For those keen to discover the majestic beauty of the Mont Blanc, but perhaps a little too scared of heights to contemplate a full ascension of Western Europe’s highest peak, then the Tour du Mont Blanc is for you.
Tour du Mont Blanc
The TMB is one of the most popular long distance walks in Europe
The Tour du Mont-Blanc (also known as the TMB) is a mountain walk accessible to all experienced walkers, passing through some spectacular scenery and traversing the borders of France, Italy and Switzerland.
The route
The encompassing route is usually walked in an anti-clockwise direction and can be completed between 7-10 days. Those more familiar with Chamonix or ultra-marathons may recognise this as the route of the Ultra Trail of Mont Blanc (UTMB) where they make a somewhat speedy approach and winners complete the entire distance in less than 24 hours! In total the route takes in around 175 kilometres of walking and a fair bit of elevation gain too!
Although the TMB trail is indicated on the map, the official route has changed over the years and consequently there are a number of alternative routes that fit under the title of the ‘tour’. Nevertheless for an indication of the traditional route which starts off in Les Houches and has the following stages:
- Refuge Tré-la-Tête – Contamines Montjoie
- Refuge du Col de la Croix du Bonhomme
- Refuge Elisabeth (into Italy)
- Courmayeur – choice of refuges and evens some hotels!
- Refuge Bonatti
- Champex – choice of refuge or camping (into Switzerland)
- Refuge du Col de Balme (back into France)
- Refuge de la Flegère
- Finish in Chamonix
The beauty of the Tour du Mont Blanc is the possibility to personalise the route allowing you to adapt the tour to your own requirements and own desires, with the Mont Blanc tunnel a half-tour is even possible.
Equipment
Standard trekking equipment applies here, however carrying a backpack for several days needs some thought: extra and unnecessary weight will mean additional hard work during the tour. The rucksack should be sufficiently large (50l) to contain comfortably all your equipment.
Depending on time of year and accommodation preference – August or June, refuge or bivouac – your equipment will vary. However a broken-in pair of waterproof walking shoes are essential. Other essentials should include a waterproof jacket, warm clothes, sun cream, water, sunglasses and a first aid kit.
Sleeping in a tent would require a decent sleeping bag which can protect you to at least 5 °C. Whereas sleeping in the refuges only requires a liner aka a ‘meat-sack’.
Touring in June may require crampons and an ice-axe as you will undoubtedly see a bit of snow on route.
There are a number of different equipment shops in Chamonix that can help you get correctly kitted out and also hire certain equipment.
Planning
Unfortunately the tour does require some careful planning. At the beginning of summer you must be aware of the snow levels, whilst towards the end of the summer the weather does become more variable and temperature ranges increase.
In terms of accommodation there are many refuges available on route which means that the tour can be broken down into segments which match your walking endurance. Refuges take on variety of forms, from separate bedrooms to large mixed-sex dormitories and nearly all provide cooked meals as part of a half-board offering. Despite the large number of refuges the popularity of the Tour du Mont Blanc is ever increasing and can result in problems finding accommodations, so advice is to book in advance.
For those wanting to camp this is possible but certain restrictions apply; in France some refuges let you set up camp next the refuge at no extra cost, whilst in Italy and Switzerland campsites are the way to go.
The Office de Haute Montagne (OHM) in Chamonix can provide advice, complete list of refuges and maps to help you plan your trip.
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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Les Houches summer lifts
Gondola access to VTT and hiking trails and the Tour du Mont Blanc route
Les Houches sits at the bottom end of the Chamonix Valley and is a popular place for hikers, mountaineers and mountain bikers in the summer months.
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Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
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Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
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Mont-Blanc tram
Classic tramway from St Gervais Le Fayet up to the Nid d'Aigle
The Tramway du Mont Blanc runs from the bottom of the valley in Le Fayet all the way up to the Nid d'Aigle at 2,380m above Les Houches.
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Les Bossons glacier
A small chairlift open in summer giving you incredible views over Les Bossons glacier
This small two person chairlift is only open for a short time in summer, but it's great if you want to take a close up look at the bottom of the Glacier des Bossons.
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Maison de l'Alpage museum
A small museum dedicated to agriculture and landscapes in the village of Servoz
This little museum is housed in the same building as the post office and library in the village centre of Servoz.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Les Houches
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Rocky Pop Restaurant
Burger bar, pizza joint and French Savoyard all rolled into one relaxed and fun environment
The Rocky Pop Restaurant in Les Houches, part of the vibrant Rocky Pop Hotel opened in December 2016, reflects the brand’s playful ethos of “joy and togetherness.” The food offering matches the lively atmosphere, with a fun, diverse menu designed to please all ages and tastes. Expect crowd-pleasing dishes, colourful presentations, and relaxed dining that encourages sharing and socialising. It’s a welcoming spot where families, groups, and friends can enjoy tasty, unfussy meals in a cheerful setting.
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Kitsch Inn Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant and bar right at the foot of the pistes, near the Bellevue lift in Les Houches
Quirkily decorated, as the name suggests, this restaurant has different rooms for different moods. Grab a quick coffee and a snack at the breakfast bar, enjoy a casual meal in the retro formica kitchen area, or sit and take your time over dinner at one of the large tables in the dining room. They also have a large sunny terrace where they serve up a nice BBQ in the summer and a kids play area.
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Les Vieilles Luges Restaurant
A 'must visit' mountain restaurant in Les Houches only accessible by foot or on skis or snowboard
An authentic Alpine farmhouse with a charming ambience and great food. Located right in the middle of Les Houches ski resort, this chalet serves delicious home-cooked local produce.
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Le Hors Pistes Restaurant 
Le Hors Pistes Restaurant
A busy mountain restaurant with regular live music, enjoy lunch in the sun on the slopes
Brilliantly located in the heart of the Les Houches Prarion ski area.
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La Guinguette des Chavants Restaurant 
La Guinguette des Chavants Restaurant
Lakeside dining with seasonal flavours and a welcoming, family-run atmosphere
La Guinguette des Chavants is a relaxed, lakeside restaurant in Les Houches offering simple, seasonal cooking in a friendly setting. The kitchen focuses on fresh ingredients, with vegetables sourced locally whenever possible, and dishes prepared with care to keep things straightforward and flavourful.
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Le Basilic Restaurant
Traditional Savoyard cuisine near the Bellevue lift with a cosy, warm interior
Just across the road from the Bellevue lift in Les Houches, this is a perfect spot to recharge your batteries after a day on the mountain, or pop in for lunch.
What to do
Things To Do in Les Houches
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Indoor climbing wall
Indoor climbing hall for learning, training & improving techniques
The Chamonix valley is home to one of the largest indoor climbing walls in France. The Mont Blanc Escalade is located in Les Houches and is open all year.
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Merlet wildlife park
Chamonix nature and animal park with marmots, chamois and bouquetins
Parc de Merlet is a great place to spot some local animals in their natural environment. A nature reserve, rather than a zoo, the park is perched on a large plateau high above Les Houches.
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Visit website
Montagnard museum
Musée Montagnard et Rural, showing old mountain lifestyles with temporary exhibitions
Situated in a house dating back to the 1750's, this museum showcases mountain lifestyles from the reconstruction of three pieces of traditional housing and objects from everyday life.
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Ski joering
Horse-driven back-country skiing experience, fun for the whole family
This is the original form of back-country sking and is horse drawn, plus great fun!
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Horse riding centre
Discover the mountain on horse back or take lessons in their arena
This horse riding centre is situated in just up the hill from the train station in Les Houches. The centre is open all year round and has both an indoor and outdoor arena.
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Cinebus cinema
Cinema in the centre of Les Houches
Les Houches cinema is located in the village centre just next to the Mairie. It has just one screen and the space can also be used for conferences and presentations.
