The famous circuit around Mont Blanc with excellent infrastructure, big elevation and strong alpine scenery.
Tour du Mont Blanc is an ideal entry into larger alpine treks for hikers in good shape. It is popular, well-marked and logistically strong, but requires planning due to elevation gain and busy huts.
Quick orientation of the route line, start, end and elevation profile.
Elevation data for stage points is indicative, derived from Copernicus DEM GLO-90 after geocoding stage locations via OSM; problematic points are manually verified from map or trail sources. Verify against the specific GPX/map before your trip.
Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, displayed via Waymarked Trails.
Refugios with half-board are the main cost driver. Swiss sections are noticeably pricier than French and Italian ones.
Mid-June to mid-September. June and September have fewer people but some passes may have snow — check conditions. Peak season (July–August) guarantees open refugios but popular spots are heavily crowded.
A circuit around the highest mountain in the Alps across three countries — France, Italy and Switzerland. One of Europe's most famous treks thanks to dramatic alpine scenery, good infrastructure and accessibility. Daily stages are physically demanding (total elevation over 10,000 m), but mountain refugios and villages allow comfortable planning.
More experienced hikers with a fitness base who want the combination of a demanding mountain route and alpine comfort — refugios with hot dinners, glacier views and short access from civilisation.
7–10 days is a sensible planning frame. A shorter itinerary only makes sense with a lighter pack and confidence in daily pace.
Start and finish typically at Les Houches (or Chamonix, 10 min by bus). Easily reached by train from Geneva or Lyon airport. Book refugios in advance — in July and August they fill up weeks ahead. Taxis and shuttles connect Chamonix with key route points for shortening or skipping stages.
The villages of Chamonix, Courmayeur and Champex-Lac offer full resupply. Refugios sell snacks and drinks but prices are high. For a self-catering trek, resupply is sufficient in Courmayeur (day 4–5) and Champex (day 8–9).
No entry permits required. Overnights in some French national park refugios require reservation — but not a special permit. The French, Italian and Swiss sections have no entry fees.
Mid-June to mid-September. June and September have fewer people but some passes may have snow — check conditions. Peak season (July–August) guarantees open refugios but popular spots are heavily crowded.
Tour du Mont Blanc is rated as Hard. A circuit around the highest mountain in the Alps across three countries — France, Italy and Switzerland. One of Europe's most famous treks thanks to dramatic alpine scenery, good infrastructure and accessibility. Daily stages are physically demanding (total elevation over 10,000 m), but mountain refugios and villages allow comfortable planning.
Tour du Mont Blanc usually takes 7–10 days. 7–10 days is a sensible planning frame. A shorter itinerary only makes sense with a lighter pack and confidence in daily pace.
No entry permits required. Overnights in some French national park refugios require reservation — but not a special permit. The French, Italian and Swiss sections have no entry fees.
The villages of Chamonix, Courmayeur and Champex-Lac offer full resupply. Refugios sell snacks and drinks but prices are high. For a self-catering trek, resupply is sufficient in Courmayeur (day 4–5) and Champex (day 8–9).
Real shots from the trail by people who walked it — coming soon.
