The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most iconic long-distance hiking trails in Europe. It encircles the Mont Blanc Massif, which is the highest mountain in Western Europe. The trail passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, offering stunning alpine scenery, charming villages, and a challenging but rewarding hiking experience.
Here are some key points about the Tour du Mont Blanc:
Distance: The total distance of the TMB is approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles), though this can vary depending on the specific route you choose and any optional detours.
Duration: Most hikers complete the TMB in about 7 to 10 days, depending on their pace and the number of side trips or rest days taken along the way.
Direction: The trail can be hiked in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The direction you choose may depend on factors such as weather, trail conditions, and your personal preferences.
Accommodation: Along the TMB, you'll find a variety of accommodation options, including mountain huts (refuges), hotels, hostels, and campgrounds. It's essential to make reservations in advance, especially during the peak hiking season.
Highlights: The TMB offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and other stunning peaks, beautiful alpine meadows, glacier crossings, and the opportunity to experience the culture and cuisine of the regions it passes through.
Challenges: The TMB is a physically demanding hike, with steep ascents and descents, high mountain passes, and unpredictable weather. Hikers should be well-prepared with proper gear and physical fitness.
Navigation: The trail is generally well-marked with signposts and red-and-white painted markings. However, it's recommended to have a good map or GPS device to navigate, as weather conditions can sometimes obscure trail markers.
Permits: There are no specific permits required for hiking the TMB, but it's a good idea to check local regulations and trail conditions before starting your hike.
Best Time to Hike: The most popular time to hike the TMB is during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the weather is generally favorable and most accommodations are open. However, the trail can be crowded during this period. Spring and early fall can be less crowded, but the weather can be more unpredictable.
Logistics: Plan your logistics carefully, including transportation to and from the trailhead, accommodation reservations, and packing appropriate gear and supplies.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a bucket-list trek for many hikers and offers a memorable experience for those who are well-prepared and ready to take on its challenges. It's essential to research and plan your hike thoroughly to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey around one of Europe's most beautiful mountain ranges.
We completed stages 10 and 11 as day hikes using the free town bus in Chamonix. Spend 2-3 nights in Chamonix on the front and back end of trek.
Accommodations
Recommended Accommodations (in order):
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) has several popular variants and alternative routes that can enhance your hiking experience and allow you to explore different sections of the Mont Blanc Massif. Here are some of the variants and highlights you mentioned:
Mont de la Saxe Variant: This variant takes you to Mont de la Saxe, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif. It's a rewarding detour from the main TMB trail and is known for its breathtaking scenery.
Fenêtre d'Arpette Variant: Fenêtre d'Arpette is a high mountain pass on the TMB located in Switzerland. This variant takes you through the pass and offers incredible views of glaciers and rugged terrain. It's known for its challenging ascent and descent, and hikers should be well-prepared for this section.
Les Grands Variant: Les Grands is a section of the TMB where you can hike to the Aiguilles Rouges, a stunning range of red-colored mountains. This variant provides an opportunity to explore a different aspect of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Col de Tricot Variant: Col de Tricot is another mountain pass that can be incorporated into your TMB hike. It's located between Les Contamines-Montjoie and the Chalets de Miage. Hiking over this pass provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Col de Fours Variant: Col de Fours is a high mountain pass located in the Beaufortain region of France. This variant offers a different perspective on the TMB and allows you to explore the Beaufortain area, known for its cheese production.
When considering these variants, keep in mind that they can add both physical challenges and additional mileage to your TMB journey. Be prepared for changes in weather conditions and varying levels of difficulty on these alternate routes. Additionally, it's a good idea to check local trail conditions and regulations before embarking on any variants, as trail conditions can change, and some routes may require specific permissions or precautions.
Overall, incorporating these variants into your TMB hike can provide a more diverse and adventurous experience while allowing you to explore some of the hidden gems of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Day Hikes from Chamonix
Here are some popular day hikes you can enjoy from Chamonix. Routes can be found by searching in Alltrails.com
Le Brévent: Take the cable car from Chamonix to Le Brévent, which offers stunning panoramic views of the Mont Blanc Massif. You can hike to the summit for even more spectacular vistas.
Lac Blanc: This is a classic day hike starting from the Flégère cable car station. The trail takes you to Lac Blanc, a beautiful mountain lake surrounded by rocky peaks.
Aiguillette des Houches: A relatively short hike from Les Houches, just down the valley from Chamonix, this trail offers breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc Massif and the Chamonix Valley.
Lac des Chéserys: Accessed via the Flégère cable car, this hike takes you to Lac des Chéserys, a serene mountain lake with fantastic reflections of the surrounding peaks.
Mer de Glace: You can take the Montenvers Train to visit the Mer de Glace glacier. From there, you can hike down to the glacier for a closer look or enjoy the viewpoints.
Montenvers and Signal Forbes: Another option from the Montenvers Train station is to hike to Signal Forbes, a viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Mer de Glace glacier.
Aiguille du Midi: Although famous for its cable car access to high-altitude mountaineering, you can also hike around the Aiguille du Midi station for impressive views of the surrounding peaks.
Chalet de la Floria: This is a shorter hike that starts from the outskirts of Chamonix and leads to a mountain hut with a lovely garden and views of the Mont Blanc Massif.
Balcon Sud (South Balcony): This trail runs along the south side of the Chamonix Valley, offering beautiful views of the valley and the mountains. You can choose different starting and ending points based on your preferences.
Grand Balcon Nord (North Balcony): Similar to the Balcon Sud, this trail offers incredible vistas on the north side of the Chamonix Valley. It's a longer hike and can be combined with other trails.
Before embarking on any hike, make sure to check the current trail conditions, weather forecast, and local recommendations. Some hikes may require a lift pass or cable car access, so it's a good idea to plan ahead and have the necessary gear for the terrain and weather. Additionally, consider your fitness level and hiking experience when selecting a trail, as some routes can be quite challenging.
