The trip

LEVEL ***

Average elevation per day: 900 m.
Maximum elevation: 1450 m.
Maximum altitude of passage: 2800 m.
Altitude of accommodations: around 1800 m on average
Walking time: 5 to 7.30 hours per day
Type of terrain:  on varied, medium-mountain paths and easy terrain. The paths are well marked and you will often be above the vegetation level, so there will be few forest passages. In the Mercantour, some pass crossings are through scree.

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

The roadbook provides sufficient information on the itinerary of your hike. However, it is essential to be able to read an IGN 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently autonomous in the mountains to be able to tackle the itinerary with confidence, whatever the weather (fog, snow, etc.). Guiding is not included in the self-guided package. You will be crossing areas with no telephone network. For your own safety, you may wish to bring along a radio of the latest generation telephone with satellite connection.

Please note: some névés will be present on the paths until the end of June, in particular on the North slopes. High mountain boots, gaiters and walking poles are essential. Be prepared!

This trip is organised in collaboration with our local partners, who are as committed as we are to offering you an authentic holiday.

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we give you a travel file with:
- IGN map 
- 1 road-book with all the necessary information for the hike (french language)
- 1 card holder
- The list of accommodations
- Access to our digital application downloadable onto your smartphone

For all bookings made less than 3 weeks before departure, paper travel documents cannot be sent. Only the digital version will be made available. 

LUGGAGE TRANSPORT

Without luggage transport: your luggages are carried by you exclusively.
With luggage transport: your luggage is daily transported to your accommodation by a vehicle except on day 4. 

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC: shared room for 4 to 12 people, sheets and towels are not provided, bathroom facilities are on the landing.
COMFORT: optional except D4, double or 2-bedded room of your choice, sheets and towels are not provided, bathroom facilities are on the landing.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be ordered the day before in each accommodation.

Please specify any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of the booking.
Accommodations do their best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring a few extra items for your own picnics. 

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT 

You will leave your bags at the Auberge du Lauzanier in Larche (exit the village towards Italy), this is the start of your hike.
If you have chosen the option to transfer the day 1 between the SNCF station of Guillestre-Montdauphin and Larche, RDV at 8am precise at the SNCF train station. Shuttle bus must be booked on registration.

BY TRAIN:
The easiest way to get here is by train, as this is a linear walk rather than a loop.
Your stop is Montdauphin - Guillestre station (Paris - Valence - Briançon line). You can arrive by night train or arrive the day before by day train and sleep at the Hôtel Lacour at Montdauphin-Guillestre station.
Please consult the SNCF for exact timetables.

BY CAR:
In order to plan your trip, we advise you to inquire about your route at the different sites: Via Michelin or Mappy.You can also drive to Larche directly from Gap, Ubaye valley, towards Barcelonnette, then Col de Larche (Italian border). The village of Larche is 5 km before the pass. The Auberge du Lauzanier is just outside the village of Larche. Free, unguarded parking is available near the inn or the tourist office.

END OF STAY

The hike ends on Saturday around 4.30pm, with your bags 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 (suppl. €20 per person).

Return by train:
From Menton station, you can reach Nice (Nice => Menton: 40 mins) and the trains or planes that will take you back to the 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.
Or return to Montdauphin - Guillestre station if you came by car, but it will take you at least 5 hours to get back by train.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE STAY

Possibility of arriving the day before:
At the Auberge du Lauzanier in Larche +33 (0)4 92 84 35 93 (starting point for the next day).
At the Hotel Lacour at the Montdauphin - Guillestre train station +33 (0)4 92 45 03 08 (then transfer to Larche optional).

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. Under no circumstances, we can replace your personal civil liability.
The repatriation insurance EUROP ASSISTANCE that we offer is dedicated to French speaking people living in Europe. If it is not your case, we advise you to subscribe to another travel insurance which will cover you in case of injury and repatriation during your trek.

If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.

Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.

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
• Lightweight jacket
• 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 (0.40L to 0.50L)
• 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 between accommodation by our logistics vehicle (except day 4). 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 the driver to refuges, which access is not always easy! Luggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers!