About This Trek
Three Countries, One Legendary Alpine Circuit
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is Europe's most celebrated long-distance trek, looping 170km around the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Passing beneath glaciers, over panoramic mountain passes, and through charming alpine villages, it is the definitive European alpine experience.
Our 11-day itinerary covers the classic full circuit starting and ending in Chamonix. You will cross iconic passes like the Col du Bonhomme, Col de la Seigne, Grand Col Ferret, and Fenetre d'Arpette, with the towering 4,808m Mont Blanc as a constant, awe-inspiring backdrop. Each day offers a different flavour: French mountain refuges, Italian polenta, Swiss precision.
Unlike high-altitude Himalayan treks, the TMB requires no high-altitude experience but does demand good fitness and a love of long days on trail. The mountain infrastructure is excellent, accommodation is comfortable, and the scenery is rivalled by few places on Earth.
Alps
Mont Blanc Views
Constant panoramas of Europe's highest peak at 4,808m throughout the circuit
Europe
Three Countries in One Trek
Cross between France, Italy, and Switzerland on consecutive days
Nature
Alpine Wildflowers
Summer blooms of gentians, edelweiss, and alpine roses line the trail
Food
Alpine Cuisine
Fondue in Switzerland, fresh pasta in Italy, tartiflette in France
Wildlife
Chamois and Ibex
Spot chamois, ibex, marmots, and golden eagles on the high ridges
Town
Chamonix Base
Start and end in the world's most famous mountain town
Day-by-Day Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrive Chamonix, France (1,035m)
Arrival Geneva1.5-hr transferHotel Chamonix
Arrive Geneva and transfer to legendary Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc. Afternoon acclimatization walk along the Arve River, welcome dinner at a local brasserie, and trek briefing covering the full circuit.
2
Day 2
Chamonix to Les Contamines via Col du Voza (1,653m)
6 hrs trekking19 kmGite Les Contamines
First day on trail. Climb over Col du Voza with stunning views of Chamonix and the Mont Blanc massif. Descend through alpine pastures to the village of Les Contamines. Dinner at a traditional French mountain gite.
3
Day 3
Les Contamines to Les Chapieux via Col du Bonhomme (2,329m)
6-7 hrs trekkingCol at 2,329mRefuge Les Chapieux
One of the best days on the circuit. Climb through a stunning glacial valley to the broad Col du Bonhomme with wide panoramic alpine views. Overnight at an authentic French mountain refuge.
4
Day 4
Les Chapieux to Courmayeur, Italy via Col de la Seigne (2,516m)
7 hrs trekkingCross into ItalyHotel Courmayeur
Cross the Col de la Seigne into Italy. The views back toward France are spectacular. Descend into the Aosta Valley to Courmayeur, Italy's most glamorous mountain town. Excellent dinner of fresh pasta and local wine.
5
Day 5
Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti via Italian Val Ferret
5-6 hrs trekkingMont Blanc south faceRifugio Bonatti
Beautiful day walking along the Italian flank of the massif with extraordinary views of Mont Blanc's southern glaciers and the Grandes Jorasses. The Rifugio Bonatti, named after legendary alpinist Walter Bonatti, is a highlight of the circuit.
6
Day 6
Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly, Switzerland via Grand Col Ferret (2,537m)
6-7 hrs trekkingCross into SwitzerlandHotel La Fouly
Cross the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland. Three countries in three days. The Swiss Val Ferret is pristine and peaceful. Overnight in the charming Swiss village of La Fouly surrounded by high alpine peaks.
7
Day 7
La Fouly to Champex-Lac (1,466m)
5-6 hrs trekkingSwiss alpine lakeHotel Champex
A gentler day through Swiss alpine meadows and traditional stone villages. Arrive at the beautiful Champex-Lac, a mountain lake surrounded by larch forests. Optional afternoon swim in the crystal-clear lake.
8
Day 8
Champex to Trient via Fenetre d'Arpette (2,665m)
7-8 hrs trekkingHighest pass on TMBRefuge Trient
The most challenging day. The Fenetre d'Arpette at 2,665m is the highest optional pass on the TMB, with jaw-dropping views of the Trient Glacier pouring below you. A serious but profoundly rewarding day.
9
Day 9
Trient to Chamonix via Col de Balme (2,204m)
6-7 hrs trekkingReturn to FranceHotel Chamonix
Cross back into France via the Col de Balme with a tremendous panoramic view of the Chamonix valley spread below. Emotional return to Chamonix after 8 days trekking through three countries.
10
Day 10
Rest Day in Chamonix
Optional cable carChamonix townHotel Chamonix
Well-earned rest day. Optional cable car to the Aiguille du Midi at 3,842m for eye-level views of the Mont Blanc summit. Explore Chamonix's excellent restaurants, mountain shops, and Mer de Glace glacier.
11
Day 11
Depart Chamonix
Transfer to GenevaDeparture flight
Farewell breakfast in Chamonix. Transfer to Geneva airport. Group photo at the foot of Mont Blanc and fond farewells after an unforgettable 11 days.
