Where is the Best Starting Point for the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the world’s most iconic long-distance treks, circling the Mont Blanc massif and passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. Unlike linear trails with a set beginning and end, the TMB trail is a circuit, meaning that hikers can start and finish anywhere along the route. This flexibility allows for a completely customizable experience, whether completing the full Mont Blanc circuit, tackling a specific section, or even skipping parts thanks to the interconnected transport systems within the valleys.

What is the Tour du Mont Blanc?

The Tour du Mont Blanc hike is a multi-day trekking adventure that covers approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) and includes around 10,000 meters of elevation gain. It typically takes between 7 to 11 days to complete, depending on fitness level, route choices, and weather conditions. The Mont Blanc hike offers breathtaking views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain peaks, making it a bucket-list adventure for many hikers.

The Official Starting Point: Les Houches

For those looking for an official launch point, the town center of Les Houches in the Chamonix Valley is recognized as the traditional starting point. A signpost marks the official beginning of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail, making it a symbolic and popular choice. Most hikers embarking from Les Houches follow the conventional counterclockwise direction, as it is believed to provide a gentler acclimatization to the challenging terrain ahead. However, the direction in which you tackle the TMB hike is entirely up to you.

LHO’s Approach: Clockwise from Les Houches

At Life Happens Outdoors (LHO), we choose to start and end in Les Houches but do so in a clockwise direction rather than the traditional counterclockwise route. This choice is intentional, providing a unique experience of the trail, different perspectives of the landscape, and an alternative pacing of ascents and descents that some trekkers find more enjoyable. Starting in Les Houches allows for immediate access to stunning alpine scenery and a well-structured beginning with easy access to supplies and accommodation before setting off into the mountains.

Flexibility on the TMB: Choosing Your Own Route

Given the interconnected nature of the Mont Blanc region through cable cars, trains, and buses, the TMB trail offers a remarkable level of flexibility. It is entirely possible to hike only a portion of the route and return to the starting point at any time. This makes the TMB hike feel like a grand journey through remote alpine landscapes while also offering the reassurance of easy exits if needed due to weather, time constraints, or personal preference. Whether you’re trekking the entire Tour du Mont Blanc hike or just a section, your experience is fully adaptable to your needs and goals.

How to Plan the Tour du Mont Blanc

Planning your TMB hike involves choosing your start and end points, deciding between guided or self-supported trekking, and booking accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. One of the most common questions is where to fly into for Tour du Mont Blanc—the nearest major airport is Geneva, Switzerland, which provides easy access to Chamonix and Les Houches via bus or train. Understanding how much Tour du Mont Blanc costs is also important, as expenses vary depending on accommodation choices (camping, huts, or hotels) and food preferences.

Conclusion: The Best Starting Point is Your Choice

While Les Houches is the official starting point of the Tour du Mont Blanc and a logical choice for many, it is by no means the only option. Your decision should be based on logistical convenience, personal preferences, and hiking goals. Whether you choose to follow the classic counterclockwise route, opt for the LHO-preferred clockwise direction, or even explore select sections of the circuit, the beauty of the TMB hike is that it allows you to craft your own adventure.