The full GR5 starts at the Hook of Holland and finishes in Nice. This trek incorporates undoubtedly by far the most exciting and dramatic section, taking you from the shores of Lac Leman, south, over the Alps to Modane and on to the Mediterranean coast. Crossing the Alps may seem like a daunting prospect for the ‘mere’ walker, but rest assured the GR5 has sought out well graded paths across straightforward cols between the high peaks to create a delightful route through stunning scenery.

Starting with a scenic train ride along the shores of the lake, the route soon takes you up into the hills. Over the next few days you will be following valleys, crossing ridges and cols, spending nights in refuges and small hotels as the views just get better and better as you get closer and closer to Mont Blanc. Heading on south the route meanders through the Vanoise National Park, where we follow the easternmost of the many variations possible here.

Dates & Prices

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Geneva. Rendezvous with the tour leader at Geneva airport. We take a train to Montreax followed by a boat across the lake to St Gingolph. From here we have a 90 minute walk to the gîte in Novel, situated nearly 600m above the lake. 5 km, 90 minutes walking.

Day 2 Continue on up passing small hamlets on a delightful trail through the forest. The path finds an intricate route through cliffs above, and continues up to the Col de Bise (1915m). A second col (1816m) is crossed soon after, and then it is all downhill through pastures and forest to the village. 13km, 6 hours walking.

Day 3 Today we follow a more undulating route through forests, scrubland and open grassy hillsides. We contour under the flanks of Mont de Grange. The highest point of the day is right near the end at the Col de Chesery (1990m) where we cross back into Switzerland. 21km, 8 hours walking.

Day 4 Predominately downhill today (with a few 'ups') following good tracks, crossing back into France at the Col de Coux (1920m). From the second col of the day, the Col de Golese (1660m) it is all downhill to the delightful old village of Samoëns. 25km, 7 hours walking.

Day 5 A free morning to enjoy this delightful village. In the afternoon an easy riverside walk leads to a ladder assisted climb up through the dramatic Gorge de Tines which we leave to deviate slightly to our overnight accommodation. 7km, 2.5 hours walking.

Day 6 A lot of ascent today on good paths, through forests and alpine pastures with great views down to the river valleys below. Magnificent mountain scenery leads up to the Col de Anterne (2257m) where snow can lie until early summer. 15km, 6 hours walking.

Day 7 We descend to 1500m to cross a wooded valley before tackling the toughest challenge so far on the steep ascent to the Brevant (2525m). After taking in the stunning views across the Chamonix valley to Mount Blanc, a steep descent zig zags down to Les Houches. 21km, 7 hours walking.

Day 8 In comparison to the ruggedness of the previous day, this is a relatively easy walk. We follow paths and good tracks, with some steep sections, crossing paths with the 'TMB' at the Col de Voza (1650m). There are two options from here, a high route across the 2120m Col de Tricot, or a lower route through the valley. 17/19km, 5/6 hours walking.

Day 9 A long day following the 'salt route' over the 2330m Col de Bonhomme which is likely to be snow covered. The ascent continues after the col past the Refuge de la Croix  and (if the weather is good) along the Crête des Gittes , before finally heading down to the Plan de la Lai. 24km, 8 hours walking.

Day 10 Potentially a muddy start to the day as the route crosses flaky slate that is turned to mud when trampled by humans and cattle. A gentle ascent to the Col de Bresson (2470m) with its immense limestone boulders, followed by a descent to Valezan on the north bank of the Isère River. 22km, 7 hours walking.

Day 11 A short day. Descend to cross the Isère and climb steeply up bypassing Landry, ascending most of the time through small villages to reach Rosuel. 14km, 4 hours walking.

Day 12 A spectacular day through high mountain scenery following the eastern edge of the Vanoise National Park.  Enjoy delightful scenery and last views back to Mont Blanc before descending through the high-rise ski development of Tignes and onwards to Val D'Isère. With a wide choice of places to eat here, we leave the choice to you! 25km, 8 hours walking.

Day 13 Steep climbing along the 'old road' to the highest point on the GR5, the Col de l'Iseran (2770m). As this is also one of France's highest roads, it can be quite busy on the top. The descent parallels the road, but stays high above L'Arc River before descending to Bessans. It is possible to shorten the day and stay in Bonneval sur Arc from where a lower alternative leads to Bessans. 25km, 7.5 hours walking.

Day 14 We follow the lower alternative GR5E route along the river to L'Anslevillard, from where we take a bus to Modane and a train to Chambery. In the evening we can celebrate completing the toughest section of the GR5, and consider returning next year to continue the route all the way to the Mediterranean. 10km, 2.5 hours walking.

Day 15. Fly home from Geneva or Chambery. Train to Geneva if needed.

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