Tour du Mont Blanc
10–12 days · 102.7 mi · hard · Loop
Quick facts
What the Tour du Mont Blanc is known for
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of Europe's most popular long-distance walks, an officially ~170 km circuit of the Mont Blanc massif passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It's known for crossing high passes such as the Col de la Seigne and Grand Col Ferret between countries, and for its hut-to-hut ("refuge") style.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 3,310 ft to 8,022 ft over 102.7 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 42.8 mi · 42%
- Downhill 46.2 mi · 45%
- Flat 13.7 mi · 13%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Tour du Mont Blanc?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Tour du Mont Blanc scores 73/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Late June to mid-September, once the high passes clear of snow.
Permits: No permit to hike; refuges must be booked far in advance.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Tour du Mont Blanc take?
Most backpackers take 10–12 days to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc's 102.7 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Tour du Mont Blanc?
The Tour du Mont Blanc climbs roughly 33,736 ft total — about 328 ft per mile, topping out near 8,319 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc?
Late June to mid-September, once the high passes clear of snow.
Do you need a permit for the Tour du Mont Blanc?
No permit to hike; refuges must be booked far in advance.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.