Your Ultimate Guide To Tour Du Mont Blanc Camping
Are you interested in trying the Tour Du Mont Blanc camping?
Tour Du Mont Blanc is one of the world’s classic multi-day treks and most famous hikes where you will start and end in Chamonix.
More interestingly, you will pass through Italy, France, and Switzerland on this tour.
Mont Blanc is popular because it stands at 4810 meters which is the highest peak in Europe
Read on to find out more about all the details you need to know about Tour Du Mont Blanc Camping including:
Disclosure
This article may contain some affiliate links which means I may earn some commission when you click on it, but no additional cost to you. Hope you will find this article helpful.
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Best Campsites On The Tour Du Mont Blanc
Tour Du Mont Blanc accommodation can be found throughout the trail but not all of them have the best facilities or views.
Val Veny is the best Tour Du Mont Blanc campsite as the location has the best backdrop and the staff there are also awesome.
How do you get there?
You need to walk straight ahead at Refuge Combal and follow the road alongside the river for a few kilometers until you can see the sign for Hobo Camping.
Tip! Just follow the road for the most direct route to the campgrounds as the signs to the campsite will lead you off the road and on a very roundabout route.
How Much Does It Cost To Do Tour Du Mont Blanc?
Tour Du Mont Blanc cost varies depending on the hiker’s profile.
For a 10 day itinerary, the average cost of accommodation would be:
- Private room in 2/3 hotel: €150 per night, per couple
- Half board dormitory: €40-70 per night
- The campground includes facilities: €15-25 per night
The cost of food throughout the tour depends on where you are buying from. If you stay in a cabane or refuge, breakfast and dinner are usually included in the accommodation cost.
- Breakfast: €4 for bakery/supermarket or €10 for breakfast at a hotel.
- Lunch: Important meal, €6 for bakery/supermarket or €10 per person to buy the packed lunch option from the hut.
- Dinner: Assign €15 for a main and a drink or €25 if including an appetizer.
- Snacks: €8 per day.
The average price of beer or wine is about € 3-5 per glass/bottle.
The cost to get to the trailhead varies depending on the start/end location you choose.
- Plan Praz (Chamonix), France: The cost starts from €20 per adult one-way depending on your transport choice.
- Courmayeur, Italy: The cost starts from €10 per person one-way. You can buy tickets from FlixBus and Ouibus if you are from Geneva Airport and if you are from a nearby Italian city or airport, check out Arriva.
- Champex-Lac, Switzerland: Cost is quite expensive as you have to take Switzerland’s popular public transport system from Basel (5 hours), Zurich (5 hours) and Geneva airport (3 hours).
- Les Houches or Chamonix, France: It takes about 1-2 hours and the cost starts from €28 per adult one way.
* Note that the cost above is just an estimation.
Is The Tour Du Mont Blanc Hard?
Tour Du Mont Blanc difficulty varies from the first day you start until the end. This is the charm that attracts people to hike Mont Blanc.
This tour is physically demanding as each day you will experience some tough terrain. You will be traveling on uneven tracks with a nonstop amount of ascending and descending every day.
Make sure you do thorough research on the trail you have chosen so you will be aware of the daily distance traveled, the height gain, and descent. This way you already know what to expect and the trip is likely to go more smoothly.
Overall, there are 10 levels of difficulty (1 is easy and 10 is extremely hard). The grading will depend on the terrain difficulty and the estimated number of days of continuous trekking.
Level 3 (Relaxed) – Chamonix Valley Walks
The terrain is flat and easy with no elevation or descent. The walking distance is between 6 to 14 km depending on the route.
Level 4 (Vigorous) – Chamonix Middle Mountain Treks
An adequate fitness level is required for this level as you will experience an elevation of height gain and descent. Each day, the distance will be between 12 and 18km. It is advisable for you to have hill walking experience so you know how trekking at this level would be.
Level 5 or 6 (Tough) – Chamonix Iconic High Mountain Treks
A good level of fitness is needed as the treks here are tough. The elevation and descent are around 800m every day without stopping along with the steep and rocky terrain.
Level 7 ( Challenging) – Tour Du Mont Blanc
The elevation and descent at this level are around 1200m every day without stopping along with the steep and rocky terrain.
Level 8 ( Strenuous & demanding) – Walkers Haute Route
This route needs a high level of fitness and stamina for long mountain days. You need to have experience in mountain walking and good stamina as the trek elevation and descent is over 1500 m every day without stopping along with the steep rocky terrain.
Level 9 or 10 ( Technical & extreme) – Traverse of the Gran Paradiso (AV2)
This level requires an excellent level of fitness as it is the most physically demanding trek. The elevation and descent are over 1500m every day without stopping and you will trek to an altitude of over 3000m. This difficult, exposed and remote terrain is also rocky and steep.
Can You Hike Tour Du Mont Blanc Without A Guide?
It is possible to choose a self-guided Tour Du Mont Blanc. Most of the trail is well marked and you will be able to see refuges every 5km along the trails.
Plus, by choosing to Tour Du Mont Blanc self-guided, you can cut some costs and make it more budget-friendly. You will also have control over your agenda
What is the Budget for Hike Tour Du Mont Blanc?
The budget will be mainly determined by three factors:
- The night spent on the trail.
- The accommodation you choose to stay in.
- The amount you eat and drink outside the included meals.
Here is the budget for Tour Du Mont Blanc:
Total Cost for 2 People
Accommodation: €1,300
Food: €350
Beer: €120
Total: €1,770
How Many Stages In The Tour Du Mont Blanc?
The Tour Du Mont Blanc highest point is 2,532 meters (8,307 feet) which is at the Grand Col Ferret and it marks the boundary between Italy and Switzerland.
Overall, there are 11 stages in Tour Du Mont Blanc and each stage has a different difficulty level.
There are plenty of campsites you can choose from along the trail.
Camping Tour Du Mont Blanc according to the stage:
Chamonix Campground
- Camping Les Arroles
- Camping de La Mer de Glace
- Camping Les Marmottes
- Camping des Deux Glaciers
Stage 1: Les Houches to Les Contamines
Distance: 16km
Elevation Gain: 646m
Elevation Loss: 633m
Duration: 5 – 5.5 hours
Stage 1 Campsite:
Camping Bellevue
This campsite is a good option if you want to skip the Chamonix campsite. There are restaurants, grocery stores, and bakeries nearby.
Location: Kilometre 0
Price: 7.50 per adult
Amenities:
- Charging station
- Toilets
- Free showers
Stage 2: Les Contamines to Les Chapieux
Distance: 18km
Elevation Gain: 1316m
Elevation Loss: 929m
Duration: 7 – 7.5 hours
Stage 2 Campsite:
1. Camping Le Pontet
The campground is 2km further south of the town and you have to take a bus to get there. You can cut out the first 2km with the free shuttle in Les Contamines if 18 km is hard for you. A shuttle is scheduled for every 30 minutes.
Location: Kilometre 18
Price: 5.50 per adult, 4.40 per tent
Amenities:
- Restaurant
- Small grocery store
- Laundry facilities
- Washing station
- Toilets
- Free showers
2. Wild Camping Near Nant Borrant
It takes a 1.5-hour walk from Les Contamines to reach Nant Borrant, but if you take the free shuttle, the duration will be shorter by about 20 minutes. You will see a designated wild camping area marked with a sign on the left side of the trail after a 15-minute walk past this refuge.
Location: Kilometre 23
Price: Free
Amenities: Water supply (200m from the tent site at the junction of the trail)
3. Wild Camping at Refuge de la Balme
This campsite is one of the most beautiful campsites at Tour Du Mont Blanc. It has access to public toilets and a water fountain even though the location seems very remote and isolated.
Location: Kilometre 26
Price: Free
Amenities:
- Access to Chalet Refuge de la Balme
- Water supply
- Toilets
- Sinks
4. Free Camping in Les Chapieux
This is the only option for camping in Les Chapieux but it is not a great stop because some say it is beautiful and some say it is too loud and busy. There are small shops selling supplies and basic groceries and a few restaurants for dinner here.
Location: Kilometre 34
Price: Free
Amenities:
- Restaurant nearby
- Water supply
- Toilets
- Sinks
Stage 3: Les Chapieux to Rifugio Elisabetta
Distance: 15 km
Elevation Gain: 1004 m
Elevation Loss: 258 m
Duration: 4.5 – 5 hours
Stage 3 Campsite:
At this stage, it is quite difficult to find a campsite. This is because there is no designated campsite until Val Veni which is 6 hours away. But once you reach the stage 3 route, it is one of the most beautiful sections of the entire Tour Du Mont Blanc.
1. Wild Camping near Refuge des Mottets
Wild camping is not allowed here, this refuge has made it clear. Instead, you can camp at Col de la Seigne but it’s better to look for a spot 20 minutes from the refuge as the spot there is better. You might not want to camp in bad weather.
Location: Kilometre 40-44
Price: Free
Amenities: None
2. Wild Camping at Rifugio Elisabetta
Location: Kilometre 49
Price: Free
Amenities: Water supply
Stage 4: Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur
Distance: 18km
Elevation Gain: 460m
Elevation Loss: 1560m
Duration: 5 – 5.5 hours
Stage 5: Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
Distance: 12km
Elevation Gain: 860m
Elevation Loss: 101m
Duration: 4.5 hours
Stage 4&5 Campsite:
There is no designated campsite at this stage. Similar to stage 3, wild camp is the only option if you are desperate and discreet.
Make sure to stock up on your food and supplies. There is no grocery store until La Fouly, Switzerland.
1. Val Veni Campgrounds
Location: Kilometre 53 (Alt Route)
Price: 7.50 per adult, 5.00 for tent
Amenities:
- Small food shop
- Restaurant/bar
- Laundry
- Toilets, and showers
2. Vel Ferret Campgrounds
Location: kilometer 67, 15-minute bus ride from Courmayeur
Price: 7.50 per adult, 4.50 for tent
Amenities:
- Small food shop
- Dishwashing station
- Laundry
- Hot showers and toilets
3. Wild Camping before Bonnati
Location: kilometer 77
Price: Free
Amenities: None
Stage 6: Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly
Distance: 20km
Elevation Gain: 895m
Elevation Loss: 1410m
Duration: 6 – 6.5 hours
Stage 7: La Fouly to Champex
Distance: 15km
Elevation Gain: 420m
Elevation Loss: 565m
Duration: 4 – 4.5 hours
Stage 6&7 Campsite:
1. Wild Camping on Grand Col Ferret
Location: kilometer 90
Price: Free
Amenities: None
2. Camping Des Glaciers
Location: kilometer 100, 6 hours from Bonatti
Price: 8.00 per adult
Amenities:
- Common area
- Free wifi
- Small food shop
- Dishwashing station
- Hot showers, and toilets
3. Camping Les Rocailles
Location: kilometer 115, 4.5 hours from La Fouly
Price: 8.00 per adult, 16.00 for tent
Amenities:
- Picnic area
- Dishwashing station
- Hot showers and toilets
Stage 8: Champex to Col de la Forclaz
Distance: 16km
Elevation Gain: 742m
Elevation Loss: 682m
Duration: 4.5 – 5 hours
Stage 9: Col de la Forclaz to Tré-le-Champ
Distance: 13km
Elevation Gain: 1069m
Elevation Loss: 1178m
Duration: 5.5 hours
Stage 8&9 Campsite:
1. Relais d’Arpette
Location: kilometer 117 via alt stage 8, 45 minutes from Champex
Price: 13.50 per adult
Amenities:
- Access to bakery/restaurant
- Picnic area
- Water, hot showers, and toilets
2. Wild Camping at Fenetre d’Arpette
Location: kilometer 120 via alt stage 8, 1.5 hours from Champex
Price: Free
Amenities: None but there is food and water source 4 hours from the campsite.
3. Hotel Col de La Forclaz
Location: kilometer 131 (via the main route), 5-6 hours from Champex (depending on route)
Price: 8.00 per adult, 6.00 for tent
Amenities:
- Picnic area
- Restaurant/bakery, showers, and toilets
4. Le Peuty
Location: kilometer 133 (via the main route), 7-8 hours from Champex (depending on route)
Price: 6.00 per person
Amenities:
- Picnic area with shelter
- Water, and toilets
5. Refuge Les Grands
Location: kilometer 134 (via alt stage 8&9), 5-6 hours from Champex (via alt 8) or 2 hours from Forclaz
Price: Free
Amenities: Water supply and toilets
6. Refuge du Col de Balme
Location: kilometer 137 (via main TMB), 3 hours from Col de la Forclaz (via main TMB) 3 hours from Chalet du Glacier (via alt stage 9)
Price: Free
Amenities: Access to refuge and toilets
7. Wild camping at Col de Posettes
Location: kilometer 139, 30 min from Col de Balme
Price: Free
Amenities: None
8. Auberge la Boerne
Location: kilometer 144, 3 hours from Col de Balme
Price: Unclear
Amenities:
- Small groceries
- Wifi
- Access to all meals at the refuge
- Showers, toilets, and water.
9. Camping du Glacier d’Argentière
Location: Detour from kilometer 144, 40 minutes from Tre-le-Champ
Price: 5.90 per adult, 4.00 for tent
Amenities:
- Charging station
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Laundry facilities
- Hot showers
- Water and toilets
Stage 10: Tré-le-Champ to Refuge La Flégère
Distance: 8km
Elevation Gain: 733m
Elevation Loss: 257m
Duration: 3.5 – 4 hours
Stage 11: La Flégère to Les Houches
Distance: 17km
Elevation Gain: 772m
Elevation Loss: 1546m
Duration: 6.5 hours
Stage 10&11 Campsite:
1. Wild Camping near Lac Blanc
Location: kilometer 149, 3 hours from Tre-le-Champ
Price: Free
Amenities: Water from the lake but need to filter it
2. Wild camping near La Flégère
Location: kilometer 150, 3 hours from Tre-le-Champ
Price: Free
Amenities: Water from stream or lake but need to filter first
3. Wild camping near Le Brevent
Location: kilometer 161, 3.5 hours from La Flégère
Price: Free
Amenities:
- Water from a lake but need to filter it
- Access to food at Refuge de Bellechat or Le Brevent. An hour away each.
How Long Does It Take To Hike The Tour Du Mont Blanc?
Hikers usually take between 8 and 11 days to complete the tour but it all depends on you. 4 factors will determine how long it will take for someone to hike Mont Blanc.
- Hiker type
- The route you take
- Transportation
- Type of accommodation
When Is The Right Time To Hike The Tour Du Mont Blanc?
Summer months like July and August would be the best time to go as the Tour Du Mont Blanc weather is good. To be more specific, the second half of August is the best time because the number of trekkers is lower and the weather is nice.
Tips When Camping Tour Du Mont Blanc
One of the best Tour Du Mont Blanc tips is this: if you want a smooth journey, make sure you do thorough research beforehand.
You can read other hikers’ experiences, budgets, and itineraries and come out with your version that suits your pace and ability. The Family FreeStylers shared their Self Guided Tour du Mont Blanc with kids.
Once you have planned the itinerary, start your Tour Du Mont Blanc booking for accommodations and transportation. This will prevent you from paying a higher price and can help you to cut costs.
The night spent in a tent could save you around € 200.
You also need to plan your Tour Du Mont Blanc backpacking items. Make a list of the essential items and pieces of clothes you want to bring along. By making a list, you can track your items and make sure nothing is left behind.
You can also check out this Tour Du Mont Blanc packing list and Tour Du Mont Blanc gear list if you don’t feel confident creating your own list.
In Switzerland and Italy, Tour Du Mont Blanc wild camping is illegal but you can wild camp if you are over 2500 meters in elevation and you set up camp at sunset and pack up at sunrise.
Itinerary
Tour Du Mont Blanc planning is a must because you will be able to estimate how long the tour will be.
You can create your own Tour Du Mont Blanc itinerary or use other hiker’s itinerary as a guideline for you to make your own.
Check out this Tour Du Mont Blanc itinerary for your reference.
Day 1
You will arrive at the airport in Geneva and check in to your hotel in Chamonix.
Day 2
From Chamonix – Brévent – Les Houches
Elevation change: +2,300 feet , -5,745 feet
Hiking duration: 6 hours
Overnight at Les Houches
Day 3
From Les Houches – Bellevue – Col du Tricot Pass – Les Contamines-Montjoie
Elevation change: +2,135 feet, 0-4,260 feet
Hiking duration: 5 hours
Overnight at Les Contamines Montjoie
Day 4
From Les Contamines-Montjoie – Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge – Les Chapieux
Elevation change: +4,266 feet, -3,118 feet
Hiking duration: 6-7 hours
Overnight at Les Chapieux
Day 5
From Les Chapieux – Col de la Seigne Pass – Val Veny – Courmayeur
Elevation change: +2,460 feet, -2,954 feet
Hiking duration: 5 hours
Overnight at Courmayeur
Day 6
From Courmayeur – Rifugio Bertone – Rifugio Bonatti
Elevation change: +3,444 feet, -820 feet
Hiking duration: 6-7 hours
Overnight at Rifugio Bonatti
Day 7
From Rifugio Bonatti – Grand Col Ferret Pass – Champex
Elevation change: +2,625 feet, -3,118 feet
Hiking duration: 5 hours
Overnight at Champex
Day 8
From Champex – Bovine/Fenêtre d’Arpette – Trient
Elevation change: +2,298 feet
Hiking duration: 5.5 hours
Overnight at Trient
Day 9
From Trient – Col de Balme Pass – Argentière
Elevation change: +2,953-3,773 feet, -2,789-3,280 feet
Hiking duration: 5-6 hours
Overnight at Argentière
Day 10
From Argentière – Col des Montets Pass – Lac Blanc – Chamonix
Elevation change: +2,952 feet, -1,970 feet
Hiking duration: 5 hours
Overnight at Chamonix
Day 11
Depart from Chamonix
There are plenty of Tour Du Mont Blanc camping treks you can use but you need to ensure the difficulty level and duration when using the trek to avoid any unforeseen things happening.
Can You Camp Tour Du Mont Blanc?
YES!
Mont Blanc is believed to be the birthplace of modern mountaineering. This tour is famous because the effort is worth it.
You will have a great adventure while enjoying some nature and fresh air. This hike will leave you with good memories of stunning mountain views, snow-capped peaks, and small picturesque towns.
There will be refuges every 5 kilometers along the trail so you don’t have to worry if you cannot find it.
Most of the trekkers will hike one stage a day but you can do it quicker if you are a hardcore and more experienced hiker.
You can take a flight that lands in Geneva, Switzerland as this airport is the nearest international airport to the starting point.
Conclusion
Tour Du Mont Blanc camping is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and if you feel you want to do it, don’t think twice. If you don’t feel overly confident doing it on your own, then you can always opt for the Tour Du Mont Blanc guided tour.
Whichever you choose, I’m sure your Tour Du Mont Blanc experience will be incredibly memorable.