Auberge de Bionnassay, Bionnassay
200-year-old farm converted in 1968 to an auberge. Located in the hamlet of Bionnassay it has a capacity for 45 people.
Highlights
2nd leg of a trek along the full length of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice
Superb panoramic views of Mont Blanc
Getting up close to the immense glaciers coming down from Mont Blanc
Discover the Vanoise National Park with its rugged summits
Let 's discover the full itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Chamonix. Night in hotel.
Day 2: Chamonix - Bionnassay (1350m)
Your self-guided walking holiday starts with the southern balcony trail facing Mont Blanc and its famous jagged peaks (aiguilles). This takes you to Les Houches from where you'll take the Bellevue cable car. A path that follows the mountainside will then take you to the snout of the Bionnassay glacier. Night at Bionnassay above the Contamines Montjoie Valley.
Overnight: Bionnassay, + 630m; - 1160 m; 15km 5hrs 30
Day 3: Bionnassay (1350m) - Nant Borrant (1430m)
After descending towards la Gruvaz your walking trail then climbs the Contamines Valley. We also offer a variation that goes via the Alpages (alpine meadows) of Miage (1559m), a wonderful spot at the foot of the Domes de Miage, as well as passing by the Plateau du Turc before descending to Les Contamines-Montjoie. Your day finishes in the Nature Reserve of Contamines-Montjoie where vehicles can only enter before 7am or after 7pm. Hence you will only get your bags at 7.30pm.
Overnight: Nant Borrant, Walk: +970m, -830m, 18km, 6 hrs 15
Day 4: Nant Borrant (1430m) - Plan de la Lai (1818m)
A truly alpine day with the ascension of two cols during your walk. You'll discover the quiet alpine meadows of Balme before reaching Col du Bonhomme (2329m) as you enter Beaufortain, famous for its cheese. You'll then undertake a gentle traverse climbing gradually to the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2479m). You'll then follow a spectacular ridge (Crete des gites) with great panoramic views, including views back to Mont Blanc, before descending to Plan de la Lai.
Overnight: Plan de la Lai, Walk: + 1020m; - 665 m; 12km 5hrs 30
Day 5: Plan de la Lai (1818m) - Valezan (1186m) - Pralognan (1710m)
Your day starts with a balcony trail above the reservoir of Roselend through alpine pastures. After crossing the Treicol stream you'll climb to Col du Bresson (2469m) dominated by the spectacular summit of Pierra Menta. The descent to the Tarentaise Valley follows the Ormente mountain torrent and then the sunny side of the mountain. Transfer by taxi between Valezan and Pralognan la Vanoise. + 895m ; -1553m; 16km; 6hr 30
Overnight: Maljasset, Walk: + 895m; - 1553 m; 16km; 6hr 30
Day 6: Pralognan (1710m) - Orgere (1890m)
You'll climb the beautiful Chaviere Valley to climb past the refuge at Roc de la Peche. After an easy walk along this huge glaciated valley, you'll start your climb towards the Col de Chaviere (2796m). On the way, you can take a small detour to the beautiful Lac Blanc located in a wonderful setting below the Col du Souffre surrounded by peaks capped with glaciers. Your descent is dominated by the Glacier de la Masse on your left. Descend passed Lac de la Partie before heading through pasture to reach Orgere on the edge of the Vanoise National Park. + 1086m ; -910m; 15km; 6hr
Overnight: Larch, Walk: +1086m; - 910 m; 15km; 6hr
Day 7: Val Frejus (1830m) - Vallee Etroite (1785m)
Transfer by taxi to Val Frejus on the other side of the Arc Valley. Your walking trail starts in the forest and then passes old military installations before joining Combes de Roches. The Col de la Vallee Etroite takes you into the southern Alps where the vegetation and the light are no longer the same. In addition, this valley has a strong Italian influence. + 610m ; -630m; 11km; 5hr
There are several different options possible on this day including going via the Refuge Mont Thabor and the Marguerite lakes (+100m). If you are strong and quick walkers you can also summit Mont Thabor at 3178m. This adds 850m of ascent and 3 hours to the figures below.
Overnight: Vallee Etroite, Walk: +610m; - 630 m; 11km 5hr
Day 8: Vallee Etroite (1785m) - Nevache (1600m)
After a night spent at the foot of the mountains: Pointes Gaspard, Melchior and Balthazar, you'll climb progressively towards Col des Thures, passing Lac Chavillon in a magnificent setting. The rest of the day is just as pretty as you cross the Thures Valley and descend through a beautiful larch forest with rock pinnacles to reach the hamlet of Roubion in Nevache.
Walk + 410m ; -600m; 8km; 5hr
Two variations are possible going via Lac Bellety (+100m) or climbing to the summit of Aiguille Rouge (+500m)
Take the shuttle bus to reach the train station in Briancon or Bardoneccia station in Italy for TGV train to Paris.
Holiday ends after a walk on day 8 or book an extra night's accommodation in Nevache or Briancon. Also possible to book the next leg of the walking holiday from Briancon to Nice to continue the trek.
At a glance
18 June - 18 September
WITH LUGGAGE TRANSFERS: From €1500 per person (based on 2 sharing)
WITHOUT LUGGAGE TRANSFERS: From €1155 per person (based on 2 sharing)
Self-Guided
7 nights/8 days : 7 days walking
Linear Trail
Self-guided
Time: 5-7hrs per day
Ascent: 400-1090m per day
Gites, hotels and huts (private rooms except 1 night)
Half-board except 1 evening meal
Other walking holidays along the GR5 in French Alps
Alpine Adventure: part 1, Lake Geneva - Chamonix
Alpine Adventure: parts 3 & 4, Briancon - Nice
Alpine Adventure: part 3, Briancon - Roya
Alpine Adventure: part 4, Roya - Nice
Alpine Adventure: Alternative part 4, Roya - Menton
Other long-distance treks in the mountains
Full list of self-guided walking holidays
GR 5 Trek
This is the second stage of a mythical walk that 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 holidays include luggage transfers so that you can enjoy the amazing scenery with only a light day pack.
You'll start your walking holiday in Chamonix and after passing by the foot of the immense Mont Blanc glaciers you’ll head through the alpine meadows of Beaufortain, famous for its cheese. Between Pralognan & Modane you’ll discover the beautiful summits and glaciers of the Vanoise National Park and then Mont Thabor. Afterwards, the climate changes and the mountains become more arid as you pass into the southern Alps.
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.
Holiday Profile
7 night/8 days: 7 days independent walking moving between accommodation
Dates
Everyday (subject to availability) from 18 June to 18 September
Walking Profile & Grade
7 days of self-guided walking between accommodation. Walking per day amounts to an average of 5 - 7 hours walking and 870m of ascent and descent. Maximum altitude gain: 1100m. The walk follows the GR5 for the most part, but there are variations proposed in order to avoid ski areas. The walks take place on paths, although they are mountainous and rocky. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable with walking on mountainous terrain with a good head for heights.
This walking holiday is graded challenging. See more information about walking grades.
Accommodation & Meals
You’ll be staying in a mixture of simple hotels, auberges, gites and refuges in private rooms for 2, except for one night where there is no choice but to stay in a shared dormitory. Good wholesome mountain food.
Where is this trek?
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking trail along the second section of the GR5long distance path is available from 18 June to 18 September. This is a high-altitude walking holiday with passes above 2500m and so, depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snow fields remain on the higher slopes. Day 6 especially in the Vanoise National Park goes over Col de Chaviere (2796m), the highest col on the whole of the standard GR5 trail. The slopes on either side of this pass can be icy and slippery. The risk of encountering winter snow reduces as you progress into July. The weather is fairly similar in July and August. It can be variable, although the southern part of this section has a drier climate than the Mont Blanc massif. The risk of storms is usually greater in the afternoons, 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 is sometimes a good period for settled weather but you run the risk of encountering some cold conditions at night and even some early fresh snow.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
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. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply walking maps. You'll be provided with detailed 1:25,000 walking maps.
Luggage Transfers
On this walking holiday, you can choose to have your main luggage transferred between accommodations 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 holiday 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.
Travel Info
Make your way to Chamonix at the start of the walking holiday
By Train
Eurostar trains run services from London St Pancras to Paris. Take RER to Paris Gare de Lyon and take a train to Bellegarde. Change for train to Chamonix. Trains also from Lyon and Marseille via Bellegarde.
Return trains: TGV from Bardoneccia 18h54 to Paris 23h19 (trains go via Chambery) - check with SNCF. Shuttle bus from Nevache at 17h55 for Bardonecccia 18h30
Also night train from Briancon 20h29 for Paris 07h25. Shuttle bus from Nevache at 16h19 for Briancon 17h00
By Air and rail
Regular direct flights to Lyon St Exupery with Easyjet, British Airways and Flybe and then trains as above. Also possible to fly to Geneva and take trains from Geneva with a couple of changes.
Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangements
By Air and rail
There is secure, covered parking to leave your car in Chamonix (about 40 euros for the week), alth
Further Information & Advice
For useful advice about independent walking trips and preparing for your self-guided holiday please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section. Learn more about how to prepare 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.
7 nights / 7 days walking
WITH luggage transfers
- From €1500
WITHOUT luggage transfers
- From €1155
- Prices per person based on 2 sharing a room
- The price of luggage transfers reduces with the number in your party. Please contact us for a quote.
- Option of booking an extra night in Briancon at the end of the walk (not included in above price)
What's included in the price
- 7 nights half board accommodation in gites, auberges, hotels and refuges with private rooms (except one night in dormitories, 1.00);
- taxi transfers on day 1, and 2 other transfers;
- detailed walking notes and walking maps,
- 1 cable car trip,
- transport of luggage between accommodation.
What's not included in the price
- Travel to Chamonix at the start of the walking holiday and from Briancon at the end of the holiday;
- drinks with evening meals, lunches, and evening meal in Chamonix,
- travel insurance,
- anything else not listed above
Payment
- A deposit payment of 30% or at least £250 or 250€ per person must be made to confirm your booking. The balance of payments is due 8 weeks before the holiday date. If the holiday date is less that 8 weeks away at the time of booking, then the full price should be paid.
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, except 1 night in a dormitory. You’ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All evening meals are included in your holiday price with the exception of the first night in Chamonix.
Refuge de Magi
Refuge with an Italian touch in the Valley Etroite at 1760m in an area that was Italian until the end of World War II. Capacity of 35 places
Extra Nights
Accommodation in Briancon is not included in the standard holiday price. We can include one or more nights in Briancon as required. We usually use a good 2-star hotel within easy walking distance of the historic centre.
Combining trips
Finishing in Briancon means that you can easily combine this holiday with our Tour of the Queyras walking holiday or with our centre-based Queyras holiday in this beautiful regional park
Changing or Tailor-made holidays
It would be possible to book parts 1, 3 and 4 of the GR5 long-distance trail with this trekking holiday.
In addition, we have hut-to-hut based trekking holidays in the Vanoise National Park. It would be possible to add sections of this holiday to your trek if you were looking to explore one of these areas in more detail.
If you would like an extra day or two during the trek then we would recommend an extra night in Pralognan-la-Vanoise. This is a pretty village surrounded by stunning mountains. You can take a cable car and have a more relaxing day's walk to see more of the beautiful Vanoise.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
Our Expertinsight
The months of June and September are the perfect time for this hike, as the trails are relatively spared from crowds, and you will likely have the chance to spot some of the region's wildlife. You will catch sight of the magnificent Dent du Midi rising in front of you, as well as Mont Blanc when the weather is clear and as you approach Chamonix. In the Abondance Valley, make sure to stop by the cheese dairies to savor Abondance cheese, a local specialty!
Testimonials
Sarah and the team at High Point Holidays planned a wonderful outdoor/hiking trip to Lyon and the Savoy region. We hiked some of the alps, road bikes and saw a lot, encountering places that we wouldn't have possible discovered without them. I would highly recommend their services in planning future trips to the region. Sarah was very responsive and helpful in responding to requests to make changes to our itinerary, and checked in consistently before and during the trip as well. We felt very supported.
Simon G.