Refuge de Longon
Refuge built in 1962 following an avalanche. It is also a Vacherie for the herd and is run by the farmers. Night in dormitory

11 days walking/11 nights
Parts 3 & 4 of a superb trek from Lake Geneva to Nice along the length of the French Alps
3rd & 4th legs of a trek along the full length of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice
Discovering the beautiful Queyras Regional Park
Exploring the pretty and quiet Ubaye Valley
Breathtaking scenery of Mercantour National Park
Beautiful perched villages of Provence
Arrive at Briancon. Night in hotel
From the centre of Briançon, you'll follow the beautiful Ayes Valley with its numerous traditional chalets originally built for use for summer pasture. After the first main col (Col des Ayes at 2477m) you'll enter the wonderful Queyras Regional Park, home to numerous wildlife and affording expansive views. A lovely descent into the dramatic Arvieux Valley. We have provided you with the chance to do an additional climb via the dramatic and more remote Col du Cros.
Overnight: Arvieux, + 1380m ; - 1000 m; 7hr 30
Today, the main route takes you past a beautiful lake with a Canadian flavour and a small mountain hamlet. Descent into the Guil valley to reach Fort Queyras, a real bastion of the king's army under Louis XIV. Before arriving in the valley, keep an eye out for the endemic flower: the Astragale Queue de Renard (Fox's tail)! Then climb through larch forest, pretty flower-filled clearings and the sound of cow bells will take you to the high pastures of Pres fromage (cheese field!). Pass by the bright white gypsum ravines at “Ruine Blanche” before climbing towards Col Fromage (2301m) passing striking limestone peaks on the way. After the col, you'll get great panoramic views towards the mighty peaks of Font Sancte (over 3300m) and the beautiful valley below where the village of Ceillac nestles. It is possible to take a dramatic traverse over the Crete de Chambrettes for stunning views.
Overnight: Ceillac, Walk: +1305m, -1335m, 7 hr 30
From Ceillac you'll discover the amazing waterfall, Cascade de la Pisse and then higher up two beautiful lakes - Lac Miroir set in pasture with its green waters reflecting the surrounding limestone rock walls, and Lac Ste Anne with its deep turquoise waters set in a cirque at the base of Fonte Sancte (3385 m). A small climb brings you to Col Girardin (2699m) with wonderful views back towards the Queyras and ahead into the Ubaye Valley. A pretty descent brings you to the hamlet of Maljasset. Small transfer from Maljasset to Fouillouse.
Overnight: Maljasset, Walk: + 1100m ; - 835 m; 6hr 45
Walk to the Col du Vallonnet at 2524m, dominated by the summit of Brec de Chambeyron (3389m). A beautiful and wild valley leads you on to Col de Mallemort (2558m) where you start your descent to the village of Larche. You are now walking for the next couple of days in the Mercantour National Park.
Overnight: Larche, Walk: +840m; - 1050 m; 6hr 15
A beautiful trail in the small valley of Ubayette to reach Lake Lauzanier at 2285m before a steep climb to the mountain pass called Pas de la Cavale Beau at 2675m. A small descent through alpine meadows and pastures before a small climb to Col des Fourches (2262m). Afterward, descend to Boussieyas in 45 minutes and your accommodation.
Overnight: Bousieyas, Walk: + 1200m ; - 980 m; 7hr 15
Your walking trail crosses the alpine pastures of Col de la Colombiere with the possibility of going to the summit of Tete de Vinaigre (2394m) for great views. Then descend to the village of St Dalmas le Selvage before climbing to the next mountain pass called Col d'Anelle. You'll then descend to reach the village of St Etienne de Tinee.
Overnight: Saint Etienne de Tinee, Walk: +690m; - 1400 m; 5hr 30
Transfer to Roya. A walk traversing through mountain pastures to reach the Col de Crousette followed by a beautiful ridge crossing to the Col de Moulines. Depending on the comfort you choose, you can stop off at the Longon hut (dormitory) or continue onwards to Roure, where a taxi will be waiting to take you to St Sauveur de Tinée (room for 2).
Overnight: Roure, Walk: from +1429 to +1514m; - 1655 m; 6hr to 8hr
You leave directly from your arrival point of the day before: Roubion or St Sauveur de Tinée. An easier day of transition around the perched villages of the Nice highlands such as Rougios or La Bolline and Rimplas, La Roche and Saint Dalmas, a picturesque village.
Overnight: Saint Dalmas Valdeblore, Walk from St Saveur: from+1040m to +1243m; from -265m to - 1880m; 5-8 hr
Plan to leave early in the morning for this long traverse to Utelle! A beautiful climb takes you to the Caire Cros pass. Then a traverse takes you to Mont Tournairet. There's a short descent to Granges e la Brasque before a short climb back up to the Col d'Andriani. Next, a ‘yo-yo’ path takes you along the entire ridge of the Mont d'Utelle before plunging downhill to the beautiful hilltop village. Overnight at the local gîte. Auberge in the village or grocery shop for your meals.
This stage can be shortened and adapted:
1-day extension, with overnight stay at the Granges de La Brasque, located at the end of the 1st tier of the route, approximately 3 to 4 hours' walk if you decide to follow the ridge rather than the path.
At your own expense, you can take the regular bus service to Le Suquet from Valdeblore (5-hour walk; 500 m climb).
Overnight: Utelle, Walk: +1245m, -1764m, 9 hr 30
Very nice crossing of the massif above the Vésubie valley. The variant of the GR towards the ridge (orientation table) and the Toasquet Valley is worth the diversions. Then a beautiful balcony over the Vésubie that you cross at Pont du Cros. Then a short climb to Levens, the endpoint of the day. Leave the GR to discover this beautiful perched village. Overnight at the communal gîte, single night formula. Inn in the village or grocery shop for your meals.
Overnight: Levens, Walk: +400m; -1000 m; 5hr30
A forest trail brings you to a magnificent viewpoint over the Maritime Alps at the summit of Mont Cima (878m). You'll then descend to the historic village of Aspremont with its alleyways forming concentric circles around its centre, before a small climb brings you to Mont Chauve. Here a longer variation is possible. A last descent brings you to Gairaud, the end of the official GR 5 trail and the end of your Alpine Adventure. A short bus ride will take you to Nice and the Mediterranean Sea for a well-earned rest.
The holiday ends after your walk on day 13 or book an extra night's accommodation in Nice. Walk: +550m ; -1000 m; 5hr 45
WITHOUT LUGGAGE TRANSFER: FROM 1750€ per person (based on 2 sharing)
Time: 4-7hr 30 per day
Ascent: 600-1380m per day
Gites, hotels and huts (private rooms except 2 nights)
Half-board except 2 evening meals
Alpine Adventure: part 1, Lake Geneva - Chamonix
Alpine Adventure: part 2, Chamonix - Briancon
Alpine Adventure: part 3, Briancon - Roya
Alpine Adventure: part 4, Roya - Nice
Alpine Adventure: Alternative part 4, Roya - Menton
These are the 3rd and 4th stages of a mythical walk which follows the GR 5 long-distance trail from the shores of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast at Nice, following the entire length of the French Alps. We have split the walk into several self-guided walking holidays, although it would be possible to combine them. Our walking holidays include luggage transfers (if you wish) so that you can enjoy the amazing scenery with only a light day pack.
From Briançon, you’ll first traverse the beautiful Queyras regional park with its wonderful wild alpine flowers and great panoramic views, before moving onto the secret Alps of the Ubaye Valley. From there it's onto the majestic and wild Mercantour National Park, with great wildlife before discovering the wonderful perched villages of the Provence in the Maritime Alps. You can do this 12-day section in one go or choose to split it into two parts with a 7-day walking holiday from Briancon to Roya and a 5-day walking break from Roya to Nice. The second of these two sections is easier than the first.
The traverse of the French Alps is a truly unforgettable experience as you head south passing by the majestic summits of the Mont Blanc range before passing through the Vanoise and Mercantour National Parks. Your wonderful trail passes through a variety of landscapes, wildlife habitats, and historic sites including the green alpine pastures of the Savoy, rocky deserts in the Queyras, beautiful perched villages of the Roya, snowy peaks of the Mont Blanc and ibex in the Mercantour.
12 nights/13 days: 12 days independent walking moving between accommodation
Everyday (subject to availability) from 15 June to 30 September
12 days of self-guided walking between accommodations. Walking per day amounts to an average of 5 - 8 hours walking and 1000m of ascent and descent. Maximum altitude gain: 1380m. The walk follows the GR5 for the most part. The walks take place on paths, although they are mountainous and rocky. The 12-day walking holiday is a strenuous undertaking due to the sustained nature of the walking. There are also a couple of long days. You should have a good level of fitness and be experienced in walking on mountainous terrain with a good head for heights.
This walking holiday is graded strenuous. See more information about walking grades.
You’ll be staying in private rooms for 2 in gites, simple hotels, and mountain refuges, except for 2 nights in a dormitory. A mixture of private bathrooms and shared bathrooms. You’ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All evening meals are included in your holiday price except 2 nights.
Our self-guided walking tour along the second half of the GR5 trail is available from mid-June to the end of September. The first part of the holiday passes over high passes above 2500m and so, depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snow fields remain on the higher slopes. The risk of encountering winter snow reduces as you progress into July. The weather is fairly similar in July and August. For the most part, it is stable and dry with the risk of afternoon storms, so setting off early is advisable. The busiest period in terms of fellow walkers is from mid-July to mid-August. Early in the season is best for the wonderful alpine flowers and meadows. Early September also has good weather. From mid-September onwards you run the risk of encountering some cold conditions at night and even some early fresh snow.
The vast majority of this walking holiday follows the GR5 (Grande Randonnee) long-distance trail which is way-marked with red and white markings. There are also several signposts along the trail. The walking follows clear paths for its entire duration. Some small sections follow local or unmarked trails, to access accommodation for example, but these are easy to follow. Our walking notes are detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. You'll be provided with a large-scale map usually of 1:50,000 for the whole trail and more detailed 1:25,000 maps within your guidebook. Please look at our blog article for more information about French walking maps
On this walking holiday, you can choose to have your main luggage transferred between accommodation so you only have to carry a day rucksack with a picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On this hike several local taxi companies are responsible for transporting your main luggage. The contact details for the taxis are included in your walking notes. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 15kg.
Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu via Lille or direct. From Lyon you'll need to take a local train services to Briancon station, going via Grenoble or Valence. Some trains go direct to Briancon from Grenoble, whilst others require a further change. The section between Grenoble and Briancon takes a minimum of 3hrs. You can also take trains from Lyon to Valence and change at Valence going via Gap. There are also overnight TGV trains to Briancon from Austerlitz station in Paris. If flying to Marseille there are TER trains from Marseille to Briancon. Also TGV trains from Paris to Oulx in Italy and shuttle bus to Briancon.
At the end of the holiday shuttle bus to Nice. TGV trains from Nice to Lyon and Paris.
Regular direct flights to Lyon St Exupery from the UK and then train as above. Also possible to fly to Marseille and take TER trains from Marseille.
Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangements
For useful advice about travel and preparing for your self-guided walking holiday please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section of our blog. Learn more about how to prepare for your walking trip or what to carry on your rucksack. Once you have booked this independent walking or trekking holiday, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you.
On this self-guided trekking holiday in the Alps you’ll be staying in private rooms for 2 in gites, simple hotels and mountain refuges, with the exception of 2 nights in a dormitory. Mixture of private and shared bathrooms . You’ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All evening meals are included in your holiday price with the exception of the first night in Briancon and in St Etienne de Tinee.
Refuge built in 1962 following an avalanche. It is also a Vacherie for the herd and is run by the farmers. Night in dormitory
Family run gite and auberge situated in the village of Larche, the highest village in the area.
Accommodation in Nice is not included in the standard holiday price. We can include one or more nights in Nice as required and book the standard of hotel you wish.
We can also book an additional night in Briancon at the start if required to explore the town as well as booking an extra night during the trek to have a rest day. The largest village along the trek is St Etienne de Tinee and so it would make sense to have your rest day there.
Finishing in Nice means that you can easily combine this holiday with our Alps to Med Trail from Tende to Menton in the Maritime Alps.
Parts 3 and 4 of this alpine trekking holiday can be booked apart. There are two versions of part 4, one going from Roya to Nice, as per this holiday and the other following a longer and more difficult trail from Roya to Menton along the GR52. Although we do not have a separate webpage for combining part 3 and the alternative part 4 to Menton, it would be possible to book this combined alternative.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
If you want to learn more about the region's culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out this trip that includes a few days in the Alps. Contact us to add them to your hike.
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