TMB Stage 11: Guide from La Flégère to Les Houches

Introduction

On the 11th and final day of the Tour du Mont Blanc (TMB), we completed TMB Stage 11 from La Flégère all the way down to Les Houches. This stage was a perfect way to finish our journey, offering a beautiful morning hike through the Alps and one last summit to conquer before descending into the valley and reaching Les Houches.

The day was filled with breathtaking views and stunning landscapes, making it a memorable way to conclude the trek. However, the final stretch before reaching Les Houches felt a bit monotonous, as we were ready to finish the hike and see the end of our TMB adventure.

We completed this stage in mid-July, and the weather was fantastic throughout the day, adding to the overall enjoyment of the trek.

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

Statistics

Today the statistics are as follow:

• Total distance: 18km
• Elevation gain: 1270 m
• Elevation Loss: -2145m
• Highest elevation: 2480m
• Lowest elevation: 978m

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

• La Flégère to PlanPraz: 5.15km, +509m, -321m
• PlanPraz to Brévent: 2.65km, +502m, -105m
• Brévent to Bellachat: 2.28km, +84.4m, -426m
• Bellachat to Les Houches : 8km, +187m, -1293m

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TMB Stage 11 La Flégère to Les Houches – Step by Step

La Flégère to PlanPraz

The first part of the trail was definitely our favorite of the day. The route was relatively flat, allowing us to take in the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the majestic Mont Blanc.

As we continued, we reached the PlanPraz station, a perfect spot to stop and refuel. With fresh water available and incredible views, it’s the ideal place to take a well-deserved break.

It’s definitely worth resting here before tackling the final ascent to Brévent, as the hike up can be a bit challenging after a long trek.

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

PlanPraz to Brévent

It’s time to tackle the final ascent to Brévent. From PlanPraz, follow the trail toward Col de Brévent, where you can enjoy some more incredible views. This part of the hike is mostly uphill, but the scenery makes it worthwhile.

Once you reach the Col de Brévent, the trail becomes a bit more technical as you approach Brévent itself. The terrain turns to rocks, and you’ll encounter a ladder at one point. It’s not overly difficult, but be prepared for a little climb.

At the top, you’ll reach the Brévent cable car station. Here, you’ll find toilets, a restaurant, and a small snack bar. We recommend purchasing water here, as there won’t be any available on the way down. We bought 1.5L for 10.5€, which was definitely worth it.

We also took the opportunity to have lunch at the station, enjoying one of our dehydrated meals with a view of Mont Blanc—what a way to fuel up before the final leg of the hike.

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

Brévent to Bellachat

Now begins the descent. The first part of the trail takes you through a rocky mountain path. While it’s not overly difficult, it’s important to be cautious with your footing as the rocky terrain can be a bit tricky.

Along the way, you’ll pass by the Bellachat mountain hut, which offers a great place to rest. Nearby, we also spotted some camping spots if you’re planning to stay the night in the area. However, note that there is no free water available at the hut. But the good news is, they have a restaurant, so you can purchase water and refreshments if needed.

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

Bellachat to Les Houches

Finally, it’s time to reach Les Houches. The descent from here is quite a long stretch, with some steep and technical sections that require a bit of attention. As you get closer to the end, the path leads you through a peaceful forest, making for a nice change in scenery.

Just before reaching Les Houches, you’ll encounter a small point of interest with a statue. While it’s not a major attraction, it’s a nice stop to appreciate along the way.

Once in Les Houches, you’ll find the iconic TMB frame marking the end of the trek. From here, it’s a short walk to Camping Bellevue, where you can relax and unwind. On your way, you can stop to pick up some groceries, preparing for the final moments of your TMB adventure.

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.

Camping Bellevue

We stayed at Camping Bellevue for our last night on the TMB. We arrived around 6 pm without a reservation, but fortunately, it wasn’t an issue. The campsite was crowded but not completely full, although by 9 pm, there were over 60 tents set up. The campsite is located at the bottom of a ski slope, offering a cool view from our spot, which was a bit away from the crowd.

The facilities at the campsite are basic but functional. There are 5 showers and 3 WC facilities, with separate areas for men and women. The only downside is that the toilets are a bit of a walk from the tent area. However, there are electric plugs near the reception cabin, making it easy to charge devices.

If you plan on using public transportation, be sure to ask for the host card, which allows you to access buses, trains, and museums. This card is free and will save you a significant amount of money.

In terms of food, there’s a pizzeria, bakery, and cheese shop conveniently located next to the campsite. The atmosphere was peaceful and quiet at night, making it a great spot to relax after completing the TMB.

The cost for the campsite was 4€ per person, plus 3€ for a 2-3 person tent.

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