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ALPINE ADVENTURE: GR5 CHAMONIX TO BRIANCON

Highlights

2nd leg of a trek along the full length of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice. Superb panoramic views of Mont Blanc.

Destinations

France

Budget

From $250 per person

All highlights

This is the second 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 so that you can enjoy the amazing scenery with only a light day pack. You’ll start your walking holiday in Chamonix and after passing by the foot of the immense Mont Blanc glaciers you’ll head through the alpine meadows of Beaufortain, famous for its cheese. Between Pralognan & Modane you’ll discover the beautiful summits and glaciers of the Vanoise National Park and then Mont Thabor. Afterwards, the climate changes and the mountains become more arid as you pass into the southern Alps. 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 . 7 night/8 days: 7 days independent walking moving between accommodation. Everyday (subject to availability) from 21 June to 14 September . Walking Profile & Grade . 7 days of self-guided walking between accommodation.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Arrive in Chamonix. Night in hotel.. .

Day 2: Chamonix - Bionnassay (1350m)

Your self-guided walking holiday starts with the southern balcony trail facing Mont Blanc and its famous jagged peaks (aiguilles). This takes you to Les Houches from where you'll take the Bellevue cable car. A path that follows the mountainside will then take you to the snout of the Bionnassay glacier. Night at Bionnassay above the Contamines Montjoie Valley.. Overnight: Bionnassay , + 630m; - 1160 m; 15km 5hrs 30 . .

Day 3: Bionnassay (1350m) - Nant Borrant (1430m)

After descending towards la Gruvaz your walking trail then climbs the Contamines Valley. We also offer a variation that goes via the Alpages (alpine meadows) of Miage (1559m), a wonderful spot at the foot of the Domes de Miage, as well as passing by the Plateau du Turc before descending to Les Contamines-Montjoie. Your day finishes in the Nature Reserve of Contamines-Montjoie where vehicles can only enter before 7am or after 7pm. Hence you will only get your bags at 7.30pm.. Overnight: Nant Borrant, Walk: +970m, -830m, 18km, 6 hrs 15 . .

Day 4: Nant Borrant (1430m) - Plan de la Lai (1818m)

A truly alpine day with the ascension of two cols during your walk. You'll discover the quiet alpine meadows of Balme before reaching Col du Bonhomme (2329m) as you enter Beaufortain, famous for its cheese. You'll then undertake a gentle traverse climbing gradually to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m). You'll then follow a spectacular ridge (Crete des gites) with great panoramic views, including views back to Mont Blanc, before descending to Plan de la Lai.. Overnight: Plan de la Lai, Walk: + 1020m; - 665 m; 12km 5hrs 30 . .

Day 6: Pralognan (1710m) - Orgere (1890m)

You'll climb the beautiful Chaviere Valley to climb past the refuge at Roc de la Peche. After an easy walk along this huge glaciated valley, you'll start your climb towards the Col de Chaviere (2796m). On the way, you can take a small detour to the beautiful Lac Blanc located in a wonderful setting below the Col du Souffre surrounded by peaks capped with glaciers. Your descent is dominated by the Glacier de la Masse on your left. Descend passed Lac de la Partie before heading through pasture to reach Orgere on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. + 1086m ; -910m; 15km; 6hr. Overnight: Larch, Walk: +1086m; - 910 m; 15km; 6hr . .

Day 7: Val Frejus (1830m) - Vallee Etroite (1785m)

Transfer by taxi to Val Frejus on the other side of the Arc Valley. Your walking trail starts in the forest and then passes old military installations before joining Combes de Roches. The Col de la Vallee Etroite takes you into the southern Alps where the vegetation and the light are no longer the same. In addition, this valley has a strong Italian influence. + 610m ; -630m; 11km; 5hr. There are several different options possible on this day including going via the Refuge Mont Thabor and the Marguerite lakes (+100m). If you are strong and quick walkers you can also summit Mont Thabor at 3178m. This adds 850m of ascent and 3 hours to the figures below.. Overnight: Vallee Etroite, Walk: +610m; - 630 m; 11km 5hr . .

Day 8: Vallee Etroite (1785m) - Nevache (1600m)

After a night spent at the foot of the mountains: Pointes Gaspard, Melchior and Balthazar, you'll climb progressively towards Col des Thures, passing Lac Chavillon in a magnificent setting. The rest of the day is just as pretty as you cross the Thures Valley and descend through a beautiful larch forest with rock pinnacles to reach the hamlet of Roubion in Nevache.. Walk + 410m ; -600m; 8km; 5hr . Two variations are possible going via Lac Bellety (+100m) or climbing to the summit of Aiguille Rouge (+500m). Take the shuttle bus to reach the train station in Briancon or Bardoneccia station in Italy for TGV train to Paris.. Holiday ends after a walk on day 8 or book an extra night's accommodation in Nevache or Briancon. Also possible to book the next leg of the walking holiday from Briancon to Nice to continue the trek.. .

Prices

Price per person	2 pers	4 pers	6 pers	8 pers
Price per adult	$250	$180	$160	$150
Price per kid	$130	$90	$80	$80

Services

Included:

7 nights half board accommodation in gites, auberges, hotels and refuges with private rooms (except one night in dormitories, 1.00);
taxi transfers on day 1, and 2 other transfers;
detailed walking notes and walking maps,
1 cable car trip,
transport of luggage between accommodation

Excluded:

Travel to Chamonix at the start of the walking holiday and from Briancon at the end of the holiday;
drinks with evening meals, lunches, and evening meal in Chamonix,
travel insurance,
anything else not listed above

Optional:

Extra Nights
Combining trips
Changing or Tailor-made holidays

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Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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