The Col des Fours
The Col des Fours is a spectacular variant of the famous Tour du Mont Blanc, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable hiking experience for hikers seeking stunning mountain scenery and a true immersion in nature.
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What You Need to Know
This variant of the Tour du Mont Blanc offers a more demanding but also more rewarding hiking experience, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. However, it is essential to check the weather and trail conditions before committing to this route: before mid-June, the Col des Fours keeps snowfields on its north side.
Hikers who have taken this route speak of the wild and unspoilt beauty of the area, the physical challenges of the climb, and the satisfaction of overcoming those challenges to reach the summit. Whether you are an experienced hiker looking for a new challenge or a nature lover eager to explore mountain landscapes, the Col des Fours is a destination not to be missed.
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The initial route of this stage coincides with the traditional TMB path, starting at the Refuge de la Balme and climbing over a distance of 4 kilometres with an elevation gain of 650 m2 133 ft to reach the Col du Bonhomme.
As you progress towards the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme, you will face a choice - take the variant that leads to the Col des Fours. This detour takes you higher, revealing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Before setting off on this variant, it is crucial to check the weather forecast and assess trail conditions. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter numerous snow patches, making some sections potentially dangerous, even in summer.
Once at the Col des Fours, a 5-kilometre descent with an elevation loss of 900 m2 953 ft will bring you to the Ville des Glaciers, before continuing on your way to the Refuge des Mottets.
The Refuge des Mottets marks your last stop before crossing the Col de la Seigne the following day, where the tour enters the Aosta Valley. It is advisable to book your place if you plan to spend the night at the refuge. There is no possibility of bivouacking near the refuge, and the wardens’ association points out that bivouacking is not permitted anywhere in the Vallée des Glaciers, which consists of alpine pastures and private property (see our camping regulations guide).
Update, 18 May 2026 (from the warden of Refuge des Mottets): bivouacking is prohibited throughout the Vallée des Glaciers. In Les Chapieux, bivouacking is allowed around the Auberge-Refuge de la Nova, without being run by the refuge.
Points of interest: Col du Bonhomme, Col des Fours
Where to sleep?
- Refuge des Mottets
- Bivouac around the Auberge-Refuge de la Nova, in Les Chapieux (not run by the refuge)
Practical info
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