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Grande Traversee des Alpes: GR5 2008

Chamonix-Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean Sea
Hut-to-Hut

The Trip

Much like a European version of the Appalachian Trail, the Grande Randonnee 5 (GR 5) is a spectacular long distance hiking route that runs the length of Europe beginning on the North Sea and ending on the shores of the Mediterranean. The section of the GR 5, which begins at the base of the Mont Blanc Massif and traverses the French Alps south to the Mediterranean, is referred to as the Grande Traversee des Alpes (GTA). We trek this diverse route on foot hiking to a new destination each night.

Ticking off our landmark villages of Chamonix, Pralognan, Briancon, Ceillac, St. Etienne, St. Martin Vesubie, Sospel, and finally Menton, we will be treated to variety as only European long-distance footpaths can offer. Twenty-one days of high mountain passes, lush alpine meadows, history, spectacular mountain scenery, forested paths, quiet villages, historic cities, rustic refuges and gites, local cheeses, local wines and certainly the satisfaction of arriving on foot. This route is really off-the-beaten path and offers hiking at its best. Nights are spent in hotels, gite d’etapes or mountain refuges. This is a rewarding and immensely varied journey.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Geneva, Cointrin International Airport. Group transfer at 1:00 pm. to Chamonix, France. Welcome dinner and orientation. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc (15,860').

Day 2: Short transfer by bus to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue (5,610'). Here we begin today·s hike passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995') with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After our steep descent from the col we arrive at our refuge.

Day 3: Departing from Les Contamines in the mid morning, we hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small ancient Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to our overnight stop.

Day 4: We begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme (8,200'). The route from the Refuge de la Croix Bonhomme follows the narrow ridge of the Crete des Gittes, built by the French Military and then drops down to the col de Sauce and to the Plan de la Lai (6,000') and up to the Refuge Maya. Views of Mont Pourri dominate the scenery.

Day 5: Our hike today leads us high above the Roseland Dam to the col Bresson flanked by dolomite-like arretes and aiguilles including the bold Pierra Menta. From here, our hike down to the refuge is spectacular. This simple refuge has a calm and remote setting.

Day 6: Hike to the quiet village of Velezan continuing into Parc National Vanoise. The hiking is stunning as we emerge on to a high broad valley surrounded by rocky peaks and waterfalls fed by the high snowfields and glaciers. From here we get our first glimpse of the huge Grande Motte.

Day 7: The morning part of the hike climbs up to the col du Palet (8,750'). The ever-widening valley is flanked by the Dome de Platieres and the tapered peak of Aliet. Up ahead lies the Grande Motte (12,500') draped with huge glaciers. In the early morning we are witnesses to dozens of marmots, chamois and perhaps some ibex. We pass Lac des Nettes before dropping down to the remote Refuge de la Leisse. The refuge is perched on a small knoll looking down the remote valley.

Day 8: The route continues to follow the quiet, beautiful valley and the Torrent de la Leisse down to the Pont (bridge) de Mon Croe Vie to the col de la Vanoise. Rounding the very prominent Aiguille de la Vanoise, we hike down to the mountain village of Pralognan.

Day 9: We begin our hike in the Vallon du Doron and ascend to the col de Chaviere. This col is the highest col of any of France·s long distance routes and offers an impressive view of the Mont Blanc Massif over 100 miles away. In the mid-afternoon we will transfer to our hotel in Briancon arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 10: Free day in Briancon. 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.

Day 11:Our hike today 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 12: From La Chalp our route leads us through 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 13: 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 14: Van travel to Roya.

Day 15: 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 16: Today’s hike takes us through hamlets, villages and by ancient churches to our little village of Roure.

Day 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: The trip will end at the hotel in Menton.

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Additional Information:

Included:

Group transfers, all accommodations, all breakfasts, most 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, up to 3 dinners (Pralognan and Briancon), 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 Briancon and then again at the end of the trip in Menton.

Accommodations and Facilities:

Hotels are generally 2 or 3 star hotels most with private baths. Breakfasts are served at the hotel. 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 most have hot showers. Most accommodate 20 to 60 hikers, sometimes more. Breakfasts and dinners are served at the hotels or refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.

Meeting point:

Geneva airport at 1:00 pm the first day, for a group transfer to in Chamonix.

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.