Alps · France / Italy / Switzerland
Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc in 11 Days - Camping Edition
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a classic long-distance trek that loops around one of Europe’s most iconic mountains. Along the way, you pass through France, Italy, and Switzerland, moving between charming villages, scenic valleys, and dramatic alpine passes. The views are consistently stunning, and the route has a great balance of challenge and accessibility.
ACTIVITY OVERVIEW
📏 Distance
120 km
⏱️ Duration
11 days
⛰️ Highest point
2,526m / 8,287 ft
📈 Elevation
9,880m/3200ft
🗓 Best Season
Late June – September
ESTIMATED COSTS
🚌 Transfers
~30 EUR
⛺ Pitches
~130 EUR
🍦 Food
~20-30 EUR per day
What to Expect on the
Tour du Mont Blanc
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is widely considered Europe’s best long-distance hike, offering the perfect blend of challenge, comfort, and unforgettable alpine scenery.
⛰️ Mont Blanc
Circle the entire Mont Blanc massif, crossing through France, Italy and Switzerland on a single loop.
🏞️ Chamonix Valley
A classic early gateway into the TMB, offering sweeping views over the Chamonix valley and the surrounding alpine meadows.
🌉 Bionnassay Glacier and Suspension Bridge
A memorable crossing where you pass over glacial meltwaters beneath the spectacular Bionnassay Glacier—one of the most photogenic scenes on the route.
⛰️ Fenêtre d’Arpette
A dramatic high-altitude route overlooking the vast Trient Glacier. One of the most challenging but rewarding sections of the entire circuit.
🌊 Champex-Lac
A serene, forest-lined lake village known for its calm water, gentle walking paths, and a peaceful atmosphere—nicknamed “Little Canada.”
⛰️ Grand Col Ferret
One of the highest points on the TMB, marking the border crossing into Italy. Incredible views stretch across both Swiss and Italian Val Ferret.
⛰️ Lac Blanc & Aiguilles Rouges
A legendary alpine viewpoint above the Chamonix valley. Lac Blanc is famous for reflecting the entire Mont Blanc range on calm days—a picture-perfect finale to the TMB.
🏞️ Italian Val Veny
A dramatic glacial valley with striking rock formations, turquoise rivers, and towering cliffs. Stunning views of Mont Blanc’s southern face.
🗺️ Trail Map & Navigation
Full route overview with key waypoints and navigation information.
⚠️ The maps provided on this website are intended as a general guide only. Conditions, routes, and features may change at any time. Always rely on your own judgement and seek local or professional advice if possible.
🧭 Navigation Tips
Download offline maps before you go — cell signal is unreliable.
Note refuge locations and emergency shelter options for each stage.
Check weather and trail conditions the evening before each stage.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
A guide to everything you need to know for each stage
Preparation in
Chamonix
0
Chamonix is a lively alpine town in the French Alps, sitting at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe.
Getting to Geneva
✈️ Fly
Geneva (GVA) is the closest airport with cheap flights landing every hour.
Transport to Chamonix
🚌 Bus Transfer
The most economical way to get from Geneva to Chamonix is via prebooked buses which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are many operators including SwissTours, Flixbus, Alpybus and BlaBlaCar and prices range between 20 to 30 EUR return depending on time and how early you book in advance.
~€20-€30 · 1.5-2 hour
🚅 Trains
Chamonix is also served by SNCF trains which might better suit your needs.
Where to Stay
🏨 Hotels and Hostels
There are plenty of hotels and hostels which can be booked by all the popular online travel agent sites such as Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.
Hostels / guesthouses: 25 to 40 EUR
Budget hotels: 80 to 140 EUR
€25-€140
💡 Top Tip - Reservations
Many campsites in Chamonix do not accept reservations and work on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Stocking Up on Supplies
Decathlon is a large international sporting-goods store known for affordable, good-quality equipment for almost every outdoor and athletic activity.
€5-€10
A specialist outdoor shop offering high-performance mountaineering, climbing, and technical trekking gear.
€5-€10
⚠️ Check the connector type! Campingaz is a very common brand of camping gas in France but uses a proprietary connector instead the usual screw thread.
A convenient local supermarket in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offering everyday groceries, snacks, drinks, and essentials.
A small local grocery store in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offering everyday food items, snacks, drinks, and basic supplies.
🛒 Carrefour Contact in Les Houches
A bit more convenient for those going straight to Camping Bellevue near the start of the trail.
🤩 Too Many to List
Chamonix has no shortage of outdoor stores making it very easy to pick up anything you may have forgotten.
🚠 Aiguille du Midi
Take the cable car up 3,842m for incredible Mont Blanc views, including the "Step Into the Void" glass box.
Things to Do
🚂 Montenvers Railway
Ride this charming red train up to the Mer de Glace glacier, Europe's largest, with an ice cave to explore.
🛍️ Explore Town
Wander Chamonix's beautiful streets, discover local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Les Houches to
Les Containmines via
Col de Tricot Variant
1
9hr · 21.4km · 1470m ascent
The Les Houches to Les Contamines via Col de Tricot variant is a scenic TMB stage featuring panoramic alpine views, wildflower meadows, and glimpses of the Bionnassay Glacier.
Top Tips
Start early. Ideally, get to the official starting point at 8:30am to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the day. This is especially important if you have pre-booked dinner at Camping Le Pontet which is served around 19:00pm.
Save the legs and take the Bellevue cable car up. One way ticket will cost about 14 EUR.
Get to the campsite to secure the best spots. First come, best dressed.
Food Options
🥐 Bakery
The bakery next to Fromagerie de la Fruitiere and close by to the Bellevue cable car has amazing pasties and baguettes. Grab something for both breakfast and lunch.
€1-€10
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
For the budget conscious, takeaway from bakery or supermarket.
Provides a 3 course dinner option which needs to be prebooked for about 20 EUR. Please note that you must arrive before 19:00pm otherwise you might miss out. They also do pizzas which can be ordered on the day.
~€20
A decent sized supermarket which is about a hour’s walk before the campsite.
€1-€10
Campsites
Les Contamines to
Les Chapieux
2
7hr · 16.7km · 1,290m ascent
The Les Contamines to Les Chapieux stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a moderately challenging day that takes you through alpine meadows, glacial streams, and traditional mountain hamlets before ascending the scenic Col du Bonhomme and Col des Fours.
Top Tips
Again, start early. This will give you plenty of time to get to Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme for a hot meal.
Arrive early and go for a swim in the rivers around Les Chapieux. Very handy as there are no official showers here.
If you plan to catch a bus up to Refuge des Mottets for the next day, then purchase your tickets as soon as you can. It sells out quickly.
The kitchen for most restaurants closes at 20:00pm.
Food Options
The campsite serves coffee and basic pastries. Pre-booked breakfast and picnic lunch are also available.
€1-€10
A great place to stop to grab a hot meal if you’re early enough.
€10-€20
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Prebooked lunch from Camping Le Pontet or for the budget conscious, takeaway from supermarket.
€1-€10
Pizza here is great value. Just get here early as it can take a while. There have been times when they have stop taking orders at 19:30pm as they had too many.
€10-€20
Offers hearty alpine cuisine, including cheese fondue, raclette, stews and freshly baked breads.
€10-€20
Campsites
🏕️ Aire naturelle de camping
🗺️ Maps
A small dedicated dedicated area for campers with public toilets.
Free
Les Chapieux to
Val Veny
3
7.5hr · 20.4km · 1,040m ascent
The Les Chapieux to Val Veny stage of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a stunning alpine trek that crosses the Col de la Seigne, a key border pass between France and Italy, offering dramatic Mont Blanc views, sweeping meadows, glacial valleys, and picturesque Italian landscapes before descending into the charming Val Veny.
Top Tips
Save some time and energy and catch the bus to Refuge des Mottets. Tickets can be bought from the self service machine outside the tourist center.
Rifugio Elisabetta is an amazing place and well worth the hike uphill. The food is great and the views are spectacular.
The bus for the campsite (which also goes to Courmayeur) departs from just outside Chalet del Miage.
Speak to Camping Aiguille Noire about their transfer services from Courmayeur. It is one of the only convenient ways to get back to the campsite at night (22:00pm for about 5 EUR per person). Very handy if you have the energy to go into town for dinner.
Food Options
Previous known as L´Epicerie des Chapieux, the pain au chocolat is a must here. I recommend at least 3. They also serve coffee, other bake goods and baguettes which is handy for those who prefer to picnic lunch.
€1-€10
A great place to stop offering offering hearty Italian alpine lunches, including pasta dishes, risotto, soups, and regional specialties. Not to mention that the view is stunning.
€10-€20
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
For those a bit more price sensitive, don’t forget to grab a baguette from Le Relais Montagnard for a picnic lunch back in Les Chapieux.
€1-€10
There are two restaurants onsite which offer pizza and traditional Italian dishes are available at the two restaurants
€10-€20
They also have a well stocked food shop at reception if you prefer to cook your own meal.
€1-€10
Campsites
Val Veny to
Courmayeur
4
4.5hr · 10.6km · 760m ascent
The Val Veny to Courmayeur is a relatively gentle descent through alpine meadows and forested trails, offering views of Mont Blanc’s southern face, the turquoise waters of the Dora di Ferret River before arriving in the bustling mountain town of Courmayeur.
Top Tips
As this is a relatively short day, you can afford to sleep in a bit.
Catch the lift and cable car down to save about an hour of walking through a ski resort.
Eat at least 3 scoops of gelato at Crème et chocolat.
Restock on supplies (especially things for breakfast) for the next few days as options are fairly limited in the mornings.
Buses are free! But do take note the time table as the last bus is quite early (about 19:00pm). Taxis are quite hard to come by at night.
Food Options
Serves various hot drinks, cakes and pasties. The food shop at reception also have various goods if you’re on a budget.
€1-€10
Located on top of Maison Vieille lift, is a great place to stop for a drink and a quick bite to eat.
€10-€20
🏙️ Courmayeur
For more of a selection, head straight into Courmayeur and eat at one of the many restaurants and bars.
🛒 Supermarkets
Courmayeur also has lots of well stocked supermarkets to resupply.
€1-€10
Casual Italian‑style food on site, including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and simple grilled dishes.
€5-€15
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from Courmayeur.
€1-€10
Campsites
Courmayeur to
Grandes Jorasses
via variant
5
7.5hr · 16.4km · 1,350m ascent
The Courmayeur to Grandes Jorasses via variant stage is a scenic alpine trek that takes hikers along quieter trails with stunning views of Mont Blanc’s southern face, glacial valleys, and rugged peaks before descending to the peaceful Grandes Jorasses campsite.
Top Tips
Catch the bus into town early and grab a proper breakfast.
Get another 3 scoops of gelato at Crème et chocolat.
Aim to to get to Rifugio Giorgio Bertone to enjoy the views and grab a bite to eat. It does get quite crowded though.
Take in the views from the summit of Mont de la Saxe and Tête de la Tronche — few people pick this route, so you’ll likely have the place to yourself.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Supermarkets are a good choice too for those wanting to save a few euros.
€1-€10
Amazing place serving cheesy polenta with sausages or beans and other mountain‑style dishes like soup and pasta.
€10-€20
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Packed lunch from the supermarket.
Casual Italian‑style food on site, including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and simple grilled dishes.
€5-€15
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from Courmayeur.
€1-€10
Campsites
Grandes Jorasses to
Arp Nouvaz
6
4.5hr · 11.2km · 620m ascent
The Grandes Jorasses to Arp Nouva stage is a stunning alpine trek through meadows, ridges, and forests, featuring glacial streams and the historic Refuge Walter Bonatti.
Top Tips
Take your time as it is a relatively short day with dramatic 360 degree views.
Eating at Rifugio Walter Bonatti is a must. The food is great and the views at the refuge is spectacular.
If you finish early, bus back into Courmayeur and discover the town. Do be mindful of the time though as buses don’t run at night.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from Courmayeur.
€1-€10
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from Courmayeur.
€1-€10
Casual Italian‑style food on site, including pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and simple grilled dishes.
€5-€15
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from Courmayeur.
€1-€10
Campsites
Arp Nouvaz to
La Fouly
7
6hr · 14.1km · 810m ascent
The Arp Nouva to La Fouly stage crosses the Grand Col Ferret, the key border pass from Italy into Switzerland, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Val Ferret, glaciers and Mont Blanc peaks, before descending into the quaint Swiss village of La Fouly.
Top Tips
The bus from Camping Grand Jorasses to Arp Nouvaz can be very busy. Best to start early.
Slow and steady wins the race. You pretty much do all the ascent upfront.
Eat a picnic lunch at the Grand Col Ferret and enjoy the stunning views of the Val Ferret valley.
Grab an ice cream and a cold drink from Alpage de la Peule (Peulaz).
If you are travelling as a group, it is worth pre-booking your pitches at Camping des Glaciers so that you are all put on the same pitch. It also makes it significantly cheaper.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from Courmayeur.
€1-€10
If you can survive long enough, you can get food here which includes hearty alpine dishes such as raclette, croûte au fromage, sandwiches and local cheeses.
€10-€20
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from Courmayeur.
€1-€10
The main eatery in La Fouly. Keep in mind that you are now in Switzerland and prices are very different when compared with Italy 😅.
₣20-₣30
Campsites
La Fouly to
Champex-Lac
8
5hr · 15.4km · 490m ascent
The La Fouly to Champex‑Lac stage is a moderately long Swiss section that descends through lush alpine meadows, forests, and small villages, offering scenic views of the Val de Bagnes, the Dranse River and surrounding peaks before reaching the tranquil lakeside town of Champex‑Lac.
Top Tips
One of the more chilled days with little elevation (comparative to the other stages 😅).
Admire the traditional houses as you wander through the towns.
Have a very very cold dip in Lac de Champex.
Stop at the supermarket to get some snacks and food for the evening and the next day.
Food Options
The supermarket will be the most convenient. If you need to head here first thing in the morning, you can rejoin the trail by walking down the main street and follow the signs for the TMB.
₣1-₣10
🏕️ Camping Des Glaciers
The campsite also has some bakery goods delivered daily but the options are fairly limited.
₣1-₣10
Offers snacks and meals such as sweet and savory crepes, seasonal fruit tarts, cakes, and hot drinks.
₣1-₣10
🍽️ Café restaurant "Le portalet"
Offers homemade pizzas, sandwiches, grilled dishes, and regional Swiss or Portuguese‑influenced plates
₣20-₣30
🏙️ Champex-Lac
There are plenty of restaurants in Champex-Lac to suit all budgets particular for those who want to spend a bit more.
₣20-₣50
For those on a tighter budget, the supermarket will be your best bet.
₣5-₣15
Campsites
Champex-Lac to
Trient
via Variant
9
7hr · 13km · 1,140m ascent
The Champex‑Lac to Trient via Fenêtre d’Arpette variant stage is a challenging but spectacular alpine trek that climbs the Fenêtre d’Arpette pass, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and high mountain meadows before descending into the Swiss village of Trient.
Top Tips
Bring more water than you think you need (3 litres or more if it is hot). This is one of the hardest stages on the TMB with a lot of elevation gain and with little to no cover.
Have lunch on the highest point of the Fenêtre d'Arpette mountain pass. You will be rewarded with 360 degree panorama views and front row seats to the stunning Trient glacier.
After the grueling downhill, have a dip at the Trient River Picnic and Swimming Spot (located just before Chalet du Glacier).
Have a well earned beverage at Chalet du Glacier.
Food Options
Easiest and most convenient is to order the breakfast from the refuge.
₣15-₣20
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from the day before.
₣1-₣10
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Food from the supermarket from the day before.
₣1-₣10
Serves up traditional Swiss and alpine dishes such as cheese fondue, rösti, soups and grilled meats. Even if you’re not hungry, it is worth stopping here for a drink to rest those tired legs.
₣20-₣30
Has a selection of snacks and hot food available if you order before 17:00pm. They also offer a 4 course meal but again, you need to arrive early and subject to availability. This is served at 19:00pm and costs about 25 CHF.
₣10-₣25
🍕 Au P'tit Peuty Pinsa
There’s a small stall on the campsite where you can get pinsa (lighter version of a pizza).
₣10-₣20
If you bring your own cooking gear, you can buy instant noodles, pasta, and other basic backpacking staples at the camp reception.
₣5-₣10
Campsites
Trient to
La Flégère via
Lac Blanc
10
11hr · 21.4km · 2,020m ascent
Trient to La Flégère via Lac Blanc is a punchy, view-packed day that climbs from Trient to the Col de Balme, traverses high above the Chamonix valley, and rewards you with the iconic blue shimmer of Lac Blanc before cruising into La Flégère.
Top Tips
This is normally done in two very short stages but logistically, it works out better to do this in one. However, it does make it arguably, the hardest stage of the tour with a whopping 2km/1.2mi of accent .
Start early and eat as much as possible on the way as food and facilities are few and far between closer to the end of this stage.
It is possible to catch the lift and gondola down to save the legs but you do miss out on some incredible views.
Keep your eyes peeled for ibexs and marmots as they are quite common
Bring a water filter as there is no potable water at the end of this stage. Refuge de La Flégère provides some basic amenities like toilets and non-potable water for campers/bivouac which is summarised on their website.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Self cater using food from previous days.
₣1-₣10
Makes a good first stop, serving up soups, local dishes and best of all, delicious deserts. Do keep in mind that if you started early (which I recommend) then kitchen won’t be fully open yet but the next place will more than make up for it.
€10-€20
marks the half way point of the stage and a great place to refuel. I recommend something very hearty like the tartiflette as food for dinner will be a bit light.
€15-€25
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Most people self cater for this stage.
€1-€10
It is possible to book dinner here but make sure you do it well in advance. You will also need to confirm on the day via phone or by arriving before 17:00pm. Dinner is served at 19:00pm sharp.
€30
Campsites
La Flégère to
Les Houches
11
8hr · 17.8km · 750m ascent
From La Flégère to Les Houches, you’ll cruise along panoramic balconies facing the Mont Blanc massif before tackling the ridgeline past the Refuge de Bel-Lachat and descending steeply into the valley for a spectacular and classic finish to the TMB.
Top Tips
With Mont Blanc always on your left, enjoy the views of the last day.
There a short tricky ladder section on the approach to the Brevent cable car.
The final downhill section is long and brutal. Rather than hiking down for 4.5 hours, many people take the Brévent cable car into Chamonix and then finish with an easy stroll or a short bus ride to Les Houches. A one way trip will set you back about 30 EUR.
Food Options
👩🏻🍳 Self cater
Self cater using food from previous days.
€1-€10
It is possible to prebook for breakfast must be done the day before, before 19:00pm.
~€12
Offers grilled meats, hearty tartiflette and raclette-style dishes, sandwiches and salads, alpine soups, and simple desserts. Kitchen opens between 12:00pm and 14:00pm.
€10-€20
🍽️ Le Panoramic
A restaurant located at the top of the Brevent cable car. A great place to finish up the trail if you plan to skip the long decent. Do keep in mind that it is on the expensive side.
€20-€30
🥞 Creperie
For those a bit more budget conscious, there’s also a small creperie located a short walk from the Brevent cable car.
€5-€10
A great place with an energetic atmosphere, bar food from from all cultures and an outdoor area which is awesome when the weather is nice. It does get quite busy though so try and get here early.
€20-€30
The supermarket next to the finish point is great for getting supplies to restock food and drinks.
€1-€10
🏙️ Chamonix
And of course, you can always head into Chamonix for a proper celebration.
€10-€50
Campsites
Unwinding in
Chamonix
N
Relax
A lively alpine town cradled by towering peaks, bustling with cozy cafés, inviting bakeries, and restaurants where you can refuel with hearty dishes.
In Chamonix
🚠 Aiguille du Midi
Take the cable car up 3,842m for incredible Mont Blanc views, including the "Step Into the Void" glass box.
🚂 Montenvers Railway
Ride this charming red train up to the Mer de Glace glacier, Europe's largest, with an ice cave to explore.
🛍️ Explore Town
Wander Chamonix's beautiful streets, discover local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
🏞️ Lac Noir
If you still have the legs, Lac Cornu and Lac Noir can be easily done as a day trip.
🪂 Tandem Paragliding
If you still have the legs, Lac Cornu and Lac Noir can be easily done as a day trip.
Going Home
🚌 Bus Transfer
The easiest way to get back to Geneva airport is via bus which will take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Operators include SwissTours, Flixbus, Alpybus and BlaBlaCar.
~€20-€30 · 1.5 to 2 hours
🚅 Trains
Chamonix is also served by SNCF trains which might better suit your needs.
Other Bits of Useful Information
All the things which might have been missed
Terms of Use
A quick but important note for all visitors: we do our best to share high-quality, accurate information, but it’s always possible that we’ve missed something or that conditions have changed. All GPS tracks (GPX files and maps) and route suggestions are meant to be used as general guidelines—not exact instructions.
Helpful Links
Tour du Mont Blanc Hike - This has really good articles about shortcuts if you are short on time or are not 100%.
TMBTENT - A great general guide for the TMB.
Your Questions, Answered
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Excluding flights, you can expect to pay between 600 GBP to 800 GBP. The main thing which will cause costs will be food and drinks. Expect to pay between 20 to 30 EUR per meal at refuges.
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More definitely. There are local buses, chairlifts and gondolas allowing you to make things a little easier on yourself.
Tour du Mont Blanc Hike has a really good writeup about all the shortcuts.
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Water is generally quite easy to come by along the Tour du Mont Blanc. Most trekkers find they can manage with 1–2 liters of capacity and refilling at fountains in villages, public water sources, and refuges along the trail.
Worth noting that sections such as the Fenêtre D'arpette pass is quite dry and hard, so bringing more water is recommended.
It is also handy to bring a small water filter to fill up on at streams and ponds. This is especially important if you plan to wild camp next to La Flégère as the water at the nearby refuge is not drinkable.
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It is recommended to bring a small water filter to fill up on at streams and ponds on the way. This is required if you plan to wild camp next to La Flégère as the water at the nearby refuge is not drinkable.
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