GR5 Grande Traversée des Alpes
A long north-to-south traverse of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice on the Mediterranean, crossing some of France's finest alpine scenery.
Route overview
The French GR5, part of a wider European E2 long-distance network, runs from the shores of Lake Geneva near Thonon-les-Bains south through the length of the French Alps to Nice on the Mediterranean coast. It is one of the great classic French through-hikes, distinct from the Italian Grande Traversata delle Alpi, though both cross portions of the wider Alpine chain. The route passes through the Chablais, the Vanoise National Park, the Écrins massif fringe, the Queyras and the Mercantour National Park before descending to the coast. Terrain varies from gentle pre-alpine pastures in the north to high, remote passes in the southern Mercantour sections. Most through-hikers take five to six weeks to complete the full traverse, though many walk it in shorter regional sections. Refuges and villages provide regular resupply points throughout.
Trail facts
- Country
- France
- Region
- French Alps
- Distance
- c. 700 km
- Typical duration
- 5–6 weeks
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 30,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- June–September
- Trail type
- Point-to-point
Access and logistics
- Bookings
- Refuges along popular sections such as the Vanoise should be booked ahead in July–August.
Safety context
The route crosses many high passes over several weeks; weather, altitude and fatigue accumulate over the long traverse. Snow can linger on northern high passes into early summer.
The scale of the route means resupply planning across five to six weeks is a common logistical challenge for first-time through-hikers.
Highlights
Lake Geneva start at Thonon-les-Bains Vanoise National Park high passes Queyras regional park villages Mercantour National Park wildlife Mediterranean finish above Nice
Why find a buddy
A multi-week alpine traverse benefits greatly from a partner for morale, shared resupply planning and safety on remote high passes.
Primary source
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.