TMB - Tour du Mont Blanc
Description
- Length of trail 170 km, 106 miles
- Length in days 11 days
- Start of trail Les Houches
- End of trail Les Houches
- Traildino grading SW, Strenuous walk, mountain trail
- Hut tour grading T2, Mountain walk
The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most famous hiking trails, which attracts tens of thousands hikers every year. It's not a difficult route. But if you want to complete the 170 km and 8.000 meters of height difference, your condition must be good. Most people need 7 to 12 days. The tour around Europe's highest mountain, crossing France, Italy and Switzerland, will be even more rewarding if you pick out the many variants to the official path, often higher and more strenuous, but wilder and more quiet.
Most walkers start in Les Houches, France, (train) and walk anti-clockwise. From mid july till the end of august it is very busy on the trail, and huts are overcrowded. You must make reservations in advance. September is better, but most huts close in the middle of that month.
There is plenty of information on the internet, and many guide-books will help you on the trail.
Opinions
Rate
8.5 |
2 votes |
No 3. in Switzerland
- Michael September 2010
- Rate 10
- Positive This was my First Alpine Trail and introduction to Trekking and left me breathless with the spectacular views. Walking through the villages in Switzerland was like taking a step back through the centuries with their traditional building. Lots of water sources and places to buy food and camping supplies. There are also a few bivouac sites that are free of charge.
- Negative I didn't have any other than that there could have been a cloth badge for sale at one of the souvenir shops at the end. Maybe they were for sale in the refuges but I never entered any of the refuges during my whole trek, as I had just used my tent and took my own food.
- Henk Nouws September 2009
- Rate 7
- Positive I choose alternative routes in many places, and I can recommend this even if this means the walk gets harder and longer. The differences between the three countries are interesting.
- Negative Too busy. Huts close down very early in the season.
Map
Links
Facts
- Walking the TMB
Comprehensive website devoted to this popular hike, including Anne-Marie's own journal of her 2007 hike.
- LE TOUR DU MONT BLANC (French)
Account of the TMB in eight days.
- Les Houches Tourist Information
Most people start their walk in the village of Les Houches. This site provides up-to-date information on the TMB.
- Tour du Mont Blanc 2008
Handy introductory guide to the trail.
- Wikipedia Tour du Mont Blanc
Reports
- "Diary-guide" of the trekking around the top of Europe
Report of a twelve days trek.
- 2008 Tour du Mont Blanc (June 22-July 8, 2008)
Keith and Gina made this tour in late june and early july and you can easily judge snow conditions by the many excellent photographs.
- 7 jours en face du Mont Blanc (French)
This hike follows the Tour du Mont Blanc for a small part. Blog-style report and pictures.
- Een zevendaagse voettocht over de GR TMB (Dutch)
Fred Trieps description of the TMB.
- Mountain-Environment
Peter Chapman walked clockwise in juni 2004 and adds maps to his report.
- Stottie Walks on Walking Places - TMB
Stottie hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc in early summer with a couple of friends. Not too much snow on the path.
- The Classic Trek around Western Europe's Highest Peak
Superb photographs as you and I would like to make them.
- topicwise.com: Hiking: Circling Mont Blanc, by Nancy & Ron
A trail journal of a tour made in 2009.
- topicwise.com: Hiking: Dave and Brenda's Tour of Mont Blanc, by David Leffen
Day to day account of the round trip (hey: we must have met!)
- Tour de Mont Blanc
We hiked approximately 175 kilometers (km) in 12 days in 2002. Pictures and trail diary with maps.
- Tour de Mont Blanc 2007
If you forgot to take pictures, you can still enjoy those of Phil and Jan.
- Tour de Mont Blanc 2009
Trip log, photos and route map of a camping varient of the TMB
- Tour de Mont Blanc, August 2002
Arno Bakker completed the tour in 2002, and gives some short impressions.
- Tour du Mont Blanc (French)
day to day description by pictures.
- Tour du Mont Blanc (by nomad)
Description and many photos of a 12-day trek around Mont Blanc in late June 2010
- Tour du Mont Blanc - 2008
Charlotte and Dyce kept a blog of their tour around the Mont Blanc in eleven stages.
- Tour du Mont Blanc 2001
Stephanie and Axel made a photo impression of their hike.
- Tour du Mont Blanc, july 2008
Gary Ewer camped along the trail, and writes about this in his blog.
- Tour of Mont Blanc - One of the World's Greatest Treks
This report (Alice in Wonderland!) helps you to re-walk the tour: pleasant website.
- Tour of Mont Blanc, Sep 2006
Short day to day impressions makes this report of Pete Lockey pleasant to read. 2006.
- Trail Journals, Backpacking and Hiking Journals
All trail journals from the popular www.trailjournals.com regarding the Tour du Mont Blanc, TMB.
Guides and maps
Lodging
- List of huts on and nearby the Tour du Mont Blanc
If you plan your tour early in june or late in september, this list will help you find out which huts are already / still open.
- Tour du Mont Blanc Accomodation List
Comprehensive accomodation list; dates from 2007.
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
Books
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2013
United Kingdom
2013
- Tour of Mont Blanc
- An essential guidebook for anyone walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km circuit typically takes 11 days to walk around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic trek. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route. Read more
- Also available from:
- eBooks.de, Germany
- The Book Depository, United Kingdom
eBooks.de
Germany
2013
Germany
2013
- Reynolds, Kev: Tour of Mont Blanc
- Complete Two-Way Trekking Guide. 3rd edition. Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2012
Netherlands
2012
- Wandelgids - Wandelroute Tour du Mont Blanc - Grande Randonee ref 028 | FFRP |
- Uitstekende routegids met gedetailleerde kaarten en een routebeschrijving. Fout lopen wordt op deze manier wel erg moeilijk. Met symbolen is weergegeven welke voorzieningen (openbaar vervoer / winkels / overnachtingen) er zijn langs of bij de route. Een nadeel is dat de daadwerkelijke adressen dan weer niet genoemd worden. route, zie kaartje. ... Read more
- Also available from:
- IGN, France
IGN
France
2012
France
2012
- Tour du Mont-Blanc - 028
- Guide FFRandonnée Tour du Mont-Blanc - 028. GR TMB, 215 km de sentiers GR.France, Italie, Suisse : panoramas grandioses pour 10 jours sportifs.Quel randonneur ne rêve pas d'accrocher à son palmarès ce célèbre sentier européen (France-Italie-Suisse) balisé il y a plus de 50 ans ? Le plus... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2012
Netherlands
2012
- Wandelgids Huttentochten - Hüttentrekking Westalpen Frankreich – Italien | Rother |
- Een mooi boek met meerdaagse tochten langs berghutten in Fraknrijk en Italië. De uitgever - Rother - staat bekend om zijn kwalitatief uitstekedne boeken. 272 Seiten mit 188 Farbabbildungen 37 Höhenprofile, 35 Tourenkarten im Maßstab 1:75.000, 1:100.000, 1:125.000, 1:150.000 und 1:200.000, eine Übersichtskarte Wild und urtümlich, so... Read more
- Also available from:
- eBooks.de, Germany
eBooks.de
Germany
2012
Germany
2012
- Kürschner, Iris: Hüttentrekking Westalpen. Frankreich - Italien
- 30 Mehrtagestouren von Hütte zu Hütte Rother Selection. 2., Auflage 2012. Read more
eBooks.de
Germany
2012
Germany
2012
- Eberlein, Hartmut: Rund um den Mont Blanc
- mit der Tour du Mont Blanc. 50 ausgewählte Wanderungen Rother Wanderführer. 4., vollständig überarbeitete Auflage. Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2012
Netherlands
2012
- Wandelgids Mont Blanc (Duits) | Rother Verlag |
- > Uitstekende wandelgids met een groot aantal dagtochten in dal en hooggebergte. Met praktische informatie en beperkt kaartmateriaal! Wandelingen in verschillende zwaarte weergegeven in rood/blauw/zwart. > > 136 Seiten mit 58 Farbabbildungen > 49 Wanderkärtchen im Maßstab 1:50.000, eine Übersichtskarte im Maßstab 1:460.000 > >> Mont... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- Cicerone Press , United Kingdom
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2011
Netherlands
2011
- Wandelgids Trekking in the Alps | Cicerone |
- All the rich scenic diversity for which the Alps are renowned is celebrated here, while the 20 treks described include well-known classics as well as newly-created multi-day routes. The eight talented writers and photographers brought together to produce this book are among the most experienced of Alpine trekkers. Between them they have... Read more
Cicerone Press
United Kingdom
2011
United Kingdom
2011
- Trekking in the Alps
- An inspirational guidebook to 20 classic treks in the Alps. As well as introducing new hiking areas in the Alps, classics such as the Tour of Mont Blanc, and Chamonix to Zermatt are included. Trekking in the Alps is immensely satisfying, and this book celebrates the rich and scenic diversity for which this great mountain range is renowned. Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2009
Netherlands
2009
- Wandelgids Cicerone Tour of Mont Blanc |
- Uitstekende wandelgids die in etappes de route nauwkeurig beschijft; ook de zijtakken en alternatieve routes koman aan bod. Kaarten zijn schetsmatig en in onze ogen onvoldoende bij slechte weersomstandigheden. Wij raden dan ook om er losse kaarten bij te kopen. The Tour of Mont Blanc (170km, 105 miles) is a classic walk, circumnavigating the... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2009
Netherlands
2009
- Wandelgids Tour du Mont Blanc | Uitg. Robert Weijdert |
- De Tour du Mont Blanc is een lange meerdaagse tocht rondom het hoogste massief van de Alpen. De route, die door Frankrijk, Italië en Zwitserland loopt en die gemiddeld twee weken in beslag neemt, is ook in Nederland zeer bekend geworden. De telkens wisselende landschappelijke beelden van hoge bergen, reusachtige gletsjers en lieflijke dalen... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
2006
Netherlands
2006
- Wandelgids Mont Blanc - Franse Alpen (Engels) | Rother |
- Uitstekende wandelgids met een groot aantal dagtochten in dal en hooggebergte, te koppelen tot de beroemde Tour om de Mont Blanc heen. Met praktische informatie en beperkt kaartmateriaal! Wandelingen in verschillende zwaarte weergegeven in rood/blauw/zwart. Mont Blanc, the monarch of the ´´white giants´´ - it has always inspired the... Read more
IGN
France
France
- Tour du Mont-Blanc - 028
- Guide FFRandonnée Tour du Mont-Blanc - 028 - GR TMB 215 km de sentiersQuel randonneur ne rêve pas d'accrocher à son palmarès ce célèbre sentier européen (France-Italie-Suisse) balisé il y a plus de 50 ans ? Le plus haut sommet des Alpes résonne encore des exploits des premiers ... Read more
Maps
Stanfords
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Mont Blanc MINI EDITION
- Map No. M3531ET, Mont Blanc, is a pocket version of the TOP25 map No. 3531ET, printed double-sided and reduced in size to only 84 x 46cm. Like its standard version, this mini map highlights local footpaths, long-distance GR routes, campsites and other tourist information, and is GPS compatible, but please note that this mini version covers a... Read more
- Also available from:
- IGN, France
IGN
France
France
- Mini Mont-Blanc
- Au nombre de 9, les mini Top 25 sont des cartes de randonnée à l'échelle du 1/25000ème. Précises, détaillées elles sont à la fois une ressource indispensable pour le randonneur et ont cette particularité fort appréciable de pouvoir sans problème se glisser dans la... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 02 Mont Blanc - Aiguilles Rouges - Aravis - Val d´Arly | Libris |
- Aravis, Bauges, Val d´Arly, Beaufortain, Chamonix Sallanches,Albertville,Cluses,Bourg-St-Maurice Gebaseerd op de topografische gegevens van IGN (de Franse topografische dienst) heeft deze kaartenserie een uitstekend kaartbeeld van delen van de bekende wandelgebieden van Frankrijk. Hoogtelijnen, gebruik van schaduw en kleur, de leesbaarheid:... Read more
- Also available from:
- IGN, France
- eBooks.de, Germany
IGN
France
France
- N°02 Mont-Blanc
- Des cartes du 1:35 000 au 1:60 000, sur fond IGN, enrichies d'informations touristiques et de randonnée, accompagnées parfois d'un guide de randonnées.Partez à la découverte de ces territoires où il fait bon séjourner ! Read more
eBooks.de
Germany
Germany
- Libris Wanderkarte 02. Mont Blanc - Aiguilles Rouges - Aravis - Val D´arly - Beaufortain 1 : 60 000
- Éditions Libris Didier Richard. 1. Auflage. Read more
eBooks.de
Germany
Germany
- St - Gervais 1 : 25 000
- Les-Bains, Massif du Mont Blanc IGN Topographische Wanderkarten. 4. Auflage. Read more
- Also available from:
- IGN, France
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
IGN
France
France
- Saint-Gervais-Les-Bains/Massif du Mont-Blanc (Gps)
- Ces cartes topographiques d'une très grande précision contiennent tous les détails existant sur le terrain : voies de communication jusqu'au moindre sentier, constructions jusqu'au hangar, bois, arbre isolé, rivière, source... Sans oublier la représentation du relief par des courbes de niveau. La... Read more
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De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- wandelkaart 3531ET - 3531 ET St.Gervais les Bains, Massif du Mt Blanc, Les Contamines-Montjoie, Les Houches , topografische kaart Franse Alpen | IGN |
- style=´´font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10.833333015441895px;´´> De wandelkaart die de perfectie benadert! Werkelijk alle topografische details zijn er op te vinden; van hoogtelijnen tot aan bruggetjes en allerlei wandelpaden. Daarnaast hebben de makers een flinke dosis toeristische informatie op de kaart verwerkt: campings,... Read more
IGN
France
France
- Chamonix/Massif du Mont-Blanc (Gps)
- Ces cartes topographiques d'une très grande précision contiennent tous les détails existant sur le terrain : voies de communication jusqu'au moindre sentier, constructions jusqu'au hangar, bois, arbre isolé, rivière, source... Sans oublier la représentation du relief par des courbes de niveau.La carte... Read more
- Also available from:
- De Zwerver, Netherlands
- eBooks.de, Germany
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 3630OT - 3630 OT Chamonix, Massif du Mont Blanc, Argentiere, Tunnel du Mont-Blanc , | IGN |
- De wandelkaart die de perfectie benadert! Werkelijk alle topografische details zijn er op te vinden; van hoogtelijnen tot aan bruggetjes en allerlei wandelpaden. Daarnaast hebben de makers een flinke dosis toeristische informatie op de kaart verwerkt: campings, gites d étape, restaurants en ingetekende doorgaande wandelpaden, de grandes... Read more
eBooks.de
Germany
Germany
- Chamonix - Massif du Mont Blanc 1 . 25 000
- IGN Topographische Wanderkarten. 4th editions. Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart 3630OT(R) - 3630 OT Chamonix, Massif du Mont Blanc | IGN geplastificeerd |
- > Geplastificeerde versie! > > De wandelkaart die de perfectie benadert! Werkelijk alle topografische details zijn er op te vinden; van hoogtelijnen tot aan bruggetjes en allerlei wandelpaden. Daarnaast hebben de makers een flinke dosis toeristische informatie op de kaart verwerkt: campings, gites d étape, restaurants en ingetekende... Read more
- Also available from:
- IGN, France
IGN
France
France
- Chamonix/Massif du Mont-Blanc résistante (Gps)
- L'indispensable carte de randonnée EN VERSION PAPIER RESISTANTE! Ces cartes topographiques d'une très grande précision contiennent tous les détails existants sur le terrain : voies de communication jusqu'au moindre sentier. constructions jusqu'au hangar. bois. arbre isolé. rivière. source... Sans... Read more
De Zwerver
Netherlands
Netherlands
- Wandelkaart Tour du Mont Blanc | L´Escursionista |
- Uitstekende wandelkaart van een lange afstands wandeling, de Tour du Mont Blanc, op schaal 1:50.000. Met o.a. een korte Nederlandstalige beschrijving, op de kaart staan alle noodzakelijke gegevens als hutten, de route en hoogtelijnen. > Descrive il trekking ad anello di 11 tappe che parte da Courmayeur > Vengono fornite le informazioni... Read more
Walking holidays
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc in Comfort Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Self guided trek focusing on the best sections of the Tour du Mont Blanc staying in hotels. Since The Tour du Mont Blanc was inaugurated as a GR in 1952 it has gained a reputation as one of the world’s classic treks. This route around Mont Blanc through France, Switzerland and Italy explores takes in the very best sections of the Tour du Mont... Read more
Allibert trekking
France
France
- LE GRAND TOUR DU MONT BLANC
- Version intégrale du tour du Mont-Blanc, cet itinéraire permet une boucle complète autour du toit de l’Europe, et traverse trois pays racontant la diversité de ce massif prestigieux. De nombreux sentiers en balcon offrent des panoramas exclusifs sur les sommets de légende et les impressionnants glaciers... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Complete Tour du Mont Blanc Trek in Comfort Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Self guided trek staying in hotels following the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Walk every step of the Tour du Mont Blanc, through France, Italy and Switzerland, staying in comfortable accommodation each night. It’s the perfect Alpine trek for those who prefer their trekking in comfort. Since de Saussure first... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Classic Tour du Mont Blanc Trek (Huts) Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Self guided walk following the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Our Classic Tour du Mont Blanc starts and finishes in Les Houches and covers all but except the section from Ferret to Champex in the Swiss Val Ferret. It includes the start through Les Contamines Nature Reserve and finishes on a high with two days... Read more
Allibert trekking
France
France
- LE TOUR DU MONT BLANC
- Le tour du Mont-Blanc se joue des frontières. Randonnée parmi les plus belles du monde, ce tour permet de découvrir les richesses françaises, suisses et italiennes d’un massif mythique. Nul besoin d’être un alpiniste chevronné, le tour du Mont-Blanc, accessible aux bons randonneurs, permet... Read more
Allibert trekking
France
France
- TOUR DU MT BLANC EN COMPAGNIE D'UNE MULE
- Le tour du Mont-Blanc se joue des frontières. Une randonnée parmi les plus belles montagnes du monde pour découvrir les richesses françaises, suisses et italiennes d’un massif mythique. Vous marchez accompagné d’une mule. Nul besoin d’être un alpiniste chevronné, le tour du... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Complete Tour du Mont Blanc (Huts) Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Self guided walk following the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. The Complete Tour du Mont Blanc starts and finishes in Les Houches and covers every step of this classic Alpine trek through France, Italy and Switzerland. For the serious walker with a sense of aesthetic there really is no other option for the Tour... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Classic Tour du Mont Blanc Trek in Comfort Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Self guided trek staying in hotels following the Classic Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Our Classic Tour du Mont Blanc in comfort covers the majority of the Tour du Mont Blanc over 9 walking days. Perfect for those who prefer their trekking in comfort you stay in hotels and refuges with private rooms. Your trek... Read more
Allibert trekking
France
France
- TOUR DU MT BLANC CONFORT
- Le tour du Mont-Blanc est peut-être la randonnée la plus célèbre des massifs alpins. Passant de France en Suisse puis en Italie, cette randonnée est exceptionnelle par les paysages qu’elle traverse et les cultures alpines qu’elle permet d’approcher. Et pour profiter du meilleur de cette... Read more
Macs Adventure
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
- Highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc (Huts) Self Guided Walking Holiday
- Walk the highlights of the Tour du Mont Blanc through France, Italy and Switzerland. Since de Saussure first walked around the Mont Blanc Massif in 1767 the Tour du Mont Blanc has built on its reputation as one of the world’s classic treks. Our 7 night Highlights Tour du Mont Blanc trek explores the best of this classic trek over six days of... Read more