France Alps GR5 Trekking Tour

Upon your arrival at the airport in Geneva, transfer to the small town of Combloux, a simple but charming alpine village. After settling in at the hotel, you'll have a chance to stroll around the village, or simply savor the exquisite mountain scenery. Later, meet your guides and the rest of the group for a welcome dinner and an orientation.

Today's warm-up hike will get you ready for the long, invigorating days ahead. Begin with an ascent over the grassy slopes of Le Mont de Vores (6,781'). From the wide open summit, take in epic views of the entire Mont Blanc range, which includes the summit of the Mont Blanc massif itself (15,771') and the Aravis massif (9,032'). Follow the ridgeline to Mont Clocher (6,483'), which overlooks the rich Beaufortain Valley. You are now in the Savoie region, famously known for its Beaufort cheese production. In the afternoon, hike down to the picturesque mountain town of Hauteluce (3,610') and transfer to your hotel in Areches-Beaufort.

From the trailhead this morning, overlooking the bright-blue lake of Roselend, take a winding path along the ridge of Le Mont des Acrays (7,130') toward the base of the "Giant's Tooth" peak of the Pierra Menta (8,902'). At the Col du Couvercle (7,680'), enjoy panoramic views of the southern edge of the Mont Blanc range and the summits of the Vanoise. Later, descend into the Tarentaise Valley, where the Isere River flows. The many stunning peaks of this area were host to the alpine events of the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics.

Spend the day in Vanoise National Park, France's first, which was created in 1963 after an early mobilization of the country's environmental movement. The park is home to ibexes and marmots as well as an abundance of brightly colored wildflowers. Pinnacles, sink holes, and jagged peaks dot the landscape, and the area is famed for crimson-veined blocks of marble and the many fossils preserved in the limestone. Make a long ascent from the Rosuel Door (5,050') to the Col de Plan Sery (8,530'), where the meadows are carpeted with edelweiss. At the foot of the Bellecote summit (11,388'), hike down to the valley of Champagny (5,120') and your lodging in the village of Pralognan.

This morning, start hiking over smooth, rolling hills until you reach the alpine farming area at Le Ritord, where local farmers make the famous Beaufort cheese. Stepping off of the main trail you'll head to the Col d'Aussois, the highest pass you'll cross on this trip at 9,566 feet in elevation. The pass is wedged between the ridge of La Pointe de l'Echelle (11,227') and the southern tips of the Domes de la Vanoise and the Dent Parrachee (12,129'). After crossing the col, begin your descent through fields frequented by grazing ibex to the lake of Le Plan d'Amont (6,610').

Across from the Maurienne Valley, today you will follow the Grande Randonnee 5 (or GR5) trail into the Vallee Etroite, where the slopes are covered with forests of larch pines. Starting at the small ski resort of Val Frejus (5,350'), begin a pleasant ascent toward the open col of Vallee Etroite (7,985'), until reaching the foot of Mount Thabor. The area still retains a strong Italian heritage, as this region has changed hands many times over the years. From your vantage point in this narrow valley, you'll have excellent views of the summits of the Vanoise region. Your descent takes you along wild streams and through alpine meadows to the huts of the Vallee Etroite (5,790'). From here, continue your hike down to the van, then take a short transfer to Montgenevre where you'll spend the night.

Today you'll hike into Queyras National Park, an area with a huge diversity of flora and an abundance of unique rock formations. Your hike begins in the hamlet of Chalets des Ayes (5,626'), and then continues up a forested stream. You'll reach a summer farming region just beneath the Col des Ayes (8,126'). In the afternoon, make your way up to the hamlet of Clapey and enjoy breathtaking views of the valley below, and then down to the village of Brunissard (5,741'). End the day with a transfer to Saint-Veran, one of the highest villages in Europe at 6,677 feet. Legend has it that the village is named after a 6th-century saint who drove a dragon away from the region.

Your hike begins at the Chapelle de Clausis (7,677') and continues on to the hut at La Blanche (8,198') and a quiet mountain lake. The short climb to Col Blanchet (9,504') allows the group to set foot into Italian territory as you make your way around the Tete des Toillies (10,416'). Return to France via the wide and scenic Col Longet (8,704'). The descent from here is long and gentle, passing through alpine meadows, oases of wildflowers, and gorgeous river valleys. Transfer to the lovely town of Barcelonnette.

After a restful morning, leave the hotel at 10am for a scenic drive to Saint-Martin de Vesubie. On the way, enjoy the view from the Col de la Bonette (8,907'), the highest driving pass in Europe. Stop for lunch in the town of Saint Etienne de Tinee, and arrive in the afternoon for free time to explore the charming village of Saint-Martin de Vesubie.

Today you'll head into the heavily wooded area known as Mercantour National Park, a region with a diverse ecosystem and many geologic interests. The park is home to ermine, ibex, and eagles. And though it is rare to see any of the wolves that returned here in the 1990s in search of new territories, you'll certainly catch a glimpse of the many chamois goats that leap precariously from one rock ledge to the next. Starting from the stone barns at Vacherie du Boreon (5,413'), in the welcoming shade of a larch forest, head towards Trecolpas Lake and then continue to the Pas de Ladres (8,031'). The descent takes you to the Madone de Fenestre (6,260'), nestled at the end of the valley.

From the remote valley of Gordolasque, leave the Pas de l'Arpette (8,238') on your left to head south to the Cime du Diable (8,809'), via the Pas du Trem (8,156'). It is the southernmost summit of the park, and you'll be able to see it well from your vantage point. The trail then follows the winding ridgeline between the Roya and Vesubie Valleys, eventually emerging at La Pointe des Trois Commune (6,824'), which offers stunning panoramic views of the Southern Alps. The last stretch leads you to Baisse de Tueis (6,197').

Coming back to where you stopped yesterday, follow the GR5 down to Sospel (1,148'), passing more remnants of the Great War en route. Along the ridge between the Roya and Bavera Valleys, you will have the chance to pass through different stages of vegetation and enjoy the fragrance of the Mediterranean as you reach Sospel (1,148'), a charming medieval town with a baroque cathedral and a newly restored town square. At the conclusion of the hike, drive to Menton to check into your hotel where you will spend your final two nights. Dinner tonight is on your own in this charming town by the sea.

Your final hiking day begins with a trek to the Grand Mont (4,524') to enjoy one last panoramic view of the mountains. Then it's down to Col du Berceau (3,445'), for a spectacular view of the enchanting port of Menton before descending to its shores. End your trek by dipping your toes in the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Of all the Cote d'Azur resorts, Menton is the warmest and most Italian, only a few miles from the border. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group tonight.

Rise early for your transfer to the Nice airport and depart or pair this trip with another MT Sobek adventure in Europe!