The Tour du Mont-Blanc step by step: your complete hiking guide (+ tips)

The Tour du Mont-Blanc is one of the most famous treks in the world, a 170 km (105 mi) loop with 10,000 meters (32,800 feet) of elevation gain winding through France, Italy, and Switzerland. But beyond these impressive figures, the question that keeps coming up is: “How are the stages divided?” There’s no single answer, as the TMB is an adventure that can be tailored to your available time and fitness level.

At Grand Angle, drawing on our experience on these trails since 1983, we offer here a comprehensive reference guide. We’ll detail the “classic” 10-day itinerary, the foundation for many versions, and then show you how to adapt it to your own pace and preferences.

• The classic 10-stage TMB itinerary
• Adjusting the stages to your pace and preferences
• Going further: variants, difficulty, and preparation
• The most beautiful passes of the TMB
• Grand Angle’s expertise for your Tour du Mont-Blanc

The classic 10-stage TMB itinerary

The most common way to complete the Tour du Mont-Blanc is in 10 walking stages. It’s a well-balanced option that lets you make steady progress without rushing. Here’s a breakdown of this route, which forms the backbone of most of our trips.

• TMB - Stage 1: From Les Houches to Les Contamines-Montjoie
  A gentle start through the Val Montjoie, with your first views of the glaciers.
• TMB - Stage 2: From Les Contamines-Montjoie to Les Chapieux
  A long and beautiful mountain day crossing the Col du Bonhomme and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme.
• TMB - Stage 3: From Les Chapieux to Refuge Elisabetta
  Crossing into Italy via the Col de la Seigne, with a spectacular transition to the southern slopes of Mont Blanc.
• TMB - Stage 4: From Refuge Elisabetta to Courmayeur
  A balcony trail day overlooking Italy’s glaciers before reaching the charming mountaineering capital of the Aosta Valley.
• TMB - Stage 5: From Courmayeur to La Fouly
  Crossing into Switzerland via the Grand Col Ferret, between the Italian and Swiss Val Ferret.
• TMB - Stage 6: From La Fouly to Champex
  An easier, active recovery day through the traditional villages of the Valais.
• TMB - Stage 7: From Champex to Col de la Forclaz
  The “choice” stage, between the pastoral Bovine route and the challenging alpine variant via the Fenêtre d’Arpette.
• TMB - Stage 8: From Col de la Forclaz to Argentière
  Returning to France via the Col de Balme and discovering the Chamonix Valley facing the Aiguilles.
• TMB - Stage 9: From Argentière to Chamonix
  A panoramic day along the Grand Balcon Sud, with constant views of Mont Blanc and the Mer de Glace.
• TMB - Stage 10: From Chamonix to Les Houches
  The final climb to Le Brévent for one last salute to the massif before closing the loop.

Adjusting the stages to your pace and preferences

This itinerary is a standard reference, but at Grand Angle, we know that every hiker has their own rhythm. That’s why we offer several versions of this legendary trek with different durations and styles.

The TMB for Sporty Hikers: An 8-Day Self-Guided Tour

For well-trained trekkers who want to focus on the essentials, we offer a condensed 8-day version. The stages are longer and the physical challenge is more intense. This option allows you to enjoy the flexibility of a self-guided trip while covering the distance in a shorter time.

The TMB for Full Immersion: 10 and 12-Day Tours

Taking your time is the best way to soak in the beauty of the landscapes. For a complete experience in the friendly atmosphere of a group, our 10-day guided trip follows the classic itinerary closely. If you prefer added flexibility for rest breaks, photo stops, and moments of pure contemplation, our 12-day self-guided tour provides the ultimate immersion into the heart of the Mont-Blanc massif

Going further: variants, difficulty, and preparation

The stage breakdown is just one aspect of preparation. To customize your adventure, it’s important to consider other factors. Choosing among the TMB variants can turn an easy day into an alpine challenge. Likewise, understanding the overall difficulty of the Tour du Mont-Blanc will help you prepare properly. Finally, knowing when to go is key to enjoying the best trail conditions.

• The Col du Tricot variant: A spectacular alternative to the first stage, featuring a Himalayan footbridge and a breathtaking view of the Bionnassay Glacier.
• The Col des Fours variant: On the second stage, it reaches the highest point of the TMB (2665 m) for a wild panorama and a technical descent.
• The Fenêtre d’Arpette variant: The most demanding of all, it turns the Swiss stage into a high-mountain challenge with plunging views over the Trient Glacier.

Grand Angle’s expertise for your Tour du Mont-Blanc

The Tour du Mont-Blanc is a mosaic of trails, landscapes, and cultures. Crafting your ideal itinerary requires in-depth local knowledge, and that’s exactly what we bring to you. Whether you’re drawn to a guided trek or a self-guided adventure, we handle all logistics so your only focus is putting one foot in front of the other.

Ready to take your first step on this legendary trail? Contact our travel advisors to discuss your project and find the perfect formula to make your Tour du Mont-Blanc a success.