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​How to Pronounce Tour du Mont Blanc Place Names

How to Pronounce Tour du Mont Blanc Place Names

The Tour du Mont Blanc travels through three countries: France, Italy and Switzerland. These days younger French, Swiss and Italian people often speak reasonable English but this is less common amongst older people. In the areas that the TMB passes through, however, English is spoken almost everywhere: on the trail itself, there are so many people from overseas that it is fair to say that English is now the lingua franca of the TMB.
​
You should therefore be able to make yourself understood in the majority of situations using English. However, place names are more problematic than everyday words: firstly, they do not translate to English so you need to be able to pronounce them properly or the locals will not have a clue what you are talking about. Secondly, if pronouncing words in a foreign language was not difficult enough, occasionally, the place names do not even follow the normal pronunciation rules in the relevant language.  Consequently, it is fair to say that many of us English speakers ‘butcher’ the words, to the tacit amusement of many a Frenchman (or woman).  And so, we are going to help you solve one of the key mysteries of the TMB: how the hell do I pronounce those place names?!

Which Language?

To pronounce a place name, you first need to know what is the relevant language. The borders between the three TMB countries are well defined and therefore it should be easy to work out what language to speak and how to pronounce the names of the places. Right? Well no. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. Nothing in Europe ever is. And we like it that way!

Let’s start with France, shall we? In France the first language is, of course, French and the French like to speak French. OK that’s that sorted, so we shall turn to Switzerland where language selection is a little more complicated: different parts of the country speak different languages: mostly French, German and Italian to be precise. However, those parts of Switzerland that you will enter on the TMB are in French speaking Switzerland so French is the most useful language.

Lastly, in Italy, the first language is Italian so all the place names are in Italian. Right? Well…not quite. For historical reasons (which are beyond the scope of this low-brow article of limited insight and intelligence), the Aosta Valley used to belong to France and when the borders moved, the place names stayed the same. So French is widely spoken in the Italian parts of the TMB and many of the place names are French. Yes, you understood correctly: some Italian place names are in Italian and some are in French. “What sort of chance does that give me?”, we hear you say! Well, that’s why we are here.
​
Ok then. Let’s start with the pronunciations themselves. The key names to learn are 'le Tour du Mont Blanc', 'Mont Blanc' and 'Chamonix'. After that, we will begin with ‘les Houches’ and work our way counter-clockwise around the TMB because that is the way that most people travel. ‘Les Houches’ is also a good place to start because it is amongst the most feared of TMB place names amongst English speaking trekkers!

Pronunciations

Le Tour du Mont Blanc (French)

Mont Blanc (French)

Chamonix (French)
Les Houches (French)
A tricky word to pronounce. It displays two of the ‘rules’ of French pronunciation (to which there are many exceptions. Of course!). Firstly, the last letter of many words is not pronounced: so the ‘s’ at the end of ‘Houches’ is silent. However, in certain instances, the last letter of a word is pronounced if the subsequent word starts with a vowel or ‘h’: so the ‘s’ at the end of ‘les’ is pronounced. Wow! Confusing!


Col de Voza (French)

How the hell do I pronounce  "les Houches?"

The descent from le Brevent: Stage 11A
The descent from le Brevent: Stage 11A

Tour du Mont Blanc (2022)

£16.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Complete guidebook for planning and trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the world's most famous trek

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you

Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more

Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets

Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations

10 exciting variants to the main route!

Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

Walking Chamonix Mont Blanc

£14.99
Available Now!


​The 20 hikes in the Chamonix Valley that need to be on your Bucket List. No fillers. Only must-do hikes are included.

â–º Real IGN Maps inside: 1:25,000
â–º Detailed information on public transport, including cable cars
â–º Our secret tips on how to get away from the crowds
â–º Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
â–º Graded routes to suit all abilities
► Everything the hiker needs to know: route descriptions, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
â–º Information on Wildlife and Plants

Our walks have been carefully selected to enable easy access by public transport, including the Chamonix Valley’s incredible cable car network.

Chamonix is the most famous mountain town in the world. It is where mountaineering began. 
​
Its peerless reputation owes everything to the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe: our hikes will take you to the finest viewpoints of the mountain and its glaciers.
Refuge du Fioux (French)

​Bionnassay (French)

Col de Tricot (French)

Chalet de Miage (French)
Incredible views on the descent to les Houches
Incredible views on the descent to les Houches

Les Contamines (French)

Le Pontet (French)

Walking Chamonix Mont Blanc

£14.99
Available Now!


​The 20 hikes in the Chamonix Valley that need to be on your Bucket List. No fillers. Only must-do hikes are included.

â–º Real IGN Maps inside: 1:25,000
â–º Detailed information on public transport, including cable cars
â–º Our secret tips on how to get away from the crowds
â–º Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
â–º Graded routes to suit all abilities
► Everything the hiker needs to know: route descriptions, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
â–º Information on Wildlife and Plants

Our walks have been carefully selected to enable easy access by public transport, including the Chamonix Valley’s incredible cable car network.

Chamonix is the most famous mountain town in the world. It is where mountaineering began. 
​
Its peerless reputation owes everything to the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe: our hikes will take you to the finest viewpoints of the mountain and its glaciers.

Tour du Mont Blanc (2022)

£16.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Complete guidebook for planning and trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the world's most famous trek

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you

Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more

Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets

Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations

10 exciting variants to the main route!

Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

An Ibex on Stage 10 (Ladder Free Route)
An Ibex on Stage 10 (Ladder Free Route)

Refuge de Nant Borrant (French)

Col de Bonhomme (French)

Refuge du Col de la Croix de Bonhomme (French)

Tour du Mont Blanc (2022)

£16.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Complete guidebook for planning and trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the world's most famous trek

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you

Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more

Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets

Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations

10 exciting variants to the main route!

Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

Walker's Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt

£14.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000/1:50,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Also includes:
  • Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you​
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets
  • Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations
  • ​Section on Zermatt day walks
  • 13 exciting variants to the main route
  • ​Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
​
Les Chapieux (French)

Col des Fours (French)

Refuge des Mottets (French)

Col de la Seigne (French)

Rifugio Elisabetta Soldini (Italian)
Refuge du Col de Balme (Stage 9b/9c)
Refuge du Col de Balme (Stage 9b/9c)

Cabane du Combal (French)

Rifugio Maison Vielle (Italian/French)

Rifugio Monte Bianco (Italian)

Walking Chamonix Mont Blanc

£14.99
Available Now!


​The 20 hikes in the Chamonix Valley that need to be on your Bucket List. No fillers. Only must-do hikes are included.

â–º Real IGN Maps inside: 1:25,000
â–º Detailed information on public transport, including cable cars
â–º Our secret tips on how to get away from the crowds
â–º Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
â–º Graded routes to suit all abilities
► Everything the hiker needs to know: route descriptions, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
â–º Information on Wildlife and Plants

Our walks have been carefully selected to enable easy access by public transport, including the Chamonix Valley’s incredible cable car network.

Chamonix is the most famous mountain town in the world. It is where mountaineering began. 
​
Its peerless reputation owes everything to the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe: our hikes will take you to the finest viewpoints of the mountain and its glaciers.

Tour du Mont Blanc (2022)

£16.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Complete guidebook for planning and trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the world's most famous trek

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you

Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more

Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets

Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations

10 exciting variants to the main route!

Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

Dolonne (French)

Courmayeur (French)

Rifugio Bertone (Italian)

Mont de la Saxe (French)

Rifugio Bonatti (Italian)
Wild-flowers near les Chapieux (Stage 2d)
Wild-flowers near les Chapieux (Stage 2d)

Val Ferret (French)

Rifugio Elena (Italian)

Grand Col Ferret (French)

La Fouly (French)

The village of Dolonne (Stage 4c)
The village of Dolonne (Stage 4c)
Champex (French)

Fenetre d'Arpette (French)

Bovine (French)

Col de la Forclaz (French)

Trekking the Dolomites AV1

£15.99

Available Now!


The only guidebook exclusively for the AV1.


Real maps inside (Tabacco 1:25,000): the finest maps available for the Dolomites.

​

Everything you need to know to plan and walk Italy's most popular long distance route.


Also includes:


Numbered waypoints linking maps to text


Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you


7 Proposed Itineraries of between 6 and 11 days


Everything the trekker needs to know to plan the route: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more    


Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts


Section on Camping


Exciting variants to the main route


Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

​

Edge to edge colour: the most modern and beautiful guidebooks

Walker's Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt

£14.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000/1:50,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Also includes:
  • Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you​
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets
  • Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations
  • ​Section on Zermatt day walks
  • 13 exciting variants to the main route
  • ​Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
​
Col de la Forclaz (French)

Trient (French)

Le Peuty (French)

Col de Balme (French)

Aiguilette des Posettes (French)

Le Tour (French)
Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc

Tre-le-Champ (French)

La Tete aux Vents (French)

Refuge du Lac Blanc (French)

Refuge de la Flegere (French)

​Le Brevent (French)

Refuge Bellachat (French)
The magnificent path near le Brevent
The magnificent path near le Brevent (Stage 11a)

Tour du Mont Blanc (2022)

£16.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Complete guidebook for planning and trekking the Tour du Mont Blanc, the world's most famous trek

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you

Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more

Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets

Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations

10 exciting variants to the main route!

Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

Walking Chamonix Mont Blanc

£14.99
Available Now!


​The 20 hikes in the Chamonix Valley that need to be on your Bucket List. No fillers. Only must-do hikes are included.

â–º Real IGN Maps inside: 1:25,000
â–º Detailed information on public transport, including cable cars
â–º Our secret tips on how to get away from the crowds
â–º Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
â–º Graded routes to suit all abilities
► Everything the hiker needs to know: route descriptions, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
â–º Information on Wildlife and Plants

Our walks have been carefully selected to enable easy access by public transport, including the Chamonix Valley’s incredible cable car network.

Chamonix is the most famous mountain town in the world. It is where mountaineering began. 
​
Its peerless reputation owes everything to the mighty Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Western Europe: our hikes will take you to the finest viewpoints of the mountain and its glaciers.

Trekking the Dolomites AV1

£15.99

Available Now!


The only guidebook exclusively for the AV1.


Real maps inside (Tabacco 1:25,000): the finest maps available for the Dolomites.

​

Everything you need to know to plan and walk Italy's most popular long distance route.


Also includes:


Numbered waypoints linking maps to text


Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you


7 Proposed Itineraries of between 6 and 11 days


Everything the trekker needs to know to plan the route: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more    


Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts


Section on Camping


Exciting variants to the main route


Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers

​

Edge to edge colour: the most modern and beautiful guidebooks

Trekking the Mallorca GR221

£16.99

Available February 2023. Pre-order now to reserve one of the first batch.


The definitive two-way guide to the Mallorca GR221 (the Drystone Way): both northbound and southbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full mapping inside (1:25,000) by Editorial Alpina. All accommodation is numbered and marked on the maps.


12 different itineraries: schedules of 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 days for hikers and runners. Includes both northbound and southbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain/loss are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Full accommodation listings: the best hotels and refugis
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Public Transport map and information
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on the drystone structures along the route
  • Information on plants and wildlife
  • History of drystone structures along the route
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Trekking the West Highland Way: Two-way guide

£14.99

Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the West Highland Way: both northbound and southbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping inside (1:25,000)


17 different itineraries: schedules of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 days for hikers and runners. Includes both southbound and northbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on geology, history, plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Trekking the Hadrian’s Wall Path

£14.99

Available now!


Real OS maps 1:25,000


The definitive two-way guide to the Hadrian’s Wall Path: both eastbound and westbound routes are described in full.


14 different itineraries: schedules of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 days for walkers and runners. Includes both northbound and southbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:



  • Extraordinary detail on the history and construction of Hadrian’s Wall
  • Section on the unmissable forts of Hadrian’s Wall
  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions


Hadrian’s Wall was one of the Romans’ most ambitious structures. When completed, it ran for 73 miles between the west and east coasts of Northern England. It crossed the crags and hills of some of Britain’s wildest and most beautiful terrain.


The Hadrian’s Wall path is one of England’s official ‘National Trails’. It leads you on an unforgettable journey of discovery along the route of the Wall. Discover the incredible surviving sections of the Wall and its forts, milecastles and turrets.

Trekking the South Downs Way

£14.99
Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the South Downs Way: both westbound and eastbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey Explorer mapping inside (1:25,000)


18 different itineraries: schedules of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 days for walkers and runners. Includes both westbound and eastbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:
  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on geology, history, plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions


The South Downs Way leads you on an unforgettable journey of discovery through the magnificent chalk hills of Sussex and Hampshire. It travels the length of the South Downs National Park across wonderful hills and meadows bedecked with wild-flowers, through endless fields of shimmering golden corn and along the edge of the epic white cliffs of the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head. It is one of England’s official ‘National Trails’ and is an unforgettable experience

Trekking the Cotswold Way

£15.99

Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the Cotswold Way: both southbound and northbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey mapping inside (1:25,000). All accommodation is numbered and marked on the maps.


18 different itineraries: schedules of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 days for hikers and runners. Includes both southbound and northbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain/loss are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: the best inns, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping
  • What to see in the City of Bath
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on history, plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Trekking the Coast to Coast Path

£16.99

Available Now!


The definitive two-way guide to the Coast to Coast Path: both eastbound and westbound routes are described in full.


Real Maps: Full Ordnance Survey mapping inside (1:25,000). All accommodation is numbered and marked on the maps.


19 different itineraries: schedules of 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 days for hikers and runners. Includes both eastbound and westbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain/loss are done for you.


Also includes:

  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Full accommodation listings: the best pubs, B&Bs and hotels
  • Detailed section on camping, including wild camping
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Essential info for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Information on plants and wildlife
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions

Walker's Haute Route: Chamonix to Zermatt

£14.99
AVAILABLE NOW!

Real maps for each stage: 1:25,000/1:50,000. No need to carry a separate map!

Also includes:
  • Unique Itinerary Planner: plan a bespoke itinerary to match your ability and vacation schedule. All difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you​
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route descriptions, costs, budget, difficulty, weather, how to get there, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts, villages and hamlets
  • Full section on camping: a complete list of camping locations
  • ​Section on Zermatt day walks
  • 13 exciting variants to the main route
  • ​Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
​

Trekking the Corsica GR20

£15.99

Available now!


The only two-way guide to the GR20: both northbound and southbound routes are described in full.


Real IGN Maps included (1:25,000): no need to carry separate maps.


15 different itineraries: schedules of 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 days. Includes both northbound and southbound itineraries. Difficult calculations of time, distance and altitude gain are done for you.


Also includes:


  • Detailed information on equipment and travelling light
  • Detailed information on getting to/from all trail-heads
  • Everything the trekker needs to know: route, costs, difficulty, weather, travel, and more
  • Full accommodation listings: spectacularly situated mountain huts and campsites
  • Information for both self-guided and guided trekkers
  • Numbered waypoints linking the Real Maps to our clear descriptions
  • Information on Wildlife and Plants
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