Walking Holidays
France

GR 5 Trek

This is the 4th and last stage 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 holidays include luggage transfers (if you wish) so that you can enjoy the amazing scenery with only a light day pack.

From St Etienne you'll be provided with a transfer to Roya on the edge of the Mercantour National Park, from where you'll head into the Maritime Alps with great viewpoints from the summits and ridges, as well as a series of historic villages which sit on lofty hill-tops. As you head south, the Alpine character gives way to Mediterranean vegetation with fruit grown on the terraces descending from the villages. You can combine this trek with the 7-day walking break from Briancon to Roya.

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 nights/6 days: 6 days independent walking moving between accommodation

Dates

Everyday (subject to availability) from 15 June to 30 September

(Only early morning buses from Nice to St Etienne de Tinee on Fridays during school time and on Sundays and bank holidays).On other days there is a morning service. This may impact on the day you wish to start.

Walking Profile & Grade

6 days self-guided walking between accommodation. Walking per day amounts to an average of 4hrs - 7hrs 30 walking and 1000m of ascent and descent. Maximum altitude gain: 1330m. The walk follows the GR5 for the most part. The walks take place on paths, although they are mountainous and rocky in nature. 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.

Accommodation & Meals

You’ll be staying in private rooms for 2 in gites, simple hotels and mountain refuges, except 2 nights in a dormitory. Mainly shared bathrooms. You’ll be served wholesome local cuisine. All evening meals are included in your holiday price except for the first night.

When to Travel

Our self-guided walking tour along the 4th part of the GR5 trail is available from 15 June to 30 September. The trek goes over a high pass of almost 2500m on day 2 but you are already sufficiently far south that this is usually clear of snow. However, depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snowfields remain on the first couple of higher passes. After the first day or so there is little risk. 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. It can also be hot at this time of year for this section of the trek. Early in the season is best for the wonderful alpine flowers and meadows. September also has good weather, although there is a greater risk of storms and on the first day there is a small 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 well-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 a large-scale map usually of 1:50,000 for the whole trail and more detailed 1:25,000 maps within your guidebook.

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 picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. There are two nights (NOT consecutive) where you won't have access to your luggage so you'll need to carry extra overnight gear. 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 about 15kg.

Travel Info

Make your own way to St Etienne de Tinee at the start of the holiday.

Bus 740 goes from Nice to St Etienne de Tinee twice daily throughout the summer months, except Friday (term time), Sundays and Bank Holidays. The bus goes via Nice airport and Nice train station. Scheduled times at Nice station are 9.10 & 16.40 and at Nice airport are 9.25 and 16.55.

By Train

From the UK, changes between the Eurostar and TGV are at Lille or Paris. TGV's runs from Paris to Nice directly or via Lyon or Toulon. Bus direct to St Etienne de Tinee from airport.

By Air

There are flights from French and UK airports to Nice Cote d'Azur airport. Operators from UK airports include Easyjet and British Airways. Aéroport International Nice-Côte d'Azur is located 7km from the city centre. Bus direct to St Etienne de Tinee from airport.

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. 

WITH luggage transfers

• €1245

WITHOUT luggage transfers

• €975

• Prices per person based on 2 sharing a room (except 2 nights)
• Price of luggage transfers reduces with number of party. Please contact us for a quote.