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Mont Blanc self guided circuit : 7 days of adventure
Hike across Switzerland, Italy, and France from peak to peak.
The Mont Blanc self-guided circuit offers an incredible way to trek at mid-altitude, deep in the high mountains, between majestic peaks and imposing glaciers, while exploring breathtaking landscapes each day. Winding along balcony trails through the Swiss Valais, the Italian Aosta Valley, and French Savoie, this self-guided Mont Blanc circuit lets you enjoy the freedom of discovering the Alps at your own pace.
What really impresses is the closeness to the glaciers, offering a spectacular show throughout the route. The itinerary is planned in reverse to give you a quieter mountain experience, away from the usual crowded paths.
You can choose from different options: dormitory or private room, with or without baggage transport.
With challenging yet rewarding elevation gains, each night in a mountain refuge becomes a well-earned moment of rest. The Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided circuit is an unforgettable adventure, full of exceptional panoramas and timeless stories.
Highlights
- Reversed itineray for a calmer 7 day tour
- Mont Blanc circuit self guided
- Iconic scenery
7 days
/ 6 nights
from 1 090 $
Activity
Hike
Journey TypeTrip Point-to-point
Trip Type
Self-guided
Hiking Grade : Terrain Difficulty : Possible departures from 14 June to 15 September
Day by day program
Day 1 : Hike from Le Tour to Col de Balme to Trient
Your 7-day Tour du Mont Blanc self-guided adventure begins at 10:30 AM with a meet-up at Montroc-le-Planet train station to collect your luggage before setting off (if you’ve chosen the baggage transport option). From the village of Montroc, a short 1 km walk brings you to the charming village of Le Tour.
You then start a gentle climb towards the Chalets de Charamillon, with the option to reach the Col de Balme or follow the stunning Posettes balcony trail. This path offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the sparkling glaciers of Le Tour and Argentière.
The descent leads through beautiful Swiss alpine meadows to the peaceful village of Trient-a perfect haven to rest and reflect on a day full of discoveries.
HIKING TIME : 5h
ASCENT : 840 m
DESCENT : 920 m
ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse
LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)
Day 2 : Hike from Bovine or Fenêtre d'Arpette to Champex
On your second day, you have two route options. The first takes you through the peaceful alpine pastures of Bovine, following a balcony trail that majestically overlooks the Rhône Valley. The more challenging option leads via the legendary Fenêtre d’Arpette at 2,665 m. This high-altitude passage immerses you in a spectacular rocky landscape before a gentle descent to Champex, a charming Swiss village nestled around a mountain lake.
Whichever option you choose, the day promises breathtaking panoramas at every turn.
HIKING TIME : 6h via Bovine (6h30 via Arpette)
ASCENT : 1,100 m ia Bovine (1,300 m via Arpette)
DESCENT : 750 m via Bovine (970 m via Arpette)
ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse
LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)
Day 3 : Hike from Grand Col Ferret to Italian Val Ferret
After a short bus transfer, you begin your ascent through the Peule alpine pastures up to the Grand Col Ferret, reaching 2,537 meters. This gradual climb brings you to the Swiss-Italian border, where the landscape changes dramatically. For the more adventurous, a detour to the Tête Ferret is possible. Once you cross the border, you descend into the Italian Val Ferret, enjoying breathtaking views of the majestic Grandes Jorasses. Every step brings you closer to the wonders of the Italian high mountains.
Overnight in a mountain hut or refuge, with a possible short bus transfer to reach the accommodation (Val Ferret or La Palud, depending on availability).
HIKING TIME : 6h
ASCENT : 850 m
DESCENT : 800 m
ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse
LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)
Day 4 : Hike from Mont de la Saxe to Courmayeur
On your 4th day of the 7-day Mont Blanc tour, you’ll ascend through the authentic hamlets of Sécheron and Armina to reach the extraordinary balcony trail of Mont de la Saxe. Suspended above the valley, this path offers spectacular views of the southern Mont Blanc massif, with Mont Dolent, the Aiguille du Triolet, and the Grandes Jorasses as a breathtaking backdrop. For the more adventurous, an optional climb to Col Sapin is available.
Finally, you descend to Courmayeur and, after a short transfer, reach your mountain hut perched above the village.
HIKING TIME : 5h30
ASCENT : 650 m
DESCENT : 1,200 m
ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse
LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)
Day 5 : Hike from Col de la Seigne to Les Mottets or les Chapieux
This day takes you through the Val Veny to Rifugio
Elisabetta, with an optional stop at the stunning Lac de Miage. You
then climb to Col de la Seigne, marking the border between Italy
and France, with incredible views of Mont Blanc’s far side. For
those seeking a challenge, an alpine variant via the Chécroui
balcony and Mont Fortin is available.
The day ends with a descent to either Refuge des Mottets
or Les Chapieux, depending on availability.
HIKING TIME : 6h30
ASCENT : 850 m
DESCENT : 650 m
ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse or mountain refuge
LUGGAGE
TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this
option)
Day 6 : Hike from Col des Fours or crête des Gittes to Col du Bonhomme to Les Contamines-Monjoie
Col des Fours, at 2,665 m, is the highest point of your
7-day Mont Blanc tour, offering a truly spectacular alpine setting.
After this ascent, you descend to Col du Bonhomme, a historic pass
once used by peddlers. If you stayed at Les Chapieux the night
before, you’ll head straight to Col du Bonhomme; from Roselend, the
route climbs via the Gittes ridge.
The descent follows the old Roman road down to the chapel of
Notre-Dame de la Gorge, and a regular (free) bus transfer takes you
to your hotel for a well-earned night’s rest.
HIKING TIME : 6h30 (5h30 via Crêtes des Gittes)
ASCENT : 850 m (700 m via Crête des Gittes)
DESCENT : 1,500 m (950 m via Crêtes des Gittes)
ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse or hotel
LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)
Day 7 : Hike from Bionnassay glacier to Col du Tricot to Les Houches
On the final day of your 7-day Mont Blanc tour, you’ll take a (free) transfer to La Gruvaz before ascending toward the Bionnassay Glacier. You can choose to pass through the charming village of Champel or head up to Col du Tricot, perched at 2,120 meters. This viewpoint is a must, offering stunning vistas over the Chamonix Valley beneath the majestic Miage domes and Mont Blanc.
The descent leads you to the village of Les Houches, where this incredible adventure concludes in the early afternoon, with a bus transfer back to Montroc if needed.
HIKING TIME : 5h via Champel (7h30 via col du Tricot)
ASCENT : 850 m via Champel (1,400 m via col du Tricot)
DESCENT : 850 m (1,550 m via col du Tricot)
LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)
Modified Itinerary with Lac Blanc on Day 1 (On Request)
Day 1: Les Praz de Chamonix – Lac Blanc – Le Tour
Begin your 7-day Mont Blanc circuit with an exciting ride on the Flégère cable car, taking you up to the Mont Blanc balconies. At 2,300 meters, the sparkling Lac Blanc awaits, a true alpine gem. Continue along the trail to the Chéserys Lakes, enjoying panoramic views at the foot of the majestic Aiguilles Rouges. Descend to Col des Montets, offering breathtaking views of the entire Mont Blanc massif on this exhilarating first day.
Overnight in a cozy mountain lodge in the charming village of Le Tour.
Hiking time: 6h30
Ascent: 600 m
Descent: 850 m
Accommodation: Mountain lodge
Day 2: Le Tour – Col de Balme – Trient
Day 3: Bovine or Fenêtre d’Arpette – Champex
Day 4: Grand Col Ferret – Italian Val Ferret
Day 5: Mont de la Saxe – Courmayeur
Day 6: Col de la Seigne – Les Mottets or Les Chapieux
Day 7: Col des Fours – Col du Bonhomme – Les Contamines
Day 8: Champel or Col du Tricot – Les Houches
Dates and prices
Dates and prices
| Price per person | Without luggage transfer | With luggage transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Shared dormitory | ||
| Private room in gîte | ||
| Private room in hôtel |
Departures from June 14 to September 15
Departures on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the classic (shared dormitory) and comfort version (private room in gîte).
Departures on Mondays and Tuesdays for the premium version (private room in hotel).
Available options:
Single-room supplement (hotel option):
Extra day - Lac Blanc ou Brévent:
Dormitory accommodation:
Comfort room / hotel (minimum 2 people):
Comfort room / hotel (single room):
Note: Util the end of June, snowfields may still be present on the route, especially on north-facing slopes. High-cut hiking boots, gaiters and trekking poles are essential. Be prepared.
The price includes
Travel documents,
Accommodation on a half-basis, from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day,
Luggage transfer between accommodations (if you have chosen this option),
Transfer on Day 7 from Les Contamines to La Gurvaz,
Organization and registration fees,
Tourist taxes.
The price doesn't include
Insurance,
Round-trip transportation to the starting point,
Packed lunches for midday,
Drinks, optional visits and personal expenses,
Transfers on public buses,
Cable car ride on Day 1 if the itinerary includes Lac Blanc.
Personalize your trip
Do you like this trip but would you like to add a few modifications? We can make you a tailor-made proposal.
Trip Notes
Level
Grade 3: Advanced
Average elevation gain/ loss : 600 to 1,200 m per day
Average duration of stages: 5 to 7 hours per day
Specific difficulties: This hike is suitable for anyone in good overall physical condition. While it does not present technical difficulties (no steep passages, well-marked trails), it remains physically demanding, requiring the ability to achieve nearly 1,000 meters of positive elevation gains per day over a full week.
The Mont Blanc circuit is very well marked:
In France: red and white markers for Grande Randonnée trails (both directions).
In Switzerland and Italy: black diamonds on yellow background in valleys, red and white markers at higher altitudes (both directions).
It is recommended to be proficient in reading IGN 1:25,000 topograhic maps.
Accommodation
SHARED DORMITORY:
6 nights in dormitories, mountain huts or guesthouses
PRIVATE ROOM IN GITE:
6 nights in guesthouses with double rooms (depending on availability, 1 night may be in a 4- person room).
Hot showers in all accommodations.
PRIVATE ROOM IN HOTEL:
4 nights in hotels and 2 nights in very comfortable guesthouses, with private bathrooms in double rooms.
The itinerary is slightly modified (please contact us for details).
Meals:
Breakfasts and dinners are included in each accommodation.
Packed lunches are not included but can be ordered the day before at each accommodation.
It is also possible to buy supplies at local shops on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
Allergies and dietary requirements:
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary needs when booking. Accommodations will do their best to accomodate special diets (gluten-free, vegtarian, etc), but we recommend bringing some additional items for your own packed lunches.
Baggage carrying
Depending on the option chosen:
Without luggage transfer: you carry all your personal belongings throughout the trip.
With luggage transfer: You only carry your daily essentials in a small backpack. The rest of your luggage in transported between accommodations for the night as well. You will reunite with your main luggage the following day.
If you choose luggage transfer, we recommend using a soft bag, preferably a duffel or sports bag, one per person, not exceeding 10 kg.
* If you extend your stay after the hike, we can handle an additional bag at the start of the trek, labeled with your name, which you will receive at the end of the hike.
Management
No guide on this trip.
Before your departure, we provide you with a road book specilly designed for this itinerary, containing detailed information to help you enjoy your days of discovery and hiking independently.
To full enjoy your hiking trip, you need to be able to navigate and manage your own route on the trail using the documents provided.
Hiking folder
Your hiking documents will be sent by e-mail once the balance of your trip has been paid. The package includes:
- a road book
- an itinerary sheet with a list of accommodations
- a set of IGN maps
Welcome
Meeting point: 10:30 AM in front Montroc-le-Planet SNCF train station.
From the free parking at Les Houches, regular buses run every 30 minutes to Montroc-le-Planet (about a one-hour journey, no reservation required).
If requested, your luggage can be collected directly from your hotel in the Chamonix valley, in which case there is no meeting at the start.
For hikers who have chosen the "without luggage transfer" option, no meeting point is required at departure.
NEAREST AIRPORTS:
Geneva (GVA)
- About 1 hour by car to Chamonix (also accessible by train, though less convenient).
- Numerous buses and minibuses run several times a day.
Lyon (LYS)
- About 2h15 by car to Chamonix.
- Trains every 2 hours / approximately 4h15 journey.
Paris PAR)
- About 7 hours by car to Chamonix.
- Trains every 2 hours / approximately 5 to 6 hours journey.
BY TRAIN:
Departure rom Paris Gare de Lyon the day before and arriving in Chamonix.
Consult the times with SNCF here.
Buses and trains serve the entire Chamonix valley, with regular connections every hour between Les Houches and Montroc-le-Planet. Click here for more info.
BY CAR:
Take the A40 motorway to Chamonix, then follow the main road towards Argentière and Switzerland until reaching the village of Montroc (1 km past Argentière).
There is a large parking area at the meeting point in Montroc-le-Planet and at the Village du Tour, 1 km away.
If you wish to leave your car in a covered parking facility: Chamonix Park Auto in Chamonix – 04 50 53 65 71 (€40–50 per week).
Alternatively, you can leave your car at the free parking lot of the Prarion cable car in Les Houches (end of the hike) and return by bus to the meeting point in Montroc-le-Planet (about a 30-minute journey). This option can make your return at the end of the hike easier.
Dispersion
The hike finishes in the mid-afternoon (around 4:00 PM) at the base of the Prarion cable car Les Houches.
RETURN TO THE STARTING POINT:
Transfer by bus or train from Les Houches back to Montroc-le-Planet at the end of the hike.
Individual equipment
Clothing:
- Hiking pants
- Shorts (plus a swimsuit just in case)
- Breathable t-shirts
- Fleece or sweater
- Windbreaker or gore-tex jacket
- Rain cape + gaiters or Gore-tex pants jacket + a backpacker rain cover
- Pair of gloves and a lightweight hat/beanie
- Sun hat or cap
- Hiking socks (double-layer, terry, etc)
- Change of clothes for the evening
- Well-broken-in hiking boots (high-cut with lug soles)
- Spare shoes for the evening
Additional gear:
- Toiletry kit
- Towel
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottles or themos (minimum 1.5 liters)
- Knife and cutlery
- Airtight plastic container (e.g. tupperware) for packed lunches
- Cup for coffee/ tea
- Snacks: dried fruit, chocolate, energy bars
- Personal first-aid kit (vitamin C, aspirin, plasters, etc)
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sleeping bag liner and/ or lighhtweight sleeping bag
- Two telescopic trekking poles (optional)
DAYPACK:
If you choose the luggage transfer option, bring a comfortable backpack of 30- 40 liters for your daily items (a warm layer, rain cape, water bottle, container and cutlery for your packed lunch, sunscreen and ID), with enough space for a packed lunch and snacks.
ID:
Bring a valid passport and we recommend carrying your Health Insurance Card.
Reviews of this trip
5
Thomas
29 Juin 2025
Self guided mont blanc circuit
This is the third time we’ve chosen this agency, and we won’t hesitate for a fourth! They have complete mastery over the organisation, logistics, baggage transfers, and shuttle services. The choice of stages is spot on, so the walking days aren’t too long. The guesthouses and hotels were excellent, especially at Les Chapieux and Arpnouva (great meals and accommodation), and for the hotel, we highly recommend the Christiania in Les Contamines—truly outstanding!
The clockwise TMB route is very sensible. There are fewer people, and it feels easier than the reverse direction. A magnificent trek, with breathtaking and diverse landscapes, lush and colourful flora, and wildlife scattered along the route.
In short, a magical experience! Thank you to the Wanderly Trips—keep up the great work.
5
Charlotte
12 Septembre 2024
self guided circuit mont blanc
Our first experience with a self-guided trek, and our first time with the agency. The organization is highly recommendable—everything was perfectly coordinated, and the experience was fantastic. Many thanks to the whole team!
5
Olivia
13 Août 2024
7 days circuit mont blanc
The first of many!
We chose to do the TMB independently over 7 days, with luggage transfer, and everything went smoothly. The chosen guesthouses were excellent, and the guidebook provided was very well done. Perhaps a few photos of key points along the route could help at times—we did get a little lost on the very first hike, so it’s important to stay alert.
Overall, it was a wonderful hike! The agency occasionally offers alternative paths to the standard mont blanc tour, which is great for more solo walking and stunning viewpoints, so don’t just follow other hikers blindly. Everything was handled by the agency; all we had to do was order our meals the day before. The agency was recommended to us, and we’re happy to recommend them in return.
5
Roger
1 Juillet 2024
mont blanc self guided circuit 7 days
We’ve just completed this self-guided tour of the mont blanc, and everything was perfect. Choosing the direction of travel was a real advantage—it helped us avoid getting stuck behind groups on narrow trails and allowed for a gentler progression of altitude gains. The choice of accommodations was excellent, with a special mention for the Gîte des Chambres du Soleil in Les Chapieux. The paper guide for the route is very detailed.
In short, a magnificent trip with breathtaking views of the glaciers throughout the journey.
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Mont blanc circuit self guided