A quiet self-catering studio at the Hameau du Lay, on the official Tour du Mont-Blanc trail, 40 minutes from Chamonix. Recovery space for runners, comfortable base for support crews and hikers.
Les Contamines-Montjoie holds a special place on the world's trail map. A classic stage of the Tour du Mont-Blanc, a checkpoint on the UTMB®, and one of the better recovery bases for runners of the sister races. The village is small, calm, south-facing, sitting at 1,164 m — an environment that helps both performance and recovery.
The studio sits in the Hameau du Lay, set back from the village centre — quieter at night, but just 90 seconds on foot from the first bakery and small supermarket. The official Tour du Mont-Blanc trail passes by within minutes. For a runner or a TMB hiker, the location is rare: athletic and silent at the same time.
On the UTMB® course, Les Contamines comes after Saint-Gervais and Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge, just before the climb to the Col du Bonhomme. It is usually the first major aid station for runners starting from Chamonix. The village square becomes a technical hub through the long race nights.
Routes for the sister races — CCC, TDS, OCC, MCC, ETC, PTL — pass through Les Contamines depending on the year's official routings. The station also serves as a transition point for several of them. Always refer to the current year's official routes on the UTMB® website for the latest information.
The Tour du Mont-Blanc is one of Europe's most iconic long-distance treks — roughly 170 km in 7 to 12 days around the Mont-Blanc massif, crossing France, Italy and Switzerland. Les Contamines is a classic stage, typically the second day for hikers walking clockwise from Chamonix.
| TMB Stage | Clockwise direction | Counter-clockwise direction |
|---|---|---|
| Before Les Contamines | Les Houches → Bionnassay (day 1) | Refuge de la Croix du Bonhomme |
| Stage in the village | Overnight in Les Contamines | Overnight in Les Contamines |
| After Les Contamines | Col du Bonhomme → Refuge Croix du Bonhomme | Bionnassay → Les Houches |
The studio offers a real alternative to refuges and gîtes for TMB hikers: a proper bed, your own kitchen, a washing machine for your kit, a private bathroom. It's a stage of genuine comfort within a long trek — particularly valued by hikers walking independently, couples, or families who'd rather skip the dormitory experience.
The TMB season runs primarily from late June to mid-September, peaking in July and August. For nights within this window, we recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance, especially for weekends.
« Antoine is an incredibly thoughtful and responsive host. The apartment is warm and beautifully renovated — you feel at home immediately. Premium quality at a price that surprised me compared to lesser offers nearby. » Benoit · ★ 5/5 · Verified Airbnb review
Chamonix is 35 km / 40 minutes by car via Saint-Gervais and the Mont-Blanc motorway. During UTMB® week expect 1h to 1h30 depending on the time of day and race-related road closures. Official UTMB® shuttles link the various base camps and start areas.
A private parking space is available with the studio, in the Hameau du Lay residence. The village also has free public parking near the centre. During UTMB® week and the busiest summer days, local signage directs visitors to the recommended parking zones.
For UTMB® week and TMB high-season nights, book as early as you can.
The studio's main platform. AirCover, secure payment, flexible cancellation policies.
Listed under "Fabulous location". Useful if you collect Genius nights.
Also listed on Vrbo (Abritel). Useful for families and longer stays.
Same page, written in French for the French-speaking trail community.
Heated outdoor pool, Mont-Blanc hikes, family-friendly base.
Évasion Mont-Blanc ski area, ski locker, ski school.
A complete guide to the village, in both seasons.
Host: Antoine · Superhost · Replies within the hour · Self check-in 24/7 · Quiet at night
Check availability for UTMB / TMB