Trek the Tour Du Mont Blanc in a Week: The Hotels Edition
Tackle one of the world’s greatest hikes with a touch of comfort whilst you meander through the heart of the Alps
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with experienced, English-speaking mountain guidesHotel
6 nights in cosy alpine village hotelsMeals
All your breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout the tripTransfers
All transfers throughout the trek, via a mix of private vehicles and public busesLuggage Transfer
Luggage transfer of your main bag throughout the tripSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Border-hop your way through the Alps, crossing from France into Switzerland and Italy as you circumnavigate the Mont Blanc massif
Trek beneath towering 4000m giants, traverse valleys and reach high passes for epic lookout spots over Lac Blanc and the Cheserys Lakes
Bunk down in cosy alpine village hotels as you tackle 'the TMB', refuelling each evening on tasty French, Swiss and Italian mountain cuisine
Sucker for a mountain hut? Then check out our classic Tour du Mont Blanc in a Week trek instead
Key Information
Day 1
The trek begins: La Flégère to Argentière
Hiking
Meet up with your guide first thing this morning and head to the cable car station for the ride up to La Flégère at 1877m, taking in the breathtaking views of the Mer de Glace valley on the northern slopes of Mont Blanc. Hit the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, beginning along a balcony path and ascending steadily up to Lac Blanc (2353m) and its spectacular view of the massif. Tuck into a picnic lunch here accompanied by clear views of Les Drus, the Aiguille Verte, the Aiguille du Midi and the Mont Blanc summit. This afternoon, continue along the trail passing by the Cheserys Lakes, descending down one of the most scenic trails in France to where you'll spend the first night of your trip in a peaceful village hotel in Argentière.
Day 2
Trient to Champex
Hiking
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you'll be transferred to pick the trail back up at Trient, setting off for a hike up through a pine and larch forest to join the high pastures of Bovine, from where you'll enjoy lunch with an expansive view of the Martigny Valley and the surrounding mountains. Wind your way down through the woods, cross cool mountain streams, and in the afternoon you'll arrive in the charming lakeside village of Champex Lac, your journey's end for today.
Day 3
La Fouly to Val Ferret
Hiking
Today's section starts from La Fouly after a short transfer from your hotel, picking back up the TMB trail as you begin to trek up the valley towards the Grand Col Ferret (2537m), the border between Switzerland and Italy. Reaching the top of the pass you'll see jaw-dropping views open out in front of you looking down the Val Ferret and the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif. The towering peak of Mont Dolent (3823m) acts as the shared border of all three countries; next is the Grandes Jorasses and the Dent du Géant (4013m) and in the distance, the summit of Mont Blanc itself. After an epic border crossing, you'll tackle the descent to Arnouvaz, from where you'll be transferred to your next cosy hotel in Courmayeur. Enjoy a taste of some of the Aosta specialities offered in Courmayeur’s many atmospheric restaurants.
Day 4
Arnouvaz to Courmayeur
Hiking
This morning you'll head back up Val Ferret to where you finished hiking the day before, to take the trail from Arnouvaz to Courmayeur, arguably one of the most beautiful sections of the entire TMB with expansive views of the Italian side of Monte Bianco, Dent du Géant and the Grandes Jorasses. After an initial climb the trail levels out for much for it, making for some fine walking; along the way you'll pass by the famous Rifugio Walter Bonatti and the Rifugio Bertone, before descending down winding forest trails back to your hotel for a second night in Courmayeur.
For those seeking to take a rest mid-trip there is the option to stay in Courmayeur and have an easier day, where you can explore the many cafes and shops in the town or go for a shorter walk at your own leisure.
Day 5
La Visaille to Les Chapieux
Hiking
Enjoy the short and incredibly scenic transfer to La Visaille first thing this morning as the hiking kicks off from Val Veny, climbing up the valley from the Lac Combal plateau and past the majestic Glacier du Miage which descends from high up on the flanks of Mont Blanc. Passing by the Rifugio Elisabetta the trail gets steeper, and after a while you'll reach the Col de la Seigne pass (2516m), leaving Italy and crossing the border back into France. From the top of the pass, you'll descend down the long remote valley to Les Chapieux (1549m), where you'll take a short transfer to your hotel in the mountain town of Bourg Saint Maurice.
Day 6
Les Chapieux to Les Contamines
Hiking
The biggest day of the trip awaits today, setting off from Les Chapieux to tackle the steep ascent to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m). There is a grand old refuge here to grab snacks and drinks from while you take in the ever-present and ever-changing views of the Mont Blanc range. After lunch, you'll continue on to the Col du Bonhomme (2329m) before taking a sharp descent down to the pastures of the Bois de la Rollaz, through pine forest, and eventually to an ancient Roman road which leads the way to the small chapel of Notre Dame de la Gorge. Follow the valley floor to the town of Les Contamines, where you'll rest and recover for the evening.
Day 7
The final climb, and back to Chamonix
Hiking
Your final day on the Tour du Mont Blanc takes you from the village of Les Contamines up to to the hamlets of Gruvaz, Champel and Bionnassay – a typical Savoyard hamlet with a magnificent 17th-century chapel. From there, you'll take the path that brings you to the Col de Voza pass (1653m). You'll then take the Bellevue Gondola to descend to Les Houches, the traditional start/finish point of the TMB circuit, before hopping on the bus back to Chamonix where your epic Alpine adventure comes to an end.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
La Flégère cable car station, Chamonix
08:30 on Day 1
Ends
Chamonix
17:30 on Day 7
Transfers
Your adventure will begin at 08:30 on Day 1 at the La Flégère cable car station in Chamonix. You should arrive any time the day before the start date, and book a hotel of your choice.
There are regular buses from Geneva Airport and Geneva Bus Station to Chamonix, which take around an hour. Your host will be able to recommend an airport transfer company. Alternatively, you could also fly to Milan and travel to Chamonix by FlixBus.
Your adventure ends in Chamonix at 17:30. You are free to make your own way back to Geneva or Milan airports, or Geneva railway station for those travelling onwards by train. We advise that you book any onward trains from Geneva to depart after 19:30, and any flights from Geneva to depart after 20:30. You also have the option to stay additional nights in Chamonix, you may have just hiked around Mont Blanc but you've got much more to explore in the Chamonix Valley!
Travel options
Air travellers can fly into Geneva Airport (GVA) which is approximately one hour from Chamonix. Alternatively, you can fly into Milan which is about four hours from Chamonix by bus but note there can be unexpected delays travelling through the Mont Blanc tunnel due to traffic, and which is closed each year in September for maintenance.
For those who wish to avoid flying, why not travel by train instead? Chamonix is accessible by train via the St. Gervais-les-Bains (Le Fayet) station at the base of the valley which connects to Chamonix Mont Blanc train station. For example, take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then connect to a number of direct lines or an overnight sleeper train from Paris to St. Gervais-les-Bains, then on to Chamonix Mont Blanc station.
You can also travel to Geneva by various train routes from other parts of Europe and travel on to Chamonix from there by bus. Geneva bus station is a 5-minute walk or short taxi ride from the central train station. There are various bus services from Geneva bus station to Chamonix, the quickest option taking 1 hour and 8 minutes.
For those wanting to arrive a day early or extend their trip, your host is happy to recommend pre- or post-trip accommodation in Chamonix.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2 – Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Breakfast at each of the village hotels is usually continental – think juices, teas, coffee, yoghurt, bread and preserves, pastries, cheese and cereals. Your host will provide healthy packed lunches. They’re big and include things like sandwiches, wraps or a salad, as well as a selection of fresh fruits, muesli bars, chocolate and nuts (for example). Dinner each evening will be taken either in the hotel or at a nearby restaurant. There'll be a variety of classic options for you to choose from, and the classic French, Swiss and Italian variations will be on display as you dip your toe into each country along the route.
Dietary requirements, including vegetarian and vegan, can be catered for: just let your host know in advance.
What is the accommodation like?
On the trek
Traditionally, when trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, hikers bunk down in mountain refuges along the trail. These refuges offer accommodation in mixed-sex dormitories with shared bathrooms, which we appreciate are not for everyone.
On this trip, therefore, you'll stay in a variety of hotels along the route, carefully chosen for 2025 season based on their location, style, comfort and quality. These hotels provide the option of same-sex twin-share rooms, with all of them having en-suite bathrooms. They will also allow you soak up the quaint character of the alpine villages nestled beneath the peaks. On certain days you'll be able to hike directly off the Tour du Mont Blanc to the doorstep of your overnight accommodation; whereas on other days, a short transfer will shuttle you from the trail to your hotel, and back to pick up the next section of the trail the following morning.
Argentière
In Argentière, you'll stay at the Hotel La Couronne, which is one of the most historic hotels in the Chamonix valley, built in the 1860s but with modern renovations providing twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms and WiFi. On some departures the host may arrange for the group to stay at a hotel in the main part of Chamonix, of a similar style and standard to La Couronne, and would coordinate the necessary transfers. Your host will include confirmation of the hotel arrangements for your group in your pre-departure instructions.
Champex Lac
You'll stay in either the Hotel du Glacier in Champex Lac or the Hotel Terminus, just down the hill in Orsiere. Established in 1895, the Hotel du Glacier has been run by four generations of the Biselx family, offering authentic Swiss hospitality and tradition in the heart of the Valais. The Hotel Terminus in Orsiere has been welcoming guests since 1910, serving the visitors arriving by train and on foot alike. Both hotels have their own restaurants and bar, which typical of the alpine style, catering for all their guests needs.
Courmayeur
In Courmayeur, you'll usually stay in the Edelweiss Hotel, which is a third-generation family-run hotel in the historic part of the village. You'll stay in simply furnished rooms with ensuite bathrooms, which will be allocated on a same-sex, twin-share basis. Facilities include a breakfast room and a bar with board games and WiFi, providing everything you need to relax after a day spent hiking on the trails. The alternative accommodation in Courmayeur is the Hotel Crampon, which is of a similar style and standard to the Edelweiss and also in a convenient central location.
Les Chapieux
From Les Chapieux, you'll be transferred down to Bourg St Maurice and stay in the Hotel L'Autantic or the Base Camp Lodge. The Hotel L'Autantic is of a more traditional character and the other a more modern style, both offer twin-share rooms with ensuite bathrooms, WiFi, and wonderful views of the Haute Tarentaise.
Les Contamines
In Les Contamines, you'll usually stay at the Hotel le Christiania or the Hotel La Gelinotte. Both are of the traditional Haute-Savoie style offering twin-share rooms with en-suite bathrooms and provide an excellent place to rest your tired hikers feet after another big day in the mountains.
Upgrades
Due to the high demand for accommodation on the Tour du Mont Blanc route, we are unable to offer private room upgrades on this trip.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trek is no easy feat – so you’ll need to be in good physical shape and able to hike for between 6-8 hours per day (equating to 10-16km) with 1000m ascents/descents. That said, it's a great trip for those who are new to long-distance hiking as no previous experience is required.
The Tour du Mont Blanc trekking season is from June to September. Summer around Mont Blanc is generally warm and fair, but the weather can change very quickly in the high mountains, bringing cold rain and wind. Average temperatures range from 6 to 26 °C. It rains roughly half of the days each month, but storms generally pass through quickly. There can be snow on the mountain passes at the start of the season. Even in the peak of summer you can have very mixed conditions, especially when climbing over the high mountain passes above 2000m. Heatwaves have also been a feature of recent European summers. Our kit list is intended to guide you on what to pack for this trip.
Quintin had to think about
Quintin had to think about everybody, I was fine but to slow and he had to keep waiting for me plus he was always worried about transportation. I would make sure I went with people my own age next time. I was really upset Cause two of my kids were with me
Inaccurate distances and elevation info
I found very annoying the wrong information about distances and ascends/descends. We were using several public/private buses that makes the timetable more rigid: rushing or waiting several times. The environment is awesome and the group was great.
Breathtaking views - everything taken care of.
We had an absolutely amazing week in the Alps. First of all, the views! At every turn my breath was taken away with beautiful vistas! Next, our guide Quentin was like a swan, effortlessly gliding on the surface but clearly working really hard under the water to make sure we didn't need to worry about a thing. He was super friendly and knowledgeable sharing all sorts of fascinating information about flora, fauna and history. We just had to wake up and go. I also really appreciated the efforts he went to to pull together a lovely lunch for each day I cludong local cheeses, etc. The group was full of lovely and interesting people and I enjoyed their company, too. Some of the hotels were more basic than others but all were in great locations. I especially enjoyed the pool and saunas after a hard day's walking. Highly recommend!
Overall Great Experience
Our guide was Quintin and he went above and beyond in trying to make our trip memorable. He was very knowledgeable about the food, plants, and animals.
Our biggest issue was the pace of the group. We had very slow people and very fast people within the same group. While the group would wait for the slow people to catch up it made the trip more disjointed than it could have been. There were multiple days where the slowest of the group could not participate which allowed the faster hikers to set the pace.
The comradery inside the group was great and all the people were fantastic.
A Wonderful week isn the Alps
It was an amazing trip and tour of the Alps. The group we were with was great and made for an even better experience. The routes we took were phenomenal and it was all so awe inspiring and breath taking. Our guide, Quentin, did an amazing job and was great as sorting everything out so we did not have to worry at all. Just needed to know when to wake up, eat and walk! Great holiday and break to be able to relax detach and also still nice and active (some of the terrain is challenging so it is not just a walk through the park for sure!)
Unforgettable Week
I had such a fantastic week with JC and Much Better Adventures. The itinerary was so well thought out, capturing the best views, least crowds, and setting us up to succeed physically across the seven days.
The group dynamic was so special, full of great chats, laughter, and words of support. Leaving TMB with some lifelong friends.
Accommodations were comfortable and much appreciated after some long days. Food ranged from fantastic to ok, depending on each accommodation. Bringing your own snacks along would be recommended.
This is my second MBA trek and I would highly recommend their trips!
Hard work - but worth it!
I very much enjoyed this trip – it was hard work but very rewarding in terms of the amazing scenery, the group dynamic and the sense of achievement. Travelling in Peak season (August) meant that the itinerary and accommodation varied slightly from the trip notes but this wasn’t a problem and added a little ‘mystery’ when we arrived at the end of each day. I would say the ‘Challenging’ rating is correct but there are no technical aspects requiring specific skills or equipment. Mainly just a decent level of fitness and a willingness to push your comfort zone a little. Our guide Jean-Claude (aka JC, Papa Bear) was friendly, very knowledgeable and helpful along the way. Having assessed the group during the first day, he was able to vary the route a little to enable us to go via some more interesting paths. It was all perfectly safe throughout. He was very keen for us to experience ‘in the moment’ and made time to pause and take in our surroundings. JC always made sure we were adequately fed, watered and applying suncream. Lunches were typically picnics at the top of a mountain pass, usually involving fresh baguettes and local cheeses & meats. Evening meals were generally taken in the hotel/refuge and very filling in preparation for the next day. As with most trips of this type the group dynamic makes a huge difference, and our team worked very well. We all got along together and there was plenty of time to chat with everyone whilst walking or at the end of the day. Things worth knowing before booking this trip: As other reviews suggest, ‘Hotels’ is probably stretching the description. Yes, for some nights we were in hotels, but others consisted of a separate room within the mountain refuges. A step up from shared dorms and perfectly comfortable, but it may not be quite as expected. When staying in the refuges, the evening meals were limited to one option for all guests. Again, perfectly fine but if you have specific requirements it’s worth clarifying at the start of the tour. Daily distances vary from the itinerary. This may be partially due to differences in GPS (up to 10km over the whole week), but also if the guide feels the group is able to go a little ‘off-piste’ to more interesting terrain. I found it best not to get hung up about the specifics but to enjoy the surroundings. This trip is actually the reverse direction of most guidebooks, but some do it this way round. Trekking poles are a must – helping both uphill and downhill. Water is very important but it is plentiful – tap water is safe, as are the public fountains and even the mountain streams (check upstream first). Assume the weather will turn bad and be happy when it doesn’t! (take rainclothes, sweatshirt and spare socks each day) Most places take card but take a little cash for snacks/coffees in the refuges Bags of Haribo are great for making instant friends on the trail! If you're keen on hiking and wanting to take on a bit of a challenge, this trip is a great option.