Why the Tour du Mont Blanc is rated one of the best treks in the world

The Tour du Mont Blanc, or the TMB as it is more commonly known, is widely regarded as one of the best treks in the world. The peak of Mont Blanc is permanently covered in snow and the literal translation for Mont Blanc is ‘White Mountain’. The French commonly refer to it as La Dame blanche (‘the White Lady’) whereas the Italians often refer to it as Il Bianco (‘the White One’). The mountain was first climbed in 1786 and not only is it popular with current day mountaineers, it’s also very popular for hikers who can enjoy a slice of this fabulous landscape without having to scale to the summit.

Here’s why this challenging and rewarding trek is so highly regarded.

Breathtaking scenery

From the moment you arrive in the charming village of Chamonix the views are nothing short of breathtaking. Chamonix sits in a valley that is encircled by some of the most iconic and towering peaks in Europe, including Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. The views before you even start the trek are spectacular. As you make your way along this hike you will be treated to a stunning array of landscapes from mountain lakes reflecting the surrounding beauty and dramatic alpine passes to snow capped peaks, dense forest and open meadows where livestock graze. The variety of scenery is a visual feast and what makes this trek so special.

3 countries in one trip!

The superb landscape is not all the tour has to offer and one of the most appealing features of this walk is that it’s in an incredible location and at the crossroads of three separate countries. As you cross each border, you encounter distinctly different architectural styles in the villages along with different local customs. You could be eating a French baguette one day, pizza and pasta the next and then the traditional Swiss dish of Raclette all within a few days! The ability to travel through these diverse regions while remaining immersed in the stunning alpine environment adds a layer of cultural richness and variety, making the TMB not just a physical challenge but also a journey through the heart of European alpine heritage.

Unparalleled rewards

Typically trekked anticlockwise to maximise the views and ease some of the stepper ascents, the TMB presents a challenge with significant ascents and descents, high passes and, in places, trekking over rough ground. The reward for your efforts are unparalleled! For every day of demanding trekking, you will be presented with magnificent views of the snow capped peaks dominating the skyline, the breathtaking views down to the valleys and villages below along with magnificent sunrises and sunsets. Each day on the TMB offers new and unforgettable vistas, making the journey as visually rewarding as it is physically challenging. If you complete the full circuit of the TMB you will climb over 9000 vertical metres, which is more than the height of Mount Everest!

Easy accessibility

One of the reasons the TMB is so highly rated is how accessible it is in comparison to a lot of other treks around the world. You won’t need to travel for days or remote locations to enjoy this iconic trek. Located in the heart of Europe you can easily reach your starting destination of Chamonix via the extensive railway network in Europe or via one of the major airports (Geneva, Zurich, Milan) within easy reach of Chamonix. You can literally be at the Eiffel tower in Paris in the morning and ready to start this epic hike later that day! Alternatively, because you are in the heart of Europe, onwards travel once you have finished your hike does not require lengthy travel plans. It really lends itself to being able to enjoy the best of hiking along with being within easy reach of the best sights in Europe.

Need to know

The European Alps summer hiking season officially starts in the second weekend of June and ends in the second last weekend in September. Find out more about the best time to trek Mont Blanc and then view our walks on the Tour du Mont Blanc. There are delicious things to eat along the Mont Blanc trail too! For even more inspiration and expert advice, download our free European Alps Destination Guide