Grande Traversee Des Alps

19 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
5/5 Excellent
3 reviews  
100%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Group Tour
Much like a European version of the Appalachian Trail, the Grande Randonnee 5 (GR 5) is a spectacular long-distance hiking route that runs the length of Europe, beginning on the North Sea and ending on the shores of the Mediterranean. The section of the GR 5 that begins at the base of the Mont Blanc Massif and traverses the French Alps south to the Mediterran...
Inquire for Pricing
See departure dates

Member Savings

Save up to $700!

Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)

Unlock Savings

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Explore Pralognan, experience hiking all the way to the Med
    • Enjoy the hike passes by Lac Mirror and Lac St. Anne, surrounded by the rocky mountains of Pic Heuvieres
    • Visit Chateau Ville Vieille Queyras is situated just outside of the Parc Naturel Regional du Queyras
    • Amazing hike through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995′) with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay

What's this trip about?

    Much like a European version of the Appalachian Trail, the Grande Randonnee 5 (GR 5) is a spectacular long-distance hiking route that runs the length of Europe, beginning on the North Sea and ending on the shores of the Mediterranean. The section of the GR 5 that begins at the base of the Mont Blanc Massif and traverses the French Alps south to the Mediterranean is referred to as the Grande Traversee des Alps (GTA). We trek this diverse route on foot, hiking to a new destination each night.

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityGeneva
End CityGeneva

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Transformative

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Mountaineering
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 5

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • Group transfers
    • All accommodations
    • All Breakfasts, most Dinners
    • All group transfers on vans, buses, trains and ski lifts as described in the itinerary
    • Luggage transfer for one medium-sized duffel bag from your starting point to Pralognan and from Pralognan to Menton
    • Great hiking and memories!

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1:

Arrive Geneva, Cointrin International Airport. Group transfer at 1:00 pm to Chamonix, France. Welcome dinner and orientation. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps, including Mont Blanc (15,860′).

Day 2:

Short transfer by bus to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue (5,610′). Here we begin today’s hike by passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay, then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995′) with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After our steep descent from the Col, we arrive at our refuge.

Day 3:

Departing from Les Contamines in mid-morning, we hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th-century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small ancient Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to our overnight stop.

Day 4:

We begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme (8,200′). The route from the Refuge de la Croix Bonhomme follows the narrow ridge of the Crete des Gittes, built by the French Military, and then drops down to the Col de Sauce and to the Plan de la Lai (6,000′) and up to the Refuge Mya. Views of Mont Pourri dominate the scenery.

Day 5:

Our hike today leads us high above the Roseland Dam to the Col Bresson, flanked by dolomite-like arretes and aiguilles including the bold Pierra Menta. From here, our hike down to the refuge is spectacular. This simple refuge has a calm and remote setting.

Day 6:

Our day will begin with a long, gradual descent down the valley floor to the village of Valezan. A short bus transfer will take us from Valezan to Peisey-Nancroix and on to the Chalet Refuge de Rosuel, located at the entrance to the Parc National Vanoise. After a rest...

Day 7:

Entre le Lac to Val Claret. The morning part of the hike climbs up to the col du Palet (8,750′). The ever-widening valley is flanked by the Dome de Platieres and the tapered peak of Aliet. Up ahead lies the Grande Motte (12,500′), draped with huge glaciers. In the ear...

Day 8:

Today we leave the GR 5 and pick up the high mountain route of the GR 55, which cuts into the heart of the Vanoise. Hiking out of the ski area the route contours up the Rochers de la Petit Balme and to the col de Fresse (8,300′). From here the route climbs through the...

Day 9:

From the refuge we climb to a high, broad valley lined by several mountain lakes and mountain peaks of Pointe Mathews (12,334′) and La Grande Casse (12,721′). The trail then rises to the col de la Vanoise (8,300′) and the Refuge du col de la Vanoise. From here there a...

Day 10: Pralognan – End of Part 1 and Start of Part 2

For those hiking all the way to the Med, today is a rest day. For those departing there will be a group transfer to the Geneva Airport departing about 9:00 am and arriving at the Geneva Airport at about 11:00 am. We will rendezvous with those joining the trip at the Geneva Airport at 11:00 am for a group transfer to Pralognan. Please contact us before firming up any travel plans.

Day 11:

Leaving Pralognan in the morning, a short transfer by bus takes us to the edge of the park, where we begin our hike in the Vallon du Doron to the col de Chaviere. This col is the highest col of any of France’s long-distance routes (9,230′) and offers an impressive vie...

Day 12:

From Chateau Queyras we climb though forests and wide meadows offering dramatic 360-degree views. Above us tower the twin peaks of Pointe de la Selle and Point de Rasis. This path soon takes us over the open and barren pass at the Col du Fromage (7,600′), and yes, “fr...

Day 13:

The first part of our hike passes by Lac Mirror and Lac St. Anne, surrounded by the rocky mountains of Pic Heuvieres. This area has a very remote feeling as we cross Col Girardin (8,900′) and descend into the quiet Ubaye Valley to our gite at Maljasset.

Day 14:

We will start with a morning hike to St Paul Ubaye, where we will have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will meet our van and transfer to St. Etienne, where we will spend the night at a gite d’etape located a short walking distance to the village.

Day 15:

Today’s hike is spectacular and probably a favorite because of the remoteness, the changing scenery and the welcoming gite at the end of a good day. After a a short transfer, we hike through larch forests along the Sellevielle River and through a huge cirque up to the...

Day 16:

Today’s hike is filled with contrast. The first part of the day leads us through a wonderful, high, open meadow. The second part of the day leads through hamlets, villages and by ancient churches. We end the hike in Roure. This village sits on a hillside and is known ...

Day 17:

Morning transfer from Rimplas to our trail head. From our overnight stop we hike south round the Terres Rouges and to our ending point at Point Trois Commune – l’Authion. As with all our days, this hike is varied as our route includes forest roads, pleasant paths that...

Day 18:

It’s never over ’til it’s over, and we’re not out of the mountains yet. From Sospel we climb through an amazingly dense forest before the route opens up at the Col Razet, where we have our first view of Menton. It looks very close, but today’s hike is a long one. The ...

Day 19:

The trip will end at the hotel in Menton.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $0
Price per day$0
Last Updated: 7/16/2018

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Distant Journeys.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Distant Journeys Reviews & Ratings

5/5  Excellent
Excellent
3
Great
0
Average
0
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
Write a Review

Other Distant Journeys Reviews

K

Kathleen

Nov 2018

Provided byDistant Journeys

A fabulously run

A fabulously run tour company, offering top-notch cultural itineraries. We just...

S

Sara

Sep 2016

Provided byDistant Journeys

It was awesome!

I just finished the guided Tour du Mont Blanc trip with 2 girlfriends, and it was awesome! Distant Journeys really knows how to package their TMB trek, an outstandin...

D

Dana

Nov 2015

Provided byDistant Journeys

The trip absolutely wonderful

Distant Journeys organized an amazing 2-week trip for us around Mont Blanc, including multiple customizations. They made the preparation simple and easy, and they ma...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Airfare
    • Lunches
    • optional/individual transfers or excursions
    • Dinners in Tignes or Pralognan
    • Items not on set dinner menu
    • Tips to guides/leaders
    • Beverages
    • Insurance
    • Excess baggage charge
    • Items of a personal nature.

Accommodation

Cancellation policy

Should you find it necessary to cancel, a cancellation fee will apply based on the date we receive written notice:

Over 60 days prior to departure —$200 fee

60-30 days prior to departure—50% of land costs

Less than 30 days or failure to show—no refund

There will be no refunds or credits for unused portions or uncompleted tours for any reason whatsoever.

Please note that a few of our trips have payment schedules and cancellation fees that are more stringent. These exceptions are clearly indicated in the detailed itineraries, printed separately for each trip.

Distant Journeys, Inc. reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient registrations. Generally, a cancellation would be made more than 45 days in advance of the departure date. If we find it necessary to cancel a trip, all payments made to Distant Journeys, Inc. will be refunded immediately. However, Distant Journeys, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for other expenses incurred by the participant as a result of such a cancellation. 

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

All Breakfasts and most Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
[object Object]
Trip ID
distan-GraTraDis

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!