The GR5 Trail - Through the French Alps

Discover one of Europe’s best alpine treks on the French Alps section of the GR5, a classic long-distance route from Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to the Mediterranean coast at Nice or Menton. Spanning around 600 km (373 miles), this section of the GR5 weaves its way through some of the Alps’ most spectacular landscapes, crossing high mountain passes, glacial valleys and traditional alpine villages, appealing to adventurous hikers with a strong fitness base and a love of long-distance walking.

This expertly written Cicerone guidebook is the essential companion for planning and completing the GR5, whether you intend to walk the entire north–south traverse of the French Alps in one continuous journey or break the route into manageable sections. Comprehensive descriptions cover the main GR5 line as well as important variations such as the GR55 high-level route through Vanoise and the optional GR52 finish to Menton on the Mediterranean.

Each of the 28 stages (15–29 km/9–18 miles each) includes detailed route descriptions and 1:100,000 mapping, supported by clear elevation profiles to help you plan each day through the French Alps
Tailor your trek through the Vanoise, Queyras and Mercantour National Parks with flexible itinerary options including 28-, 31- and 40-day schedules, making it easy to adapt the full route to your fitness and available time or opt for a section hike
Comprehensive accommodation listings for each stage, including accommodation type, contact details and whether you'll need your own supplies in unmanned refuges, to support advance planning and daily logistics
Downloadable GPX files for this section of the trail from Lake Geneva to Nice for use on smartphones and GPS devices, providing a reliable digital navigation option
Practical advice specific to the GR5 on alpine weather and safety considerations essential for long-distance walking in high mountain environments


Take on the GR5 and discover one of Europe’s most spectacular long-distance treks. With careful planning, practical advice, and detailed guidance at your side, you can embrace the adventure, navigate with confidence, and enjoy the French Alps at a pace that suits you.


Also available: This book is one of three Cicerone GR5 guides, alongside The GR5 Trail – Vosges and Jura and The GR5 Trail – Benelux and Lorraine, covering the full route from the Low Countries to the Mediterranean.

Seasons

The GR5 is primarily a summer trek: starting too early or late in the season may lead to problems with snow, and mountain huts may be closed. The French summer holiday runs from mid-July to mid-August: this coincides with the best weather, but accommodation will be busy.

Centres

Geneva; Chamonix; Modane; Briançon; Nice

Difficulty

Despite its length, and despite crossing the Alps, the GR5 is no more than a long mountain walk, paths are well-graded and the route can be varied from 600 to 625km (373–388 miles)

Must See

One of Europe's best Alpine treks crossing the Alps from Lac Leman to Nice. Includes variant routes such as the GR55 through the Vanoise National Park, and the GR52 through Mercantour National Park