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 .
Accommodation & Meals
You’ll be staying in private rooms for 2 in gites, simple hotels and mountain refuges,except 2 nights in a dormitory. Mainly shared bathrooms. You’ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All evening meals are included in your holiday price except 2 nights.
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking tour along the 3rd part of the GR5 trail is available from mid-June to mid-September. The trek goes over high passes above 2500m and so, depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snow fields remain on the higher slopes. The risk of encountering winter snow reduces as you progress into July. The weather is fairly similar in July and August. For the most part, it is stable and dry with the risk of afternoon storms, so setting off early is advisable. The busiest period in terms of fellow walkers is from mid-July to mid-August. Early in the season is best for the wonderful alpine flowers and meadows. Early September also has good weather, although there is a small risk of encountering some cold conditions at night and even some early fresh snow.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
The vast majority of this walking holiday follows the GR5 (Grande Randonnee) long-distance trail which is way-marked with red and white markings. There are also several signposts along the trail. The walking follows clear paths for its entire duration. Some small sections follow local or unmarked trails, to access accommodation for example, but these are easy to follow. Our walking notes are detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply walking maps. You’ll be provided with a large-scale map usually of 1:50,000 for the whole trail and more detailed 1:25,000 maps within your guidebook.
Luggage Transfers
On this walking holiday, you can choose to have your main luggage transferred between accommodations so you only have to carry a day rucksack with a picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water, and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera, etc. On this holiday several local taxi companies are responsible for transporting your main luggage. The contact details for the taxis are included in your walking notes. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 15kg.
Travel Info
By Train
Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu via Lille or direct. From Lyon you’ll need to take a local train service to Briancon station, going via Grenoble or Valence. Some trains go direct to Briancon from Grenoble, whilst others require a further change. The section between Grenoble and Briancon takes a minimum of 3hrs. You can also take trains from Lyon to Valence and change at Valence going via Gap. There are also overnight TGV trains to Briancon from Austerlitz station in Paris. If flying to Marseille there are TER trains from Marseille to Briancon. Also, TGV trains from Paris to Oulx in Italy and a shuttle bus to Briancon.
At the end of your holiday take bus 740 to Nice – Vauban. Buses every day from St Etienne de Tinee at 8.15 and 16.15, except Mondays, Sundays & bank holidays, when only the afternoon buses run. (Correct at time of writing)
By Air and rail
Regular direct flights between Lyon St Exupery, Marseille, Nice and the UK and then trains or buses as above.
Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangement
Further Information & Advice
For useful advice about independent walking trips and preparing for your self-guided holiday please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section. Learn more about how to prepare your walking trip or what to carry on your rucksack. Once you have booked this independent walking or trekking holiday, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you.
Extra Nights
We can include one or more nights in Nice after your travel by bus from St Etienne de Tinee at the end of your walking holiday. We can book a hotel or guest house to suit your requirements.
We can also book an additional night in Briancon at the start if required to explore the town and the military complex designed by Vauban.
Combining trips
After traveling to Nice you can easily combine this holiday with our Alps to Med Trail from Tende to Menton in the Maritime Alps.
Changing or Tailor-made holidays
Parts 3 and 4 of this alpine trekking holiday can be booked together. In addition, there are two versions of part 4, one going from St Etienne de Tinee to Nice, as per this holiday and the other following a longer and more difficult trail from St Etienne de Tinee to Menton along the GR52. Although we do not have a separate webpage for combining part 3 and the alternative part 4 to Menton, it would be possible to book this combined alternative. We can also combine the earlier sections of the GR5 trek with this part.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
Tailor Made Trips
If you want to learn more about the region’s culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out this trip that includes a few days in the Alps. Contact us to add them to your hike.
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