options.
- Pay a 35 % deposit to confirm your booking
- The balance must be paid at least one month before the beginning of your trek.
Transfers
Our company helps you arrange private shuttles in order to move around the Mont Blanc region.
Our team can arrange the transfer from your place of arrival (Chamonix train station, Geneva airport, etc) and the place of your stay, the starting point of your trek, for example.
To understand better what we are able to organize, please contact us.
Dates and prices
Tour du Mont Blanc in 4 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
- Packed lunches prepared by a chef (exclusive of container and cutlery)
- Dried fruit and nut snacks prepared by a chef
- Luggage transfer every night
- Showers in the accommodations
- The transfer back to starting point in Les Houches with taxi
Not included in the price
- Transport to/from the starting/ending point in Les Houches
- Nights before and after the trek
- Drinks other than water served with meals
- The container and cutlery for picnic
- Any private transport or cable car tickets not included in the trek programme
- Trekking equipment (bed liner, trekking poles…)
- Assistance and cancellation insurance, to subscribe at the time of booking
- Anything not listed in “Included in the price”
You will also like:
Embark on the full TMB and see the very best it has to offer.
The iconic TMB through France, Switzerland and Italy, circling the highest summit in the Alps.
Walk the paths of the TMB enjoying every evening accommodation selected for their comfort.
A wild and alpine itinerary over high mountains and across glaciers. Not for the faint-hearted!
For those who want to do the TMB (almost) as fast as Kilian Jornet!
Experience nature at its most authentic as you camp your way round the best-known trek in the Alps.
From Chamonix to Courmayeur, get away from it all with this trek through varied landscapes offering breathtaking views.
From Courmayeur to Chamonix, the northern part of the Tour du Mont Blanc will have no secrets for you!
Experience nature at its most authentic as you camp your way round the best-known trek in the Alps.