Self Guided Treks: Tour du Mont Blanc
Self Guided Treks: Tour du Mont Blanc
Tour du Mont Blanc Family 6 Days
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170 km trekking trail through France and Italy. Circumnavigating Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, it is one of the world’s most famous classic multi day treks and is on every serious hiker’s bucket list. This 6 day self-guided version is specifically designed for families with shorter hiking days to cater for younger kids.
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Duration
5 Nights, 6 Days
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Start Location
Les Houches, Chamonix
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Date(s)
July - August
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Price
From €711
Adventure Snapshot
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FRANCE & ITALY / 5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS
This 5 night / 6 day version of the Tour du Mont Blanc trek is an incredible opportunity to completely immerse yourself in the mountains and enjoy the natural beauty of the valleys that surround western Europe’s highest mountain. The trek offers an unusual variety of spectacular scenery and varied walks and you are sure to come away from this trek refreshed and invigorated, if a little creaky at the joints.
The route crosses three borders (France, Italy and Switzerland) over 6 days, traversing beneath huge glaciers, and meandering through beautiful alpine meadows and picture-book villages. That's right, this is a truly memorable journey and one of worlds classic long-distance hiking routes.
This 6 day self-guided version is specifically designed for families with shorter hiking days to cater for younger kids.
Not sure whether you're ready? No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or join us on our Tour du Mont Blanc guided trips:
Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
Learn more. Download our guide here.
DOWNLOAD PDFEnter your details to download the Tour du Mont Blanc Family 6 Days brochure
YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
WHO IS THIS FOR?
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek is well suited to fit hillwalkers, capable of trekking for multiple days carrying a reasonably heavy rucksack. You follow footpaths each day and the terrain is very hilly. You can expect to do up to and over 1000m ascent and descent per day. You stay in a mixture of mountain refuges, gites and auberges during the trek, which all provide basic but comfortable lodging and good food. This helps keep your packs fairly light carrying only snacks, clothing and essentials.
It might seem like a lot to take in so if you're not sure if you're ready.. No problem. Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test or join us on one of our Tour du Mont Blanc guided trips: Take our Tour du Mont Blanc Trek 'Readiness' test
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Duration
5 Nights, 6 Days
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Start Location
Les Houches, Chamonix
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Date(s)
July - August
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Guide Ratio
Self Guided
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Ability
Level ALevel A
You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure and can’t wait to get going. Bring it on!
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Price
From €711
Adventure Overview
See real footage of previous expeditions
The Tour du Mont Blanc Trek
02:21Stunning views and great memories. This is the Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.
What is Self Guided Trekking?
01:27Olly and Charlie discuss what a self guided trip looks like.
Beginner Hikes Tour Du Mont Blanc
25:55Check out Dave’s experience on the Tour du Mont Blanc with us.
Omar's Trip
03:39A snapshot at Omar’s experience on the trails with us.
Meet The Team
01:48Introducing our crack squad of mountain lovers and adventure junkies. We spend most of our days plotting, planning and building some of the very best trips out there for you all to enjoy.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
Please note this is a guide and you may be required to rent or purchase last minute equipment on arrival dependent on the weather and changes in itinerary.
For the full downloadable Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek kit list please click here.
Hiking shoes / Trail Shoes
Good grip and ankle support is recommended
Softshell Jacket
Light technical jacket, ideally with a hood.
Lightweight fleece
Something light and thin.
Thermal Tops
Keep them light and thin.
Tech T-Shirts
Highly breathable, lightweight synthetic technical t-shirt.
FULL KIT LIST
More info
Click the link in the text above to find the full kit list
We had an amazing experience planning the TMB with Adventure Base. Everything went well before and during our trip. Great support from their side.
The direct, face to face meetings with both Beth Gavoille and Charlie Krarup left me feeling that they each genuinely wanted to understand my needs, wants and concerns and would do whatever they could to assist me as much as possible. I never felt that I was simply a customer in a financial transaction with them but rather that they authentically cared about me. You truly felt that you were being listened to.
We had a spectacular trip - and Adventure Base was a big reason why. The staff was proactive before the trip, providing advice on packing and IMPORTANTLY on weather and proper equipment (ie micro-spikes and poles) to make us safe and comfortable. All the staff were knowledgeable and responsive to all our many questions during the Tour. It was like having a personal guide OFF the mountain - a prefect solution as we wanted to hike on our own but wanted expert advice. thank you!
The Adventure Base team was a complete pleasure to work with - friendly and knowledgeable. The team was super responsive from start to finish (from planning phase and throughout our trek) providing great advice, logistics and support. We will use AB again - 5 stars!!
7 Day Self-guided TBM was an amazing trip. AB planned everything exceptionally well. No issues. I will use them again for my next trip.
We did the TMB with adventure base- family with 2 teenagers. We honestly could not have asked for a better organised self guided tour- the accommodation, bag transfers, food and the communication by Adventure base were amazing. Only trumped by Mother Nature- what a beautiful and bucket list walk. Olly, Beth and Virginia were superb and we highly recommend this tour company.
5 stars for the Adventure Base team! We are so pleased with our self-guided 9-day Tour du Mont Blanc trek through Adventure Base. The company had clear communication with us the whole way- from making our itinerary, checking in before with left the US, checking in once we got to Chamonix, and then while we were on the trail as well. They helped us chose a different route mid hike, making us feel safe and supported. They also did a lot of small things that went a long way- holding our luggage + dropping it off at our hotel to be ready for us once we were done hiking, providing us with digital + paper maps, a mini trail first aid kit and buffs. We are so thankful to have used them!
FINER DETAILS
YOUR ADVENTURE PACKAGE
The trek begins in Les Houches at the Bellevue cable car in the Chamonix valley. Typically people will arrive the night before and overnight either in Les Houches or overnight in Chamonix and take the train from Chamonix to Les Houches in the morning to start the hike. If you would like us to book your accommodation for the first night please ask.
What's Included?
- 5 Nights accommodation
- 5 Breakfasts
- 5 Dinners
- Planning and reservations
- Detailed itinerary and GPX tracks
- 24/7 Support communication with our Chamonix based team
What's not Included?
- Flights
- Airport transfers (approx €50 pp each way)
- In-resort travel (bus / lifts / trains)
- Lunches, snacks and drinks (approx €15 a day)
- Luggage transfers (approx €35 a day)
- Additional nights before, during and after trip (can be added on request)
- Travel insurance (required)
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ACCOMMODATION
We know the importance of having comfortable accommodation on this trip. After a long day of trekking it's vital to have a comfortable bed and good food to enjoy in a scenic location. We've handpicked refuges and other mountain accommodation along the way that we're sure you're going to love. (A single room supplement is available where possible, please request this far in advance)
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ON THE TREK
The majority of the accommodation on the trip will be in dormitories and / or small shared rooms. You can upgrade in some of the accommodation options if requested in advance and based on availability.
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Duration
5 Nights
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Internet
Not included
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Beds
Shared arrangements
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Food
5 Breakfasts + 5 Dinners
Immerse yourself in Nature
Adventure Itinerary
Here you'll find the full itinerary including distances (KM) ascents and descents each day and a rough estimate of how long it will take.
Start point: Les Houches
End point: Courmayeur
Length: 6 days
Whilst we aim to stick to the itinerary below, accommodation in some of the locations may not always be available. In this instance you will be booked into a suitable alternative accommodation.
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Day 1:
Les Houches – Auberge du Truc
Take the Bellevue cable car in Les Houches up to the Bellevue Plateau. It’s then just a 15 minute walk (very well signposted) to the Col du Voza. Cross the railway tracks and follow the path for Col du Tricot. Crossing the Himalayan suspension bridge is fun for all but especially for kids. After the bridge the route begins to gently climb until the spectacular Bionnassay glacier comes into full view. This is a great spot to have lunch – if you look carefully you’ll see wild bilberry bushes everywhere. From here you can see the top of the Col du Tricot and it’s a steady climb up to the grassy saddle.
Spend some time at the top to admire the views over the Miage Valley and over to the Col du Bonhomme. You can see Refuge Miage far down below in the valley. If you look carefully to your left, you’ll see a stone archway on the ‘smugglers route’ to Refuge Plan Glacier (see our adventure itinerary). Don’t allow your children to explore it as the cliff down in sheer and a fall could well be fatal.
The descent down to Refuge Miage is STEEP! Take it easy and use your poles.
Reaching the valley floor follow the signs to reach Refuge Miage in just 5 minutes. Onwards to Auberge du Truc which is between 45-60 minutes further along the trail. Departing the Refuge Miage you’ll have an initial short climb from the Miage Valley up and over to Auberge du Truc. Just before here on the left is a ‘pointe du navigation’ which shows the names of each of the peaks you can see.
Approximate time and distances:
14.7km / 1445m up / 740m down / 5-6 hours trekking
9.1m / 4740ft up / 2427ft down / 5-6 hours trekking -
Day 2:
Auberge du Truc – Val Montjoie
From Auberge du Truc it’s a long steady descent through the forest into Les Contamines. Have a leisurely lunch in this small French town before either choosing to walk along the river to Notre Dame de la Gorge or pick up the free shuttle bus (navette) outside the Tourist Office to Notre Dame de la Gorge where the trail heads out into the wild once more. Take a moment to visit the beautiful Notre Dame de la Gorge chapel next to the gushing water before setting out on the well marked path. Warning – the trail is VERY steep here along an ancient slabbed Roman road to Refuge Nant Borrant but pleasantly flanks the bubbling racing gorge for much of the ascent. Be sure to look out for the pont naturel sign leading to a natural arch on the river, just a minute from the trail. Cross the roman bridge to take in the rushing gorge below. Expect to hike for around just over an hour from the church to reach the refuge.
Approximate time and distances:
8.7km / 316m up / 590m down / 2-3 hours trekking
5.4m / 1036ft up / 1935ft down / 2-3 hours trekking -
Day 3:
Val Montjoie – Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
Today you’ll make the climb over two mountain passes, Col du Bonhomme (2329m) and Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m) where early in the season (late June – end of July) you can expect to cross snow patches.
You’ll stay in the cavernous Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme (2433m), a high mountain refuge with epic views. The dorms and private rooms have been renovated to a good standard and we love that dinner is fantastically atmospheric being served in candlelight to save electricity. The food, admittedly, is not the best on the Tour, (especially the soup) but if you soak up the exceptional location, breathe in the grandeur of the mountains, and accept that this is the most adventurous refuge you’ll stay in during this 6 day family TMB trek, you’ll embrace it warts and all.
Approximate time and distances:
8.2km / 990m up / 50m down / 3-4 hours trekking
5m / 615ft up / 165ft down / 3-4 hours trekking -
Day 4:
Refuge Bonhomme - Refuge des Mottets
From Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme it’s pretty much all down hill today. If the weather is fine, and your kids are in good shape after the previous day, consider taking the alternative route from the refuge via the Col des Fours. Experience lunar landscape & rushing waterfalls on this variant route as well as the option of detouring to the Tête Nord des Fours summit – only a further 20 minutes (follow the cairns) which gives one of the best views of the Tour du Mont Blanc – highly recommended. Note: Never attempt this variant route if the weather is nothing short of perfect. The Col des Fours variant bypasses the hamlet of Les Chapieux completely and is actually shorter than taking the traditional route via Les Chapieux however is you want to catch the shuttle bus to ease tired legs if needed, this can only be done from Les Chapieux.
If you’re continuing along the normal TMB route, the well marked trail will descend all the way to the valley of to Les Chapieux where you can stop for a welcome refreshment at the friendly Auberge de la Nova which is more like a hotel (with a great beer garden outside). Then you would need to carry on a further 1.5 hours up the trail to Refuge Les Mottets. This would be the full 11.8km. Or as we would suggest catch the navette (shuttle bus) from Les Chapieux which ferries you in 30 minutes to the parking area of Refuge Les Mottets (you’ll then have to descend down to Refuge Mottets which is a further 5-10 minute descent down on the valley floor. You can choose to get the shuttle bus only as far as Ville des Glaciers – do this is you want to visit the cheese farm – you would then either cross the bridge and walk up the gentle gradient following the TMB trail before descending down the hillside to the Refuge Mottets in the valley bottom or you can walk up the road to the Refuge Mottets parking and then descend down to the refuge. The timetable below (2023) will give you an idea of how often the shuttle bus runs. In 2023 the price was €4 per person with under 12’s going for free.
Approximate time and distances:
11.1km / 340m up / 950m down / 2-3 hours trekking
6.8m / 1115ft up / 3116ft down / 2-3 hours trekking -
Day 5:
Refuge des Mottets - Val Veny
Today you’ll say ‘au revoir’ to France and trek over the Col de la Seigne into Italy. Ciao!
From Refuge Les Mottets roll out of bed fresh to tackle the immediate 646m steady climb up the Col de la Seigne up to the French – Italian frontiére. From here Mont Blanc comes fabulously back into view with her surrounding peaks dropping off dramatically into an astonishing deep trough like valley. So spectacular are these jagged peaks that over the next two days you will find it hard to tear your eyes away from the incredible vistas to your left.
It’s an easy descent down from the Col de la Seigne to Refugio Elisabetta, tucked in on a spur between Glacier d’Estellette and Glacier de la Lée Blanche. Your bed for the night will either be here or at Cabane Combal, a further hour along the arrow straight roman road to the highly instagrammable A frame refuge Cabane Combal.
For those staying at Cabane Combal keen for an evening stroll, take the trail behind the refuge to scramble up to the glacier lake, Lac Miage, nestled in the moraine of the Miage Glacier.
Approximate time and distances:
8km / 650m up / 350m down / 2-3 hours trekking
4.9m / 2132ft up / 1148ft down / 2-3 hours trekking -
Day 6:
Val Veny - Courmayeur
Your final day trekking takes you up out of the valley floor climbing steadily up to the highest point of the day, a spur from Mont Favre. Looking back you can see the monstrous moraine of Glacier Miage dwarfing Cabane Combal and on a clear day all the way back to Col de la Seigne. From here you’ll trace the contours of the south flank of the Val Veni, following the rise and fall of the mountain side with jaw dropping views of sawtooth peaks and Monte Bianco opposite.
It’s a challenging day and so we highly recommend you to take the chair lift and connecting cable car from Refuge Maison Vielle down to Dolonne, Courmayeur. Our timing has reflected this welcome short cut plus know that the descent is painfully jarring. We would not recommend finishing your day by attempting this with tired children!
Approximate time and distances:
15.7km / 540m up / 1532m down / 5-6 hours trekking
9.7m / 1771ft up / 5026ft down / 5-6 hours trekking
Are you ready?
Our adventures are attributed a difficulty level from A to E. This Tour du Mont Blanc Family 6 Days trip is rated Level A, for beginners and newcomers We recommend you only book a trip that reflects your ability.
Level A
For beginners and newcomers
- You’re not quite sure where to start but you’re hungry for an adventure
- Little / no prior experience
- Shorter time duration
- No technical skills required but keen to learn
- Basic level of fitness
Think you've got this?
This trip is at this level
Level B
For those with some prior experience
- You have some previous experience in the outdoors, whether that’s hiking, skiing or climbing, and are keen to build on that
- You will either be starting to venture into more technical terrain or slightly more challenging environments
- Some basic skills
- Moderate fitness
More your level?
Level C
For accomplished adventurers
- You enjoy challenging yourself physically and mentally
- You’re comfortable on multi-day adventures and you call yourself an avid adventurer
- You're not quite George Mallory but you subscribe to his 'because it is there' attitude
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level D
For the pros
- You're ready to test your skills on the next challenge
- You're comfortable in most types of alpine environments
- Some level of technical skills
- Strong level of fitness
More your level?
Level E
For the experts
- You’ve been on multiple adventures and have built up a solid skillset to tackle most challenges out there
- Good technical skills and knowledge
- Experienced in alpine/mountains environments
- Very high level of fitness
More your level?
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January - March
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The Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided Trek: Custom Trip
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170 km trekking trail through France, Italy and Switzerland. Circumnavigating Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, it is one of the world’s most famous classic multi day treks and is on every serious hiker’s bucket list.
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June - September
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Level A
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€
The Tour du Mont Blanc Self Guided Trek: Fully Booked
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 170 km trekking trail through France, Italy and Switzerland. Circumnavigating Western Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, it is one of the world’s most famous classic multi day treks and is on every serious hiker’s bucket list.
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June - September
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Level A
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€
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July - September
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Level B
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May - October
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Level B
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€590.00
Climb Gran Paradiso
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June - August
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Level B
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€1050.00
Intro Hut Ski Tour – Chamonix
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February - March
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Level C
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€1250.00
Haute Route Trek Guided 11 Days
The Haute Route trek is one of the world’s great multi-day treks. The route links two world famous alpine mountains, Mont Blanc in France and the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
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July - September
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Level C
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€3450.00
Mont Blanc Turbo
Climb Mont Blanc (4808m) the highest peak in Western Europe. It’s a beautiful, imposing and highly sought after summit that sits at the roof of the Alps on the border of France and Italy. If your adventure juices are flowing, then keep on reading...
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June - July
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Level C
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€2650.00
Climb the Triple Crown
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July - August
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Level D
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€12500.00
Swiss, Bernese Oberland Ski Tour
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March
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Level D
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€1950.00
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Spring & Autumn
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Level D
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€4940.00
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July - August
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Level E
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€4450.00
READY TO TREK THE TMB?
We hope you've found all the information you need above, but if not don't hesitate to get in touch. If you're ready to book, follow the link below.
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