Gite Les Ferme de Vercland
This gite, located at 800m is made up of 5 chalets converted from two former Savoy farms. Located in the hamlet of Vercland. |
Highlights
1st leg of a trek along the full length of the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice
Superb panoramic views of Mont Blanc
The rich green alpine meadows of the Savoy
A landscape that changes with each day as you head south through the Chablais mountains
Traditional alpine hamlets
Let 's discover the full itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival
Pick up at Evian train station. Dinner and night at hotel in Chablais mountains.
Day 2: Bernex (1206m) - Chapelle d'Abondance (1021m)
There are two options for your first day.
Option 1: Transfer to chalets de Bise: This option allows you to discover the north face of Mont Chauffe and its alpine meadows. Your day starts by climbing Pas de la Bosse at 1815m, passing by Chamois on the northern slopes of Cornettes. You'll then traverse towards Mont Chauffe, crossing the Col d'Ubine and descending to Chapelle d'Abondance with magnificent views down the length of the Chatel Valley. + 690 m; - 1080 m; 13 km; 5hr 30
Option 2: Transfer to Bernex: This is a longer option that allows you to start closer to Lake Geneva. You'll begin at the foot of Dent d'Oche, the most recognisable summit in the area, before crossing two mountain passes. You'll then pass Lake Darbon which you'll only discover at the last moment before crossing a vast alpine meadow dominated by the summit of Cornettes de Bise. After a third mountain pass, you'll descend to Chapelle d’Abondance. + 1220 m ; - 1310 m; 16km; 6hr 30
Overnight: Chapelle d'Abondance, min +690m; -1080 m; 13km 5hr 30
Day 3: Chapelle d'Abondance (1021m) - Les Tinderets (1491m)
Your day takes place in the Abondance Valley, famous for its alpine meadows and its cheese. Its highest mountain is Mont de Grange (2432m) which you'll discover during a beautiful day's walking. Climb to Col des Mattes (1930m) then traverse along a balcony trail facing several summits which you'll see time and again during the next few days, including the Dents du Midi at 3257m.
Overnight: Les Tinderets, Walk: +1230m, -740m, 15km, 6 hours
Day 4: Les Tinderets (1491m) - Les Mines d’Or (1350 m)
You'll cross the Col de Chesery (1992m) to cross the border into Switzerland in the middle of alpine meadows. Lake Vert makes a great spot for a rest before you cross into the Val d'Illiez. Your descent is dominated by the impressive walls of Dents du Midi. From the col de Cou (1920 m) you descend into the Manche Valley and its gold mines!
Overnight: Plan de la Lai, Walk: + 980m; - 1120 m; 18km 6hr 30
Day 5: Les Mines d’Or (1350 m) - Samoens (1096m)
This passage close to the France and Switzerland border is known for its history of smuggling as well as being a place to study the migration of birds. You'll then discover the immense 600m cliffs of Terres Maudites before climbing to Col de la Golese (1660m). You'll then reach Samoens by the vallee des Allamands.
Overnight: Maljasset, Walk: + 550m; - 1200 m; 14km; 5hr 30
Day 6: Samoens (1096m) - Moede-Anterne (2002m)
10-minute transfer to Sixt before a long and varied climb to Col d'Anterne (2257m) starting by a forest trail passing waterfalls, followed by a passage at the foot of the imposing cliffs of Pointe de Salles (2500m). You'll then cross the Anterne mountain, a vast limestone plateau with a lake. From the next pass, you'll have an amazing panoramic view of the Mont Blanc mountain range, before a short descent to the refuge. On this day you'll need to carry your clothes and washbag for overnight and the next day.
Overnight: Larch, Walk: +1100m; -300 m; 10km; 5hr 30
Day 7: Moede-Anterne (2002m) - Chamonix (1034m)
Your descent to Pont d'Arleve is unforgettable as you enter one of the last parts of Haute Savoie where the original vegetation remains. After crossing Diosaz Gorge you'll climb to the Col du Brevent, a spectacular balcony facing Mont Blanc. You can either climb to the summit of Brevent (2525m) and then descend by two cable cars to reach Chamonix or descend to Planpraz and take the second cable car or gondola to reach Chamonix.
Walk: +770 m or +925m; - 740m or -410m; 10km; 5hr 30
Holiday ends after your walk on day 7 or book an extra night's accommodation in Chamonix. Also possible to book the next leg of the walking holiday from Chamonix to Briancon to continue the trek.
At a glance
21 June - 4 September
WITH LUGGAGE TRANSFERS: From €1150 per person (based on 2 sharing)
WITHOUT LUGGAGE TRANSFERS: From €910 per person (based on 2 sharing)
Self-Guided
6 nights / 6 days walking
Linear Trail
Self-guided
Time: 5-6hrs per day
Ascent: 690-1230m per day
Gites, hotels and huts (private rooms except for 1 night))
Half-board
Other walking holidays along the GR5 in French Alps
Alpine Adventure: part 2, Chamonix- Briancon
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 first 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.
Your trail starts near Lake Geneva (the largest lake in the Alps) and crosses the alpine meadows of the Abondance Valley before meandering along the foothills of the Chablais mountains heading towards the ever-present profile of Mont Blanc. Climb to the Brevent with exceptional views towards Mont Blanc before descending to Chamonix at the foot of Mont Blanc.
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
6 night/7 days: 6 days independent walking moving between accommodation
Dates
Everyday (subject to availability) from 21 June to 14 September
Walking Profile & Grade
6 days of self-guided walking between accommodation. Walks per day amount to an average of 5 - 6 hours walking and 800m of ascent and descent. Maximum altitude gain: 1200m. The walk follows the GR5 for the most part, but there are also different options proposed in the notes. The walks take place on paths, although they are mountainous and rocky in nature. 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 private rooms in simple gites and refuges with shared bathrooms for the most part. One night in dormitory. You’ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All evening meals are included in your holiday price.
Where is this trek?
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking trail along the first section of the GR5long distance path is available from 21 June to 4 September. This is a high-altitude walking holiday that goes over several high passes above 2000m and so, depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snow fields remain on the higher slopes. In addition on the final day approaching Chamonix, there is a high risk of encountering snow in June. An alternative direct descent will be provided in the walking guide if conditions on the normal route are dangerous. The risk of encountering winter snow reduces as you progress into July. The weather in this part of the Alps is variable, with a risk of unsettled weather throughout the summer months. 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.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
The vast majority of this walking holiday follows the GR5 (Grande Randonnee) long-distance trail which is well way-marked with red and white markings. There are also 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 alpine 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
Meeting point at Evian train station at the start of the holiday. Transfer to your first accommodation is included in the holiday price.
By Train
Eurostar trains run services from London St Pancras to Paris. Take RER to Paris Gare de Lyon and take a TGV train to Bellegarde. Change for local TER train to Evian. Example of train times (as of late 2015): Paris 12h58 - Evian 19h10. Please check train times with SNCF. Then minibus from station to first accommodation. Please let us know your expected time of arrival.
Return trains from Chamonix to Bellegarde and change for Paris. Example: Chamonix 16h14 - 21h52 Paris (TER + TGV via Bellegarde).
By Air and rail
Fly to Geneva Airport and then take the train to Lausanne and then the boat across the lake from Lausanne to Evian.
Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangements
By Car
If arriving by car the best solution is to park at Bellegarde train station and take the train to Evian. The car park is a pay and display parking. Train at 17h12 - 19h10 Evian. At the end of the walking holiday take the train from Chamonix to Bellegarde (as there are no longer any trains from Chamonix to Evian).
Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangements.
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 in 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.
6 nights / 6 days walking
WITH luggage transfers
- From €1150
WITHOUT luggage transfers
- From €910
- Prices per person based on 2 sharing a room
- Option of booking an extra night in Chamonix at the end of the walk (not in above price)
What's included in the price
- 6 nights half board accommodation in gites and refuges with private rooms (except one night, 1.00);
- taxi transfers on day 1, and 2 other days,
- detailed walking notes and walking maps,
- transport of luggage between accommodation (except on days 3 and 6).
What's not included in the price
- Travel to Evian at the start of the walking holiday and from Chamonix at the end of your holiday;
- drinks with evening meals, lunches,
- Brevent cable car,
- 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 than 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 a mixture of simple gites and refuges in private rooms for 2 except 1 night in a dormitory. The first night has a private bathroom, whilst all the others have a shared bathroom. Good wholesome mountain food.
Extra Nights
Accommodation in Chamonix is not included in the standard holiday price. We can include one or more nights in Chamonix as required. We usually use a good 3 star hotel within easy walking distance of the historic centre.
Combining trips or Tailor-Made Holidays
It would be possible to book parts 2, 3 and 4 of the GR5 long-distance trail with this trekking holiday.
If you wish to see more of this area and its surroundings after or before your hike, check out our tailor-made trip 'Mountain Memories' and discover the treasures of the Alps spanning Italy and France in Chamonix, Lyon, Turin, and Milan to experience the best of both countries in one amazing adventure.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.