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Tour du Mont Blanc Essentials: Chamonix to Courmayeur - 8 Days
Mont BlancTour du Mont Blanc

Tour du Mont Blanc Essentials: Chamonix to Courmayeur - 8 Days

8 Days
Challenging

Tour du Mont Blanc Essentials: Chamonix to Courmayeur - 8 Days

from £1,740 / person

Overview

Few mountain treks match the Tour du Mont Blanc for sheer drama. This 7-day walk takes in the finest sections of the route, starting in Chamonix and crossing into Italy and Switzerland on high alpine trails that pass glaciers, remote passes, and villages that have sat in the shadow of Mont Blanc for centuries.

The route climbs over the Col de la Seigne (2515m) into Italy, reaching the cobbled streets of Courmayeur before ascending the Grand Col Ferret (2530m). Throughout, the Mont Blanc massif dominates the horizon, with snow-capped peaks, open meadows, and sweeping glacier views at every turn.

Please note: additional transfer fees may apply if regular accommodation is unavailable for a preferred departure date. If this occurs, the cost will be confirmed before booking is finalised. Walkers who choose to cancel as a result will receive a full deposit refund.

Highlights

  • Hike the southern section of the Tour du Mont Blanc including the epic day from Chamonix to Les Houches
  • Explore the adventure capital of the Alps, Chamonix
  • Walk over the Col du Bonhomme and enjoy far-reaching views of Lac de Roseland
  • Trek from France into Italy via the Col de la Seigne
  • Trek the Val Ferret with majestic views of Mont Blanc and Grandes Jorasses

Itinerary

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What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (7 nights)

Meals

7 breakfasts, and 2 dinners

Transfers

  • Luggage Transfers
  • Private Vehicle Transfers
  • Cable Car
  • Train

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

5

Stroll Walking Grade

Challenging

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Steeper climbs and longer distances. You'll need good fitness and some hiking experience to fully enjoy these walks.

View Fitness Guide

6

Days on the trail

13-21 km

Daily distance range

808-1340 m

Daily ascent range

8/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

During this tour, you will stay in three-star hotels and auberges, mountain properties that know their trekkers well and are properly equipped to keep you comfortable whatever the conditions outside. Seven nights are spent in private rooms with en-suite facilities throughout, so there is no need to carry a sleep sheet or towel as you would for mountain hut stays. As many overnight stops fall in smaller villages and towns, alternative accommodation of equivalent standard may occasionally be necessary. Any such options will be discussed with you during the booking process.

What You'll Eat

The food on this route is one of its quiet pleasures, and seven breakfasts and two dinners are included to get you started. In many of the smaller properties, dinner is served at communal tables with set mealtimes. It is a practical and sociable arrangement after a demanding day on the trail and one that tends to bring fellow trekkers together. Lunch is yours to find locally, and the towns and villages along this route reward the effort. The area is known for specialty cheeses and meats, many of which are still produced by hand, and a farmers' market along the way is worth every minute spent browsing. Some properties can also put together a picnic lunch on request. The Beaufort cheese from La Vallée des Glaciers, bought fresh from the farm, comes highly recommended. Detailed suggestions for where to find lunch each day are included in your walk notes.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source in the mountains.

More About This Trip

The walk starts in Chamonix and finishes in Courmayeur, crossing from France into Italy. The closest airport is Geneva (GVA), with good international connections. A transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix is included, available between 10.00am and 7.30pm Saturday to Wednesday, and until 9.00pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Please provide your flight details as soon as possible after booking. Chamonix is also accessible by train from Paris and other French cities.

The walk ends in Courmayeur, from where a regular bus to Chamonix takes around 45 minutes for onward connections to Geneva. Those continuing into Italy can bus to Aosta and connect by train to Milan or Turin. Remember to stamp your ticket before boarding any train in Italy.

This walk is available from 1 July to 31 August, with no fixed start days. The season is set to ensure the high passes between Chamonix and Courmayeur are reliably clear of snow. In early July some passes may still carry snow; where this affects the route, guidance on alternatives will be provided in advance. July brings warm temperatures, long days and alpine wildflowers at their peak. August is the warmest and busiest month, with afternoon thunderstorms a regular feature. Do note that some transport options cease operating towards the end of August; your travel notes will include full guidance on alternatives. Always pack warm layers and waterproofs.

This walk is graded challenging. This 109-kilometre route averages 18.5 kilometres per day with around 1,248 metres of ascent and descent, and a terrain difficulty rating of 8 out of 10. Trails are well-defined and waymarked, covering varied terrain including forest tracks, high alpine pastures, rocky mountain paths, and mountain towns and villages. Expect prolonged ascents and descents, rough surfaces, and steps. On some higher passes, snowy patches may need to be crossed, so good mountain footwear is essential.

Mountain weather can change quickly. At least one member of your party should be confident using a map and compass in the event that visibility drops. An exercise regime of three to four times per week, with a strong emphasis on hill work and back-to-back walking days, is recommended in preparation.

Daily walk notes, maps, and GPX tracks are provided.

You must hold adequate travel insurance for your trip, including cover for personal liability and accidental injury and illness. For all trips involving international travel, your policy must also include emergency medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation cover. We strongly recommend your policy also covers trip cancellation and curtailment, and loss of or damage to luggage.

A cancellation fee usually applies if you cancel after your booking is confirmed. Travel insurance with cancellation cover will generally cover this fee, so it's worth arranging your policy at the time of booking.

Full insurance requirements are set out in our booking terms and conditions.

For your safety and well-being, we are unable to accept bookings for solo walkers on our self-guided European Alps walking trips. The remote nature of some tracks and limited mobile reception mean that walking alone presents a higher risk in case of emergencies.

Each morning it will be up to you to place your luggage at the designated luggage pick-up point within the hotel by 8.00 am. This generally will be at reception or where you pick up your luggage the night before. Please consult your hosts if any details. Bags must be less than 15kg (this is French legislation) and be Soft Bags (i.e. not hard cases).

Importantly, any excess kilos can be stored for free at the luggage transfer company.

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

August 2026

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1Out of season
2Out of season
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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

Notes

High-season surcharge may apply in August

Tour du Mont Blanc reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Chamonix. There is an abundance of great walks on Chamonix’s doorstep. You can also take the cable car to Aiguille du Midi (a panoramic cable car which takes you from Chamonix, 1035m to 3842m with an excellent view point up to the summit of Mont Blanc). Courmayeur Like Chamonix, Courmayeur has a number of great trails on its doorstep. It’s pedestrianised town centre has plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sample wood fired pizza with a Monte Bianco beer. From Courmayeur you can also spend the day journeying across the Mont Blanc massif via a mountain train and series of panoramic cable cars. Champex As there is very little to do in Champex it is perfect for resting the legs and hanging out by the lake with a Mont Blanc biere and lunchtime fondue.

Of course, there are several sections you can omit to complete the circuit in a shorter distance. If you are looking for a shorter tour but without losing the experience our ‘Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc’ completes the tour in 8 days by employing a sensible combination of local transport links with the best sections of walking.

Your main luggage is collected each morning and delivered to your next accommodation while you walk. It must be ready for pick-up by 8:00 AM and will typically arrive at your next stop by 4:00 PM. A few important rules: only soft duffel bags or packs are accepted — no suitcases. The strict weight limit is 15kg per person, and bags are weighed on the first day. Don't tie bags together or attach loose items like shoes or umbrellas, as these will be removed. Keep your passport, medication, valuables, and fragile items in your daypack — never in your transferred luggage. Attaching an AirTag to your bag is a good idea in case of delays.

A comfortable daypack of at least 25–30 litres is recommended. It should have a waterproof cover or liner, as mountain weather can change fast. This is what you'll carry on the trail each day with your layers, rain gear, water, snacks, navigation, and valuables.

At least 12 months in advance. The TMB is one of the world's most popular long-distance walks and accommodation fills up fast — particularly during the main alpine summer season. During major trail running events in the area, availability becomes even tighter.

A good waterproof jacket and over-trousers are non-negotiable — mountain weather can turn quickly at any time of day. Other essentials include walking boots (not trainers), warm layers, a hat and gloves, sun protection, at least 2–3 litres of water, food for the day, a headtorch, your passport, cash in both Euros and Swiss Francs, a personal first aid kit, and your phone. Walking poles are strongly recommended — the TMB involves 1,000–1,500m of ascent and descent each day, and poles make a real difference. Bring a battery pack to charge your phone and camera during the day.

The TMB reaches a maximum of around 2,665m, which is below the threshold where altitude sickness typically becomes a serious concern. That said, the combination of altitude and sustained daily exertion means you should be well-prepared physically. Travel insurance must cover trekking above 2,500m and helicopter rescue — in the event of an evacuation, costs can run to several thousand Euros without adequate cover.

The TMB crosses three countries — France and Italy use the Euro (€), Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). You'll need both. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash at all times, as many smaller villages have no ATMs. Some establishments are cash only. You can withdraw Swiss Francs at Geneva Airport on arrival. Note that Swiss bars and cafés may accept Euros, but often at an unfavourable rate.

Yes. Most days have options to reduce the distance using cable cars or local public transport. Your daily walk notes detail all available options. Public transport in the region is generally efficient, though schedules can reduce later in the season. Taxis are an option too — Mont Blanc Taxis contact details are included in your walking notes — but they are expensive in the mountains.

Yes. Please flag any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking and reconfirm with your host on arrival. Alpine cuisine is hearty and ingredient-led — heavy on potatoes, cheese, beef, and bread. Vegetarian options have improved, but can be limited in smaller villages, and gluten-free requests can be problematic given how central bread and pasta are to the local diet. In Chamonix and Courmayeur, there is much more variety. If your requirements are complex, bring supplementary snacks to cover yourself on the trail.

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The Mont Blanc Experience

Wonder
Stroll rugged mountain trails through France, Italy and Switzerland around Mont Blanc
Straddle Col de la Seigne, then descend beneath tumbling glaciers into Val Veny
Traverse Courmayeur’s cobbled streets and the high Balcony Route towards Grand Jorasses
Wellness
Rejuvenate, restore & recharge. Tour du Mont Blanc, where big mountains change everything
105 miles. Three countries. One transformative journey. Circle the roof of Europe, one mindful step at a time
Unwind in Chamonix chalet gardens with pool, sauna and Aiguille du Midi views
Nature
Follow the Lac Blanc Balcony Trail with cobalt water and Mont Blanc vistas
Watch ibex, chamois and marmots across sheer rock faces and alpine pastureswalk under La Ville des Glaciers amid alpine pasture
Cross Grand Col Ferret past flower-filled Swiss hamlets, glaciers and lush valleys