TMB Classic 12 Days - Self-Guided

You arrive in Les Houches and settle into your hotel for the night. Take the time to explore this charming village at the foot of Mont Blanc and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Night at a 3-star hotel in Les Houches.

You leave the charming village of Les Houches to begin this legendary trek. The Bellevue cable car spares you the initial climb and eases you into this first day of hiking. The TMB trail winds through beautiful forest overlooking the Bionnassay valley, passing through picturesque alpine hamlets and offering superb views of Mont Blanc. The Dome du Gouter, the Aiguille de Bionnassay and its imposing glacier accompany your progress.
After climbing to Col de Tricot, you descend in switchbacks to the Chalet de Miage, then follow the river down to the village of Les Contamines.
Night at a 4-star hotel in Les Contamines.

After a short morning transfer to Notre-Dame de la Gorge, you begin the ascent towards Col du Bonhomme, then continue to the Croix du Bonhomme before descending into the remote Chapieux valley. This is a truly alpine stage with magnificent panoramic views over the Aiguille des Glaciers.
Night at a mountain lodge in Les Chapieux.

From Les Chapieux, you hike towards the Ville des Glaciers before continuing to the Col de la Seigne, marking the border with Italy. The descent rewards you with spectacular views of the Grandes Jorasses, the Aiguilles de Peuterey and the Italian side of Mont Blanc.
For this night you must carry your own overnight pack as luggage transport is not available to the refuge.
Night in half-board at Refuge Elisabetta (dormitory).

You climb onto one of the finest balcony trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc, reaching Col de Checrouit with sweeping views across the Italian side of the massif. From here you descend to the lively town of Courmayeur - either on foot or by cable car.
Night at a 3-star hotel in Courmayeur.

A short bus ride takes you to the head of Val Ferret, from where you hike to Refuge Elena before tackling the Grand Col Ferret - your gateway into Switzerland. Throughout this stage you enjoy remarkable views of the Combins massif to the east and the Italian side of Mont Blanc behind you.
Night at a 3-star hotel in La Fouly.

A bucolic walk through one of the prettiest valleys in the Valais region. You pass through traditional Swiss villages with their distinctive wooden chalets before arriving at the charming resort of Champex, set beside its beautiful mountain lake.
Night at a 3-star hotel in Champex.

Today's highlight is the Fenetre d'Arpette at 2,750 m - the highest point of your trek. The ascent is demanding but the reward is a grandiose panorama and a thrilling descent alongside the Trient glacier. In case of poor weather or for an easier alternative, the route via Col de Bovine offers a gentler option with pastoral views.
Night at a mountain lodge at La Forclaz or in Trient.

You return to France by crossing Col de la Balme, where a stunning panorama unfolds over Mont Blanc and the Aiguille Verte. The well-graded descent brings you down through alpine meadows to the valley floor and the traditional mountaineering village of Argentiere.
Night at a 3-star hotel in Argentiere.

The Balcon des Aiguilles Rouges offers one of the finest alpine panoramas anywhere. You climb to Lac Blanc, where the view is simply breathtaking - the Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, the Mer de Glace, the Aiguilles de Chamonix, Mont Blanc du Tacul and Mont Blanc itself spread before you. You then descend towards Chamonix, with the option to take the La Flegere cable car for part of the way down.
Night at a 4-star hotel in Chamonix.

A well-earned rest day in the capital of alpinism. You are free to explore Chamonix at your leisure - take the cable car up to Plan Praz or the Brevent summit for more spectacular Mont Blanc views, visit the town's museums and shops, or simply relax and soak in the mountain atmosphere.
Night at a 4-star hotel in Chamonix.

Check-out after breakfast. End of your Tour du Mont Blanc adventure.