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Trekking

7-Day France Tour du Mont Blanc Trekking Refuge Based Self Guided Tour

France

7 days

Difficulty:Strenuous

Trip Type:Comfort

Group size:8

Overview

Experience the iconic Tour du Mont Blanc at your own pace across France, Italy, and Switzerland. Traverse alpine meadows, glacier valleys, and charming mountain villages as you complete the historic circuit in seven days. Luggage transfers, detailed GPS roadbooks, and logistical support make this adventure accessible to experienced and independent trekkers. Choose from shared dormitories or private rooms with en-suite options, enjoying authentic regional cuisine along the way. This trek involves up to 8 hours of hiking and daily ascents up to 1000 m, requiring good preparation.

Highlights:

● Cross three countries in the heart of the Alps.

● Enjoy breathtaking balcony trails and panoramic glacier views.

● Take advantage of flexible route options to avoid crowded sections.

● Benefit from daily luggage transfers and easy-to-follow roadbook navigation.

● Experience local culture in authentic mountain refuges and alpine villages.

Design exclusive experiences or have any questions?

Itinerary

7-Day France Tour du Mont Blanc Trekking Refuge Based Self Guided Tour

DAY 1

Ascend to Col du Tricot and Descent to Les Contamines

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Set out from the Prarion cable car parking at Les Houches on well-marked trails through shaded forest and alpine meadows. You’ll gain 650 m to reach the Col du Tricot (2 120 m), where the panorama opens onto the Mont Blanc massif and the Aiguille de Bionnassay. The descent traverses the Truc pasture before dropping 1 300 m into the village of Les Contamines. Expect varied terrain, from rocky switchbacks to verdant valley paths, arriving at your refuge or gîte in the early afternoon.

Total Time: 5.5 hours

Elevation Loss: 4 265 ft / 1 300 m

Elevation Gain: 2 133 ft / 650 m

Meals: Dinner

Overnight in: Les Contamines

DAY 2

Cross the Bonhomme Passes to the Vallée des Chapieux

DAY 3

Trek over the Seigne and Enter Italy via Val Veny

DAY 4

Traverse Courmayeur to Refuge Bonatti

DAY 5

Cross the Grand Ferret Tripoint into Switzerland

DAY 6

Balcony Trails from La Fouly to Trient

DAY 7

Final Ascent over Col de Balme to Le Tour

DAY 1

Ascend to Col du Tricot and Descent to Les Contamines

DAY 2

Cross the Bonhomme Passes to the Vallée des Chapieux

DAY 3

Trek over the Seigne and Enter Italy via Val Veny

Trip Inclusions

Transfers

Includes the private transfer between La Fouly and Champex on Day 6 only. All other taxi, bus, cable car, and return transfers are not included unless specifically stated in the itinerary.

Accommodation

Lodging at various refuges, guesthouses, or other types of accommodation during the trip.

Luggage transfers

One soft duffel bag (maximum 12 kg) per person is transferred daily between the designated accommodations as specified in the itinerary. You only need to carry your day's essentials in a backpack of approximately 30 L. If you stay at Bonatti Refuge on Day 4, your luggage will not be available that night, so you should pack everything you need for two days. Larger luggage not required during the trek can be stored in Chamonix or the surrounding area at your own expense.

Some meals

Breakfasts and dinners are included. For lunch, you can pay the guide service for packed lunches ahead or buy lunches at refuges, or in town, along the way.

Personalised roadbook

Choose between a paper roadbook (including IGN maps and a map holder) or a digital roadbook with GPS tracks.

What's not included

Alcoholic beverages

Costs for any alcoholic drinks consumed during the trip.

Flights

All the flight charges required for your adventure.

Gratuities

All the guide gratuities throughout your adventure.

Visas

Required Visa fees for your travel.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance from a trusted provider for your adventure.

Guide fees

Fees for a Guide required for your adventure.

Airport transfer

Transportation from and to Airport

International flights

Flights outside the country that are necessary to reach different destinations on the itinerary.

Domestic flights

Flights within the country that are necessary to reach different destinations on the itinerary.

Local guide

A knowledgeable guide to provide insights and information about the places visited.

Accommodation

Day 1 & 2

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Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in a refuge with shared bunk-bed accommodation and shared bathroom facilities at Les Contamines & des Chapieux.

Day 3 & 4

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Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in a refuge with shared bunk-bed accommodation and shared bathroom facilities at Bonatti & Courmayeur.

Day 5 & 6

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Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in a refuge with shared bunk-bed accommodation and shared bathroom facilities at La Fouly & Trient

Cancellation Policy

Help

Departure Dates

from $2265 /person

Private groups

FAQs

When is the best time to do the TMB?

Is travel insurance mandatory?

What gear do we need to bring along?

What luggage should I bring?

Is it possible to upgrade accommodation?

Does this trip have guaranteed departures?

Can the itinerary change due to accommodation availability?

Departure Dates

from $2265 /person

Private groups

Talk to a Destination Expert

+1 (425) 458-3226

Why Book With Us?

All-Inclusive Packages

Enjoy hassle-free travel with end-to-end, pre-planned trip packages that cover accommodations, meals, guides, permits, and more.

Trip Preparation

We provide essential resources like gear lists and training plans to ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure. Our goal is to equip you with everything you need to embark on your trip with confidence.

Local Guides

Our experts carefully handpick local guiding companies, who undergo a rigorous vetting process. Local guides enrich your journey with unique insights and expertise.

Sustainable Travel

We are committed to preserving our planet by encouraging our guiding partners and travelers to adopt eco-friendly practices. All tours are designed to benefit local communities.

What people say

2026-07-01

Unforgettable 5-day trek around Mont Blanc!

We just finished an unforgettable 5-day trek around Mont Blanc, and it exceeded every expectation. 🏔️ A huge thank you to our incredible guide, Naomi, who made this experience one we’ll never forget. Her knowledge, encouragement, and passion for the mountains brought every day to life. The trek challenged us in all the best ways, and every climb was rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views we’ve ever seen. We also loved experiencing the charming mountain towns along the way—they made the journey even more special. If Mont Blanc is on your bucket list, don’t hesitate. I can’t recommend this experience or AdventureTripr Travel highly enough. It was truly the adventure of a lifetime.

Sarah Bryant