Introduction

Mont Blanc, mountain massif and highest peak (15,771 feet [4,807 meters]) in Europe. Located in the Alps, the massif lies along the French-Italian border and reaches into Switzerland. It extends southwestward from Martigny, Switzerland, for about 25 miles (40 km) and has a maximum width of 10 miles (16 km).

Embark on the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days, a challenging yet rewarding trek across the beautiful landscapes of France, Italy, and Switzerland. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventure of a lifetime.The 7-day Tour of Mont Blanc starts from Les Houches, offering stunning views as you ascend.

How many days is the Tour de Mont Blanc?

The Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days typically takes between 10 and 12 days to complete, depending on the hiker’s pace, trail conditions, and specific route choices; we recommend the 11-stage route listed above.

Day 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines

Make the most of the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days with a carefully planned route that takes you through the scenic valleys and challenging mountain passes.The first day of the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days starts at Les Houches, offering hikers a gentle introduction to the challenging journey ahead..Day 1 of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is the hike from Les Houches to Les Contamines: 

• Distance: The trail is about 12.3 miles or 18 kilometers 
• Elevation: The trail has an altitude gain of 1,478 meters and an altitude loss of 1,318 meters 
• Difficulty: The trail is considered challenging and takes about 8 hours and 35 minutes to complete 
• Season: The best time to visit is June through October 
• Dogs: Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas 
• Popularity: The area is popular for hiking, backpacking, and running, so you’re likely to see other people 

TMB Day 2: Col du Bonhomme to Chapieux

As you continue your Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days, the trek from Col du Bonhomme to Chapieux takes you through alpine meadows, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.Day 2 of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) in 7 days typically involves hiking from the Refuge de la Balme to the Refuge des Mottets. The route includes: 

• Climbing to the Col du Bonhomme: A 650-meter elevation gain over 4 kilometers
• Descending to Chapieux: An 800-meter elevation loss over 4 kilometers
• Walking to the Refuge des Mottets: A 6-kilometer walk from Chapieux
• Stopping at the Ville des Glaciers: A place to buy local cheese

Here are some tips for hiking the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days:

• Prepare: Set out early, pack enough food and water, and ensure your batteries are fully charged 
• Bring a map: You can also download GPS files for your route from the Hiking Club app 
• Be aware of snow: Snow can make the path difficult to see 

Day 3: Les Chapieux or Refuge Mottets—Courmayeur

Completing Day 3 of the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days will reward you with breathtaking Italian landscapes, as you descend into Courmayeur for a well-deserved rest.Day 3 of the Tour du Mont Blanc (Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days) is the stage from Refuge des Mottets to Courmayeur, while day 3 of the TMB can also be the stage from Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta. 

Refuge des Mottets to Courmayeur

This stage begins at the Refuge des Mottets and ends in the Italian town of Courmayeur. The stage includes:
Col de la Seigne: A pass that marks the entrance to Italy and offers panoramic views
Italian valley: A scenic valley with Lake Combal and mountain refuges
Descent to Courmayeur: An 11-kilometer descent with a 1260-meter elevation change

Day 4 Courmayeur: Refuge Bonatti or Val Ferret

On day four of the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days, you can hike from Courmayeur to either Rifugio Bonatti or explore Val Ferret:
Rifugio Bonatti
A hike that passes through forests, alpine meadows, and abandoned farms and ends with a steeper ascent. The refuge is named after the acclaimed climber and mountaineer Walter Bonatti and features photos.
Rifugio Bonatti
The recommended trail to reach the refuge is marked with trail marker 28A. The hike is about 20 km in either direction, with a vertical gain of about 1 km.

Day 5 Refuge Bonatti or Val Ferret—Champex Lac or Relais d’Arpette

On day 5 of the Tour du Mont Blanc (Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days), you can stay at either Champex-Lac or Relais d’Arpette. The previous day’s destination is Val Ferret. Here’s some information about day 5 of the TMB:
Day 5 route: The route starts at Rifugio Bonatti in Italy and ends in La Fouly, Switzerland.
Highlights: The day includes: 

• A climb up to Col Grand Ferret, which is marked by switchbacks 
• A gradual but relentless descent 
• Heading down into the Italian Val Ferret 
• Reaching the Col, which marks the border between Italy and Switzerland 

Day 6 Champex Lac or Relais d’Arpette—Trient

Here’s some information about the hike from Trient to Champex-Lac via Fenêtre d’Arpette, including the Relais d’Arpette and the Trient Glacier:
Relais d’Arpette
The first inn or hotel of the day. To get to the lodge, you can climb to the foot of the Bisse from the departure station of the La Breya chairlift. You can also drive to the lodge.
Trient Glacier
The focal point of the hike down. The descent begins with a steep and tricky scramble down a slope of rocks and boulders.
Champex-Lac
After passing the Relais, follow signs to Champex-lac as the trail cuts left off the small road and drops down into the woods.

How do we complete the 7-day tour of Montblanc in 7 days

The final day of the Tour du Mont Blanc is a flexible day that can be customized to your needs and desires. Here are some things you can do on the final day: 

• Hike through the Aiguilles Rouges: Scramble through the Aiguilles Rouges with views of the Mont-Blanc Range and the glaciers and summits above Chamonix. 
• Visit the Cheserys Lakes: Follow the balcony trail from Col des Montets Pass to the Cheserys Lakes, where you can see the Alps’ most famous peaks reflected in the water. 
• See Lac Blanc: Take in the view of Lac Blanc (2352 m/7716.5 ft) and look for alpine ibex. 
• Descend to La Flégère: Take a gondola from La Flégère to the valley floor in Les Praz. 

Conclusion

Completing the Tour of Mont Blanc in 7 days is an accomplishment that will stay with you forever, as you experience the majesty of one of Europe’s most famous mountain ranges.The Tour du Mont Blanc concludes with a final day of hiking and a descent to the village of Le Tour. From there, you can take a bus to the Prarion car park or a train to Les Houches.The Mont Blanc massif is being put forward as a potential World Heritage Site because of its uniqueness and cultural importance.

FAQs

What does Mont Blanc mean?

Definitions of Mont Blanc: noun. the highest mountain peak in the Alps; on the border between France and Italy to the south of Geneva (15,781 feet high) synonyms: Monte Bianco.

Where does the Tour du Mont Blanc end?

Bare facts. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a walking trail in the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps making a 180km (112mile) circuit of Mont Blanc, starting and finishing in Les Houches near Chamonix.

How hard is the tour of Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a “level 4” difficulty trip, and it is no joke.