Bivouac and camping on the TMB
Doing the TMB with a tent is possible, but each country has its own rules and they are strict in places. myTMB lists 15 campsites and 8 bivouac areas along the trail.
Updated
The rules country by country
France
Bivouac is generally tolerated from evening to morning outside protected areas: pitch at sunset, strike at sunrise. In the nature reserves (Contamines-Montjoie, Aiguilles Rouges) it is limited to designated areas, such as those at Nant Borrant, La Balme or the Chéserys (listed below).
Italy
In the Aosta Valley wild camping is regulated: bivouac is in principle only tolerated at altitude (above 2,500 m) from sunset to sunrise. In practice, on the TMB, use the campsites in Val Veny and Val Ferret.
Switzerland
Wild camping is banned in most municipalities the TMB crosses. Use the campsites at La Fouly, Champex and Trient, or ask a landowner for permission.
Summarised rules that may change: check locally (town halls, nature reserves, tourist offices) before you go.
Mapped bivouac areas
- Bellachat
- Chalets de Miage
- Lac Blanc
- bivouac Brévent
- Le Pontet
- Les Chapieux
- Nant Borrant
- Refuge de la Balme
OpenStreetMap data, confirm on site. Campsites and other accommodation
Bivouac without a trace
- Pitch late, strike early, and stay only one night in the same spot.
- No fires: they are banned almost everywhere and dangerous in summer.
- Move away from lakes and streams to wash, with no soap in the water.
- Carry all your waste down, toilet paper included.
- Many huts let campers have dinner or breakfast: ask, and book.