Find Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Tour du Mont Blanc

So you want to know everything and anything about trekking Mont Blanc? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the Tour du Mont Blanc with answers that will help ease the stress that often accompanies plotting a trek—especially one as epic as this one! Don’t worry—soon enough you’ll lace up those boots and find yourself revelling in the alpine setting blanketing France, Italy, and Switzerland.

When is the best time to go to Mont Blanc?

Ah yes, one of the most frequently asked questions about the Tour du Mont Blanc—or any vacation destination, really. We suggest trekking Mont Blanc in June or September when the cooler climate and less crowded trails and villages collide to create an incredible experience. You may experience some snow in June, though. Can’t go during these months? Or want to know about trekking in June or September? Our article on the best time to go to Mont Blanc will answer these questions in detail.

Where is the best place to start the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Most people set out from Les Houches near Chamonix. This is a circular trek, so it also ends in Les Houches!

Tour du Mont Blanc - Most people set out from Les Houches

What to pack for Tour du Mont Blanc?

Knowing what to pack ranks high as one of the most stressful parts of travelling. To start, you can think of all the essentials you need for a trekking adventure: hiking gear, a first aid kit, a change of clothes for the evening, comfortable but durable hiking boots, and necessary documentation and identification. You can check out our recommended packing list for tour du Mont Blanc for a more detailed guide!

How many miles is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc traverses 170.0 km, granting unforgettable views of alpine scenery cloaking the backdrop of France, Italy, Switzerland. You’ll never get bored on this world-renowned long-distance route!

How difficult is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

You’re in luck! The Tour du Mont Blanc is accessible by anyone fit enough to take it on! That’s right. You don’t need to be an advanced hiker to tackle this incredible adventure. With that being said, you’ll still need to train in advance—we go more into detail on how to prepare for trekking Mont Blanc here—as it will have to traverse up to 29.0 km a day. However, the paths aren’t super technical! It’s a difficult trek, but with some training and an increase in fitness, you should be okay to take on Mont Blanc.

Think of all the essentials you need for a trekking adventure

How long does it take to complete the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Most people complete Mont Blanc sometime between 8 and 11 days, but some may take a shorter route, depending on which tour they choose.

Is there a map I can use for trekking Mont Blanc?

Yes! Our tour du Mont Blanc guide includes a map of the entire route. However, we highly recommend using a GPS app and a physical map to track your daily route.

How can I plan the Tour du Mont Blanc?

How you plan your trek across Mont Blanc depends on multiple factors! For example, you could either choose to book a tour or plan the trip on your own, which would include choosing your route, contacting all accommodations, sorting out dates, booking airfare, and the list of to-dos goes on. Of course, planning a Mont Blanc tour may be the easier option as they plot out accommodations and the route for you. But hey, it all depends on what you prefer to do!

You could either choose to book a tour or plan the trip on your own

How much water do you need per day as you trek Mont Blanc?

Bring along a 2L water bottle and fill it up at each stop. It’s also helpful to bring a water filter in case you’re extra thirsty!

What are the best tour companies to use for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

When it comes to the best tour companies to use for the Tour du Mont Blanc, we can’t recommend going local enough! They will know the ins and outs of the route the best. Not sure where to start looking? We work with local tour operators who grant incredible experiences, such as The Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Trek and the Tour du Mont Blanc in Guesthouses.

Where can I stay along the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Some treks will have you cozying up in rustic mountain huts, others invite a more spacious hotel stay, and some opt to pack a tent and camp along the way. It all depends on your comfort level, what you can afford, and which tour you end up booking. Like we’ve mentioned before, It’s worth it to book a tour because plotting your accommodations on your own can be tedious and tricky. But our article on Mont Blanc accommodation covers all the necessary details on refuges, hotels, and camping en route.

Book your flight to Geneva for the closest access to Mont Blanc

Where is the best place to fly to hike Mont Blanc?

Book your flight to Geneva for the closest access to Mont Blanc. Other nearby landing destinations include Turin and Lyon! You can take a shuttle from the airport in Geneva to Chamonix.

How much cash should I take on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

If you book a tour, you’ll likely cover the costs for accommodation before you go. Some may even include meals, so you can expect to pay for just drinks and snacks daily, which could cost around €5-15 a day, a fee more often than not covered with cash.

What should I wear while hiking Mont Blanc?

We recommend wearing moisture-wicking, quick-dry clothing—and pack layers! Our ultimate packing list details what clothes (and how many of each) to bring along.

If you want to go the clockwise route, consider starting from Champex

How many kilometres a day will I walk on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Expect to walk anywhere between 14.0 km to 29.0 km per day!

Is it better to walk the TMB in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction?

Most trekkers tackle Mont Blanc anticlockwise, but that doesn’t mean travelling clockwise comes without perks. Walking clockwise grants the chance to encounter new people on the trail every day and less congested paths in the morning. However, if you want to go the clockwise route, consider starting from Champex rather than Les Houches, as going clockwise will take you up a 1,500 m ascent on your first day.

What is the average daily temperature on the Tour du Mont Blanc in July?

In July, the average temperature ranges from 13 - 26°C (55 - 79°F), with rain adding an average of 2.4 inches of water to the ground. Don’t forget to check our best time to hike Mont Blanc article for an in-depth look at the weather throughout the year!

Exploring Mont Blanc by foot makes for a remarkable, unforgettable experience. It’s so important to be prepared. Hopefully, this list of FAQs helps guide you in the right direction! If you have any other questions about trekking Mont Blanc that need answering, please get in touch with us.

• Tour du Mont Blanc Articles

  Check out our series of articles planning an incredible Tour du Mont Blanc!

  • Complete Guide to the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • How long does it take to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
  • How to Prepare for the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • Packing List for the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • Where to Stay on the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • When to hike the TMB?
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Tour du Mont Blanc
  • 10 Interesting Facts about the TMB