Quick overview of the 10-day plan
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a loop of roughly 170 km that circles the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy and Switzerland. It involves a very large amount of climbing in total, commonly quoted at around 10,000 metres of ascent, spread over several high passes. Most people start and finish in Chamonix or nearby Les Houches and walk the loop in either direction; this plan uses the common anticlockwise direction.
Ten days is a popular and fairly comfortable way to do it. Fit walkers often complete the loop in 7 to 8 days, and many guided trips run 10 or 11, so a 10-day plan leaves room for shorter stages, a rest afternoon or a weather delay. Distances and times below are approximate and vary by source and by the variant you choose, so check them against a current map or guidebook.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines
You start in the Chamonix valley, climb over the Col de Voza area and descend toward Les Contamines-Montjoie. Some itineraries break this day at Bionnassay, which shortens the first day. It is a good gentle start to test your boots and pack.
Day 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
A longer day that climbs toward the Col du Bonhomme, with the Croix du Bonhomme refuge near the top, before dropping to the hamlet of Les Chapieux. If the weather is poor on the high section, alternative variants exist, including the higher Col des Fours route, which is exposed in its own way, so take advice from a hut warden.
Day 3: Les Chapieux to Refuge Elisabetta
You climb gradually to the Col de la Seigne, which marks the border with Italy, and arrive at the Val Veny side with close views of the Mont Blanc south face. Many walkers consider the area around here among the most memorable.
Day 4: Elisabetta to Courmayeur (or Refuge Elena)
You follow the Italian side with views across the valley, descending toward Courmayeur. This is a good place for a longer lunch, a resupply and a rest. Some itineraries continue on toward Refuge Bertone and Bonatti instead of dropping into town.
Day 5: Courmayeur to La Fouly
Over the Grand Col Ferret, the high point on the border between Italy and Switzerland, then down to La Fouly. This is a long, physically demanding day, and some walkers split it with an overnight at Refuge Elena or the Ferret valley.
Day 6: La Fouly to Champex
A softer day through Swiss villages and forest, arriving at the lake at Champex. A good recovery day after the Col Ferret crossing.
Day 7: Champex to La Forclaz (or Trient)
There are two main options. The Fenetre d’Arpette is the more challenging and scenic alpine route with rough, rocky terrain and is usually done only in good weather. The Col de Bovine is generally treated as the easier alternative. Choose based on conditions and your confidence on steeper, rockier ground.
Day 8: La Forclaz or Trient to Argentiere or Le Tour
Back in France via the Col de Balme, with a long view over the Chamonix valley. You can finish the day at Le Tour or Argentiere, depending on your pacing and where you have accommodation.
Day 9: Argentiere or Le Tour to Chamonix
A shorter stage, or an optional higher route toward the Aiguilles Rouges with its lakes. Many people use the afternoon in Chamonix.
Day 10: Chamonix to Les Houches
If you started in Les Houches, the final stretch completes the loop. If you started in Chamonix, this day can be a rest day, a spare weather day or an optional extension.
How many days do you need?
There is no single right answer. Competitor itineraries range from about 5 days for very fit, fast walkers to 11 days or more for slower, stage-by-stage walking with a rest day. As a rough guide:
- 7 to 8 days suits strong, experienced hikers comfortable with long days.
- 10 days suits most reasonably fit walkers who want shorter days and time for views.
- 11 or more days leaves buffer for weather, blisters or a rest day in Courmayeur or Champex.
Whichever you choose, building one spare day into your plan is sensible, particularly if you have a flight to catch afterward.
Which section is the most scenic?
This is subjective. Walkers often point to the Italian side, including the Col de la Seigne and the Val Veny and Val Ferret views, and to the Fenetre d’Arpette section if you choose it. The descent from the Col de Balme with views across the Chamonix valley is another common favourite. Weather affects the experience more than any one section does.
Route options and shortcuts
The route has many variants, and the TMB is flexible because it passes through villages with buses, lifts and cable cars. Common choices include:
- Fenetre d’Arpette versus Col de Bovine (see Day 7).
- Starting from a different town such as Les Houches, Chamonix or Les Contamines.
- Using buses or lifts to shorten stages or skip a road-walking section.
- The Aiguilles Rouges higher-level alternative on the final stage.
Using transport on a section does not make your hike less valid; it is a routine way to manage time, weather and injuries.
Best time to go
The trekking season is generally summer, roughly mid-to-late June through early-to-mid September, when huts and services are open and snow has mostly cleared from the passes. Early in the season, snow can linger on high passes, and later in September some huts begin closing. Dates vary year to year, so confirm opening dates with each refuge when you book.
Huts, gites and booking
Accommodation includes mountain huts (refuges), gites and hotels in villages. Dormitory-style sleeping, shared bathrooms and half-board (dinner and breakfast) are common. Popular huts and village rooms can fill well ahead during the summer, so book as early as possible and have a backup plan for each night. Many walkers bring a lightweight sleeping liner, because some huts require one or sell them; check each hut’s rules. Carry some cash as well as a card, since not every hut accepts cards.
Difficulty and fitness
The TMB is a non-technical trek on established paths, but it is demanding because of repeated long climbs and descents at altitude, with the highest points at roughly 2,500 to 2,700 metres. It suits walkers who are comfortable with several consecutive days of 6 to 8 hours on their feet. Train with loaded hill walks beforehand, and break in your footwear well before you travel. Mountain weather can change quickly, including cold, rain, fog and thunderstorms at any point in summer, so pack waterproofs and warm layers. Our guide to hiking 10 miles a day covers building up to long days on your feet, and the mountain vacation packing list helps with kit.
Guided, self-guided or independent
You can plan everything yourself, book a self-guided package where an operator arranges accommodation and luggage transfers, or join a guided group. Operators differ in what they include, so compare the details: accommodation standard, whether luggage transfers are offered, group size and cancellation terms. There is no single best company, so read recent reviews and check what is actually included.
Practical notes
- Waymarking: The route is generally well marked, but use a map or GPS app as well, especially in poor visibility.
- Currency: France and Italy use the euro; Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, so plan for both.
- Languages: French, Italian and German are spoken across the region, and English is widely understood in tourist areas.
- Safety: Check forecasts each morning, ask hut staff about pass conditions, and consider travel insurance that covers hiking at altitude and mountain rescue.
FAQ
How many days do I need for the Tour du Mont Blanc? Anywhere from about 7 to 11 days is typical; 10 is a comfortable middle option.
What is the best itinerary? The best one depends on your fitness and accommodation availability. The plan above follows the common anticlockwise direction with moderate stages.
Can I do it with long-distance walking experience elsewhere? Yes, though the climbing is relentless. If you are planning other multi-day routes in Europe, such as a 10 day Camino de Santiago, note that the TMB is far more mountainous and weather-dependent.