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ALPINE ADVENTURE: GR5 LAKE GENEVA TO CHAMONIX

Highlights

1st 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 first 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. Your trail starts near Lake Geneva (the largest lake in the Alps) and crosses the alpine meadows of the Abondance Valley before meandering along the foothills of the Chablais mountains heading towards the ever-present profile of Mont Blanc. Climb to the Brevent with exceptional views towards Mont Blanc before descending to Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc. 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 . 6 night/7 days: 6 days independent walking moving between accommodation. Everyday (subject to availability) from 21 June to 14 September . Walking Profile & Grade . 6 days of self-guided walking between accommodation. Walks per day amount to an average of 5 – 6 hours walking and 800m of ascent and descent.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Pick up at Evian train station. Dinner and night at hotel in Chablais mountains. . .

Day 2: Bernex (1206m) - Chapelle d'Abondance (1021m)

There are two options for your first day.. Option 1: Transfer to chalets de Bise: This option allows you to discover the north face of Mont Chauffe and its alpine meadows. Your day starts by climbing Pas de la Bosse at 1815m, passing by Chamois on the northern slopes of Cornettes. You'll then traverse towards Mont Chauffe, crossing the Col d'Ubine and descending to Chapelle d'Abondance with magnificent views down the length of the Chatel Valley. + 690 m; - 1080 m; 13 km; 5hr 30. . Option 2: Transfer to Bernex: This is a longer option that allows you to start closer to Lake Geneva. You'll begin at the foot of Dent d'Oche, the most recognisable summit in the area, before crossing two mountain passes. You'll then pass Lake Darbon which you'll only discover at the last moment before crossing a vast alpine meadow dominated by the summit of Cornettes de Bise. After a third mountain pass

Day 7: Moede-Anterne (2002m) - Chamonix (1034m)

Your descent to Pont d'Arleve is unforgettable as you enter one of the last parts of Haute Savoie where the original vegetation remains. After crossing Diosaz Gorge you'll climb to the Col du Brevent, a spectacular balcony facing Mont Blanc. You can either climb to the summit of Brevent (2525m) and then descend by two cable cars to reach Chamonix or descend to Planpraz and take the second cable car or gondola to reach Chamonix.. Walk: +770 m or +925m; - 740m or -410m; 10km; 5hr 30 . . Holiday ends after your walk on day 7 or book an extra night's accommodation in Chamonix. Also possible to book the next leg of the walking holiday from Chamonix to Briancon 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:

6 nights half board accommodation in gites and refuges with private rooms (except one night, 1.00);
taxi transfers on day 1, and 2 other days,
detailed walking notes and walking maps,
transport of luggage between accommodation (except on days 3 and 6)

Excluded:

Travel to Evian at the start of the walking holiday and from Chamonix at the end of your holiday;
drinks with evening meals, lunches,
Brevent cable car,
travel insurance,
anything else not listed above

Optional:

Extra Nights
Combining trips or Tailor-Made Holidays

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Pauline Mathieu

travel expert: France & Scotland

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