The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and cultural richness as it circles the Mont Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland. You will experience constantly changing scenery, from France’s glacier-carved valleys and flowered meadows to Italy’s dramatic peaks above Courmayeur and Switzerland’s tranquil pastures and alpine lakes. Along the way, each country reveals its unique mountain culture, cuisine, and architecture: French tartiflette and rustic chalets, Italian espresso and lively rifugios, Swiss rösti and charming wooden villages. The TMB is not just a trek through stunning alpine landscapes—it’s a journey through the heart and soul of three Alpine traditions.
Day 1 : Arrival in Chamonix
Day 2 : Scenic hike and glacier museum
Day 3 : France to Italy via the Aiguille du Midi and Skyway lifts
Day 4 : Hike in the heart of the Italian Alps
Day 5 : Courmayeur to Champex Lac
Day 6 : Rest day
Day 7 : Switzerland to France
Chamonix, set in a stunning valley beneath the towering Mont Blanc, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Alps—glaciers, jagged peaks, and alpine meadows surround the town in every direction. It’s a true hub for hikers, with countless trails leading to panoramic viewpoints, crystal-clear lakes, and high mountain passes. Beyond its natural beauty, Chamonix has a rich mountain culture shaped by centuries of climbing and exploration; its lively streets are filled with mountaineers, cozy cafés, and alpine lodges that reflect both French charm and a deep respect for the mountains.
A beautiful 3 star Hotel found in the center of Chamonix.
The hike between the Plan de l’Aiguille (2,317 m) and the Montenvers train station (1,913 m) is one of Chamonix’s most scenic mid-mountain walks, offering sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Mer de Glace glacier.
After taking the gondola from Chamonix to the Plan de l’Aiguille cable car station, the trail traverses high above the valley with a spectacular panorama of Chamonix and the surrounding peaks. The path undulates gently across alpine meadows and sections of pine forest, often with marmots visible along the way. About halfway, the Signal Forbes viewpoint provides a dramatic overlook of the Mer de Glace—a perfect spot to pause and take in the vast glacier and the towering Drus and Grandes Jorasses in the distance.
The descent to Montenvers winds through pine forests before reaching the historic train station, where you will be able to admire the glacier up close. By taking a gondola down to the glacier and waking through the many ice tunnels and ice sculptures that make up the unique museum.
After your visit you will be able to take the Montevers train down into the heart of Chamonix where your Hotel is only a 5 minute walk away.
5.60km
52m gain
456m loss
A beautiful 3 star Hotel found in the center of Chamonix.
The journey from Chamonix to Courmayeur via the Aiguille du Midi and Skyway Monte Bianco lifts is one of the most breathtaking crossings in the Alps. Starting in Chamonix, the Aiguille du Midi cable car soars to 3,842 meters, offering jaw-dropping views over the Mont Blanc massif, jagged peaks, and vast glaciers. From the summit, travelers board the Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola, which glides above the Vallée Blanche and its crevassed ice fields, linking France to Italy in a truly unforgettable ride.
Along the way, you might encounter alpinists and climbers roped together on the glaciers, setting out to conquer some of Mont Blanc’s legendary routes—adding a sense of adventure and authenticity to the high-mountain atmosphere.
Along this route, there are several remarkable tourist attractions—the Aiguille du Midi viewing platforms with their famous “Step into the Void” glass box, the Panoramic Mont-Blanc gondola offering aerial views of the glaciers, and on the Italian side, the Skyway Monte Bianco’s terraces and botanical garden at the Pavillon du Mont Fréty. Each stop provides a unique perspective on the Mont Blanc massif, combining thrilling mountain experiences with easy access for visitors of all levels.
The journey ends with the descent on the Skyway Monte Bianco, a rotating cable car that spirals down to Courmayeur, revealing sweeping views of Monte Bianco’s dramatic southern face. This route beautifully captures the high-alpine grandeur of the region while connecting two vibrant mountain cultures on either side of Mont Blanc.
A unique and traditional Hotel found in the quaint town of Courmayeur.
Courmayeur, perched at the foot of the Italian side of the Mont Blanc massif, is a picturesque alpine town that beautifully blends mountain culture, history, and Italian charm. Its narrow streets are lined with charming cafés, artisanal shops, and elegant boutiques, while the town’s architecture reflects a mix of traditional alpine chalets and refined Italian style. Courmayeur is also a culinary destination, where visitors can enjoy hearty mountain specialties like polenta, fontina cheese dishes, and fresh pasta, alongside fine Italian cuisine and local wines. The town celebrates its alpine heritage through festivals, mountaineering culture, and a relaxed lifestyle that invites both adventurers and leisure travelers to soak in the breathtaking scenery, rich traditions, and warm hospitality of the region.
Option A : Maison vieille - Lago Chécrouit
The hike from Rifugio Maison Vieille to Lago Chécrouit offers a gentle alpine adventure with stunning views of Mont Blanc’s southern peaks. The trail winds through flower-filled meadows, alpine pastures, and rocky outcrops, leading to the serene mountain lake of Chécrouit, perfect for a rest or photos. This moderate, accessible hike combines breathtaking scenery with the peaceful atmosphere of the Courmayeur Alps.
Option B : Rifugio Bonatti
The hike to Rifugio Bonatti is a scenic and moderately challenging trek through the Courmayeur Alps, winding past alpine meadows and traditional mountain pastures. Along the way, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the steep South face of the Mont Blanc Massif and the surrounding peaks. At the summit of the trail, Rifugio Bonatti welcomes visitors with its cozy accommodations, hearty local meals, and panoramic terraces, making it the perfect base to rest, soak in the scenery, and experience authentic high-mountain culture.
Option A :
3km
245m gain
245m loss
Option B :
4km
376m gain
376m loss
A unique and traditional Hotel found in the the quaint town of Courmayeur.
The local bus will transport you from Courmayeur to Arnuova the start of your hike.
The hike from Arnuovaz to Ferret in the Courmayeur region is a charming alpine trail that offers a mix of gentle paths and scenic viewpoints. Starting in the peaceful hamlet of Arpnouva, the route winds through lush meadows, larch forests, and traditional pastures, with occasional glimpses of Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks. The trail gradually descends toward Ferret, a quaint village that embodies the region’s rustic charm and alpine culture.
From Ferret a short bus ride will take to you to your hotel in Champex Lac.
11.1km
750m gain
831m loss
For 4 generations, the Biselx family has been welcoming its customers there in accordance with Swiss hotel tradition.
Champex offers hiking on scenic trails, walking around the picturesque Champex Lake, and fishing or picnicking in the surrounding alpine meadows. You can also enjoy paddle boarding and swimming or simply relax and take in the stunning mountain views. The village’s charming cafés, local shops, and traditional chalets provide a perfect complement to the active outdoor lifestyle.
Champex offers not only hiking, biking, and lakeside activities but also a gondola ride up the surrounding mountain, giving visitors panoramic views of the Valais Alps and easy access to high-altitude trails. From the top, you can enjoy alpine walks, wildlife spotting, and breathtaking vistas, making it a perfect addition to the village’s outdoor activities and a great way to experience the mountains without a strenuous climb.
For 4 generations, the Biselx family has been welcoming its customers there in accordance with Swiss hotel tradition.
A short bus ride will take you to the village of Trient.
Starting in the Swiss village of Trient, the trail ascends through alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and panoramic viewpoints, offering stunning views of the Trient Glacier, Mont Blanc, and the surrounding peaks. The route rewards you with breathtaking vistas and the experience of crossing the Franco-Swiss border at the Col de Balme.
From the Col de Balme, you can take the gondola down to Le Tour, which provides a relaxing descent while still offering sweeping views of the Mont Blanc massif and the Chamonix valley. At Le Tour, it’s easy to catch a bus back to Chamonix, completing a seamless combination of hiking, scenic gondola ride, and convenient transport.
5.31km
885m gain
16m loss
This beautiful 3 start hotel is found in the center of Chamonix.
The last breakfast of an epic trip and hopefully lots of tales and stories to tell.
Q. Is the accommodation listed in the itinerary guaranteed?
A. While we endeavour to ensure that the accommodation listed on the itinerary will be where you stay, open occasion it may be necessary to switch to an alternative.
When this happens we work hard to ensure that the alternative accommodation is of the same or a better standard, that it's location is close to the original destination, and that the overall impact is minimised in every way.
Accommodation details will be finalised and shared close to the trip departure (4-6 weeks in advance), however remains subject to change up to and following departure.
Q. How challenging are the treks / hikes?
A. we have graded this trip as a level 2 / 3.
Mountainous treks with significant altitude medium - difficult terrain, and medium - long days. Suitable for experienced trekkers with good fitness levels.
Duration of Trek: 3 - 8 hours of walking per day, on multi day treks.(please see the grading section on the Live Breathe Hike website)..
You / your party members should be comfortable carrying your personal possessions required for the day in a rucksack, which might include items such as:
A water bottle
Snacks / lunch
Camera / phone / electronics
Waterproof / windproof jacket / trousers
Warm top / sun hat / sun cream
Any other items you would want to access while out for the day.
If you would like further advice on the suitability of this trip for you or your party, please contact us.
Q. Do I have to do the planned activities, every day?
A. Not necessarily. Clients can request a 'rest day' or perhaps the opportunity to break from the scheduled itinerary.
Note - For this trip there is a scheduled rest day included in the planned itinerary.