The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +900m/-1450m 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 forested sections. In the Mercantour region, some sections are rocky.

You have to be in a general good fitness level. Please practice a cardio sport such as hiking, running, cycling, from 3 to 4 hours a week. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.
Please find the description of the levels by clicking here: levels of difficulty

This tour is in collaboration with our local partner who offers an authentic approach.

GUIDING

Group between 5 and 15 people supervised by a qualified mountain leader.

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC: 6 nights in refuges and gîtes in a dormitory.
All accommodation offers hot showers. (*Sheets and towels are not provided. Shared bathrooms.)

CONFORT (optional) : Room for 2 people, 5 nights per week, subject to availability when booking.
Supplement of €125/person (or €25/night) (bed linen and towels not provided, bathroom facilities to be shared).

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.

Please specify any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of the booking.
For special diets, some accommodations ask for a supplement of 3€ to 6€, to be paid directly at the accommodation by the person concerned.
However, you will need to provide your own substitutes adapted to your needs, in particular bread, snacks and special milks, mainly for picnics (these should be transported with your luggage whenever possible).

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meeting point at 9.15 am in front of Auberge du Lauzanier in Larche (exit the village direction Italy).

BY TRAIN
Inbound: depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) - Montdauphin - Guillestre by TGV www.oui.sncf

Option: pick up at 8:00am at Guillestre - Montdauphin train station. Booking required.
Return: transfer possible to Menton train station, train to Nice (40 mins). Access to Nice airport and mainline trains (arrival at Nice train station after 18:00). Airport shuttle in front of the train station.
Night train (or the day after) from Nice to Gare de Lyon (Paris) https://www.oui.sncf

Possibility to return to Larche (3.30 hours) or Guillestre - Montdauphin train station (4.30 hours) by special transfer. Booking is required: 50€/person.

BY CAR      
We advise you to consult www.viamichelin.fr to plan your journey. Free parking available at Montdauphin - Guillestre train station.
You can access Larche by car via Gap, Ubaye Valley taking direction Barcelonnette then Col de Larche (Italian border). The village of Larche is 5km before the pass. The Auberge du Lauzanier is located just outside the village of Larche direction Italy. Free parking near the hostel or Tourist Office.

End point around 4:30pm at Menton harbour. 

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Montdauphin: Hôtel Lacour: 04 92 45 03 08  (from 40€ per room).
Larche: Auberge du Lauzanier: 04 92 84 35 93 (half-board from 50€ per person).
Menton or Nice: accommodations available near the train station (from 40€ per person).

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

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers
• Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• 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 Day 4) 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!