Montroc-le-Planet: the discreet gateway to the Swiss section of the TMB
Montroc is a residential hamlet at 1,350m altitude, 5km from the Swiss border, between Argentière and Vallorcine. There's no long-stay public car park here — but it's precisely this calm and its direct access to the Col de Balme (2,191m) that make it the ideal starting point for hikers wanting to reach the Swiss arc of the TMB (Trient, Champex, Martigny) without going through the bustle of Chamonix-centre.
Montroc, the discreet gateway to the Swiss section of the TMB
The Tour du Mont Blanc has two faces. The first is the one everyone knows: Les Houches, the Bellevue gondola, the flood of hikers converging on the same starting point the same morning. The second begins here, in Montroc, at the far end of the valley at 1,350m altitude, five kilometres from the Swiss border. No tourist office, no crowded shuttles, no queue at the trailhead.
From Montroc, the Col de Balme (2,191m) is a 2h30 walk away. Beyond the pass lies Trient, Champex, and the Swiss arc of the TMB — often cited by regulars as the most beautiful and least crowded stretch of the circuit. If your route includes Switzerland, Montroc isn't a default choice: it's the most geographically logical one.
The trade-off is simple: Montroc is a residential hamlet, not a purpose-built resort. There's no public long-stay parking, and residents have long claimed every metre of roadside. That's exactly why ParkTMB works here with a network of local homeowners.
The reality of parking in Montroc
- No public long-stay space: The few informal spots around the station are permanently taken from June to September. The station draws daily Mont-Blanc Express commuters — residents come before hikers.
- Regular fines: Chamonix's municipal police patrol the local roads around Montroc and Argentière in high season. A car left on the roadside for 9 days doesn't go unnoticed.
A private spot in a hamlet where there isn't one
ParkTMB gives you access to a discreet network of local homeowners who offer their private land to TMB hikers. Your car isn't just "somewhere" — it's at someone's home.
- ✓Spot reserved in your name, guaranteed for the entire duration of your trek (up to 14 days)
- ✓Secure private property, outside any municipal parking enforcement
- ✓Reachable host: essential in such a remote hamlet in case of a delay or unexpected event
- ✓From €9/day — €81 for a 9-day TMB including the Swiss section
5 minutes on foot from the station and the TMB start
Col de Balme, Switzerland, Vallorcine: what you gain by starting here
Montroc is the only TMB starting point on the French side that gives immediate access to the Swiss section without transiting through Chamonix:
- Direct trail to the Col de Balme (2,191m): From the hamlet, the GR TMB trail climbs due north toward the Franco-Swiss border. Allow 2h30 — with views of the Aiguille Verte, the Mont-Blanc massif on the Chamonix side, and the Swiss Alps as soon as you reach the ridge.
- Montroc station — Mont-Blanc Express: 5 minutes on foot. Connects to Chamonix (15 min), Les Houches (30 min) and Vallorcine (5 min). Free with the Chamonix guest card.
- Vallorcine and Switzerland in a 5-minute train ride: From Vallorcine, the route to Trient, Champex-lac and Martigny opens up directly — the heart of the Swiss section of the TMB.
FAQ: TMB Parking in Chamonix
Why choose Montroc over Chamonix-centre to park?
Montroc offers fewer crowds, direct access to the Col de Balme without going through Chamonix, and an authentic alpine hamlet setting. If your TMB includes the Swiss section, it's the most logical choice geographically.
What is the price for parking at Montroc-le-Planet?
Our spots start at €9/day, so €81 for 9 days. Reserved spot on private property, no hidden fees.
Is the Mont-Blanc Express free from Montroc?
For holders of the Chamonix guest card (provided by your accommodation), yes, Mont-Blanc Express journeys are free or heavily discounted. Without the card, expect €3–5 per journey depending on destination.
Explore other Tour du Mont Blanc starting points
Each TMB starting point offers a different experience. Compare long-stay parking options from other villages: