Choosing your TMB starting point will help set the tone for your hike. The town you pick will shape your logistics, landscape, route difficulty, and how well you adjust to the altitude. Basically, you want your start point to match your needs—whether you’re a first-timer, an experienced trekker, or just looking for a quieter launch.
Overview of the Tour du Mont Blanc Route and Classic Starting Points
The TMB is a true loop – meaning there’s no official finish or start, and you can walk it either way. Most complete it in 7 to 12 days, gaining about 10,000 meters in elevation. The route passes through a string of classic alpine towns. Here are the main places where trekkers typically kick off:
- Les Houches, France: The traditional start in the Chamonix Valley.
- Chamonix, France: A world-class alpine town packed with amenities.
- Courmayeur, Italy: A charming Italian base, often quieter.
- Champex-Lac, Switzerland: A peaceful lakeside village.
Distances between these towns and the route’s total length are similar, since the trail is circular. What changes is the character and challenge of your first days, and how easily you can reach the starting line.
Les Houches: The Traditional and Most Popular Start
Les Houches is almost synonymous with the Tour du Mont Blanc. The iconic arch at the village entry marks the “official” beginning, and most mapped itineraries start here.
Why do so many choose Les Houches?
- Just an hour’s drive from Geneva Airport.
- Immediate, well-marked access to the TMB trail.
- Full range of services: hotels, eateries, gear shops, transport.
- Gentle first stage gives you a chance to find your stride and acclimatize before climbing higher.
Staying in Les Houches or nearby Chamonix the night before is a great way to shake off jet lag, gather supplies, and start rested.
Chamonix: The Lively Base for Trekkers
Chamonix sits slightly off the TMB itself, but it’s a powerhouse for trekkers. This bustling French town is a gateway for mountain adventures, offering a range of pre-trek activities.
What stands out in Chamonix?
- Huge choice of hotels, hostels, and restaurants.
- Easy access to day hikes and transport (trains, buses).
- Excellent for last-minute gear shopping or meeting other hikers.
- If you want a social and outdoorsy vibe, Chamonix buzzes with energy.
Most start their TMB in Les Houches, but staying in Chamonix beforehand is a popular option. The two towns are just 15 minutes apart by train or bus.
Courmayeur: The Quiet Italian Alternative
Courmayeur, on the Italian side, offers a distinct change of pace. The cheerfulness of Italian hospitality meets high mountain drama here.
Why start in Courmayeur?
- Smaller crowds, even in July and August.
- Immediate immersion in dramatic scenery—some of the route’s steepest and most spectacular sections await just beyond town.
- Direct access to high mountain trails and cable cars.
- Delightful Italian food, coffee, and a welcoming local scene.
Courmayeur suits those flying into Milan or Turin, or anyone wanting to try the TMB from a new angle.
Champex-Lac: Swiss Serenity and a Gentler Start
Champex-Lac takes you to Switzerland’s quiet side of the TMB. The village, set by a peaceful lake, is ideal for hikers who prefer a soft start.
Champex-Lac appeals for several reasons:
- Easy arrival by Swiss train and bus networks.
- More relaxed terrain for your first few days.
- Less busy than French and Italian towns during peak season.
- Gorgeous lake and mountain views right from your door.
Starting here means skipping the first chunk of the loop and the initial big climbs, but it keeps things gentle—perfect for those easing into the challenge.
How to Choose the Best Starting Point for Your TMB Experience
Each starting point has strengths. Your choice depends on how you’re getting to the Alps, what kind of challenge you want, how much support you need, and what kind of atmosphere suits you. Here’s how they stack up.
Transport and Accessibility
Les Houches:
- Closest to Geneva (about 1 hour by car; regular shuttle buses).
- Linked by rail and bus from Chamonix and Saint-Gervais.
Chamonix:
- Well connected to Geneva, Lyon, Milan, and major French/Swiss cities.
- Buses, trains, and shuttles run frequently, especially in summer.
Courmayeur:
- Reachable from Geneva via Chamonix and Mont Blanc Tunnel (private car/shuttle fastest).
- Direct buses from Milan, Turin, and Aosta.
Champex-Lac:
- Excellent Swiss public transit (trains to Martigny, bus to Champex).
- Great for visitors already touring Switzerland.
Accommodation and Services
- Chamonix: Largest range of hotels from luxury to budget, outdoor retailers, supermarkets, medical care, and lively nightlife.
- Les Houches: Smaller selection but all basics covered—refuges, hotels, gear shops, groceries, and laid-back après-trek bars.
- Courmayeur: Cosy inns, B&Bs, several gear stores, fantastic restaurants, quiet evenings.
- Champex-Lac: Fewer options, but comfortable hotels, B&Bs, small groceries, and lakeside ambiance.
Want to meet other hikers? Chamonix and Les Houches have the most social vibe. Prefer quiet? Courmayeur and Champex-Lac win out.
Scenery and Route Challenges
- From Les Houches: Gradual start, leading into the Col de Voza and the stunning panoramas of the French Alps.
- From Chamonix: You’ll need a quick connection to Les Houches or Le Tour to set foot on the TMB proper, but the region has the best “warm-up” hikes for acclimatization.
- From Courmayeur: The trail climbs quickly into wild, rocky terrain; you’ll hit stunning views fast, but you’ll also face steeper and sometimes more exposed sections early.
- From Champex-Lac: Easy walking, lakes, pine forests—good if you want a softer start or have joint issues. The biggest ascents come later.
Who Should Start Where?
First-timers:
- Les Houches or Champex-Lac. Both offer a gradual introduction, and it’s easy to find help, supplies, and overnight lodging.
Experienced trekkers/fans of dramatic scenery:
- Courmayeur. You’ll skip the crowds and hit alpine drama from day one.
Social hikers:
- Chamonix or Les Houches, thanks to lots of fellow trekkers and well-developed amenities.
Seeking a quiet start:
- Champex-Lac or Courmayeur. Fewer people, more peace.
Arriving via Geneva:
- Les Houches or Chamonix are simplest.
Already traveling Switzerland:
- Champex-Lac makes a smooth link from Swiss trains.
Hoping to tackle every legendary section:
- Les Houches guarantees you won’t miss a thing—start here for the full circuit.