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ALPINE ADVENTURE: GR5 BRIANCON TO ROYA

Highlights

3rd leg of a trek along the full length of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice. Discovering the beautiful Queyras Regional Park.

Destinations

France

Budget

From $1550 per person

All highlights

This is the 3rd stage of a mythical walk that follows the GR 5 long-distance trail from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast at Nice, following the entire length of the French Alps . We have split the walk into several self-guided walking holidays , although it would be possible to combine them. Our holidays include luggage transfers (if you wish) so that you can enjoy the amazing scenery with only a light day pack. From Briançon you’ll first traverse the beautiful Queyras regional park with its wonderful wild alpine flowers and great panoramic views, before moving onto the secret Alps of the Ubaye Valley. From there it’s onto the majestic and wild Mercantour National Park, with great wildlife. You can combine this trek with the 6-day walking break from Roya to Nice. The traverse of the French Alps is a truly unforgettable experience as you head south passing by the majestic summits of the Mont Blanc range before passing through the Vanoise and Mercantour National Parks. Your wonderful trail passes through a variety of landscapes, wildlife habitats and historic sites including the green alpine pastures of the Savoy, rocky deserts in the Queyras, beautiful perched villages of the Roya, snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc and ibex in the Mercantour. Holiday Profile . 8 night/9 days: 7 days independent walking moving between accommodation. Everyday (subject to availability) from 17 June to 23 September . (Only afternoon buses leave from St Etienne to Nice on Mondays during school time and on Sundays and bank holidays). On other days there is a morning service.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive at Briancon. Night in hotel. .

Day 2: Briancon (1200m) - Arvieux (1750m)

From the centre of Briancon you'll follow the beautiful Ayes Valley with its numerous traditional chalets originally built for use for summer pasture. After the first main col (Col des Ayes at 2477m) you'll enter the wonderful Queyras Regional Park, home to numerous wildlife and affording expansive views. A lovely descent into the dramatic Arvieux Valley. We have provided you with the chance to do an additional climb via the dramatic and more remote Col du Cros.. Overnight: Arvieux , + 1380m; - 1000 m; 7hr 30 . .

Day 3: Arvieux (1685m) - Ville Vieille (1380m)

From Arvieux climb out of the valley to reach the beautiful Lac Roue with wonderful views towards Pic de Rochebrune and then onto the preserved mountain hamlet of Souliers with its large chalets adorned with flowers. Traverse the mountainside to reach Meyries with great views across the Guil Valley towards the summits of the Queyras. Descend to the village of Ville Vieille.. Overnight: Ville Vieille, Walk: +780m, -1085m, 6 hours . .

Day 4: Ville Vieille (1380m) - Ceillac (1640m)

A climb through larch forest, pretty flower-filled clearings, and the sound of cow bells will take you to the high pastures of Pres fromage (cheese field!). Pass by the bright white gypsum ravines at "Ruine Blanche" before climbing towards Col Fromage (2301m) passing striking limestone peaks on the way. After the col, you'll get great panoramic views towards the mighty peaks of Font Sancte (over 3300m) and the beautiful valley below where the village of Ceillac nestles. It is possible to take a dramatic traverse over the Crete de Chambrettes for stunning views.. Overnight: Ceillac, Walk: + 1055m; - 800 m; 6hr . .

Day 5: Ceillac (1640m) - Maljasset (1900m)

From Ceillac you'll discover the amazing waterfall, Cascade de la Pisse, and then higher up two beautiful lakes - Lac Miroir set in pasture with its green waters reflecting the surrounding limestone rock walls, and Lac Ste Anne with its deep turquoise waters set in a cirque at the base of Fonte Sancte (3385 m). A small climb brings you to Col Girardin (2699m) with wonderful views back towards the Queyras and ahead into the Ubaye Valley. You have the option of a further 300m climb which provides you with stunning views. A pretty descent brings you to the hamlet of Maljasset. Stay in Maljasset and transfer in the morning of transfer to Fouillouse for your accommodation.. Overnight: Maljasset, Walk: + 1100m; - 835 m; 6hr 45 . .

Day 6: Fouillouse (1900m) - Larche (1660m)

Walk to the Col du Vallonnet at 2524m, dominated by the summit of Brec de Chambeyron (3389m). A beautiful and wild valley leads you onto Col de Mallemort (2558m). There is another optional climb to the nearby summit of Tete de Viraysse for more outstanding views. Then start your descent to the village of Larche. You are now walking for the next couple of days in the Mercantour National Park.. Overnight: Larch, Walk: + 840m; - 1050 m; 6hr 15 . .

Day 7: Larche (1660m) - Bousieyas (1883m)

A beautiful hiking trail in the small valley of Ubayette to reach Lake Lauzanier at 2285m before a steep climb to the mountain pass called Pas de la Cavale Beau at 2675m. A small descent through alpine meadows and pastures before a small climb to Col des Fourches (2262m). Afterward, descend to Bousieyas in 45 minutes and your accommodation.. Overnight: Bousieyas, Walk: +1200m; - 980 m; 7hr 15 . .

Day 8: Bousieyas (1883m) - St Etienne de Tinee (1160m)

Your walking trail crosses the alpine pastures of Col de la Colombiere with the possibility of going to the summit of Tete de Vinaigre (2394m) for great views. Then descend to the village of St Dalmas le Selvage before climbing to the next mountain pass called Col d'Anelle. You'll then descend to reach the village of St Etienne de Tinee.. Overnight: St Etienne de Tinee, Walk: +690m; - 1400 m; 5hr 30 . .

Day 9: Departure

Your walking holiday finishes after breakfast. . If you wish to book part 4 of the GR5 trail at the same time, then please see our combined holiday page Alpine adventure parts 3 & 4 . If booking part 4 separately you can choose between the usual part 4 GR5 trail to Nice or a longer trail via the GR52 and the heart of the Mercantour National Park, finishing in Menton . . .

Prices

Price per person	2 pers	4 pers	6 pers	8 pers
Price per adult	$1550	$1130	$1010	$950
Price per kid	$810	$590	$530	$490

Services

Included:

8 night's half board accommodation in gites, simple hotels, and refuges with private rooms (except 2 evening meals);
1 transfer during the walk to access accommodation;
detailed walking notes and walking maps
transport of luggage between accommodation if chosen

Excluded:

Travel to Briancon at the start of the walking holiday and from St Etienne de Tinee at the end of holiday;
drinks with evening meals, lunches, and 2 evening meals in Briancon and St Etienne de Tinee
travel insurance,
anything else not listed above

Optional:

Extra Nights
Combining trips
Changing or Tailor-made holidays
Tailor Made Trips

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Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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