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Grande Traversee des Alpes: Pt 2 2008

Briancon to the Mediterranean Sea
Hut-to-Hut

The Trip

Part 2 of this journey begins in the ancient walled city of Briancon. The route closely follows the French–Italian border and leads through the unspoiled regions of Brianconnais, 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

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Itinerary

Part Two Begins in Briancon, we meet those joining us for the second part of the trip. [see part 1]

Day 1: Day 1: Arrive Briancon in the late afternoon. Welcome dinner.

Day 2: Depart Briancon at 11:00 am. This will allow time to look around the walled city of Briancon before we begin our hike. Claimed as the highest city in the Alps, Briancon (4,257') is known for its massive ramparts and citadels built by Vauban in the early 1700's as defense of the strategically important col du Montgenevre 3.5 miles away in the direction of Italy.

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 though quiet pine and larch forest on our way to Chateaux 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: Morning day hike. After lunch we will meet our 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 Med. 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!

Day 12: Depart Menton.

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 end of the trip, guides, great hiking and memories!

Not Included:

Airfare, lunches, optional/individual transfers or excursions, 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 you at the end of the hike.

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 traveler's) 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.

Meeting point:

At the hotel in Briancon

Ending Point:

The hotel in Menton from where you can take a bus to the Nice airport (about 45 minutes by airport bus) or trains to other parts of Europe just be sure to allow for travel time

For a more detailed itinerary or to register please call.