---
title: "Tour du Mont Blanc Itineraries"
type: "hub"
lang: "en"
url: "https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/"
description: "Explore the best Tour du Mont Blanc itineraries with detailed stages, elevation profiles, difficulty ratings, and practical advice for every level."
---

# Tour du Mont Blanc Itineraries

Stages, variants, and complete itineraries for hiking around Mont Blanc.

## Itineraries (8)

- [The Argentière Glacier](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/glacier-argentiere/index.md): Day hike, 12 km, 750 m gain - A spectacular half-day detour from Argentière to one of the largest glaciers in the Mont Blanc massif. Direct views of the seracs and moraine at {{2,000 m | 6,562 ft}} altitude.
- [The Cascade du Dard](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/cascade-du-dard/index.md): Day hike, 4 km, 250 m gain - The Cascade du Dard is a short forest hike near Les Houches leading to a {{30 m | 98 ft}} waterfall in a narrow gorge. An ideal rest-day excursion from the TMB, suitable for families.
- [The Col de Tricot](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/col-de-tricot/index.md): Day hike (variant), 30 km, 2653 m gain - The Col de Tricot variant offers a spectacular alternative with direct views of the Bionnassay glacier.
- [The Col des Fours](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/col-des-fours/index.md): Day hike (variant), 13 km, 1080 m gain - The Col des Fours variant reaches {{2,665 m | 8,743 ft}} and offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif.
- [The Col des Montets](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/col-des-montets/index.md): Day hike (variant), 10 km, 550 m gain - The Col des Montets variant crosses the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve between Argentière and Vallorcine, with panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif from the opposite side of the Chamonix valley.
- [The Fenêtre d'Arpette](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/fenetre-darpette/index.md): Day hike (variant), 22 km, 1938 m gain - The most spectacular alpine variant on the TMB. A wild pass at {{2,665 m | 8,743 ft}} offering stunning views of the Trient Glacier.
- [Tour du Mont Blanc in 10 Days](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/tour-du-mont-blanc-in-10-days/index.md): 10-day TMB stage, 170 km, 10000 m gain - The TMB itinerary in 10 stages to fully enjoy the alpine scenery. A comfortable pace through France, Italy, and Switzerland.
- [Tour du Mont Blanc in 7 Days](https://www.tmb-guide.com/en/itineraries/tour-du-mont-blanc-in-7-days/index.md): 7-day TMB stage, 157 km, 9786 m gain - The classic TMB itinerary in 7 stages through France, Italy, and Switzerland. {{157 km | 97.6 mi}} of spectacular trails around the Mont Blanc massif.

## Hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc - FAQ

### When is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The hiking season runs from **mid-June to early October**. July and August offer the most stable weather and all refuges are open, but trails are very crowded. September is the sweet spot: fewer people, crisp air, golden forests, and refuges still open until around September 20.

### Do I need to be very fit to hike the TMB?

It depends on the itinerary you choose. Low variants are accessible to any regular hiker. The full tour with high variants (10 days, 170 km, 10,000 m cumulative elevation gain) requires good cardiovascular endurance. If you can hike 6 to 8 hours with 800 m of ascent while carrying a 6 kg pack, you are ready.

### Do I need a guide for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you have multi-day hiking experience and can read a map, **self-guided TMB** works perfectly - the trails are excellently marked. Choose a guided trek if it is your first long-distance hike, if you want company, or if you prefer someone else to handle bookings and logistics.

### What gear should I bring for the TMB?

Keep your pack under **7 kg** (excluding water). Essentials: waterproof jacket, fleece, hiking pants, 2 base layers, hat, category 3+ sunglasses, SPF 50 sunscreen, headlamp, first aid kit, and a **sleeping bag liner** required in all refuges. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for long descents.