ENG SUB) Tour du Mont Blanc: An Unforgettable Trek- 9 Days, 3 Countries and Endless Views

The Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB) is one of the most famous long-distance hikes in Europe, circling the Mont Blanc massif and passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. The stage from Refuge de la Flégère to Les Houches is one of the last legs of the traditional route when traveling counterclockwise.

Here's a detailed description of the stage:

Stage Overview:
Starting point: Refuge de la Flégère (1,877 meters)
Ending point: Les Houches (1,008 meters)
Distance: ~17-18 km (11-12 miles)
Elevation gain: ~550 m (1,800 feet)
Elevation loss: ~1,500 m (4,920 feet)
Duration: ~6-7 hours (depending on pace and breaks)
Key Highlights of the Route:
Departure from Refuge de la Flégère:

Starting Elevation: 1,877 m
The day begins with beautiful views of the Mont Blanc massif. From the refuge, you'll enjoy a panoramic view over the Chamonix valley and Mont Blanc itself.
Early in the hike, there is a chance to see stunning alpine scenery, with glaciers and dramatic peaks in the distance.
Lac Blanc (Optional Detour):

If you're willing to add a short detour, a visit to Lac Blanc is a great option. The lake offers breathtaking reflections of the surrounding peaks, especially in the morning.
The detour is approximately 1 hour (30 minutes each way) but totally worth it for the iconic views.
Descent to Col des Montets or Planpraz:

After Lac Blanc (or skipping it), you'll descend toward the Col des Montets or pass through Planpraz (depending on your chosen trail).
You'll experience rocky paths and alpine meadows along the way. Be prepared for a steep descent, and take your time on tricky sections.
Brevent Peak (optional high route via Plan Praz):

You have two options:
The Brevent High Route: This takes you toward the Brevent summit (2,525 meters), offering dramatic views over Mont Blanc. This adds a few hours but is a stunning viewpoint.
Regular route: This skips the Brevent summit and heads directly toward Les Houches via easier paths.
Descent into Les Houches:

This part of the hike involves a long, winding descent through alpine forests and meadows.
The forested path takes you back down to the valley floor with a significant drop in altitude (around 1,500 meters).
You’ll pass through villages and see more pastoral landscapes as you approach Les Houches.
Arrival at Les Houches:

Ending Elevation: 1,008 m
The trail finishes in Les Houches, a charming village at the base of the Mont Blanc massif.
From here, you can easily take public transport (train or bus) back to Chamonix if needed.
Camping and Accommodation:
Refuge de la Flégère: You’ll start from this mountain hut. You may camp in designated camping areas or stay at the refuge itself (if pre-booked).
Bivouac Sites: Wild camping on the TMB is limited and regulated, but there are specific bivouac areas where you can camp, generally above 2,500 meters. It’s best to camp near official refuges or designated spots.
Les Houches Campsites:
Camping Bellevue: One of the most popular campsites in Les Houches, located close to the Bellevue cable car.
Camping les Verneys: Another campsite option in the area.
Practical Tips:
Weather: Be prepared for quickly changing mountain weather. Even in summer, it can be cold and wet at higher elevations.
Supplies: Stock up in Chamonix or Les Houches if you’re heading further on the TMB.
Water: Water is generally available at refuges and some mountain streams. It’s advised to bring a water filter or purification tablets just in case.
Safety: The trail can be steep and rocky. Ensure you have good hiking boots and trekking poles for the descent.