Tour du Mont Blanc Complet en liberté
France, Italie, Suisse, Alpes du Nord
Tour du Mont Blanc Sud en liberté
France, Italie, Alpes du Nord
Rando walk
Itinerant loop
Price
(from) :
545
Duration :
5 days
Mode :
Liberté
Next departure :
Freedom
Hike feasible in :
janv
fev
mar
avr
mai
juin
juil
aout
sept
oct
nov
dec
The Tour du Mont Blanc is undoubtedly the most renowned walking trail in the Alps that runs 180km (112 miles) around the Mont Blanc, starting and finishing near Chamonix. This is the highest peak of Europe rising at 4807 m and a must do for all mountain hikers.
This famous and mythical Alpine trek takes place in surroundings of outstanding beauty close to the glaciers and offers a real adventure for trekking lovers in 3 countries : France, Italy and Switzerland.
You are likely to see marmots, ibex and other wild life and be delighted by the fairy-tale like hamlets.
Pedibus, the French Company located in Savoy was a pioneer in the so called TMB as a self-guided tour nearly 20 years ago.
Formerly only experienced hikers could venture into this mountain.
Pedibus proposes to medium walkers a 5 day route which starts by the Val Montjoie and the Glacier Valley which are home to a strong pastoralism economy. The Col de la Seigne marks the entrance to Italy, in front of the breathtaking Brenva slope of Mont Blanc towering over the Val Veni and Courmayer.
This is a self-guided hike which means you are your own guide, with a precise road book and detailed map.
Your luggage is carried from stage to stage: you only have to carry a small day backpack. The accommodation in huts have been tested for many years and carefully chosen. You will sleep in “2 or 4 bed mini dormitory” in huts, with breakfasts and dinners included.
Travel diary
Day 1 : Meeting point at 9:30 sharp at the train station of Chamonix. You are ready to hike with a backpack including the things of the day, a water bottle and your trekking shoes. The taxi will be there to take your luggage and you start the walk to the Petit Balcon Sud. In front of the famous needles of the Mont Blanc that you can now identify, walk to the Houches to take the Bellevue cable-car. You can now use shuttles or trains in Chamonix valley to get out of les Houches (price not included). A hillside path leads you to the frontal tongue of Bionassay Glacier. Night in Bionassay, above the Contamines Montjoie valley.
Elevation gain : +630/-1160m Length : 15 km/9.30 miles Walking time : 5h30
Day 2 : The hiking day starts gently but then climbs up through forests and clearings on the steep mountain sides above the Gruvaz Gorges. The V valley cut by the creek turns into the U glacier valley of the Pastures of Miage (1559m). A real paradise at the foot of the Domes de Miage. Another effort to reach the peaceful Plateau du Truc (1740m) before starting the descent to the Contamines Montjoie and then walk up the Val Montjoie passing the splendid baroque 17th century church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. Cross over the rumbling Bon Nant torrent by the antique passage, falsely called “Voie Romaine” and reach the “Pont Romain” and the Chalet (hut) where you spend the night in a 8 bed dormitory. You are in the Natural reserve of the Contamines Montjoie.
Elevation gain : +970m/ -830m Length : 18km/11.18 miles Walking time : 6h15
Day 3: An alpine stage with the ascent of two passes throughout the day. The peaceful pastures of Balme lead to the Col du Bonhomme Pass (2329m), entrance into the Beaufortain. Your hard work is done since the next crossing rises gently up to the Croix du Bonhomme Pass (2479m). The path dives into the pastures of the Glaciers Valley and finally reaches the village of Chapieux, end of the stage. You can also spend the night in Ville des Glaciers by crossing the pass, Col des Fours (2665m) which is the highest point of the hike (+200m, +1h). This will shorten the stage of the next day.
Elevation gain : +1020m/ -930m Length : 12km/9 miles Walking time : 5h30
Day 4 : The Col de la Seigne (2516 m) is the entrance to Val d’Aoste in Italy. Here is the wildest side of the Mont Blanc. Go down to Val Veni until you come to the moraine of Miage glacier which closes the whole valley. A short side track leads you to Miage Lake, caught between the moraine and the glacier. As you walk through the bottom of the valley, you discover the Mont Blanc iconic ridges called “les Arêtes du Brouillard” (or Fog ridges), the Innominata or Peuterey. Night in the Hut Monte Bianco. A shuttle between Les Chapieux and Ville des Glaciers allows you to shorten this step (only available in July and August).
Elevation gain : +1080/-990m Length : 19km Walking time : 6h
Day 5 : In the morning, taxi transfer back to France by the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Arrive at Chamonix station around 10:30.
The walking time has been estimated at a 300 meters per hour in ascents, 500 meters per hour in descents and 4km/hour (2.50 mph) on flat terrain.
Walking times do not include the breaks for lunch, naps or photos.
Imponderables may occur as well as changes that may alter the day by day program particularly regarding accommodation availability but these will be of little consequence on the route. Just trust us; these changes always take into account your own interest, your safety and comfort.
HIGHLIGHTS
The views on the Mont Blanc glaciers every day
A must do in a hiker’s life
The crossing of the 2500 m height passes (Col de la Seigne and col de la Croix du Bonhomme)
Easy train access
Optional Comfortable “mini-dormitories”
WALKING TRIP PHILOSOPHY
Hiking offers the possibility to listen to one’s body and everything surrounding it. It means to take a break and be delighted by Nature.
Hiking also means to meet the others on a trail or a village to bring the human dimension of a country discovery.
MAPS REFERENCES
1 / 50 000 Didier Richard " Massifs du Mont Blanc et du Beaufortain "
1 / 25 000 IGN 3531 ET St Gervais - Mont Blanc.
1 / 25 000 IGN 3630 OT Chamonix - Mont Blanc.
Day 1 : Meeting point at 9:30 sharp at the train station of Chamonix. You are ready to hike with a backpack including the things of the day, a water bottle and your trekking shoes. The taxi will be there to take your luggage and you start the walk to the Petit Balcon Sud. In front of the famous needles of the Mont Blanc that you can now identify, walk to the Houches to take the Bellevue cable-car. You can now use shuttles or trains in Chamonix valley to get out of les Houches (price not included). A hillside path leads you to the frontal tongue of Bionassay Glacier. Night in Bionassay, above the Contamines Montjoie valley.
Elevation gain : +630/-1160m Length : 15 km/9.30 miles Walking time : 5h30
Day 2 : The hiking day starts gently but then climbs up through forests and clearings on the steep mountain sides above the Gruvaz Gorges. The V valley cut by the creek turns into the U glacier valley of the Pastures of Miage (1559m). A real paradise at the foot of the Domes de Miage. Another effort to reach the peaceful Plateau du Truc (1740m) before starting the descent to the Contamines Montjoie and then walk up the Val Montjoie passing the splendid baroque 17th century church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. Cross over the rumbling Bon Nant torrent by the antique passage, falsely called “Voie Romaine” and reach the “Pont Romain” and the Chalet (hut) where you spend the night in a 8 bed dormitory. You are in the Natural reserve of the Contamines Montjoie.
Elevation gain : +970m/ -830m Length : 18km/11.18 miles Walking time : 6h15
Day 3: An alpine stage with the ascent of two passes throughout the day. The peaceful pastures of Balme lead to the Col du Bonhomme Pass (2329m), entrance into the Beaufortain. Your hard work is done since the next crossing rises gently up to the Croix du Bonhomme Pass (2479m). The path dives into the pastures of the Glaciers Valley and finally reaches the village of Chapieux, end of the stage. You can also spend the night in Ville des Glaciers by crossing the pass, Col des Fours (2665m) which is the highest point of the hike (+200m, +1h). This will shorten the stage of the next day.
Elevation gain : +1020m/ -930m Length : 12km/9 miles Walking time : 5h30
Day 4 : The Col de la Seigne (2516 m) is the entrance to Val d’Aoste in Italy. Here is the wildest side of the Mont Blanc. Go down to Val Veni until you come to the moraine of Miage glacier which closes the whole valley. A short side track leads you to Miage Lake, caught between the moraine and the glacier. As you walk through the bottom of the valley, you discover the Mont Blanc iconic ridges called “les Arêtes du Brouillard” (or Fog ridges), the Innominata or Peuterey. Night in the Hut Monte Bianco. A shuttle between Les Chapieux and Ville des Glaciers allows you to shorten this step (only available in July and August).
Elevation gain : +1080/-990m Length : 19km Walking time : 6h
Day 5 : In the morning, taxi transfer back to France by the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Arrive at Chamonix station around 10:30.
The walking time has been estimated at a 300 meters per hour in ascents, 500 meters per hour in descents and 4km/hour (2.50 mph) on flat terrain.
Walking times do not include the breaks for lunch, naps or photos.
Imponderables may occur as well as changes that may alter the day by day program particularly regarding accommodation availability but these will be of little consequence on the route. Just trust us; these changes always take into account your own interest, your safety and comfort.
HIGHLIGHTS
The views on the Mont Blanc glaciers every day
A must do in a hiker’s life
The crossing of the 2500 m height passes (Col de la Seigne and col de la Croix du Bonhomme)
Easy train access
Optional Comfortable “mini-dormitories”
WALKING TRIP PHILOSOPHY
Hiking offers the possibility to listen to one’s body and everything surrounding it. It means to take a break and be delighted by Nature.
Hiking also means to meet the others on a trail or a village to bring the human dimension of a country discovery.
MAPS REFERENCES
1 / 50 000 Didier Richard " Massifs du Mont Blanc et du Beaufortain "
1 / 25 000 IGN 3531 ET St Gervais - Mont Blanc.
1 / 25 000 IGN 3630 OT Chamonix - Mont Blanc.
Day 1 at 9:30 am sharp in front of Chamonix train station.
If you arrive late: in case of last minute delay, leave a message to the taxi Besson (04 50 93 61 47 or 00 33 4 50 93 61 47).
Access by train: Chamonix station, plan to arrive the day before
Paris Gare de Lyon : 18h11 20h58 : Bellegarde : 21h13 23h50 : Chamonix
Lyon Part Dieu : 18h34 19h59 : Bellegarde : 21h13 23h50 : Chamonix
Marseille: 16h04 17h50 : Lyon Part Dieu : 18h34 19h59 : Bellegarde
Bellegarde : 21h13 23h50 : Chamonix
Indicative schedule to be checked on SNCF website http://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en/
Access by car: Chamonix Station.
www.viamichelin.fr
Car Parks:
All the car parks in Chamonix : http://www.chamonix.net/english/transport/parking
Price : around 48 € for the week.
You can park in covered secure Parking d’Entrèves, (tel: 00 33 4 50 53 65 71), (address :275 promenade Marie Paradis). Take Chamonix South, road station Chamonix South. Price : 47 € per week.
Access by air : Geneva Airport : www.gva.ch
The airport has direct access from Check-in and Arrivals floors to European train. All the train stop at Geneva-Cornavin (town center) : 5 trains per hour, 7mn trip.
Travel tip : around 15 shuttle service Companies between Geneva airport and Chamonix. Low cost and more convenient than trains. They serve all the sites of the Chamonix Valley.
http://www.chamonix.net/francais/transport/transfert
On day 05 at 12 :00 in front of Chamonix Station.
By train: Chamonix station
- Chamonix : 13h45 16h40 : Bellegarde : 16h59 19h49 : Paris Gare de Lyon
- Chamonix : 13h45 16h40 : Bellegarde : 17h58 19h22 : Lyon Part Dieu
Lyon Part Dieu : 20h06 21h48 : Marseille
By Air: Geneva Airport : www.gva.ch
Shuttle or train service (see above)
Accommodation before or after the trek:
If you arrive a day before or leave the day after we can reserve additional nights in a “gîte d’étape” (mountain huts). They are all located in the Chamonix Valley (see the prices section underneath).
The shuttles and the small train of the Valley will take you easily to the accommodation or to the meeting point in Chamonix station. This service is charge less for the people staying in the Valley for the night.
Valid Identity card or passport
Insurance :
A guarantee which covers “Search and Rescue” expenses is highly recommended. You can subscribe to our French insurance if your insurance coverage excludes this guarantee. In Switzerland particularly this type of Emergency Service is very expensive (around 4000 euros for a medical helicopter rescue)
MONEY
Euros are accepted in France and Italy and in most places in Switzerland.
We recommend that you carry sufficient cash, as some of the mountain huts might not accept credit cards.
For security reasons, we will ask you your phone number that you will use during the trip so that we can erach you for any problem.
Level 3
Height gain average: 890 m Maximum : 1080 m
Length average: 16 km Maximum : 18 km
Walking time average: 6h Maximum : 6h15
Be careful !
In the beginning of the season (until the beginning of July), the hike can be more difficult as there is stillsnow in some parts of the path. Choose this period only if you have experience.
Walking Level:
Level 3 which means 6 hours of walking per day with 600 to 800 m of elevation gain.
You are in a good physical shape and practice sports regularly (several hours per week
Some stages can be shortened taking the bus (extra cost) or the baggage taxi (around 30 € per lift).
Level of attention: A little attention and a few map reading notions are necessary. You only follow way-marked trails.
Self-guided trips do not have guides. The trip cost includes a Road Book with a detailed description of the route as well as a map of the region in question. Booking a self-guided trip implies that participants have an adequate knowledge of map-reading and orienteering. All participants must conduct themselves in a safe manner and follow the guidelines set in the Road Book.
Any participant must be conscious of risks incurred related to active travel and prepared to unexpected situations (fatigue, animal presence, alteration of the terrain, weather appreciation). You have to get informed at the Tourism Office where the daily weather report is displayed or call a weather forecast phone. In France the Savoy department number is 08 99 71 02 74
The Company cannot be held responsible for accidents caused by the carelessness of the participants (any mistake or change of route) or for any schedule change (late departure, too long picnic…)
Mobile telephone network does not work over the whole mountain area even if it reaches most of the villages (depending on your operator). In a great number of places your mobile will be useless. If you can reach any network, dial the 112 which is the emergency number.
Mountain Hut accommodation or Gîte d’étapes
Beds are equipped with blankets
Rooms are not available before 4:00 pm
The accommodation contact details are provided with your departure file
Dogs are not admitted
Dormitory option :
The dormitories comprise between 4 and 30 beds and include the half board (dinner + breakfast)
Bedrooms or ‘mini-dormitories” option
The bedrooms option means an accommodation in mini-dormitories (from 2 to 4 persons) and includes the half-board (dinner+breakfast). If you are a couple you are likely to share the room with 2 other people. Bathrooms are generally at the upper floor. One night on Day 2 is planned in a 8 person dormitory. The bedroom option is not a hotel-like accommodation, but mini-dormitories in huts. This option is only possible 3 nights out of 4. No single room option is possible.
Confort Option :
We can sometimes offer a bedroom for 2 people with shower and WC (in the room). This is subject to availability. Half Board (dinner + night + breakfast). Only possible for night 2 and 4.
Meals
Dinners offer the opportunity to taste local specialties. They are served around 7:30 pm and most of the time they consist of a unique daily menu (with no other choice).
Continental breakfasts which can sometimes be served as buffet are served around 7h30 to 8:00 am. If you wish to have it earlier you will have to ask if this is possible to the hut host the day before.
Picnics
The package includes half-board.
You are in charge of the picnics. Picnics can be purchased directly to the hut (around 12 €) but you will have to order them in the evening. Picnics do not vary a lot.
You can also buy your lunch in Chamonix et Les Contamines.
The Bellevue cable car is included in the package.
The transfer between Courmayer and Chamonix is planned on day 5 at 9:30 pm sharp. Thank you for being on time.
Shuttles to shorten some stpes are only availale in July and August.
Your luggage is taxi transferred from hut to hut.
Please, limit your luggage to one bag per person (preferably a back pack or a soft travel bag) that weighs no more than 10kg or you will be charged for EXTRA bags by the taxis!.
The taxis carrying your luggage have sometimes to walk a few hundred meters before reaching the accommodation. The Company can’t be held responsible for any damage on fragile items (computers for example).
A 8 to 9 kg luggage is enough:
The days are full so no need to bring a library;
Wet clothes can dry each night in the hut. No need to bring complete change clothes for every day;
Take a light pair of shoes for the evening;
Try to reduce the toilet things (samples, travel kits)
Once back home, make 3 piles: one with the things you really used, one with the things you barely used, and one with the things you did not use at all. For the next trek, avoid the last pile and ask whether you need the second !
minimum of 2 people
Self-guided
3 weeks before the departure you will receive the full documentation by email.
The rest of the documentation will be sent to the first hotel.
One travel documents for 2 to 5 persons. If you want to have extra documentation,
please ask for them when you reserve. You will be charged for it.
3 layers of clothes enable to face all the situations:
Breathable long sleeve under sweater (hollow fiber)
Warm fleece jacket
Waterproof and wind stopper jacket (Gore Tex type)
When the weather is fine, the under-sweater may be enough
When it rains, add the waterproof jacket
In severe colds or when you take a break the fleece jacket is necessary.
Bring clothes which can dry easily and quickly (don’t use cotton clothes but prefer wool, silk and synthetic fiber)
Remember to cover yourself before you are cold and to take your jacket off before you are too hot. Sweat is the hiker enemy because clothes are quickly wet and frozen when you stop walking for a while. Rarely would a hiker start the ascent with a fleece jacket.
Ideal list
1 hat or cap
1 scarf
Breathable short sleeve T-shirts (1 for 2 or 3 walking days)
1 breathable long sleeve or shirt
1 polar fleece jacket
1 wind stopper and waterproof jacket with a hood (Gore Tex type)
Large hiking pant
1 short
1 weatherproof pack cover
Hiking socks
Trekking pole/s
Underwear
Bathing suit (option)
1 comfortable pant for the evening
1 light pair of shoes for the evening
In June and September: Gloves/mits, cap,top, pants, gloves, socks, balaclava
PERSONAL GEAR
Rucksack/backpack 35/40 l
Weatherproof pack cover and a large plastic bag to protect the inside of the bag.
High quality Sunglasses
A Water bottle (1.5 l min)
Swiss army knife
Waterproof pocket for money, identity card and Insurance guarantee.
Toilet things (samples, travel kits..)
A quickly dried towel
Earplugs (optional)
Toilet paper + 1 lighter
Sunblock SPF 30+ and lip protection
Picnic plastic box, Knife, fork, spoon, glass
Torch or headlight
1 survival blanket
1 pair of trekking poles
1 sleeping bag liner (sleeping bags are useless)
Camera and binoculars (optional)
First kit Aid :
Your usual medecines
Pain relief drugs (paracetamol)
Sore throat pills, Tweezers
8 cm Adhesive layers (Elastoplast) Sticking plasters (assorted sizes) and toe blister bandages + sterile disinfectant wipes.
Dates and prices
Departure period: each Wednesday from June 16th to September 8th
More than 5 people ? : You can choose your departure day.
The ideal season is July and August (before and after the weather conditions can be difficult (fog, snow, firn crossing,…) particularly on pass crossings.
The earlier you book the better. We have no pre-reserved rooms and some of them are already full several months in advance. Thanks to mention several choices of dates. (1 week before or after.)
2021 Prices :
488 € per person
Extra charge for « mini-dormitories » option: (3 nights out 4) : + 66 €
Extra charge for "confort" room : +66 € + 21 € per night
No single room
Extra night in dormitory option : +47 €
Extra night in “mini-dormitories” option ; + 56 €
Extra Night in "Confort" room : + 92 €
All Reservation changes (type of rooms, number of persons, departure date...) suppose a further 50 € fees. ONCE THE RESERVATIONS ARE MADE you will have to follow the program which has been decided. No change in dates and accommodation will be possible.
The price includes
The price includes :
Accommodation and half board
Organisation fees
The complete documentation.
The road book and the maps
The cable-car ticket
Baggage transfer from stage to stage
Transfer between Courmayeur and Chamonix (last day)
The price does not include
The price does not include :
Lunches and drinks
Showers taken
Any additional personnal expenses : other buses, equipment, ...
The trip to the departure point
Insurances “Search and Rescue” and trip cancellation : 3.9 %
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Availabilities
From 21/06/2025 to 30/08/2025
545,00 €
From 31/08/2025 to 31/08/2025
545,00 € (Fermé)
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