stage 1 of the TMB

For this first stage, we decided to skip the climb (which is tough, having done it a few years ago) to the Col de Voza: we took the Bellevue cable car instead.

(S) At the cable car station, cross the Mont Blanc railway line and take the path directly opposite, then turn left along the mountainside into a wood and then onto an alpine pasture.

(1) After the second gate, take the path on the right.
This path winds down to a footbridge, offering magnificent views of the Bionassay glacier. Immediately after the footbridge, the path climbs steeply. The slope is steep in the valley leading to the Col du Tricot, but the landscape between the rhododendrons and the glacier is beautiful.

(2) At the pass: magnificent view of the Miage domes. Below, you can see the Miage chalets, which can be reached by the path that winds through a scree slope.

(3) From the Miage chalets above, we cross the Miage torrent, and normally the TMB leaves the 4x4 track that goes around Mont Truc, turning left onto a path that climbs up to the Truc chalets.

(4) We were forced to continue along the 4x4 track (due to physical problems experienced by one of my companions) to rejoin the TMB above Champelet where it meets the 4x4 track again (see route on the map): this choice turned out to be unwise, as it was longer and just as difficult, with difficult navigation. I recommend taking the normal route via the Truc chalets.

(5) Stay on the 4x4 track which descends steeply towards a wide valley. Leave the path that branches off to the left (^GR® TPMB) and descend towards the hamlet of La Frasse. To avoid the hairpin bends in the road, take the path that cuts across: this will take you to the church of Les Contamines-Monjoie.

(6) Take the road on the left (Rd902), then the first street on the right. Cross the Bon Nant via the Loyers bridge. Follow the stream, cross a road and continue along the stream. Cross the Bon Nant via a new bridge.

(7) Immediately after, take the path on the right. You will rejoin the road a little further on. Cross the road again and turn left. You will then arrive at the Pontet campsite (E).

Bellevue cable car: £10.70/person
Le Pontet campsite: £26.50 for 4 people (tourist tax included)