Introduction

On Day 10 of the Tour du Mont Blanc, we will head toward La Flégère, where we’ll camp for the night to complete the TMB Stage 10 from Tre-le-champs tà Flefère. As it’s a shorter day (officially 3h15min), we’ve decided to take the Lac Blanc variation, which will add a bit more to the experience. The official route is mostly a straight climb followed by a descent, but by opting for the variation, we’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning viewpoints on the TMB.

This stage is also known for its ladders, a feature that adds a bit of adventure to the hike. Expect to encounter many hikers, as this section is popular with day-trippers making their way to Lac Blanc, so it can get crowded, especially with families.

We hiked this stage in mid-July, and the weather was absolutely perfect, making for a memorable experience!

TMB Stage 10 Hiking Tips and At a Glance

TMB Stage 10 statistics are as follows:

• Total distance: 8.13km
• Elevation gain: 1166 m
• Elevation Loss: -685m
• Highest elevation: 2351m
• Lowest elevation: 1398m

If we look at the stage by section, we have approximately:

• Tre-le-champs to the intersection: 3.23km, +787m, -73.8m
• Intersection to Lac de Cheresys: 974m, +130m, -38.2m
• Lac de Cheresys to Lac Blanc : 599m, +160m, -14.2m
• Lac Blanc to La Flégère : 3.32km, +96.4m, -559m

If you are looking for another stage or a complete guide, you may want to check:

• TMB Stage 1: Guide from Les Houches to Les Contamines
• TMB Stage 2: Guide from Les Contamines to Col de la Croix du Bonhomme
• TMB Stage 3: Guide from Croix du bonhomme to Rifugio Elisabetta
• TMB Stage 4: Guide from Rifugio Elisabetta to Courmayeur
• TMB Stage 5: Guide from Courmayeur to Rifugio Bonatti
• TMB Stage 6: Guide from Rifugio Bonatti to La Fouly
• TMB Stage 7: Guide from La Fouly to Champex
• TMB Stage 8: Guide from Champex to Trient
• TMB Stage 9: Guide from Trient to Tre-le-champs
• TMB Stage 11: Guide from La Flégère to Les Houches
• Half TMB Guide: Hike the Best of Tour du Mont Blanc
• Hiking Tour du Mont Blanc: The Complete 11-Day Guide
• 15 Proven ways to shortcut the TMB
• 10 Easy Ways to Stop the TMB
• 12 best Tour du Mont Blanc tips
• The Best Tour du Mont Blanc Packing List

TMB Stage 10 Tre-le-champs to Flégère – Step by step

Departure from Tre-le-champ

We woke up early and started the day by packing our gear. After packing up everything except the tent, we took a break to have breakfast. We brought along oatmeal and dried fruit, and even made some coffee using our Jetboil, which doubles as a coffee press. It was such a cool experience to enjoy a hot cup of coffee with the breathtaking Alps around us.

Once we finished breakfast, we packed up the last of our things and were ready to hit the trail.

Tre-le-champs to the TMB Ladders

From Tre-le-Champs, we rejoined the main route and followed the signs towards La Flégère. The trail starts with a short section through the forest but quickly opens up to stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a series of ladders, which might seem intimidating at first but are quite manageable. These ladders are designed for hikers of all levels, offering a fun and easy way to ascend. There are several ladders, each varying in length and shape, but they’re all safe and add a unique element to the journey. Take your time, enjoy the experience, and marvel at the beauty around you.

At the end of the ladders, you’ll reach the “Tête aux Vents” intersection. From here, you can either head directly down to La Flégère or extend your hike by taking the detour to Lac Blanc, a stunning spot that’s definitely worth the extra effort.

Intersection to Lac de Cheresys

We decided to take the detour to Lac Blanc, but on the way, we passed by Lac de Cheresys, just a 15-minute walk from the main trail. This tranquil mountain lake is a hidden gem, far less crowded than the popular Lac Blanc.

It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful break, and if you’re up for it, you can even take a refreshing dip in the cool waters. The stunning views and serene atmosphere make it a great place to relax before continuing on your hike.

Lac de Cheresys to Lac Blanc

From Lac de Cheresys, you’ll spot the mountain hut at Lac Blanc on top of the hill. To reach it, the trail becomes a bit steeper, but it’s manageable. There’s another ladder to climb, which adds a bit of adventure to the hike.

On busy days, especially during peak season, you might have to wait for your turn to use the ladder, with waits lasting up to 45 minutes. Fortunately, in mid-July, we didn’t have to wait long, though it was certainly more crowded than in the earlier stages of the trek.

Once at Lac Blanc, you’ll be greeted by two stunning lakes. Take your time to explore and enjoy the serene beauty of both. If you’re in need of water, you can safely drink from the lake where the water flows, but remember to filter it before drinking.

At the mountain hut, you’ll find basic facilities like toilets and food. It’s a great spot to take a break, grab a bite, and enjoy the incredible alpine views.

Lac Blanc to La Flégère

Behind the lake, the trail continues downward, offering a scenic route that’s not too difficult to navigate. The views remain breathtaking, with the mountains surrounding you as you descend.

At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the cable car station. The mountain hut is conveniently located just below the station, making it an ideal place to rest before heading down further. Nearby, you’ll also find a camping ground by the lake, providing a peaceful spot to spend the night surrounded by nature’s beauty.

La Flégère

We stayed at the campground near La Flégère, a free site located just below the mountain hut by the lake. The spot is absolutely beautiful, though it lacks many amenities. The lake is used as a reserve for the snow cannon, and there is a sign advising against swimming.

Despite the sign, many people were swimming in the lake, so we decided to join in. The water was refreshingly cold and perfect for cooling off.

At the Refuge de la Flégère, you can use the WC facilities, but if you want drinkable water, a shower (2€), or need to charge your electronics, you’ll need to have dinner, breakfast, or purchase something from the refuge. Dinner cost 22€, with vegetarian, vegan, and regular options available. The meal consisted of four courses: a salad, tartiflette with dry ham (a vegetarian version without ham was available, and a vegan version without cheese and with olive oil), cheese (no vegan option), and three dessert choices: chocolate mousse, apple pie, or fromage blanc with fruit.

We enjoyed a beer for 7€ and relaxed outside with a stunning view of Mont Blanc. While the experience was incredible, the dinner was not as spectacular as the views, but definitely worth it for the atmosphere.