Tour du Mont Blanc: A 10-Day Alpine Hiking Itinerary
Source:
wanderwithkt.com
43 places: Lac Blanc, Rifugio Giorgio Bertone, Geneva, and 40 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in a web post.
Lac Blanc
Lake
4.8
Hike to Lac Blanc for iconic mirror reflections of Mont Blanc, a truly breathtaking sight. Look for ibex in the rocky outcroppings above the lake.
Rifugio Giorgio Bertone
Trip Stay
4.0
Stop at Refugio Bertone, an excellent point for water and a starting point for more scenic variants. It offers fantastic views even if you don't take the full alternate route.
Geneva
Place
Fly into Geneva, a convenient gateway for accessing the Mont Blanc region. This international city offers excellent transport links to the starting points of your trek.
Annecy
Place
Continue your journey to Annecy, known as the 'Venice of the Alps,' for a charming post-trek relaxation. Enjoy its beautiful lake and canals, a picturesque contrast to the high mountains.
Chamonix
Place
Explore the picturesque streets of Chamonix, a vibrant town nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. Consider paragliding or riding the Aiguille du Midi cable car for incredible views.
Courmayeur
Place
Indulge in Italian hospitality in Courmayeur, a vibrant town offering excellent dining and hotel amenities. Use this stop to recharge and enjoy gelato after your mountain crossing.
Val Ferret
Natural feature
4.6
Embark on the Italian Val Ferret Circuit, a day hike through alpine pastures with panoramic balcony views. This scenic route showcases the breathtaking Italian side of Mont Blanc.
Rifugio Walter Bonatti
Lodging
4.4
Reach Rifugio Walter Bonatti, a renowned refuge with exceptional views of the Mont Blanc massif. Enjoy its hospitality and the beautiful surroundings after a scenic hike.
Lacs des Chéserys
Lake
4.8
Discover the serene beauty of Lacs de Cheserys, where the reflection of Mont Blanc in its still waters is truly incredible. It's a tranquil spot before reaching Lac Blanc.
Refuge du Lac Blanc
Inn
3.6
Enjoy a well-deserved snack or beverage at Refuge Lac Blanc, offering unparalleled views of the Mont Blanc massif. It’s the perfect place to absorb the breathtaking surroundings.
Trient
Place
Visit the iconic pink church in Trient, a charming Swiss village. It's a unique landmark that stands out against the alpine backdrop, perfect for a photo opportunity.
Les Houches
Place
Begin your Tour du Mont Blanc journey in this charming village, the official starting point of the trek. Enjoy its downtown area and local eateries before your alpine adventure.
Gîte Les Méandres
Lodging
4.2
Enjoy your first night at Chalet Les Méandres, a comfortable stay in Les Houches. Prepare for your trek in a cozy setting, perfect for acclimatization.
Pizzeria Lou Vio
Pizza restaurant
4.4
Grab a delicious pizza from Pizzeria Lou Vio in Les Houches, offering a wide variety of pies. Perfect for a casual meal to take back to your accommodation or enjoy outdoors.
Col de Tricot
Natural feature
4.7
Venture along the alternate route to Col De Tricot, offering a suspension bridge over a glacial torrent and fields of wildflowers. Enjoy lunch at nearly 7,000 feet with spectacular surroundings.
Le Solerey
Brewpub
4.5
Visit Le Solerey, a great brewpub in Les Houches, perfect for basic food and happy hour. Enjoy a relaxing drink with scenic views after your journey.
Tourist Office of Contamines
Tourist information center
4.3
Stay in the charming village of Les Contamines, a key stop on the TMB. It offers a comfortable base with amenities for resting and resupplying during your trek.
Refuge de Miage
Lodging
4.6
Pause at Refuge De Miage for a refreshing break amidst stunning mountain views and colorful lupine fields. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a cold drink.
Refuge – Auberge du Truc
Lodging
4.5
Climb to the small refuge and farm, Auberge du Truc, offering a glimpse into traditional alpine life. It’s a unique stop before descending into Les Contamines.
Col du Bonhomme
Natural feature
4.7
Tackle the significant climb over Col du Bonhomme, a high-alpine pass offering dramatic landscapes. A small shelter provides temporary respite before continuing your journey.
Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
Lodging
3.5
Find sanctuary at Refuge Croix du Bonhomme, a rewarding stop after a challenging climb. Experience classic alpine hut culture with stunning views as the weather clears.
Col de la Seigne
Natural feature
4.9
Cross the Col de la Seigne into Italy, a significant accomplishment with expansive views of Val Veny. The pass can be cold and windy, but the sense of achievement is immense.
Tête Sud des Fours
Mountain peak
4.3
Take the alternate route over Tête Sud des Fours for an elevated experience before descending into Ville des Glaciers. This path offers unique perspectives and panoramic vistas.
La ville des Glaciers
Place
Stop in Ville des Glaciers to sample incredible dairy products and learn about local cheese making. This picturesque hamlet offers a taste of traditional alpine life.
Refuge des Mottets
Lodging
4.4
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch break at Refuge de Mottets, a cozy spot before the climb to Col de la Seigne. It's a traditional alpine stop, perfect for refueling.
Dei Camosci
Hotel
4.5
Rest in comfort at Hôtel Dei Camosci in Courmayeur, known for its incredible dinners and breakfasts. It's a perfect base for exploring the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
Col de Malatrà
Landmark
4.9
Challenge yourself with the alternate route over Testa Bernada for exceptional views of the Mont Blanc massif. Descend through incredible fields of wildflowers for a memorable experience.
Lavachey
Place
Catch a bus from Lavachey back to Courmayeur after your Val Ferret exploration. This small locality serves as a convenient transit point in the Italian Alps.
La Fouly
Place
Arrive in the quiet Swiss village of La Fouly, a serene escape after crossing the Grand Col Ferret. Enjoy traditional Swiss dinners and the breathtaking alpine views.
Maya Joie, L'auberge
Inn
4.2
Experience a traditional Swiss dinner and stunning views of the Alps at Auberge Maya-Joie. Don't miss the Raclette, a delightful local specialty to enjoy after a day on the trails.
Arnouva Di Biondi Marcella & C. S.N.C.
Lodging
4.1
Start your day's hike from Arnouva, offering incredible views right from the beginning. It's a scenic point to begin your ascent towards Rifugio Elena.
Refuge Elena
Hostel
4.2
Take a break at Rifugio Elena, a well-positioned hut for bathroom breaks, water refills, and even a cappuccino with a view. It offers stunning vistas into the Italian Alps.
Col Ferret
Natural feature
4.7
Cross the Grand Col Ferret, a significant border point with beautiful, though windy, views. Celebrate officially entering Switzerland and savor the high-alpine experience.
Tête de Ferret
Mountain peak
4.8
Consider the alternate route around Tête de Ferret for a unique and less-traveled path down into the valley. Enjoy solitude and distinct perspectives of the alpine landscape.
Champex-Lac
Place
Discover the delightful village of Champex-Lac, known for its beautiful lake and charming Swiss chalets. Enjoy a hot lunch and an icy dip in the lake after a long day of hiking.
Vallorcine
Place
Stay in Vallorcine, a quaint French village nestled in the valley, providing a restful night before challenging climbs. It offers a peaceful contrast to the high-alpine environments.
Hôtel Sunways
Hotel
4.7
Enjoy an incredible family-style meal and comfortable amenities at Hotel Sunways in Champex. This hotel provides a welcoming environment for trekkers to relax and recharge.
Chalets Vacances CVM
Lodging
4.6
Lodge at Gîte Le Saint Louis in Vallorcine, a comfortable gîte offering a warm welcome. It's a great spot to recover and prepare for the scenic final sections of the TMB.
Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz
Hotel
3.9
Stop at Hotel Col de la Forclaz for some refreshing gelato and a beverage. This spot marks a pleasant break before continuing your descent, offering lovely views.
Refuge de La Flégère
Bed & breakfast
4.2
Spend a night at Refuge de la Flégère, enjoying epic views of Mont Blanc with a touch more comfort. It's perfectly positioned for an early morning ascent to Lac Blanc.
Col des Montets
Natural feature
4.7
Begin your ascent to Lac Blanc from Col des Montets, a scenic mountain pass. The initial climb through the forest is a gentle start to this iconic section of the trek.
Grand Balcon Nord Chamonix
Hiking area
4.9
Hike the Grand Balcon Sud, a scenic balcony trail offering continuous views of Mont Blanc on your final day. This mostly mellow path culminates in a spectacular finish above Chamonix.
Le Brévent
Mountain peak
4.8
Reach Brevent for your final, incredible views of Mont Blanc, often with paragliders soaring in the foreground. Take the Planpraz cable car down to Chamonix from here.