GTA, Great Alpine Crossing via the GR®5 and GR®55. From Lake Geneva to Nice.

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The Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA) mainly follows the GR®5, with a few possible variations such as the crossing of the Haute Vanoise via the GR®55 and the Via Alpina, which this route takes instead of the GR®5 route via the Col de l’Iseran. It crosses the French Alps from north to south, from Saint-Gingolph to Nice. The guide includes web links to the many accommodation options along the route or nearby: mountain huts, lodges, campsites, cabins and shelters, excluding hotels. Although this guidebook details the GTA as a three-week trek, it can be adapted to suit your own pace, with stages of varying lengths, either completed in one go or in sections over several years. This journey, fuelled by the joy of freedom in unspoilt natural surroundings, will remain a superb and unforgettable experience, offering, moreover, the opportunity to meet many people with whom you can share this same passion for the mountains.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 342.76 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 21 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Very difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 99,633 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 100,915 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 9,022 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 33 ft

Photos

Place Masséna à Nice
Feux d'artifice à Nice
Vue sur Nice
Vue sur la baie de Nice

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    De Saint-Gingolph aux Chalets de Bise

    From Saint-Gingolph to the Chalets de Bise

    ↔7.66 mi ↗5,013 ft ↘1,348 ft
    This first stage of the Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA), from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, takes place in the Chablais massif. The path climbs up the Novel valley on the left bank of the Morge, below the hamlet of La Meurtaz, then follows the D30 road, which it overlooks after the hamlet of Jordy. On leaving Novel, the path winds its way above the hairpin bends of the D30 to La Planche. There, it leaves the main valley route to climb due south towards the chalets of Neuteu and on to the Col de Bise, before descending to the Chalets de Bise.
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  2. 2
    Des Chalets de Bise au Refuge de Trébentaz

    From the Chalets de Bise to the Trébentaz Refuge

    ↔8.20 mi ↗3,924 ft ↘2,740 ft
    This second stage continues the traverse of the Chablais. The route winds through the beautiful Abondance valley amidst magnificent, tranquil scenery. From the Chalet de Bise, there is a steep climb up to the Pas de la Bosse. From the pass, the path descends to the chalets of Chevenne, then follows the Sechet stream, continuing the descent along the right bank to the Chapelle d’Abondance. It runs alongside the Thoules stream and then the Dranse, which it leaves at the hamlet of Le Moulin, before climbing towards Sur Bayard to the Chalet des Crottes. From there, it is best to leave the main GR®5 route and, via a western path, follow the detour leading to the Refuge de Trébentaz, as the Refuge de la Haute Bise – shown on the IGN map – no longer offers accommodation.
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  3. 3
    Du Refuge de Trébentaz au Refuge de la Golèse

    From the Trébentaz Refuge to the Golèse Refuge

    ↔17.44 mi ↗4,196 ft ↘4,911 ft
    This third stage of the GTA takes you from the Chablais massif to the Giffre massif. It is very long but offers superb views of Les Dents Blanches and Les Dents du Midi in Switzerland. From the Trébentaz Refuge, the GR®5 detour crosses the Mattes ridge and rejoins the main GR®5 route. It descends towards the Pron mountain pasture, then skirts the Coincon ridge towards Lenlevay, descending into a wetland area and climbing back up to the Col de Bassachaux. It runs along the southern flank of the Crête des Rochassons and passes the Col de Chésery (1992 m) to enter Switzerland. It passes the Refuge de Chéseay, Lac Vert and climbs to Portes de l'Hiver, then descends to Chaux-Palin and continues along the hillside to La Pierre. After a short climb to the Col de Coux, it crosses back into France to cross the Torrent de Chardonnière and join the Col de Golèse and its refuge.
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  4. 4
    Du Refuge de la Golèse au Refuge d'Anterne Alfred Wills

    From the Refuge de la Golèse to the Refuge d’Anterne Alfred Wills

    ↔15.13 mi ↗4,278 ft ↘3,793 ft
    This fourth stage crosses the Giffre massif to reach the Anterne Refuge, situated in a magnificent setting at the foot of the impressive Fiz cliff face. From the Refuge de la Golèse, the GR®5 descends into the Clévieux valley (south-east), passing the Chavonnes chalets and then the hamlet of Les Allamands, where it joins the road. It runs alongside the road and follows it as far as Les Moulins, where it follows the left bank of the Clévieux and crosses through Samoëns. On leaving the town, it follows the Giffre upstream, first on the right bank then the left, before leaving the river to follow its tributary, the Giffre des Fonds. The GR®5 crosses it at the Pont des Nants and again at the Pont de Sales, before climbing up to the hamlets of Fardelay and Lignon and entering the Torrent de Sales valley. At the Pleureuse waterfall, it leaves this valley to head north-east, pass the small pass of Anterne and descend to the Anterne stream before climbing up to the Anterne Refuge.
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  5. 5
    Du Refuge d'Anterne Alfred Wills aux Houches

    From the Anterne Alfred Wills Mountain Hut to Les Houches

    ↔15.17 mi ↗4,701 ft ↘7,336 ft
    This fifth stage crosses the Montagne d'Anterne and, via a high-mountain route, the Aiguilles Rouges massif, offering superb views of the Mont Blanc massif. From the refuge, dominated by the famous Rochers des Fiz, the GR®5 trail climbs to the lake and then to the Col d'Anterne. From there, it descends to the Moëde Anterne Refuge and the Chalets de Moëde before skirting the rocky ridge of the Fonds de Moëde. It crosses the Diosaz at the Pont d’Arvelé to climb the slope of the Aiguilles Rouges massif, passing the ruins of the Chalets d’Arvelé before ascending to the Col du Brévent. After a short descent, it climbs again via ladders up the Brévent ridge and reaches its summit, which offers a splendid panorama of the Mont Blanc massif. The GR®5, via a very long and arduous descent, passes the Refuge de Bellachat and then, further down, the monumental statue of Christ the King, before crossing the Arve and entering Les Houches.
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  6. 6
    Des Houches au Refuge de la Balme

    From Les Houches to the Refuge de la Balme

    ↔15.34 mi ↗4,954 ft ↘2,654 ft
    This sixth stage of the GTA GR®5, which is shared with the GR® TMB, takes place in the Mont Blanc massif and then the Beaufortain massif. From Les Houches, the route follows the Maison Neuve chairlift and reaches the Terrain chalets before climbing up to the Col de Voza. The GR®5 descends due south along a wide path towards the Refuge du Fioux and then reaches the hamlet of Bionnassay. It crosses the Torrent de Bionnassay valley and turns sharply westwards before reaching the hamlet of Champel. From there, the path heads south to reach La Gruvaz, from where it descends westwards into the Bon Nant stream, which it crosses to run along the left bank towards the south. It returns to the right bank, passes through Les Contamines-Montjoie following the stream’s axis due south, and goes past the remarkable chapel of Notre-Dame de la Gorge. Continuing to follow the Bon Stream valley, the GR®5 climbs to a natural bridge and crosses a gorge at the Pont Romain de la Téna to reach the Refuge de la Balme.
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  7. 7
    Du Refuge de la Balme Beaufortin à celui de la Balme Tarentaise

    From the Refuge de la Balme Beaufortin to the Refuge de la Balme Tarentaise

    ↔15.97 mi ↗6,158 ft ↘5,151 ft
    This seventh stage of the GTA crosses the Beaufortain massif to reach the Tarentaise Valley.From the Balme Chalet-Refuge in Beaufortin, the GR®5 trail follows the Bon Nant stream, reaches the Plan des Dames and climbs to the Col du Bonhomme, before arriving at the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme Refuge, where it leaves the GR®TMB. The GR®5 descends and follows the Crête des Gittes to reach the Col de la Sauce, from where it drops down to the Refuge du Plan de la Lai. Following a track, it reaches the Plan Mya lodge, then enters a small valley and, hugging the hillside, climbs towards the hamlet known as La Petite Berge, passes a small pass at La Grande Berge before descending again above the hamlet of Tréicol. The path winds its way into the Vallon du Ruisseau de Treicol, reaches the ruins of Presset and climbs up to the Col du Bresson, overlooked by the Pierra Menta. From the pass, it descends to the Refuge de la Balme Tarentaise, the end point of this stage.
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  8. 8
    Du Refuge de la Balme Tarentaise au Refuge Entre le Lac

    From the Refuge de la Balme Tarentaise to the Refuge Entre le Lac

    ↔20.24 mi ↗4,997 ft ↘4,541 ft
    This eighth stage begins in the Beaufortin massif and continues into the Vanoise massif after crossing the Isère.From the Refuge de la Balme, the path descends along the left bank of the Ormente torrent, thus avoiding the road on the opposite bank. Cutting across the road’s hairpin bends, it crosses Valezan heading straight south, crosses the Isère at Bellentre, then follows the river to reach Landry. From there, it climbs up to the Hauts de Landry and its beautiful onion-domed church, then on to Martorey, where it heads south before passing through Peisey-Nancroix. Via the D87, it reaches the hamlet of Le Moulin, crosses the Ponturin torrent and follows it upstream, moving from one bank to the other. After the Rosuel mountain refuge, it climbs towards the Lanches de la Rèbe and heads south to rejoin the Ponturin. At Plan des Eaux, it leaves the GR®5, runs alongside Lake Plagne, and reaches the Entre le Lac mountain refuge.
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  9. 9
    Du Refuge Entre le Lac au Refuge de l'Arpont

    From the Entre le Lac Mountain Hut to the Arpont Mountain Hut

    ↔22.63 mi ↗5,837 ft ↘5,351 ft
    This ninth stage takes place in the Vanoise massif. First along the GR® 5 to Val Claret and then via the Via Alpina, which crosses the Haute Vanoise before rejoining the GR® 5.From the refuge, the path joins the GR® 5 at Plan de la Grassaz. The view opens out onto a vast plateau. The path passes Lake Grattaleu, the Refuge du Palet and the pass of the same name. It descends towards Val Claret and leaves the GR® 5 for the Haute Vanoise variant via the Via Alpina and the GR® 55. It climbs towards the Col de Fresse but bypasses it to reach the Col de la Leisse. The trail descends beneath the Grande Motte glacier, skirting the Lac des Nettes, and reaches the Refuge de la Leisse. At the Croé-Vie bridge, the Via Alpina leaves the GR® 55, heads for the Refuge d’Entre Deux Eaux, and crosses the Torrent de la Rocheure to rejoin the GR® 5. It climbs towards Lac des Lozières and then, at the foot of the glaciers, runs along a ridge overlooking the Doron Termignon valley and reaches the Refuge de l’Arpont.
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  10. 10
    Du Refuge de l'Arpont au Refuge de l'Orgère

    From the Refuge de l'Arpont to the Refuge de l'Orgère

    ↔17.46 mi ↗3,816 ft ↘5,043 ft
    This tenth stage completes the crossing of the Vanoise massif. From the Refuge de l’Arpont, the GR®5 descends to the hamlet of Le Mont, crosses the Combe d’Enfer, climbs the flank of the Crête de Belle Place and crosses the valley of the Ruisseau de Bonne Nuit to reach the ruins of the hamlet of La Loza. It follows the contour of a rocky ridge like a balcony and descends via a few hairpin bends towards a ravine, then continues almost level through the Bellecôte valley. The path passes beneath the chairlifts of the Aussois ski resort and runs alongside the Plan Sec and La Fournache mountain huts. It skirts around Lac du Plan d’Amont and runs along the upper edge of Lac du Plan d’Aval before crossing the Col du Barbier. It climbs towards the Barbier chalets and descends to the hamlet of l’Orgère to reach the Refuge de l’Orgère.
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  11. 11
    Du Refuge de l'Orgère aux Granges de la Vallée Étroite

    From the Orgère Mountain Hut to the Granges in the Vallée Étroite

    ↔16.10 mi ↗4,564 ft ↘5,131 ft
    This eleventh stage crosses the Mont Cenis massif and, in part, the Cerces massif. From the Refuge de l’Orgère, the GR®5 descends to Loutraz, crossing the River Arc via the bridge to the east of Modane. The route goes round the town hall, passes the church, follows the railway line eastwards, then westwards, and climbs the slope beneath the Fréjus Tunnel to pass under the motorway. It continues its ascent towards Notre-Dame du Charmaix. After the Valfréjus resort, it enters the Ruisseau du Charmaix valley and reaches the hamlet of Les Herbiers. Below the old Small Pass, it crosses the stream and, following the road, reaches the Lavoir Reservoir before tackling the steep climb towards La Losa, then, via the Combe de la Grande Montagne, reaches the Col de la Vallée Étroite. After a detour to the east, the descent heads due south, towards the Plaine Tavernette, then the valley of the same name. Finally, the GR®5 follows the Ruisseau de la Vallée Étroite to the Granges de la Vallée Étroite.
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  12. 12
    Des Granges de la Vallée Étroite à Val des Prés

    From Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite to Val des Prés

    ↔21.10 mi ↗4,957 ft ↘6,270 ft
    This twelfth stage completes the crossing of the Cerces massifthrough the enchanting Vallée Étroite and the magnificent Vallée de la Clarée. From Les Granges de la Vallée Étroite, the GR®5 climbs south-west, passes the pretty little Lac Chavillon and reaches the Col des Thures. The descent begins gently towards the Cabane des Thures, then becomes steeper in the Combe des Thures, where you can admire the ‘Cheminées de Fée’ (fairy chimneys). It reaches the hamlet of Roubion, crosses the Clarée at the Pont des Armands and passes through the small village of Plampinet before climbing up the gorge of the Torrent des Acles; via the Opon valley, it reaches the Col de Dormillouse, then the Col de la Lauze. From the pass, the path turns towards the Clot des Fonds and descends the Vallon des Baisses, following the Rio Secco torrent, before entering the Durance valley. After Montgenèvre, it leaves the road to follow the Durance and cross a few tributary torrents. At the last one, the route leaves the GR®5 to reach the hamlet of La Vachette.
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  13. 13
    Du Val des Prés à la Chalp

    From Val des Prés to La Chalp

    ↔15.95 mi ↗4,905 ft ↘3,868 ft
    This thirteenth stage marks the start of the crossing of the Queyras Massif. From La Vachette, the previous day’s trail joins the GR®5. After a flat start, the forest path winds its way along the banks of the Durance as it descends towards the hamlet of L’Envers du Fontenil, before climbing up to a fortification at the foot of the Fort des Trois Têtes and then crossing the remarkable Pont d’Asfeld. The GR®5 climbs to the Cité Vauban in Briançon, one of France’s finest fortified towns, and descends via the Portes d’Embrun to the Parc de la Schappe. It heads south towards Villar-Saint-Pancrace, then veers off towards Les Ayes via the hamlets of La Mourande, Sachas and Soubeyran, from where it climbs to the Chapelle Saint-Laurent, then on to Le Lauzin, before reaching the Chalets des Ayes. It reaches the Col des Ayes, descends the opposite slope, joins a track at L’Eychaillon and turns left onto it, running alongside the Torrent de la Rivière as far as Brunissard and then La Chalp.
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  14. 14
    De la Chalp au Refuge de la Cime du Mélezet

    From La Chalp to the Cime du Mélezet mountain hut

    ↔15.97 mi ↗4,888 ft ↘4,452 ft
    This fourteenth stage completes the crossing of the Queyras Massif. From La Chalp, the GR® 5 climbs along the left bank of the Torrent de l’Izoard above Arvieux, then reaches the hamlet of Les Maisons. From there, it heads towards Lac de Roue before descending to Château-Queyras. The route climbs the steep slope on the opposite side, on the right bank of the Torrent de Bramousse, joins a road at a hairpin bend and leaves it at the next one. It continues through the torrent’s valley, reaches the ridge separating the Bramousse and Riou Vert valleys, and, hugging the hillside beneath the peaks of La Selle and Rasis, reaches the Col Fromage. The path descends along the right bank of the Ravin de Rasis to reach Le Villard before arriving at Ceillac, from where it follows the Torrent du Mélezet, alternating between the left and right banks, before reaching the Refuge de la Cime du Mélezet.
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  15. 15
    De Ceillac à Fouillouse

    From Ceillac to Fouillouse

    ↔13.37 mi ↗4,452 ft ↘4,216 ft
    This fifteenth stage crosses the Escreins massif (not to be confused with the Écrins massif) and, via the Ubaye valley, enters the Chambeyron valley. From the Refuge de la Cime, the route—off the GR®5—crosses the Torrent du Mélezet valley and climbs up the Pré Girardin valley via the ski runs; then, on the plateau, it skirts the rocky ridge overlooking Lac Miroir, reaches the lake and rejoins the GR®5. The route climbs up the valley between the shoulder of the Pic des Heuvières and the Crête de Coste Belle, passing the small pass of Sainte-Anne and then the lake of the same name before reaching the Col Girardin. It descends towards a basin, where the Torrent des Séchoirs has its source, and follows it. Clinging to the side of a steep slope, it joins the D25 road in the upper Ubaye valley and continues downstream, alternating between the road and paths close to the river. It leaves the D25 for the Fouillouse road, passes the vertiginous Pont du Châtelet, a tunnel and, via a path, reaches the hamlet of Fouillouse.
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  16. 16
    De Fouillouse à Bousiéyas

    From Fouillouse to Bousiéyas

    ↔21.25 mi ↗6,686 ft ↘6,667 ft
    This sixteenth stage completes the crossing of the Chambeyron Massif and, after Larche, enters the Mercantour Massif. From Les Granges de Fouillouse, the GR®5 follows the Riou de Fouillouse upstream, passing the ruins of Fort de Plate Lombarde, then, via the Plate Lombarde valley, reaches the Col du Vallonnet. It then descends to Lac du Vallonnet Inférieur, where it heads due south to join an old military road that climbs towards the Viraysse barracks. From there, the GR®5 crosses the Col de Mallemort and descends to the hamlet of Larche. The route follows the Ubayette, then crosses it and reaches the Pont Rouge car park, which marks the entrance to the Mercantour National Park. It then heads due south, climbing to Lac du Lauzanier, then on to Lac de Derrière la Croix, before reaching the Pas de la Cavale. The descent starts off quite steep but then becomes gentler. After the Salse Morene plateau, the path climbs the Col des Fourches and, from the Camp des Fourches, reaches the hamlet of Bousiéyas.
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  17. 17
    De Bousiéyas à Roya

    From Bousiéyas to Roya

    ↔19.22 mi ↗5,515 ft ↘6,716 ft
    This seventeenth stage continues the crossing of the Mercantour massif. From Bousiéyas, the GR®5 climbs gently along the forest track, crosses the Tinée valley and reaches the small lake of Lauzarouotte. The path then crosses the Issias valley and reaches the Col de la Colombière. Winding its way down, it plunges straight into the Vallon de la Combe and, hugging the hillside, reaches the Rochepin chalet before returning to the bottom of the Vallon de la Combe and reaching Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage. The GR®5 follows the Route d’Anelle, crossing a few torrents before reaching the Col d’Anelle. It descends to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, which it passes through, before entering the Tinée Valley. At the hamlet of Drogon, it winds its way up the valley side in a series of hairpin bends to the resort of Auron, then passes through woodland to reach the Col du Blainon before descending the sunny side of the Vallon de la Roya and arriving at the “Ma Vieille École” lodge.
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  18. 18
    De Roya au Refuge de Longon

    From Roya to the Longon Refuge

    ↔12.21 mi ↗4,321 ft ↘3,081 ft
    This eighteenth stage continues the traverse of the Mercantour Massif. From Roya, the GR®5 crosses the Vallon de Roya torrent, follows the Vallon de la Maïris upstream and then the Vallon de Sallevieille, before winding its way up to the Plan des Laces and then the Col de Crousette. From the pass, the path winds its way up the left-hand slope of the Vallon de la Culasse towards the Stèle Vallette, follows the ridge on the Vallon du Démant side, crosses the Baisse du Démant and descends to the Col du Refuge and then to the Col des Moulinés. It drops down to the bottom of the Vallon du Démant, crosses its torrent and, on the slope of the opposite side, meets the Vallon de la Gourgette. Above the hamlet of Vignols, it climbs beneath the ruin-like rocks of Les Chambrettes, where a colony of bearded vultures nests, and passes the small pass of Portes de Longon, then winds its way along a stream to reach the Refuge du Longon or Vacherie de Roure.
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  19. 19
    Du Refuge de Longon à Saint-Dalmas

    From the Longon Refuge to Saint-Dalmas

    ↔15.05 mi ↗3,540 ft ↘5,518 ft
    This nineteenth stage continues the long traverse of the Mercantour. From the Refuge de Longon, the path descends the Vallon du Longon diagonally across the slope to the hamlet of Rougios, before following the Fracha forest road and then taking a shortcut to the pretty Provençal village of Roure. Via a stony descent, it cuts across the hairpin bends of the M130 and M30 roads and reaches Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, which it passes through before climbing up to the Chapelle Saint-Roch. Running along the hillside, it crosses the Vallon du Romarinier, passes through the hamlet of Roubinastre, crosses the Ravin de l’Esclosé and arrives at Rimplas. The GR®5 descends gently towards the small pass of Ragias and crosses the Vallon Gros, before climbing back up to the ridge on that side of the slope and then skirting the hamlet of La Bolline. From there, it climbs to the hamlet of La Roche and then ascends the ridge of the Vallon de Bramafam to reach Saint-Dalmas Valdeblore.
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  20. 20
    De Saint-Dalmas à Utelle

    From Saint-Dalmas to Utelle

    ↔15.80 mi ↗4,124 ft ↘5,745 ft
    This twentieth stage marks the end of the crossing of the Mercantour Massif. From Saint-Dalmas, the GR®5 heads south to climb the steep slope towards the Cime de Colmiane, which it bypasses by heading for the Col du Varaire. It crosses the Bois Noir and reaches the Col des Deux Caïres, then the Caïre Gros. The route follows its ridge and, hugging the hillside, passes beneath Mont Chalancha, La Partissuola and the Cime de la Combe before descending to the small pass of Trous. Before the Col du Fort, the path descends to the Granges de la Brasque, crosses the upper part of the Riou du Figaret valley and arrives at the Col d’Andrion. Cutting across the hairpin bends of the M33, the GR®5 reaches the Col des Fournès and the Col de Gratteloup. Through rocky gaps, it runs alongside the Petit Brec d’Utelle and then the Brec d’Utelle. From there, the path descends towards the Crête de l’Albaréa and reaches the Col du Castel Ginesté. It crosses the slope below the ridges of the Têtes du Sac de Bécasse, Parabosquet and Les Pennes to reach the Utelle community lodge.
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  21. E
    D'Utelle à la gare ferroviaire de Nice Ville

    From Utelle to Nice Ville railway station

    ↔21.50 mi ↗3,806 ft ↘6,385 ft
    This twenty-first stage, once you have crossed the Vésubie, takes place in the Nice Pre-Alps and brings the GTA (Grande Traversée des Alpes) to a close by the sea. From the Place de la Fontaine in Utelle, the GR®5 heads west, then south, crossing a few small valleys to reach the hamlet of Cros d’Utelle. It crosses the Vésubie valley, climbs the opposite slope after the town of Levens, ascends through woodland to Colla Partida, passes beneath Mont Cima and descends to the beautiful circular fortified village of Aspremont. The path climbs the western flank of Mont Chauve d’Aspremont without reaching the summit. It descends the Crête de Graus until it reaches Château Renard and then La Bauma. The path enters a valley, which it follows eastwards, then due south towards La Fontaine Sainte, and crosses the bridge over the Autoroute de la Provençale. It enters the city of Nice, which it crosses from north to south to reach Nice Ville railway station.
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Notes

__A few ideas to help you prepare well for this long trek.

Clothing
3 short-sleeved T-shirts made from breathable, quick-drying microfibre
Underwear, preferably made of wool, which offers superior comfort in damp and cold weather; it also dries faster and absorbs less moisture than cotton.
5 pairs of quick-drying, mid-length socks made from a blend of wool and elastane, which provide compression for the foot and thus prevent direct friction with the boot.
4 pairs of thin wool-blend briefs; boxer shorts are often too warm and can cause overheating.
1 Pair of trousers, loose-fitting at the thighs and knees to allow freedom of movement, made from breathable, non-waterproof, quick-drying microfibre, featuring numerous belt loops and large side pockets. Wide fabric waistband.
1 Pair of shorts, loose-fitting at the thighs, made from breathable, non-waterproof, quick-drying microfibre. Drawstring waist, large pockets.
1 Fleece jacket, long and loose-fitting, not too warm.
1 Lightweight, sleeveless fleece gilet.
1 Windbreaker, hip-length and one size larger than usual, unlined, waterproof and breathable with a hood, long sleeves reaching halfway down the hand.
1 Sun hat or cap.
1 Pair of mid-cut mountain boots, one size larger, comfortable in width but with no extra room, lightweight, breathable and waterproof, with a thick and fairly stiff rubber sole (e.g. Vibram) offering good grip, deep lugs, a raised edge running round the side of the sole and covering the toe, a bellows-style tongue that won’t twist, and hooks instead of loops to make it easier to adjust the fit. Prevent blisters by lacing the boot so that the foot fits snugly against the boot, but not too tightly so as not to restrict blood circulation; then, at the instep, tie the lace and continue with a looser lacing when ascending than when descending. With polyester laces, secure the lacing by tying a circular loop. Keep your toenails trimmed short enough so they do not catch on the bottom of the shoe. Prevent blisters by keeping your feet dry; change damp socks.
1 pair of sandals or flip-flops for the evening and for crossing deep fords.
1 pair of gloves.

Sleeping / Carrying
1 Lightweight sleeping bag with hood, comfort temperature 0°/5°C, long enough that, if necessary, you can dry your shoes inside a plastic bag at the bottom.
1 Lightweight tent, approx. 1.5 kg, with a flysheet to minimise condensation, and a groundsheet with a good raised edge. Inside, sufficient headroom to sit with your torso and head upright. A tent offers greater freedom and peace of mind when planning your stages, as the itinerary is rarely adhered to – whether due to bad weather, physical difficulties or, conversely, a surge in fitness that allows you to extend the route. Last-minute bookings are possible but never guaranteed, especially for groups. Most mountain huts allow camping nearby without a booking, including dinner and breakfast, though this is less common at stopover lodges. Avoid pitching your tent in a hollow, on a slope or on stony ground; ideally, choose a flat, grassy hillock. Remember to clear away any stones and tread down the grass before pitching your tent.
1 Pair of walking poles.
1 Lightweight rucksack of around 80 litres with side pockets, one on the flap and a pocket on the hip belt. Keep the weight, including water and food, to no more than 1/5 of your own body weight. (15 kg for a 75 kg person).
1 Rain cover for your rucksack, or one integrated into the rucksack.
1 Pair of gaiters for snowy, muddy or waterlogged sections.
 Hiking maps, topographical maps and a map holder worn over the shoulder.

Accessories
1 watch with altimeter and compass. Remember to calibrate the altimeter frequently against a signpost or elevation marker. To follow a route without difficulty, memorise the distinctive landmarks ahead: junctions, roads, descents, ascents, hairpin bends, buildings, watercourses, gullies, scree slopes, woods, meadows, clearings, high-voltage power lines, masts, streams, etc., then check them as you go to keep track of your position at all times. If in doubt, check that the direction of the path and the elevation of the location match those of the supposed location on the map; if not, turn back to a reliable landmark. If you get lost but have a clear view, choose a landmark in the distance that is identifiable on the map and head towards it by estimation; in the forest or in fog, follow a path leading down towards the valley floor. Off the path, remain alert to slopes that gradually steepen, as this is often a sign of a precipice ahead.
1 Mobile phone, camera and charger.
1 Pair of sunglasses, prescription glasses and a spare pair.
1 Pair of shoelaces.
1 Multi-purpose knife, scissors, tweezers, can opener, nail file, awl.
1 Head torch.
1 Lighter.

First aid
1 Thin, microporous paper plaster. In the event of a blister, apply a plaster immediately.
1 A few aspirin tablets.
1 A few tablets for stomach ache.
1 Velpeau plaster in case of a sprain.
1 Small bottle of antiseptic and plasters.
1 Sun cream.
1 Emergency blanket.
1 Whistle.

Toiletries
1 Roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag.
1 Lightweight towel.
1 Small bar of Marseille soap.
1 Small bottle of shampoo.
1 Washcloth for washing outdoors.
1 Toothpaste and toothbrush.
6 clothes pegs, string and a clothesline clip for drying your washing on your rucksack.

Possible food and drink
1 2-litre water pouch.
1 Baguette.
1 pack of cold meats.
1 tin of sardines.
1 piece of hard cheese or a packet of cheese triangles.
1 piece of fruit.
1 bar of chocolate.
1 packet of cereal bars.

Documents
1 bank card, cheque book, cash.
1 ID card.
1 National Health Card and private health insurance card, blood group.
1 Pencil and notebook.

Not included as these are optional: foam trekking mattress, camping stove, saucepan.

Packing order, from bottom to top.
Each set in a bin bag with a drawstring. Tent – Sleeping bag – Fleece jacket and gilet, trousers, shorts.
Each set in a plastic bag: underwear: T-shirt, socks, briefs – Food (excluding bread)
In the side pockets. Water pouch, gaiters. Toiletries in a plastic bag. Baguette.
Flap pockets: Each set in a plastic bag: First aid kit – Documents – Accessories: sunglasses, laces, knife, head torch, lighter, charger, compass – Gloves.
Belt pouch: mobile phone, a cereal bar.
Card holder worn over the shoulder

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
bernard bb
bernard bb
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Every day is different; the route is varied and stunning. It’s important to book the mountain huts for the first week before you set off, then you can adapt as you go. A tent is essential. Be aware of your physical fitness. Walk for six hours a day so that you can take in the scenery and savour every moment. Don’t hesitate to take a rest on a given day, stopping several times if you feel the need. Check the weather forecast regularly.

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