Cross the Alps meeting people and mountains... The Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA) between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean is a long-distance hike. The opportunity to take a long break and put daily life aside.
This itinerary runs along the Swiss and Italian borders while crossing five counties and some of the most famous mountain ranges in the Alps.
3rd section: Clarée, Queyras and Italien Piedmont - From Modane to Larche
During this incredible week switch from the Northern Alps to the beautiful Southern Alps. Mont Thabor, Nevache Valley, Briançon, Queyras region, Val Maira and Ubaye region, many beautiful mountains to discover. Far from the mechanic scars on the landscape of the big ski resorts, enjoy wild preserved nature and an authentic warm welcome in small villages. Incredible flora and sparkling altitude lakes, all under the sun of the Southern Alps, this tour will leave you with long lasting memories.
4th section: from Larche to Menton - Ubaye, Mercantour, Vallée des Merveilles
The fourth section starts from Lake Geneva and goes to Menton. This section has an incredible diversity of landscapes, flora, heritage and the most remarkable architecture in the French Alps. From the highest summits of the Ubaye area, to the Mercantour lakes and its wide open space via the Vallée des Merveilles; you will be diving towards the Mediterranean sea via a multitude of valleys, mountain passes and typical mountain villages. Don't be a fooled this is no beach holiday yet... the local terrain and the deep valleys make this section physically challenging. A dazzling experience.
You will like
Section 3: Thabor, Névache Valley, Queyras, Val Maira, Ubaye
Section 4: Ubaye, Mercantour, Vallée des Merveilles
We will book the extra nights accommodation for you and potential transfers between the sections... please contact us!
THE PRICE
The price includes:
Organisation and booking fees, guiding by a qualified and insured mountain leader;
All meals including picnic lunch and snacks during the day;
Accommodation in gîtes, refuges and small hotels;
Baggage transport between accommodation (except Days 4, 6 and 11);
Bus transfers.
The price does not include:
Personal expenses (drinks, etc.), touristic visits;
Airport taxes;
Cancellation insurance;
Your return journey from home to the point of departure/end point including the bus between Guillestre - Montdauphin and Modane train station on Day 1.
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
MODANE - VALLEE ETROITE
Transfer to Valfréjus (20mins) to the famous departure point of the GR5, towards the Étroite valley. Gentle climb towards this mountain pass which acts as a natural border between the Northern and the Southern Alps. Here enter the Hautes-Alpes and Étroite Valley, a French enclave in Italy. Descentdto the hamlet of Les Granges to spend the first night in a refuge. 5 hour walk / Elevation: +850 m; -650 m
Day 2
VALLÉE ÉTROITE - COL DU VALLON - NÉVACHE
Let's go to the heart of the Clarée Valley. In that very wild area, climb to the Vallon pass (2645m) dominating the great Lake Blanc. A nice descent towards the Nevache village in the upper Clarée Valley. Cross the traditional village of Ville Haute and transfer (35mins) at the end of the day to the neighbouring Fonts de Cervières valley. Night in refuge. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +850m; -1050m
Day 3
FONTS DE CERVIÈRES - COL MALRIF - ABRIÈS
Reaching the Queyras National Park via the Malrif pass (2830m). A beautiful climb from the Fonts de Cervières hamlet. Cross the Marif pass with a breathtaking view of the famous Mont Viso, the Lord of the Southern Alps. A long descent to Abriès via the Malrif lakes which are among the largest in the Queyras region. Night in a gîte. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +850m; -1300m
Day 4
ECHALP - LAKE VALLEY - COL VIEUX - LAKE BLANCHE
From the last hamlet of the Guil valley, up along the Bouchouse valley which constitutes a biotope reserve, at the Italian border. Passage to Egorgeou and Foréant lakes, then to "Col Vieux" (2806m) to reach "Col de Chamoussière". Descent into the wide valley of the "Aigue Blanche" to reach the "refuge de la Blanche", by the lake, nestled at the foot of the "Tête des Toilies". Night without luggage transport. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +1400 m; -600 m
Day 5
LAKE BLANCHE - COL DE LA NOIRE - MALJASSET
From the refuge, in an extraordinary landscape, climb to the mineral area of Col de de la Noire. Leaving behind the Queyras region to enter the wild valley of Haute-Ubaye. Gently descending into the flower filled Longet valley to the first hamlet of Maljasset. Night in a gîte. 7.5 hour walk / Elevation: +550 m; -1300 m
Day 6
MALJASSET - COL MARY - CHIAPPERA
At the foot of the Haute-Ubaye, the Chambeyron (3412m), a gentle climb via the valley of Col Mary with its multitude of lakes cheerfully dotting the pastures. From the mountain pass, enter into Italy in the Piedmont to reach Val Maira and the beautiful village of Chiappera. Night in gîte without luggage. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +815 m; -1150 m
Day 7
CHIAPPERA - COL DES MONGE - ORONAYES VALLEY - LARCHE
Beautiful traverse in the unusual Maira valley to reach the Monges pass (2542m) marking the border between France and Italy. Descend into the Montagnette valley, dominated by the fortresses of Maginot erected during the Second World War... Arrive in Larche, a small village in Haute-Ubaye. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +1550 m; -1300 m
Day 8
LARCHE - VALLON DU LAUZANIER - PAS DE LA CAVALE
Depart for the Lauzanier Valley at the gates of the Mercantour National Park. Climb via a pleasant path to reach the Lauzanier Lake before a final slightly steeper climb up to the pass. A magnificent view from Col de la Cavale of the Tinée and the surrounding mountains. Descend into the high valleys of the Alpes Maritimes passing via the Col des Fourches and the magnificent promontory of Mont des Fourches. Reaching the Bonnette Restefond road (the highest road in Europe) encountering poignant vestiges of the Maginot line. Night in Bousseyas, the first hamlet in the high valley of Tinée. 6 hour walk / Elevation: +1040 m; -1100 m
Day 9
ISOLA 2000 - COL DE LA MERCIÈRE - LE BORÉON
After an early transfer to Isola 2000 ski resort, climb to the Col de la Mercière (2342m). Descend and then cross through the old village of Mollière and up to Col De Salèze. Depending on the condition and the fitness level of the group a detour is possible to Lake Negere. Descend into the Vésubie to the village of Boréon. Night in a gîte. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +550m -1090m
Day 10
LE BORÉON - PAS DES LARDES - MADONE DE LA FENESTRE - LACS DE PRALS - LA GODOLASQUE
From Boreon, climb through the valley towards the Trécolpas lakes and cross the Pas de Lardes (2448m) dominated by the Gelas the highest summit of the Mercantour. Descend to the hospices of the Madone de Fenestre passing near its cheese cave. Climb the Poncet Valley to the Baisse lakes then on to the 5 lakes of Prals before continuing on up to Lower Prals. A Beautiful descent down to the bottom of the Gordolasque Valley, to the Relais des Merveilles. Night in a gîte. 7.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1550 m; -1520 m
Day 11
VALLEE LA GORDOLASQUE - NICE REFUGE- BAISSE DE VALMASQUE - VALLÉE DES MERVEILLES
Climb up the Godolasque valley to Lake Fous and the Nice refuge which dominates it. The bag will be lightened for the evening at the refuge des Merveilles. From the Nice refuge, climb to the "Baisse Basto" to reach the famous "Vallée des Merveilles" and its rock engravings (we will see those near the GR). A row of lakes will enchant you in the middle of this very typical mineral landscape. Descent to the "refuge des Merveilles" for the night without luggage. 6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1300m -790m
Day 12
REFUGE DES MERVEILLES - PAS DU DIABLE - COL DU RUAUX - L'AUTHION - CAMP D'ARGENT
Via a multitude of lakes leave the Vallée des Merveilles via the Pas de Diable. From here a change of scenery begins. From the Pas de Diable cross several mountain passes at medium altitude through sheep pastures. At the Col du Raux head back to the small plateau of Authion dominated by a remarkable redoubt, a high place of confrontation during the Second World War. From Authion, on a clear day the first sighting of the Mediterranean is possible!
Descend to the small ski resort of Camp d'Argent. Night in refuge. 5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +625 m; -1000 m
Day 13
CAMP D'ARGENT - MONT VENTABREN - MANGIABO - SOSPEL
A magnificent day on a ridge awaits. Leaving these landscapes rich in military vestiges of the Second World War to reach Sospel via the Mount Ventabren and Mangiabo ridges. With a continuing view over the mouth of the Var and the outskirts of Nice. A Charming descent to the village of Sospel on the Bévéra river for the night. 7 hour walk / Elevation: +570 m; -1750 m
Day 14
SOSPEL - COL DU RAZET - VIEUX CASTELLAR - MENTON
Last day of the GTA, not there yet... but can you smell the sea?! Beautiful climb to the Col de Razel (1032m) on an old paved path between ruined shepherd huts. Passing flocks of sheep and goats from Rove testifies to the arrival in Provence. The vegetation becomes much more leafy and fragrant. Chestnut trees, maples and rosemary line this beautiful day. Enjoy the last mountain pass, Col du Berceau (1050m) to picnic overlooking the bay and harbour of Menton... and a final descent of 1050m to the waters edge! 6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1110m -1450m
End point around 4:30pm in Menton harbour.
The programme has been drawn up on the basis of the latest information available at the time of writing; unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter the programme.
The trip
LEVEL ***
Elevation: +900m -1200m approximately per day. Walking time: 5 to 7.5 hours per day. Type of trek: easy mid mountain terrain on varied trails. Well marked paths often above the vegetation level with a few forest sections.
This tour is in collaboration with our local partner who offers an authentic approach.
GUIDING
Group between 5 and 14 people supervised by a qualified mountain leader.
ACCOMMODATION
CLASSIC: 13 nights in refuges and gîtes.
All accommodation offers hot showers (*Sheets and towels are not provided. Shared bathrooms).
In option: 2-person bedroom (depending on availability) for nights 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13) : +170€ per person.
YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE NIGHT WITHOUT YOUR BAGGAGE
For the night without your baggage at the accommodation (you will get it back the night after), here are the things to add to your backpack (about 2 kilos are enough!):
- small toilet bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes (bare necessities!)
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation. Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your guide, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.
PHYSICAL CONDITION
To be able to easily walk 15km (on flat trails) in 3 hours maximum. If this is not the case, at least 3 weeks before departure, 2 to 3 times a week, we advise you to undertake some prior fitness training: 4 to 5km of jogging or 3 to 4 hours hiking or cycling. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Practical information
ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT
Meeting point at 10:45am at Modane train station. Free parking available nearby. Transfer to Valfréjus.
BY TRAIN Inbound : depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) - Modane by TGV. Return : night train or the next day from Montdauphin-Guillestre - Gare de Lyon (Paris) https://www.oui.sncf
Public transport is limited between Montdauphin-Guillestre and Modane (7 hour train journey).
BY CAR
We advise you to consult www.viamichelin.fr to plan your journey. Free parking available at Montdauphin-Guillestre train station.
From Grenoble, 2 routes are possible to reach Montdauphin-Guillestre:
- Via Gap
- Via the Lautaret pass and Briançon. Inquire about the condition of the pass: +33 (0)4 92 24 44 44 (answering machine).
your bags will be in the hotel you have booked (if you have taken the luggage transport option). If you leave Menton directly after the hike, we will drop off your bags at a hotel near the station (the hotel will charge us €15 per bag if you do not stay overnight).
Return by train:
At Menton train station, you can reach Nice (Nice => Menton: 40 mins) and the trains or planes that take you back to major destinations (arriving at Nice station between 4 and 6 pm).
Night trains : Nice - Paris; TGV;
Shuttle bus to Nice - Côte d'Azur airport in front of Nice Ville station, on the right along the avenue in front of the station.
You can spend the night in a hotel close to the station in Nice or Menton.
ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER
Modane: 2* Hotel les Voyageurs: +33 (0)4 79 05 01 39 3* Hotel du Commerce: +33 (0)4 79 05 20 98 Montdauphin: Hotel Lacour +33 (0)4 92 45 03 08
TO CONTACT US
If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
1 change of clothes for the evening
A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening
Other Equipment
Toilet bag
Quick drying towel
Sunglasses and sun cream
Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
Knife, fork and spoon
Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
Plastic cup for coffee
Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
Survival blanket
Head torch or hand torch
Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
Identity card or passport
BACKPACK
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT
Your baggage will be transported daily (except Days 4, 6 and 11) between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 12kg. Your bag has to be carried everyday by the driver, where access is not always easy, please think of their backs! Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers!
If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.
14 Days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transportation
Classic (dormitory)
Level *** 
From 1910 €
Next departure on 15/06/25
