There are 4 popular locations to start/end your hike on the Tour du Mont Blanc - Les Houches (France), Chamonix (France), Courmayeur (Italy), and Champex-Lac (Switzerland).
Learn about the pros and cons of each of these locations below.
Les Houches (France)
This is the most popular start location of the Tour du Mont Blanc and even has an arch to signify the trail head. It is preferred due to its accessibility to Geneva airport (93km / 58mi) and being the location where the trail crosses the Chamonix valley.
Official TMB arch is located in Les Houches
Les Houches trailhead as seen in our planning app
Why choose Les Houches as your start/end location:
Transport: Les Houches is a little bit closer to Geneva airport but only accessible by minibus transfers (shared or private) as the budget bus companies (like Flix) only stop in Chamonix. It takes between 1-2 hours depending on your transport choice and costs from €28 per adult one-way.
Supplies & Services: There are a couple of outdoor stores to buy last-minute hiking or camping gear and supplies, and a well-stocked supermarket to buy food and snacks.
Acclimatisation: There is a trail along the valley to Chamonix and an option to catch the Bellevue Cable Car up to a plateau for a birds eye view of the area. Other trails around Les Houches are going to lead you straight up the valley walls which is best saved for the start of your TMB. I recommend checking out the collection of day hikes in the Chamonix Valley designed to help hikers acclimatise in the Alps and enjoy the spectacular destination too - each trailhead can be reached by public bus/train.
Chamonix (France)
The Tour du Mont Blanc does not pass through Chamonix. It follows a trail about 1,000m / 3,280ft above the valley, which can be easily reached with the Plan Praz Gondola. For those wanting to stay in Chamonix before and after the trail, starting at Plan Praz (via gondola) is the best option for you.
Views of Mont Blanc from Chamonix village
Chamonix / Plan Praz trailhead as seen in our planning app
Why choose Chamonix as your start/end location:
Transport: Chamonix is 101km (63mi) from Geneva airport and is easily accessible by minibus transfers (shared or private) or budget bus companies (like Flix). It takes between 1-2 hours depending on your transport choice and costs from €20 per adult one-way.
Supplies & Services: With a population of 9,000 and located at 1,035m / 3,402ft elevation, it is a full-service village (plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to buy all the French souvenirs your backpack can hold!). Plenty of outdoor stores to buy any last minute hiking or camping gear and supplies, and well-stocked supermarkets to buy food and snacks.
Acclimatisation: If you have a few extra days, we've compiled a collection of day hikes in the Chamonix Valley designed to help hikers acclimatise in the Alps and enjoy the spectacular destination too.
Courmayeur (Italy)
Courmayeur is the Italian gateway town to Monte Bianco, for hiking, skiing and climbing. Given most hikers start from Les Houches / Chamonix on the weekend, if you start at Courmayeur on the weekend too, you’ll likely be between the two weekend waves coming from the Chamonix valley and have less hikers on the trail with you.
Views of Mont Blanc from Courmayeur village
Courmayeur trailhead as seen in our planning app
Why choose Courmayeur as your start/end location:
Transport: The nearest International airports are Geneva (116km), Turin (151km) and Milan Malpensa (213km). Although Geneva is still closest, you’ll need to pass through the Mont Blanc tunnel to reach Courmayeur which increases the transfer cost and duration of trip.
Supplies & Services: It's a smaller version of Chamonix but still has plenty of accommodation, shops, services and fine Italian food for those kicking off their Tour du Mont Blanc adventure here. Plenty of outdoor stores to buy any last minute hiking or camping gear and supplies, and well stocked supermarkets to buy food and snacks.
Acclimatisation: There are various trails leading towards the Monte Bianco massif which do not overlap with the Tour du Mont Blanc. Incorporating a ride on the Skyway Monte Bianco up to Punta Helbronner is a highly recommended day trip
Champex Lac (Switzerland)
If you would like to start your tour in Switzerland, the best location is Champex-Lac. It is situated on a beautiful alpine lake.
An added benefit of starting your Tour du Mont Blanc from Champex Lac is that the main trail is mostly descending over the first ~5km / 3.1mi in both directions, unlike the other start locations.
Champex-Lac is a small alpine Swiss village.
Courmayeur trailhead as seen in our planning app
Why choose Champex-Lac as your start/end location:
Transport: It is accessible by Switzerlands famous (but expensive) public transport system from Geneva airport (3h), Zurich (5h) and Basel (5h). See SBB.CH for schedules, prices and online ticket purchases. Pre-purchasing your ticket is not required. You can purchase at the train station upon arrival.
Supplies & Services: It is a small village with a supermarket, ATM, outdoor store and multiple restaurants. Accommodation ranges from higher end hotels to private apartments and campgrounds.
Acclimatisation: The lake is a hub for many local trails so there are plenty of day hike options. Those looking for an easy warm up can follow the path through Swiss farmland toward Sembrancher. Otherwise if you’d prefer a challenge, the trail up to Cabane d’Orny gives you a taste for the raw adventure available on the Mont Blanc massif.