Grande Traversee des Alps GR5:
Part 2: La Grave to the Mediterranean Sea
Trip Details
- Location: La Grave to Menton, France
- Length: 12 days
- Grade: Strenuous and some strenuous plus
- Accommodations: 5 nights hotels, 6 nights gite d’etapes
- Group size: 5 – 12
- Dates: August 28 – September 8, 2010
- Land Cost (US$):$3,095
Trip Summary
Part 2 of this journey begins in the mountain village of La Grave. The route closely follows the French–Italian border and leads through the unspoiled regions of Briançonnais, Queyras and the Ubaye. A sense of history pervades this area, as many of these mountain passes were once old trade and pilgrim routes. One is immediately impressed by the unhurried rhythms of mountain life. Larch forests, jade-blue alpine lakes, and vast green valleys take on rich vibrant dimensions. Small rural villages exude an air of timelessness.
Continuing our route to the Mediterranean Sea, we will hike through St. Etienne, St. Martin Vesubie, Sospel, the Mercantour National Park and the isolated Merveilles Valley with its prehistoric carvings, eventually arriving in Menton on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
As the terrain takes on a decidedly more arid appearance and the vegetation becomes accented by cypress, fig and olive trees, the lure of the Mediterranean will become ever more compelling. From the mountains to the sea, this promises to be an immensely varied alpine journey. Truly off-the-beaten-path, this is a part of France one is unlikely to experience in any other way except on foot.
Itinerary
Day 1: Individual transfer to hotel in La Grave, France. Welcome dinner.
Day 2: Depart La Grave at 10:00 am.
This climb takes us between the rocky peaks of Beaudouis and Chalanches. As we descend, we enter the Parc Naturel Regional du Queyras. Within this isolated region are beautiful mountains, torrents and rivers, wheat fields, larch and pine forests, varieties of wildflowers and centuries-old farmhouses clustered around ancient chapels. Woodcarving keeps the local population busy during the long winter.
Day 3: From La Chalp, our route leads us through quiet pine and larch forest on our way to Chateau Queyras. This Chateau, dating back to medieval times, was rebuilt by Vauban as an important part of his grand defense scheme. From Chateau Queyras, we climb though forests and wide meadows offering dramatic 360 degree views. From the col we head to the historic village of Ceillac.
Day 4: The first part of our hike passes by Lac Mirror and Lac St. Anne, surrounded by the rocky mountains of Pic Heuvieres. This area has a very remote feeling as we cross Col Girardin, 8,900′ and descend into the quiet Ubaye Valley to our gite at Maljasset.
Day 5: Van travel to Roya.
Day 6: Today’s hike is spectacular and probably a favorite because of the remoteness, the changing scenery and the simple, though welcoming, refuge at the end of a good day. We hike through a huge cirque up to the Plateau of Combe de Crousette. Ahead is the enormous wall of Mont Mounier. Passing over the col, we enter the Portes de Longon. This valley is remarkable: open, soft, huge and is a wonderful end to a great day.
Day 7: Today’s hike takes us through hamlets, villages and by ancient churches to our little village of Roure.
Day 8: Our hike heads steadily to the Pas du Colomb, a narrow gap between Mont Ponset and Mont Colomb. During our ascent we re-enter the Mercantour National Park and might see a few chamois, perhaps even the elusive ibex. At the col, we descend through a rocky, narrow gully arriving at La Barme and the Refuge de Nice, sitting on a perch.
Day 9: We hike up to Lac Nire and a string of five small lakes before our pass, Baisse du Basto. At this pass, you can just see the lighthouse at Antibes, on the Cote d’Azure! Descend through the Val des Merveilles to Refuge Merveilles situated on Lac Long with Mont Bego presiding nearby. It’s here in the Val Merveilles we will pass the prehistoric carvings.
Day 10: Today we get fine views of the whole Alpes-Maritimes from the Pas du Diable. Even though the Mediterranean is just around the corner, the mountains are still quite impressive and the route is still open, offering views in every direction. Transfer to our hotel in Sospel.
Day 11: Hiking by old farms, which gradually give way to suburban homes, our final descent to the sea begins in Castellar. The trail is now a sidewalk, though no less interesting, as it weaves through the narrow streets of Menton finally arriving at the beach! This last part of our hike is a wonderful finish to a great day and a great journey! Farewell Dinner.
Day 12: The trip will end at the hotel in Menton.</div>
Additional Information
Included
Group transfers, all accommodations, all breakfasts, all dinners, all group transfers on vans, buses, trains and ski lifts as described in the itinerary, luggage transfer for one medium-sized duffel bag from your starting point to the middle and/or end of the trip guides, great hiking and memories!
Not Included
Airfare, lunches, optional/individual transfers or excursions, one dinner in Pralognan, items not on set dinner menu, tips to guides/leaders, beverages, insurance, excess baggage charge, items of personal nature.
Luggage
This hike is not vehicle supported. You will need to carry a small to moderate sized pack with only the clothing and accessories you will need for the duration of hike. (See our sample packing list.) With advances in synthetic clothing and other travel gear, it’s possible to keep your pack weight to 20 lbs. including lunch and water. Any extra luggage or belongings you may have will meet us in la Grave and then again at the end of the trip in Menton.
Accommodations and Facilities
Hotels are generally 2 or 3 star hotels with private baths. Some are more simple 2 star hotels with shared baths.
The mountain huts or refuges and gite d’etapes (overnight accommodations for travelers) have their own charm and unique character. All are remote and located in spectacular settings. The shared facilities are simple, but have hot showers. Most accommodate 20 to 40 hikers, sometimes more.
Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotels or refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.
Travel
Who would like this trip?
Our Grand Traverse of the Alpes Part 2 offers an exceptional experience to experienced hiker or active traveler who would like a more authentic European style of long distance hiking. This varied, remote and sometimes strenuous route leads through less well-known and developed areas of the alps. Definitely off-the-beaten-path, our gites and small hotels vary from rustic to comfortable. All are in captivating settings and infused with a sense of place.
What makes this trip different
There are other companies that offer hiking trips from Chamonix to the Mediterranean, but none offer as much hiking and as little driving within such a relatively manageable time frame. No other company maintains the greater integrity of the GR 5 to the extent that we do. Sure, it means that you have to carry your own pack weighing up to 20lbs. but it’s well worth it for the experience of a true journey and authentic adventure.
Meeting point
Those joining our Grande Traversee des Alps Part 2 will be on there own to travel to La Grave, meeting the first evening at our hotel
Ending Point
Our Grande Traversee of the Alps Part 2 will end at the hotel in Menton on the last day of the trip. From Menton there are buses, trains or taxi’s to Nice or other parts of Europe. The Nice Airport is 30 minutes by bus or taxi from the center of Nice.
For a more detailed itinerary that includes elevation gains, loss and distance, or to register please call.
