Les Houches to Les Contamines - Tour Mont Blanc

Start : Archway that is the official start to the TMB (9 Pl. de la Mairie, Les Houches).
Along the way follow the TMB international signs.

(S) From the TMB archway, carry on along the main street (Rue de l'Essert) past the Téléferique de Bellevue, through the tunnel along Rue de Bellevue until you reach Le Grand Balcon (bus stop Le Fouilly).

(1) Here, turn left (South-West) and climb the steps that become a footpath that leads up to Route des Aillouds.

(2) Here, turn left and follow the road that becomes Route de Maison Neuve. Ignore the sign for Belleface but take the path off left after the next bend.

(3) Stay on Maison Neuve until it becomes Chemin-de-la-Carbotte.

(4) Go past Les Vieilles Luges and continue on up, past La fré mi and Le Hors Pistes, following the TMB signs all the way to the Col de Voza.

(5) Cross over the tram line and head down the Route de Bionnassay. Keep following the TMB signs as the route weaves through chalets on its way down to Le Crozat.

(6) Then carry on walking along Route de Bionassay.

(7) Turn left as you walk past the chapel in Bionnassay to go across the Torrent de Bionnassay. Climb up the other side towards the Col de Tricot but only as far as Le Champel.

(8) Drop down to La Villette.

(9) Eventually cross the Torrent de Miage. Go round the side of the hill to drop down to cross Le Bonnant and enter the village of Le Quy.

(10) Follow the road across Nant des Meuniers and through Les Hoches.

(11) Cross over Nant de l'Ile before joining the road to cross Le Bonnant again.

(12) Take the footpath on the right just after crossing the river and follow Le Bonnant upstream (South). This track eventually rises to a road. Cross over the zebra-crossing and down the path on the other side, to reach a footbridge over the river.

(13) The path continues on the other side, all the way to a second road, where you cross the river again (Pont du Lay).

(14) Stay on the track next to the river and ignore the next footbridge. Bear left through the woods to reach a road.

(15) Bear right (South-West) along the road, past the Parc Nordic and the Parc de Loisirs. Head through the woods along the main track, past Le Chalet de Lac and alongside the Lac de pêche du Pontet.

(16) Turn right at the end of the lake, to reach a bridge over La Bonnant to enter the camping site and Gîte Le Pontet. (E)

Start : Archway that is the official start to the TMB (9 Pl. de la Mairie, Les Houches).

If you start from Chalet Les Méandres on the north side of the river L'Arve. So the first kilometre is a gentle descent to the river, crossing the bridge near Les Houches railway station. Walk into the town and find the

Facilities : Food and drink is available along the route but make sure you have enough water, especially in summer.

Note : Wear a hat and use suncream. If it's winter, make sure you have strong boots and check the weather before venturing out on the mountains.

Enjoy the views and take your time. Take care of yourself and look out for wildlife along the way. Just enjoy the journey and make the most of the moment.