Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Geneva, Cointrin International Airport. Group transfer at 1:00 pm. to Chamonix, France. Welcome dinner and orientation. Chamonix is home a dazzling array of many of the highest peaks in the Alps including Mont Blanc (15,860′). (hide)

Day 2: Short transfer by bus to Les Houches and cable car to Bellevue (5,610′). Here we begin today’s hike passing by the foot of the huge Glacier de Bionnassay, then up through lush meadows to the Col du Tricot (6,995′) with spectacular views of the Aiguille du Bionnassay, Dome du Gouter and the entire Chamonix Valley. After our steep descent from the Col, we arrive at our refuge.

Day 3: Departing from Les Contamines in the mid-morning, we hike up the Mont Joie Valley, past a 15th century mountain church, Notre Dame de la Gorge, cross a small ancient Roman bridge and continue up this broad alpine valley to our overnight stop.

Day 4: We begin a steady climb to the Croix de la Bonhomme (8,200′). The route from the Refuge de la Croix Bonhomme follows the narrow ridge of the Crete des Gittes, built by the French Military and then drops down to the Col de Sauce and to the Plan de la Lai (6,000′) and up to the Refuge Maya. Views of Mont Pourri dominate the scenery.

Day 5: Our hike today leads us high above the Roseland Dam to the Col Bresson flanked by dolomite-like arretes and aiguilles including the bold Pierra Menta. From here, our hike down to the refuge is spectacular. This simple refuge has a calm and remote setting.

Day 6: Hike to the quiet village of Velezan continuing into Parc National Vanoise. The hiking is stunning as we emerge on to a high broad valley surrounded by rocky peaks and waterfalls fed by the high snowfields and glaciers. From here we get our first glimpse of the huge Grande Motte.

Day 7: The morning part of the hike climbs up to the Col du Palet (8,750′). The ever-widening valley is flanked by the Dome de Platieres and the tapered peak of Aliet. Up ahead lies the Grande Motte (12,500′) draped with huge glaciers. In the early morning, we are witnesses to dozens of marmots, chamois and perhaps some ibex. We pass Lac des Nettes before dropping down to the remote Refuge de la Leisse. The refuge is perched on a small knoll looking down the remote valley.

Day 8: The route continues to follow the quiet, beautiful valley and the Torrent de la Leisse down to the Pont (bridge) de Mon Croe Vie to the Col de la Vanoise. Rounding the very prominent Aiguille de la Vanoise, we hike down to the mountain village of Pralognan.

Day 9: We begin our hike in the Vallon du Doron and ascend to the Col de Chaviere. This col is the highest col of any of France’s long distance routes and offers an impressive view of the Mont Blanc Massif over 100 miles away. In the mid-afternoon we will transfer to our hotel in the mountain village of La Grave arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 10: Rest day.

Day 11: Our hike today takes us between the rocky peaks of Beaudouis and Chalanches. As we descend, we enter the Parc Naturel Regional du Queyras. Within this isolated region are beautiful mountains, torrents and rivers, wheat fields, larch and pine forests, varieties of wildflowers and centuries-old farmhouses clustered around ancient chapels. Woodcarving keeps the local population busy during the long winter.

Day 12: From La Chalp, our route leads us through quiet pine and larch forest on our way to Chateau Queyras. This chateau, dating back to medieval times, was rebuilt by Vauban as an important part of his grand defense scheme. From Chateau Queyras, we climb though forests and wide meadows offering dramatic 360 degree views. From the col, we head to the historic village of Ceillac.

Day 13: The first part of our hike passes by Lac Mirror and Lac St. Anne, surrounded by the rocky mountains of Pic Heuvieres. This area has a very remote feeling as we cross Col Girardin, 8,900′ and descend into the quiet Ubaye Valley to our gite at Maljasset.

Day 14: Van travel to Roya.

Day 15: Today’s hike is spectacular and probably a favorite because of the remoteness, the changing scenery and the simple, though welcoming, refuge at the end of a good day. We hike through a huge cirque up to the Plateau of Combe de Crousette. Ahead is the enormous wall of Mont Mounier. Passing over the col, we enter the Portes de Longon. This valley is remarkable; open, soft, huge and is a wonderful end to a great day.

Day 16: Today’s hike takes us through hamlets, villages, and by ancient churches to the little village of Roure.

Day 17: Our hike heads steadily to the Pas du Colomb, a narrow gap between Mont Ponset and Mont-Colomb. During our ascent we re-enter the Mercantour National Park and might see a few chamois, perhaps even the elusive ibex. At the col, we descend through a rocky, narrow gully arriving at La Barme and the Refuge de Nice, sitting on a perch.

Day 18: We hike up to Lac Nire and a string of five small lakes before our pass, Baisse du Basto. At this pass, you can just see the lighthouse at Antibes, on the Cote d’Azure! Descend through the Val des Merveilles to Refuge Merveilles situated on Lac Long with Mont Bego presiding nearby. It’s here in the Val Merveilles that we will pass the prehistoric carvings.

Day 19: Today we get fine views of the whole Alpes-Maritimes from the pas du Diable. Even though the Mediterranean is just around the corner, the mountains are still quite impressive and the route is still open, offering views in every direction. Transfer to our hotel in Sospel.

Day 20: Hiking by old farms, which gradually give way to suburban homes, our final descent to the sea begins in Castellar. The trail is now a sidewalk, though no less interesting, as it weaves through the narrow streets of Menton, finally arriving at the beach! This last part of our hike is a wonderful finish to a great day and a great journey! Farewell Dinner.

Day 21: The trip will end at the hotel in Menton.

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