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Guide updated on 9 November 2026

Wild camping on the TMB: bivouac and campsite rules by country

Wild camping and bivouac rules on the TMB in France, Italy and Switzerland: nature reserves, authorised areas, booking, bans and official campsites.

More than half of all hikers spend at least one night under canvas on the TMB. But the rules get stricter every year and vary between countries, municipalities and nature reserves. Here is where things stood in 2026. The 2026 prefectural orders expire on 31 December 2026: new regulations are expected for 2027.

In France

Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve (stages 1 and 2)

From 15 June to 15 September 2026, bivouacking is banned below 2,500 m throughout the reserve. The only exceptions are the areas at Pont de la Rollaz (40 tents) and La Balme (50 tents), from 7 pm to 9 am. Booking is done on reserve-bivouac74.fr.

Vallée des Glaciers and Les Chapieux (stages 2 and 3)

Bivouacking is not allowed in the Vallée des Glaciers (private alpine pastures). There is an official area at Les Chapieux.

Aiguilles Rouges Reserve and Lac Blanc (stage 10)

Since 2026, the regulated period has run from 1 June to 30 September: bivouacking is allowed only from 7 pm to 9 am, in designated areas and by booking. It is banned in the Lac Blanc basin; at the Chéserys lakes it is limited to 30 tents, by booking. Swimming and boats are banned at Lac Blanc and the Chéserys lakes.

Chamonix, Les Houches, Vallorcine

In Chamonix, camping and bivouacking are banned, except for high-altitude bivouacs between sunset and sunrise outside the prohibited areas (Lac Blanc, Col des Posettes…). At the Refuge de Bellachat, bivouacking is limited to 15 tents, to be booked with the hut warden. In Vallorcine, wild camping is banned; a one-night bivouac is allowed outside the reserve with the landowner’s permission (deemed to be granted above 1,700 m).

In Italy (Aosta Valley)

All camping is banned and bivouacking is banned below 2,500 m, which covers almost the entire Italian section of the TMB. Fines can reach €566. So plan to spend your nights in huts or official campsites (Val Veny, Val Ferret) between the Col de la Seigne and the Grand Col Ferret.

In Switzerland (Valais)

Bivouacking and wild camping are banned in principle, with regulated exceptions: one night only, not in a group, above the treeline. Some municipalities are stricter. Use the official campsites at La Fouly, Champex and in the Val d’Arpette. In Orsières, bivouacking has been strictly prohibited on the diverted section since July 2026, and in Trient, the campsite and the “Couvert du Stand” area are closed until further notice (geological hazard).

Good practice

  • Pitch your tent late and take it down early; never stay two nights in the same spot.
  • Carry out all your rubbish, including toilet paper; use the huts’ toilets.
  • No fires, no swimming in mountain lakes, no drones in the reserves.
  • Many huts offer a camper package (dinner, shower, breakfast): at La Balme it cost €48 in 2027.

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