Mont Blanc Classic Circuit

Arrival in Chamonix – Transfer to Les Houches

Upon arrival in Chamonix, you’ll take a short transfer to Les Houches, the traditional starting point of the Tour du Mont-Blanc.

Nestled at the foot of the Mont Blanc massif, Les Houches offers the perfect setting to begin your journey, with easy access to the Bellevue cable car and the first alpine trails of the tour.

Les Houches – Les Contamines

Let’s go! Your Tour du Mont-Blanc adventure begins in Les Houches, at the foot of the Bellevue cable car. You’ll ride the cable car up, sharing the ascent with mountaineers heading toward the legendary Mont Blanc route.

From the top, the trail leads you beneath the impressive Bionnassay Glacier as you hike toward the Col du Tricot. Along the way, enjoy spectacular panoramic views opening onto the Contamines-Montjoie Valley—one of the most beautiful sections of the route.

Approximate distance: 11 km
Elevation gain/loss: +640 m / –1,280 m

Reaching Les Contamines-Montjoie

The day concludes with a scenic descent through alpine pastures to the charming Chalets de Miage, before continuing on to the village of Contamines-Montjoie, where you’ll settle in for the night.

Les Contamines – Les Chapieux
Today, your journey begins in the charming village of Les Contamines-Montjoie, as you set off toward the hamlet of Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge, where the paved road ends and the trail truly begins.

From the chapel, you’ll continue through scenic alpine terrain, passing the Refuge de Nant Borrant and Refuge de la Balme, before reaching the Col du Bonhomme—a perfect spot to pause and enjoy a picnic while taking in the breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Approximate distance: 19 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,360 m / –970 m

Reaching Les Chapieux

In the afternoon, the trail gently descends toward the peaceful hamlet of Les Chapieux, where you’ll settle in for the night and reflect on a day filled with spectacular scenery.

Les Chapieux – Courmayeur

Today’s stage marks an exciting milestone as you leave France and cross into Italy.

Setting off from Les Chapieux, the trail leads you through wide alpine landscapes toward the Ville des Glaciers, before climbing steadily to the Col de la Seigne, where you cross the Italian border. From the pass, enjoy breathtaking views of the western face of Mont Blanc—its wildest and most remote side.

From here, you descend into Val Veny, reaching La Visaille at the foot of the impressive Miage Glacier.

Approximate distance: 20 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,060 m / –970 m

Reaching Courmayeur

A short local bus transfer then brings you to the lively alpine town of Courmayeur, where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace and enjoy dinner independently.

Courmayeur – Champex

This morning, you’ll take a local bus from Courmayeur to Arnouva in Val Ferret, the starting point of today’s hike. The trail leads you up to Rifugio Elena, where we recommend enjoying one last Italian espresso before continuing toward the Grand Col Ferret, the natural border between Italy and Switzerland.

From the pass, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views—be sure to turn around for a final look at the Italian side of your Tour du Mont-Blanc.

Approximate distance: 15 km
Elevation gain/loss: +820 m / –985 m

Reaching Champex-Lac

You’ll then descend into Switzerland to the picturesque village of La Fouly, followed by a short local bus transfer to Champex, where you’ll spend the night in a peaceful alpine setting.

Champex – Trient

Departing from Champex, today’s walk begins with around an hour and a half of easy hiking along the historic “cattle road,” once used by local ranchers to guide their herds through the mountains. This gentle start offers a lovely introduction to the day’s scenery.

As the trail continues through rolling terrain, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Dents du Midi before climbing through forested paths to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Rhône Valley and the town of Martigny below.

Approximate distance: 15 km
Elevation gain/loss: +830 m / –1,020 m

Reaching Trient

The route then descends to the Col de la Forclaz, followed by a final downhill section to your accommodation in the village of Trient, where you’ll spend the night.

Trient – Chamonix
Your final day of hiking brings you back to France, completing the circle around Mont Blanc.

From Trient, the trail climbs steadily to the Col de Balme, the natural border between Switzerland and France. From the pass, enjoy phenomenal panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif—a fitting finale to your Tour du Mont-Blanc adventure.

An easy descent then leads you to Montroc, where you can take a local bus or arrange a transfer back to Chamonix.

Approximate distance: 14 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1,130 m / –1,040 m