Tour du Mont Blanc - 10 Days - Self Guided (Hotels & Huts) – Italy, Switzerland, France

Discover the Tour du Mont Blanc, one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in Europe. This 10-day self-guided trek takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps, offering a perfect blend of adventure and cultural exploration. With rugged mountain trails, charming alpine villages, and diverse local cuisines, this trek is a bucket-list experience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Your journey begins and ends in Chamonix, the adventure capital of the Alps, and includes two relaxing nights in the stylish Italian town of Courmayeur. Hike through remote alpine valleys, across dramatic mountain passes, and past stunning glaciers, all while immersing yourself in the unique traditions and cultures of three countries.

Enjoy a stress-free trekking experience with baggage transfer services and detailed route support, including a GPX app, guidebook, maps, and an information pack. Whether you're captivated by the panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif or indulging in local specialties along the way, this trek delivers an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the European Alps.

Highlights

Chamonix Comfort: Begin and end your trek with stays in the iconic alpine town of Chamonix, the adventure capital of the Alps.
Courmayeur Charm: Enjoy two nights in the stylish Italian mountain town of Courmayeur, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional cuisine.
Remote Alpine Beauty: Explore unique and secluded locations around the Mont Blanc massif, far from the crowds.
Hassle-Free Travel: Take advantage of a convenient baggage transfer service, allowing you to focus on the trail.
Comprehensive Support: Navigate with ease using a dedicated GPX app, guidebook, maps, and an information pack tailored to your journey.

This trek offers a perfect balance of adventure and comfort, providing everything you need for an unforgettable experience in the European Alps.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Chamonix

Arrive in the iconic alpine town of Chamonix, set at the base of Mont Blanc. In the evening, you'll meet for a trip briefing and receive an introduction to your app, maps, and guidebook, followed by a welcome aperitif to kick off your adventure.

Accommodation: Centrally located 2-3* hotel in Chamonix.

Day 2: Warm-Up Hike on the Grand Balcon

Begin your adventure with a warm-up hike along the Grand Balcon trail, renowned for its incredible views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding massif. There’s an option to extend the hike to the summit of Brevent for even more breathtaking vistas or descend back to the valley floor via gondola. The afternoon offers time to explore Chamonix and pick up any last-minute supplies. Today’s hike covers 8 miles with an elevation gain of 2,063 feet and a descent of 2,857 feet.

Hiking Stats: 13 km (8 miles) | +628 m (2,063 ft) ascent | -871 m (2,857 ft) descent.

Accommodation: Centrally located 2-3* hotel in Chamonix.

Day 3: Les Houches to Les Contamines (France)

The day begins with a gondola ride to Bellevue, where the adventure starts in earnest. From there, you descend to cross a suspended bridge with awe-inspiring views of the Bionassay Glacier. The trail climbs steeply to the Col du Tricot (6,955 ft / 2,120 m), offering panoramic alpine vistas. After the col, descend to the quaint hamlet of Miage, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Miage Glacier. Another ascent takes you to Le Truc before descending through serene forest trails to the ski town of Les Contamines.

Hiking Stats: 16 km (10 miles) | +760 m (2,500 ft) ascent | -850 m (2,800 ft) descent.
Accommodation: Hôtel La Chemenaz (3-star)

Day 4: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux (France)

Today’s journey begins at Notre Dame de la Gorge, where you'll pass a splendid Baroque church and follow an ancient Roman road to your first climb, the Col du Bonhomme (7,641 ft / 2,329 m). The trail continues with a traverse to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (8,100 ft / 2,469 m), entering the remote and wild landscapes of the Tarantaise region. After soaking in the untamed beauty, descend to the picturesque hamlet of Les Chapieux.

Hiking Stats: 19 km (12 miles) | +1,280 m (4,200 ft) ascent | -915 m (3,000 ft) descent.
Accommodation: Auberge (2-star) in a remote location.

Day 5: Les Chapieux (France) to Courmayeur (Italy)

Today, you’ll cross the border from France into Italy, where "Bonjour" transforms into "Buongiorno!" The hike begins in the stunning Valley of Glaciers, ascending to the Col de la Seigne (8,245 ft), the border between the two countries. From there, descend gently into the picturesque Val Veny valley, surrounded by dramatic alpine scenery. Local buses will connect you to the start and end of the hike.

Hiking Stats: 16 km (10 miles) | +701 m (2,300 ft) ascent | -823 m (2,700 ft) descent.
Accommodation: 2-star Hotel Edelweiss in a central location.

Day 6: Courmayeur (Italy) – Rest Day

Take a well-deserved rest day in the stylish Italian town of Courmayeur. Options include visiting the renowned QC Terme Spa in Pré-Saint-Didier, enjoying breathtaking views of Mont Blanc from the high mountain gondola, or simply relaxing and soaking in the charm of this vibrant alpine town.

Accommodation: 2-star Hotel Edelweiss in a central location.

Day 7: Courmayeur (Italy) to Ferret (Switzerland)

Today’s route takes you from Italy to Switzerland via the majestic Col du Ferret (8,300 ft). The hike offers stunning views as you cross into Switzerland. Descend gradually to Le Peule Farm and the quaint Swiss village of Ferret. A short bus ride brings you to the serene lakeside village of Champex-Lac.

Hiking Stats: 17 km (10.5 miles) | +768 m (2,520 ft) ascent | -837 m (2,746 ft) descent.
Accommodation: 3-star Hotel or similar in Champex-Lac

Day 8: Champex-Lac (Switzerland) to Col du Forclaz (Switzerland)

Follow a classic shepherd’s trail used for centuries, passing through the charming hamlets of Champex-d’en Haut and Champex-d’en Bas. The trail climbs through serene forest paths and emerges onto high alpine pastures, offering sweeping views over the Rhône Valley.

Hiking Stats: 13.7 km (8.5 miles) | +701 m (2,300 ft) ascent | -518 m (1,700 ft) descent.
Accommodation: 1-2 star Hôtel du Col de la Forclaz

Day 9: Trient (Switzerland) to Chamonix (France)

The final day of your trek takes you over the Col du Balme (7,188 ft), marking the border between Switzerland and France. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a mountain refuge with sweeping alpine views. Once back in France, descend into the stunning Chamonix Valley, where you’ll complete the Tour du Mont Blanc circuit. For a more relaxed finish, you have the option to shorten the descent by utilizing gondolas.

Hiking Stats: 14.5 km (9 miles) | +930 m (3,050 ft) ascent | -914 m (3,000 ft) descent.
Accommodation: Centrally located hotel in Chamonix

Day 10: Departure from Chamonix

After breakfast, bid farewell to Chamonix and the unforgettable alpine adventure you've completed on the Tour du Mont Blanc.

Additional Trip Info

Comfortable Accommodation: Private rooms in hotels and mountain lodges, plus 2 dormitory stays.
Meals: Breakfasts included daily, with 4 dinners provided in remote locations (Les Contamines, Les Chapieux, Champex-Lac, and Col du Forclaz).
Flexible Accommodation Options: If listed accommodations are unavailable, alternative options will be reserved.
The roadbook (as well as a maps and reservation vouchers)
Transporting your bags (most days)
Emergency hotline 24/7
Mobile app including offline GPS trail mapping

Airport Transfers: Convenient transfers to and from the airport (can be included - additonal cost)
Flights: Airfare to and from the destination.
Mountain Transport: Costs for cable cars, gondolas, and other mountain transport.
Extras: Additional expenses such as laundry and other personal items.
Pack lunch (cash/card purchase at the guesthouses or huts- €10-€15 per lunch depending on the location).
Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance - We recommend World Nomads, or Global Rescue‍