Tour du Mont Blanc Refuges
Along the TMB, you’ll need places to stay, and the Tour du Mont Blanc refuges are your home away from home. Besides being your bed for the night, they’re also an experience in themselves and a cozy retreat where you can share stories with fellow hikers and enjoy a warm meal.
Where to stay?
When it comes to picking your overnight spots on the TMB, you’ve got options, but you’ve also got to be flexible. Sure, you might dream of a private room with a view, but the reality is that the TMB’s popularity means you’ll need to be ready to bunk in a dorm or adjust your itinerary by sleeping in a different refuge. It’s all part of the adventure, and honestly, each type of accommodation has its charm.
Booking your spot
Let’s talk about reservations. If you’re planning to hike during the busy season, start looking at options as early as possible. Many refuges book up months in advance, so the earlier you get on it, the better. And if you’re not the planning type, consider using a booking agency that can handle the details for you, including those upfront payments.
Payments and policies
Speaking of money, most refuges on Tour du Mont Blanc will ask for a deposit when you book, and you’ll settle the rest when you get there. Cash is king in most of these places, so keep that wallet stocked. If you’re booking through an agency, they often cover the costs upfront, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Refuge life
What about life in refuges? It’s communal, which means sharing space with others. Dorms are the norm, and while they’re not five-star, they’ve got everything you need for a good night’s rest. Some refuges offer private rooms, but they’re a hot commodity.
Food
After a long day on the trail, you’re going to be hungry. Most refuges serve filling, tasty meals that hit the spot. If you have dietary restrictions, give them a heads-up when you book. And remember, those three-course dinners are usually part of the half-board deal, which means breakfast is included too.
Amenities
Amenities at the refuges are basic but sufficient. Hot showers might cost extra, and if you need to charge your gadgets, do it when you can — outlets are often in short supply. And while you might find a spot with Wi-Fi, it’s the perfect chance to unplug and soak in the alpine vibes.
Staying connected
Don’t count on reliable internet or cell service out here. It’s spotty at best, which, let’s face it, is part of the charm of being in the mountains. Use this opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the present moment.
Respect the Mountains
Lastly, these mountains are precious, and we’ve got to keep them that way. Refuges do their part by operating sustainably, and as hikers, we should too. Follow the ‘leave no trace’ principles, and let’s keep the trails as beautiful as we found them.
There you have it — a down-to-earth guide to the refuges on the TMB. Remember, it’s all about the experience. The huts are there to support your journey, offering a place to rest, good food, and the chance to meet like-minded travelers. So book early, pack a flexible attitude, and get ready for this unique experience on Tour du Mont Blanc.
Best Refuges on Tour du Mont Blanc
Rifugio Bonatti
Experience the majesty of Mont Blanc from the balcony of Rifugio Bonatti, a picturesque mountain refuge at the top of the ridgeline above Lavachey Valley
Rifugio Bonatti is a mountain hut located at the foot of the Grandes Jorasses, set directly opposite the magnificent Fréboudze glacier. It can be reached in just over an hour from Val Ferret by traversing larch woods and alpine meadows. The Rifugio Bonatti’s location is truly a “balcony” of the Mont Blanc massif, offering visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The Rifugio Bonatti is a perfect destination for hikers, mountaineers, and outdoor enthusiasts. It is an ideal base for exploring the area and offers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The hut is well equipped, offering hot showers and bed linen for a comfortable stay. With a capacity of a few dozen beds, the hut is perfect for both large and small groups of people.
It is important to note that the Rifugio Bonatti is a popular destination during the summer months and it’s recommended to book your spot well in advance. The hut is open from June to September, and visitors can also enjoy the area during the shoulder seasons with the possibility to contact the hut for out-of-season openings.
Refuge la Flégère
Escape to the serenity of the mountains at Refuge la Flégère, a well-equipped mountain retreat located behind the Flegere Cable car
Refuge la Flégère is a mountain hut located behind the Flegere Cable car, open from June to September. It’s a perfect destination for those looking for a peaceful and relaxing mountain getaway. The hut is very well equipped, offering hot showers and bed liners for a comfortable stay.
At an altitude of 1877m, the refuge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is an ideal base for exploring the area. The refuge is a perfect destination for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those looking for a peaceful getaway.
The hut is well-equipped, and visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay with all the necessary amenities.
Refuge des Mottets
Experience the alpine charm at Refuge des Mottets, a serene stop on the TMB with cozy accommodations and stunning Glacier Needle views.
Refuge des Mottets is a charming mountain shelter nestled in the pristine Valley of Glaciers south of Mont Blanc. At an altitude of 1864 meters, it offers a breathtaking view of the Glacier Needle and the Seigne Mountain Pass. This historic alpine chalet, restored in 2010, operates from the beginning of June to the end of September, offering a tranquil escape from modern life.
Accommodations range from collective dormitories to private rooms, with or without private showers. The refuge is accessible by a 20-minute walk from the nearest road and a two-hour hike from the Col de la Seigne, ensuring a serene mountain experience.
With a family-friendly atmosphere, the team at Refuge des Mottets invites guests to enjoy social evenings, mountain mornings, and the tranquility of nature. Services include half-board, free tap water, and hot showers, with a bar and private parking available. The refuge operates on its own electricity and lacks a telephone network, adding to its rustic charm.
Rifugio Elisabetta
Uncover the hidden gems of Mont Blanc at Rifugio Elisabetta, a cozy mountain refuge under Col de la Seigne
Welcome to Rifugio Elisabetta, located in the heart of Mont Blanc in the municipality of Courmayeur. This refuge sits at the bottom of Val Veny in the Graian Alps at an altitude of 2,195 meters above sea level. A two-hour walk will take you to one of the wildest and most spectacular corners of Mont Blanc.
An excellent starting point for the famous Tour de Mont Blanc makes this hut an ideal destination for families, hikers, ski mountaineers, and climbers. Rifugio Elisabetta is open for the summer season from the beginning of June until October 2nd. If weather permits, they also open the refuge on the weekends of May.
For the night, it is compulsory to use a personal sheet bag, if you don’t have one you can buy it in the refuge at a cost of 3.50 euros. Come and experience the natural beauty of Mont Blanc with Rifugio Elisabetta.
Refuge Miage
Embrace the beauty of Mont Blanc at Refuge Miage, a serene mountain oasis tucked away in the alpine wilderness
This Mont Blanc Hut is a seasonal mountain refuge, open from June to September, providing a perfect opportunity for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the stunning alpine landscape. The hut offers a unique camping experience, with the opportunity to pitch your tent by a picturesque stream, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains.
Located at an altitude of 1560m, the hut offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Mont Blanc massif. The hut has a capacity of 31 people, providing a comfortable and intimate setting for small groups of hikers to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or simply a peaceful getaway, this Mont Blanc Hut is a perfect destination
It is important to note that the hut does not accept credit cards or dogs.
Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme
Discover the panoramic views of Mont Blanc from Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme, a perfect destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts
Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme is a mountain hut located at an altitude of 2443m above sea level, providing spectacular views of the Haute Maurienne and Chartreuse mountain ranges.
The hut is accessible by one of four slopes, making it a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The refuge offers all the basic amenities for a comfortable stay, but it is important to note that customers are required to bring their own sleeping bag and liner.
The hut is also dog-friendly, making it a great option for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure. With a total capacity of 99 beds, the refuge is suitable for both large and small groups. The open view that the refuge offers is one of the most spectacular in the region, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or simply a peaceful getaway, Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme is a perfect destination.
Refuge Elena
Revel in modern comforts and breathtaking glacier panoramas at this accessible refuge, a perfect pit stop for TMB adventurers.
Refuge Elena, a modern sanctuary rebuilt after an avalanche in the 1950s, stands at 2061 meters in the Val Ferret, offering hikers a high-standard accommodation with a stunning view of the Prè de Bard glacier. This refuge is a popular stop not only for TMB trekkers but also for day tourists, thanks to the nearby car park that makes it an accessible day-hike destination.
Despite its popularity and the buzz of visitors, the refuge remains a peaceful spot to enjoy a hot coffee and the impressive glacier vistas. The trail from the valley floor to the hut is a manageable hour-long climb, making it an ideal place for a break before the more challenging ascent of the Grand Col Ferret into Switzerland.
With a total of 127 beds, including private rooms with bathrooms and dormitories with bunk beds and shared facilities, Refuge Elena caters to several preferences. The refuge’s rustic charm is complemented by the warmth of a fireplace, wooden beams, and stone works, inviting guests to relax in comfort after a day’s hike.
Refuge Bellachat
A quaint wooden haven with breathtaking Mont Blanc views, offering a peaceful retreat for hikers on the TMB trail.
Nestled near the Brévent pass, the Bellachat Refuge is a quaint wooden sanctuary that can accommodate 24 hikers. This small refuge, perched on the foundations of an old mountain pasture chalet, is steeped in history and offers a truly authentic mountain atmosphere. With its exceptional panorama of the Mont Blanc massif, it’s a place where the grandeur of the Alps feels within reach.
Just a couple of hours from the top of Brèvent, Refuge Bellachat is a gem often missed by those hurrying to complete their journey. Its modest size adds to its charm, and while current health measures have limited its capacity to just 10 beds, the experience remains undiminished. Booking ahead is essential.
For those descending from La Flégère, the refuge is a welcome respite, a spot to enjoy a well-earned break on the terrace with direct views of Mont Blanc. And if you’re coming from Refuge Lac Blanc, it’s a seven-hour trek to Bellachat, making it an ideal final stopover for those seeking a peaceful night’s rest away from the bustle of Chamonix.
Refuge Col de Balme
Refuge du Col de Balme welcomes TMB hikers back to France with cozy dorms, friendly service, and delicious tartiflette at the Franco-Swiss border.
Perched on the Col de Balme, Refuge du Col de Balme marks a significant milestone on the Tour du Mont Blanc, greeting hikers as they make their triumphant return to France. The refuge, a beacon of hospitality with its distinctive red shutters, stands at the border between Switzerland and France, offering a picturesque welcome after the ascent from Trient or Le Peuty.
The journey to the refuge is a rewarding challenge, with the last leg of the uphill trek opening up to reveal the refuge’s welcoming facade. Despite its modest size, accommodating just 26 guests in its cozy dormitory, the refuge is known for its warm interiors and the conviviality of shared spaces.
The refuge’s culinary offerings are a delight, especially the tartiflette — a hearty, traditional dish of potatoes, bacon, and reblochon cheese. It’s a place where tired hikers can find rest, good food, and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers.
Refuge Robert Blanc
Discover this intimate alpine sanctuary perched at 2750m, where the warmth of a wood stove and the savor of local cheeses enhance the TMB trekking experience.
Perched at an impressive 2750 meters, Refuge Robert Blanc is a small alpine haven on the Tour du Mont Blanc, nestled at the foot of the Aiguille des Glaciers.
This high-altitude refuge offers a cozy common room, warmed by the crackling of a wood stove, where the atmosphere is rich with mountain spirit. Guests are treated to the valley’s finest cheeses and hearty home cooking, making each meal a memorable part of the TMB experience.
The refuge, open from June to September, provides a rustic yet comfortable stay for mountain enthusiasts. With a capacity of 40 people, it offers a more intimate setting for those looking to escape the more crowded paths. The absence of camping facilities ensures that the refuge maintains its tranquil ambiance.
Life in Tour du Mont Blanc Huts
The Tour du Mont Blanc is one of the most popular and iconic trekking routes in the world, and it offers a wide range of high-altitude mountain huts and accommodations for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to choose from. These huts provide a comfortable and safe place to rest and recharge during the trek, as well as a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Mont Blanc massif.
These huts are situated at different altitudes, providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, making them ideal destinations for those who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Mont Blanc massif. Each of these huts has different opening and closing dates, so it is important to check in advance and make a reservation to ensure a spot.
They offer different capacities and amenities to suit different needs and preferences of hikers, from camping by the stream, to basic amenities and hot showers. Some huts are dog-friendly, and others don’t accept credit cards or require you to have a personal sleeping bag and liner with you.
All huts offer dormitories with a few offering exclusive private rooms, which have to be booked in advance. Some huts also offer camping in their vicinity as an alternative option for accommodation.
The huts on the Tour du Mont Blanc offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which can be a great option for those who don’t want to carry too much food during the trek. We also recommend communicating any food intolerances or preferences well in advance.
Overall, these huts on the Tour du Mont Blanc offer a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Mont Blanc massif in a comfortable and safe way. They are perfect for those who are looking for a challenging hike, a peaceful getaway, or a base to explore the area.
