you are here: Home > Self-Guided > The Grand Traverse (Self-guided)

The Grand Traverse of the Alps - The GR 5: Self-guided 2009

Chamonix to La Vanoise and Modane
Self-Guided 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 Grand Traverse of the Alps (GTA). If you are looking for a classic hut-to-hut hiking experience we recommend this hike on the Grand Traverse from Chamonix to Modane. This is a rewarding and immensely varied journey

Your journey begins at the foot of the Mont Blanc range in Chamonix, Haute Savoie and heads south through Savoie Region and the Vanoise National Park, to the pleasant mountain village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise and on to Modane.

Established in 1963, the Vanoise is France's first national park. A wonderfully remote and expansive area, the Vanoise massif encompasses 82 kilometers of pristine peaks and glaciers, captures a vast array of alpine wildlife, and preserves the essence of French rural existence.

This part of the GR 5 starting in Chamonix and ending in Modane is a classic alpine hut-to-hut route: remote hiking, rustic refuges and expansive, wide open vistas. This is one of the few hut hikes in France that is truly "hut-to-hut".

TOP

Itinerary

This itinerary is only one of many possibilities. Please contact us for other options.

Day 1: Arrive Geneva, International Airport. Independent Travel to Chamonix. 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'). 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 a steep descent from the col you arrive at the refuge.

Day 3: Departing from Les Contamines in the mid morning, 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 the overnight stop.

Day 4: You 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: The hike today leads high above the Roseland Dam to the col Bresson flanked by Dolomite-like arretes and aiguilles including the bold Pierra Menta. From here, the 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 you emerge on to a high broad valley surrounded by rocky peaks and waterfalls fed by the high snowfields and glaciers. From here you will get your first glimpse of the huge Grande Motte.

Day 7: The morning part of the hike climbs 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 witnesses to dozens of marmots, chamois and perhaps some ibex. 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, you hike down to the mountain village of Pralognan. Overnight in a hotel in the quiet and peaceful village of Pralognan.

It is possible to end the hike in Pralognan in the afternoon meeting a private taxi who will transfer you back to Chamonix. The transfer time is about 1 1/2 hours. Overnight in Chamonix. The trip will end the next morning after breakfast. Please contact us for other options.

Day 9: Leaving Pralognan in the morning, a short transfer by taxi takes you to the edge of the park where you begin the hike in the Vallon du Doron to the col de Chaviere. This col is the highest col of any of France’s long-distance routes (9,230’) and offers an impressive view of the Mont Blanc Massif over 100 miles away. Overnight at Refuge L’ Orgere.

Day 10: From Refuge L’Orgere you will descend to Modane, about 3 hours. Return by train to Chamonix for the night. It is also possible to travel to another destination. (Note: Modane is a great place to end this wonderful hike, however getting anywhere from Modane can take some time. Please contact us for more information about travel and the best place to end the hike.) Overnight in Chamonix.

Day 11: Depart Chamonix. Please allow for travel time when making plans.

There are several scenarios on how you can end this hike. Please contact us with your travel plans so we may help.

TOP

Additional Information:

Included in the cost of the trip:

2 hours of general consulting regarding hiking dates and abilities, travel information, maps covering the route, detailed trail notes. We make and prepay all overnight accommodations, breakfasts and most dinners. We make and pre pay all private taxi transfers as detailed in the final itinerary.

Note that some nights we can only reserve and reconfirm your reservations. Some refuges do not accept prepayment. You will pay the refuge directly.

Not included:

Air fare, lunches, travel to and from starting/ending point, transfers or excursions on trains, lifts, buses, taxis, extra charges due to changes in itinerary, dinners in Chamonix, items not on set dinner menu, beverages except what is served at breakfast, bottled water, insurance, 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 15 to 20 lbs. including lunch and water. Any extra luggage or belongings you may have can be left at the hotel in Chamonix.

Who would enjoy this hike?

The Grand Traverse Part One is a route not hiked by many Americans though it travels some of the most beautifully pristine landscapes of the French Alps. The accommodations are rustic old world alpine farms that have be converted to accomodate hikers and are now referred to as refuges. Many are in amazingly remote locations and are only accessible by foot. This is a perfect trip for experienced hikers looking for a route that is well-off-the-beaten path and offers a little bit more of an adventure. The hiking is challenging with some strenuous plus days. If you have hiked in other parts of the Alps and are looking for a slightly different experience this is the route!

Why travel with Distant Journeys?

We are a small owner operated company. As owners we take part in every aspect of the business from designing our trips, to speaking directly with prospective hikers, to guiding. We are intimately familiar with our trip areas, the hotel and hut owners and service providers with whom we work. At the end of a day of hiking on one of our self-guided itineraries, whether you are ending your day at a mountain hut or village hotel, you will be greeted with the same anticipation and welcome as if we were arriving along with you. We are dedicated to providing personal attention and crafting a quality experience at good value that is just right for you.

What if weather is a problem or I get delayed en route?

In the final information we offer detailed directions and instructions about what to do if you must skip a day of hiking due to bad weather or for some other reason and how to rejoin your itinerary.

Hiking Grades:

The Grand Traverse Part One is graded strenuous with some strenuous plus. The hiking trails are generally well graded and well defined, which makes for great hiking. There are sections that include mud, snow, loose rock, and scree. For the strenuous plus parts there are some sections, over the course of a few of the days, that will require more attention due to rocky trails, steep descent or ascents, long downhill and some open and airy parts. This is a great route and participants should be in condition appropriate for the trip and be able to hike in varied terrain and weather.

Any hiking trip in the mountains requires a certain amount of effort and proper fitness training will enhance your enjoyment. In the mountains, time and elevation gain or loss as opposed to distance, tend to be the determining factors when defining hiking grades or level of difficulty. We have done our best to grade our trips consistently. Please call us for further clarification.

Easy: Hike 3 to 4 hours daily carrying a daypack on generally gentle terrain. Distances from 4 to 8 miles. Elevation gain and loss 500' to 1,500'.

Moderate: Hike an average of 4 to 5 hours daily on varied terrain. Distances from 5 to 9 miles. Elevation gains and losses generally 1,500' to 2,500' or about 2 hours.

Strenuous: Hike 5 to 7 hours daily on varied terrain, with consistent ascents and descents of 2 to 3 or more hours generally 2,500' - 3,500'. Distances from 6 to 11 miles. There are some sections that include steep uphill and downhills.

Strenuous Plus: 5 to 8 hours partly on rocky, challenging terrain with consistent steep ascents and descents of 2 to 3 or more hours generally 3,000'-5,000'. Distances from 6 to 15 miles. Though each day is not strenuous plus some sections that may include rough terrain and open and exposed trails.

Accommodations and Facilities:

The hotel in Chamonix is wonderful family run hotel located in the center of town. This older fashioned hotel is welcoming and helpful. All rooms have private baths. The hotel in Pralognan is located in the village and offers nice private rooms with private baths.Breakfasts are served at both hotels.

The mountain huts are remote and rustic and located in spectacular settings. The shared facilities are simple, but most have hot showers. Most accommodate 20 to 40 hikers, sometimes more. Breakfasts and dinners are served at the refuges and lunches are picnic style along the trail.

Travel:

The closest international airport is Geneva, Switzerland. From Geneva you can travel to and from Chamonix by train, a shared van, private taxi or bus. Depending on the route allow about 2 – 4 hours. There are also trains from Zurich or Paris just allow for extra travel time.

How to register for a self-guided trip:

Call or email us to discuss location, dates and level of difficulty. We can modify the above itinerary to meet your time frame and abilities. Once we agree on an itinerary and the dates we require a $375 non-refundable deposit per person. Please see information about how to book your self-guided trip.

For a more detailed itinerary or to register please call.