Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB): route, stages, refuges and best season
Written by Victor Michel — history enthusiast and passionate alpinist based in Chamonix. Publié le 16 juillet 2026
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is a roughly 163 km multi-day hiking route with about 10,000 m of combined elevation gain, circling the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy and Switzerland. Unlike the Mont Blanc summit ascent, it never reaches the top; unlike the UTMB, it's a multi-day hike, not a race.
À retenir
- 163 km, roughly 10,000 m of combined ascent and descent, 3 countries crossed
- Duration: from 7 days (fast pace, about 25 km/day) to 10-11 days (relaxed pace, about 16 km/day)
- Best season: late June to early September, clear trails and open refuges
- Refuge lodging: €40 to €70 for a half-board dorm bed, €80 to €120 for a private room
What is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The TMB is a long-distance trail that circles the Mont Blanc massif without ever reaching the summit, unlike the Goûter or Trois Monts ascent routes. It should also not be confused with the UTMB: the latter is a timed foot race held in late August on a similar route, while the TMB is walked at your own pace over several days, with nights in mountain refuges.
Route: the classic 7-day stages
The classic start is at Les Houches, hiked counter-clockwise through Italy then Switzerland before returning to France. The table below details the fast 7-day version; most hikers prefer a more relaxed 9 to 11-day pace, with shorter 15-20 km daily stages.
The iconic passes of the tour
The Col de la Seigne (2,516 m) marks the crossing from France into Italy, with views over the Val Veny ridges. The Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m) opens the route into Switzerland, with an exceptional panorama over the entire Mont Blanc massif.
Refuges and lodging
The tour is walked from refuge to refuge, with a half-board night generally costing between €40 and €70 in a dorm, and €80 to €120 in a private room where available. Booking ahead is essential in high season (July-August), as refuges on the busiest stages sell out weeks in advance.
What is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The optimal window runs from late June to early September, when the passes are generally free of snow and all refuges along the route are open and staffed. Outside this window, some high-altitude sections can remain snow-covered and require suitable gear.
| Day | Stage | Distance | Elevation gain | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Les Houches → Refuge de la Balme | 25 km | +1,483 m | Refuge de la Balme |
| 2 | Refuge de la Balme → Refuge des Mottets | 16 km | +1,069 m | Refuge des Mottets |
| 3 | Refuge des Mottets → Courmayeur (Italy) | 24 km | +1,155 m | Hotels in Courmayeur |
| 4 | Courmayeur → Refuge Elena | 19 km | +1,459 m | Refuge Elena |
| 5 | Refuge Elena → Champex (Switzerland) | 28 km | +1,219 m | Relais de l'Arpette |
| 6 | Champex → Tré-le-Champ | 26 km | +1,560 m | Auberge de la Boerne |
| 7 | Tré-le-Champ → Les Houches | 27 km | +1,893 m | Les Houches / Chamonix |
Fast 7-day version (about 25 km/day). Most hikers spread this same route over 9 to 11 days, with shorter stages.
À lire ensuite
FAQ
What is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
A roughly 163 km multi-day hiking route circling the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy and Switzerland, without ever reaching the summit, in 7 to 11 days depending on the pace chosen.
What is the difference between the Tour du Mont Blanc and the UTMB?
The TMB is a multi-day hike walked at your own pace, with nights in refuges. The UTMB is a timed foot race, run continuously in late August on a similar but not identical route.
How long does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
From 7 days at a fast pace (about 25 km/day) to 10-11 days at a relaxed pace (about 16 km/day). Most hikers choose 9 to 11 days.
What is the distance and elevation gain of the Tour du Mont Blanc?
About 163 km with roughly 10,000 m of combined elevation gain and loss, spread across the 3 countries crossed (France, Italy, Switzerland).
Where does the Tour du Mont Blanc start?
The classic start is at Les Houches, in the Chamonix valley, hiked counter-clockwise (France → Italy → Switzerland → France). You can start from any stage, since the route is a loop.
What are the hardest passes on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Col de la Seigne (2,516 m), marking the crossing into Italy, and the Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m), opening the route into Switzerland, are the two most iconic high-altitude passes on the route.
Do you need to book refuges on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
Yes, strongly recommended in July-August: refuges on the busiest stages sell out weeks in advance during high season.
What is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
From late June to early September, when the passes are free of snow and all refuges along the route are open and staffed.
Is the Tour du Mont Blanc accessible to a less experienced hiker?
Yes, with good physical fitness and suitable mountain hiking gear (sturdy boots, poles, rain protection). No technical mountaineering gear is needed, unlike the summit ascent.