Accommodation in Chamonix
Chamonix caters for a full range of accommodation types, whether you are looking for budget options or four-star luxury you will be able to find something that suits your needs in Chamonix. A lot of accommodation in Chamonix and throughout the area will have tariffs that can include breakfast only, breakfast and dinner (Half board) or breakfast, lunch and dinner (Full board).
For a list of accommodation options in Chamonix you can view the Office of Tourism of Chamonix website at the below link:
Accommodation Options in Chamonix
You can also check out Trip Advisor’s top rated accommodation in Chamonix by clicking on the image below:
Dorm at La Flegere refuge
Accommodation when walking the circuit
There is a plethora of accommodation, which seems to increase each year, along the Tour de Mont Blanc circuit. Accommodation options along the route can range from Refuges (mountain huts), to Gites (hostels), Camping and Chalets/Hotels in the valleys.
Your best available option for budget accommodation, other than camping, is to stay in the Refuges or Gites which often offer budget shared (dormitory) accommodation including meals. Many refuges are often located on the sides of the Mountains or near passes. They provide shelter, meals and basic accommodation – usually rooms in a dorm arrangements as pictured above.
There is a great variety of refuges along the TMB and they vary somewhat in their standards and facilities offered, they are by no means built from a common blueprint! Some are purpose built mountain refuges designed by Mountaineers others converted farms and even cowsheds, so you must expect some variation and accept that as part of your journey. Many of the refuges are privately owned and only operate during peak season times, so calling ahead to reserve beds and checking if they are open for business is your safest bet.
Some of the refuges also have options for private twin share and quad share rooms with private bathroom facilities if you prefer not to share, not all refuges will have these facilities though and they are often booked out many months in advance by tour operators. Staying in the refuges will save you carrying extra weight as they always supply blankets and pillows meaning you will only need to carry a sleeping liner rather than a sleeping bag if you prefer to cut down on weight. Meal provision in the refuges also means you can save carrying food if you don’t wish to prepare your own meals.
Many of the refuges are privately owned and the booking process has been quite difficult in the past if you don’t speak French but the following is a list of all the available refuges along the Tour de Mont Blanc. Many do not accept credit cards for payments so you’ll need to carry enough cash if travelling independently.
