Tour du Mont Blanc
Highlights:
The magical snowcapped Mont Blanc
Spectacular Alpine valley vistas
Tranquil forests, lakes and meadows
Traditional villages and refuges
Brief:
⏱ Duration: 10 - 11 Days
🗺 Distance: 170 km (110 miles)
⛰ Difficulty: Moderate - Challenging
🗓 Best Time: July - Sept
🛏 Accomm: B&Bs/Hotels/Refuges
Tour du Mont Blanc Overview
The Tour du Mont Blanc (“TMB”) easily lives up to its reputation as one of the world’s most iconic long-distance walks. It is unique in that it offers a high-altitude trail which leads hikers through the Alps in three European countries - France, Italy and Switzerland. All the time, the path circumnavigates the star attraction, the truly majestic Mont Blanc massif. Standing 4,810 metres tall, Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in western Europe and looms mightily over the surrounding valleys and villages.
The circular route is usually walked in a counter-clockwise direction and passes through seven valleys around the Mont Blanc massif. Many commence the walk at Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley, just south of the lively French town of Chamonix which is a vibrant mountaineering and outdoors sporting capital. The highest points of the trail are the Col des Fours in France and the Fenetre d’Arpette in Switzerland, both at an altitude of 2,665 metres and both providing jaw-dropping views.
Grand mountain scenery is interspersed with delightful alpine meadows decorated with colourful wildflowers. Some of the Swiss sections of the route immerse walkers in bucolic countryside complete with lush pastures, grazing cows (with cowbells), meandering rivers and rustic chalets laden with flowering window-boxes.
An added bonus to the spectacular scenery is the superb hospitality on offer. The mountain refuges are renowned for the camaraderie of fellow hikers and hearty menus. Likewise, the idyllic alpine villages and hamlets provide a range of cosy accommodation and dining options. The range of accommodation available allows for different budgets and comfort levels.
Assistance and further information:
For assistance in walking all or part of the Tour du Mont Blanc, click the button below:
For a Walk Travel Advisory Blog description of undertaking the Tour du Mont Blanc, click the button below.
For information on other walks in France, click the button below.