TMB Stage 10: Guide from Tre-le-champs to Flégère

Introduction

On Day 10 of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), 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 a lot of 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!

Get our complete map of the Tour du Mont Blanc for yourself to get all trails, routes, water points, camping spots, refuges, and so on….

Trail selfie of two hikers beneath a granite wall and trees — Morning Selfie on TMB Stage 10

Read: The Ultimate 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide

Statistics

Today the statistics are as follows:

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

If we look by section of the stage, 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

Hiker seated on a viewpoint rock looking to the Aiguilles — Between Tre-le-Champs and the TMB Ladder

Check our Google Map of the Tour du Mont Blanc

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

Departure from Tre-le-champ

We woke up early, starting the day by packing up 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.

Mountain refuge Auberge de la Boerne at Tré-le-Champ with hikers preparing in the courtyard — Auberge de la Boerne

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

Trail signposts and “Chemin de Trélechamp” marker by wildflowers in the hamlet — Departure from Auberge de la Boerne

Tip: We hike with Osprey backpacks and can’t recommend them enough — the Talon 44 and Tempest 40 are comfortable, durable, and great for any adventure.

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.

Rocky ascent with a view to the Mont Blanc massif — From Tre-le-Champs to the TMB Ladders

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.

Looking down a steep fixed ladder section on the cliff — TMB Ladders

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.

Ladder climb above Tré-le-Champ with spire-like rocks and the valley below — TMB Ladders

Tip: We use Black Diamond walking poles for Men and Women — sturdy, lightweight, and perfect for both easy trails and tougher hikes.

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.

Classic view across Lac de Chéserys to the Mont Blanc massif — Lac de Cheresys

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.

Feet soaking in the crystal-clear, rock-bottomed water — Lac de Cheresys

Tip: Always travel with a filtered water bottle — it saves money, reduces plastic waste, and keeps you hydrated wherever you go.

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.

Refuge du Lac Blanc and terraces perched among boulders — Refuge du Lac Blanc

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 compared to the earlier stages of the trek.

Blue waters of Lac Blanc framed by pale granite — Lac Blanc

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.

Mont Blanc Massif looming above Lac Blanc under a deep-blue sky — Lac Blanc

Tip: We used this MSR tent — super reliable, easy to set up, and held up perfectly in all weather conditions.

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.

Descent toward La Flégère with switchbacks and Mont Blanc panorama — From Lac Blanc to La Flegère

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.

Reservoir and lift buildings on La Flégère beneath the peaks — From Lac Blanc to La Flegère

Read: The Ultimate 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide

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.

Tent by the lakeshore at La Flégère while a hiker cools by the water — La Flegère

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.

Relaxing with a beer above Chamonix, glaciers and lifts in view — La Flegère

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.

Evening light on the Mont Blanc range from La Flégère — La Flegère

Read: The Ultimate 11-Day Tour du Mont Blanc Hiking Guide

About the authors

We are Alex and Tina, a French-Serbian couple who met in China back in 2014. We spent three incredible years there before making France our home. Our shared passion for travel has been the heartbeat of our relationship for over 12 years, taking us across 44 countries and counting.

We launched TheDailyPackers in 2019 as a way to document our adventures. In 2026, we reached a major milestone by officially turning our blog into our full-time job. While we are still growing toward financial independence through this platform, every article we write is fueled by our mission to make your voyages easier through in-depth guides, honest advice, and the lessons we’ve learned from our own mistakes.

Our journey has not been without its storms. In 2023, our world changed forever when our first son, Poppy, was stillborn on November 25th. It was, and remains, the hardest chapter of our lives. In 2025, we were blessed with our second little boy, Milo. He has since joined our traveling tribe, and you’ll be seeing him—and the reality of traveling with a little one-on the blog more and more.

We hope to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity and resilience. Thank you for being part of our story.