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 .
Accommodation & Meals
You’ll be staying in a mixture of simple hotels, auberges, gites and refuges in private rooms for 2, except for one night where there is no choice but to stay in a shared dormitory. Good wholesome mountain food.
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking trail along the second section of the GR5long distance path is available from 18 June to 18 September. This is a high-altitude walking holiday with passes above 2500m and so, depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snow fields remain on the higher slopes. Day 6 especially in the Vanoise National Park goes over Col de Chaviere (2796m), the highest col on the whole of the standard GR5 trail. The slopes on either side of this pass can be icy and slippery. The risk of encountering winter snow reduces as you progress into July. The weather is fairly similar in July and August. It can be variable, although the southern part of this section has a drier climate than the Mont Blanc massif. The risk of storms is usually greater in the afternoons, 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 is sometimes a good period for settled weather but you run the 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 detailed 1:25,000 walking maps.
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
Make your way to Chamonix at the start of the walking holiday
By Train
Eurostar trains run services from London St Pancras to Paris. Take RER to Paris Gare de Lyon and take a train to Bellegarde. Change for train to Chamonix. Trains also from Lyon and Marseille via Bellegarde.
Return trains: TGV from Bardoneccia 18h54 to Paris 23h19 (trains go via Chambery) – check with SNCF. Shuttle bus from Nevache at 17h55 for Bardonecccia 18h30
Also night train from Briancon 20h29 for Paris 07h25. Shuttle bus from Nevache at 16h19 for Briancon 17h00
By Air and rail
Regular direct flights to Lyon St Exupery with Easyjet, British Airways and Flybe and then trains as above. Also possible to fly to Geneva and take trains from Geneva with a couple of changes.
Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangements
By Air and rail
There is secure, covered parking to leave your car in Chamonix (about 40 euros for the week), alth
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
Accommodation in Briancon is not included in the standard holiday price. We can include one or more nights in Briancon as required. We usually use a good 2-star hotel within easy walking distance of the historic centre.
Combining trips
Finishing in Briancon means that you can easily combine this holiday with our Tour of the Queyras walking holiday or with our centre-based Queyras holiday in this beautiful regional park
Changing or Tailor-made holidays
It would be possible to book parts 1, 3 and 4 of the GR5 long-distance trail with this trekking holiday.
In addition, we have hut-to-hut based trekking holidays in the Vanoise National Park. It would be possible to add sections of this holiday to your trek if you were looking to explore one of these areas in more detail.
If you would like an extra day or two during the trek then we would recommend an extra night in Pralognan-la-Vanoise. This is a pretty village surrounded by stunning mountains. You can take a cable car and have a more relaxing day’s walk to see more of the beautiful Vanoise.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
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