alpes-francaises-gta-from-chamonix-to-briancon

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 4
Mon Roadbook App
Mountain Hut with dorms
Multi-day hike
Réf : E388
9 days from 1360 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • Explore the Mt. Blanc Range, the Beaufortain Mountains, the Vanoise Range, and the Cerces Mountains.

  • Select the option of continuing your adventure on the "Briançon to Nice" through-hike.

  • Take advantage of baggage transfers every other day.


"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

From Mont-Blanc to Briançon, the capital of the Southern French Alps, this "Grande Traversée des Alpes" (aka "Great Alpine Traverse) takes hikers through the wildest sections of mountain terrain that the French Alps have to offer as well as world-renowned national parks. Cross through the verdant alpine pastures of the Beaufortain Mountains, pass beneath the glacier-capped peaks of the Vanoise Range, and enter the Southern French Alps through a gateway guarded by the mighty Mt. Thabor.

Your travel options

Mountain Hut with dorms

Mountain Hut with dorms

With luggage transfer Contact us
Without luggage transfer Contact us
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Itinerary

Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 9 days
Luggage transfers : 3 nights without luggage transfer
Lodging : Mountain Hut, Hotel
Guiding : Self-guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From mid-June to mid-September

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains !

Lodging : hotel.
Arrive at Saint-Gervais-les-Bains and settle in your hotel room. Take some time to visit the village and get ready for the adventure starting the following day!
Day 2

Les Contamines-Montjoie – Col du Bonhomme Pass – Crête des Gittes Ridge – Plan-Mya Hut

Ascent : 1300 m. Descent : 700 m. 7 hours of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.

The hike starts in Contamines-Montjoie. Take a local shuttle to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge (1210 m), where a beautiful Baroque church marks the beginning of your hike. The trail leads you out of the lovely evergreen forest and towards the Beaufortain Mountains via Col du Bonhomme Pass. Col de la Croix-du-Bonhomme Pass marks the beginning of Crête des Gittes Ridge, an unbelievably improbable military trail that was carved into the side of the mountain at the beginning of the 20th century. Starting from Col de la Sausse Pass (2307 m), one of the more famous mountain passes in the French Alps, descend towards the beautiful alpine pastures surrounding Cormet de Roseland. Eat dinner and spend the night in a local alpine lodge (1860 m).

Day 3

Plan-Mya Hut – Col du Bresson Pass – Saint-Guérin Chapel – Rosuel Hut

Ascent : 950 m. Descent : 1100 m. 7 hours of hiking.
Lodging : gite. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Start along a dirt road that winds through the alpine pastures where Beaufort cheese is made and then continues parallel to the shores of Roseland Lake, a reservoir whose pure blue waters are just as mesmerizing as the area's summits. Continue heading south to the small hamlet of Treicol (1895 m), where you then veer uphill towards Col de Bresson Pass (2469 m), a breathtaking mountain pass right next to the Pierra Menta, a singularly spectacular spire that emerges from the rocky ridgeline. From this lofty perch, descend towards the sunny side of the Tarentaise Valley until your reach Saint-Guérin Chapel (1590 m). From there transfer to Rosuel (1556 m), located above the village of Peisey-Nancroix. Eat dinner and spend the night in an alpine lodge.
Day 4

Rosuel Hut – Lac de La Plagne (lake) – Col du Palet Pass – Col du Palet Hut

Ascent : 1000 m. 5 hours of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Enjoy a more leisurely hike today following the strenuous hikes of the previous two days. The day's journey takes you into the breathtaking landscapes of Vanoise National Park via the Rosuel entrance gate. The ever-present 3777-meter high summit of Mt. Pourri, one of the Tarentaise Valley's most iconic peaks, looms high above. As you approach La Plagne Lake (2144 m), enjoy watching the local population of marmots frolic here and there. Higher up, as you approach Col du Palet Pass, observe alpine ibex and chamois (mountain goats) from a distance as they graze in the meadows or scale the area's steep terrain. Eat dinner and spend the night in the Col du Palet Hut (2652 m), located in the heart of Vanoise National Park.
Day 5

Col du Palet Hut – Val-Claret-Col de la Leisse – Entre-Deux-Eaux – Plan du Lac Hut

Ascent : 800 m. Descent : 1100 m. 7 hours of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The descent towards the small resort town of Val-Claret (2107 m) in Tignes will take you back into civilization for a short time, before leaving it behind once again as you make your way up the trail leading up to Col de la Leisse Pass (2698 m). This trail leads you along a rocky corridor with the massive, glacier-capped Grande-Motte Peak on one side, and a string of 3000-meter high peaks on the other. Along the way you cross into the Maurienne Valley side of Vanoise National Park. Hike past the La Leisse Hut (2467 m). Pierre de Croë-Vie bridge, located beneath the south face of Grande-Casse Peak, marks your arrival in the small hamlet of Entre-deux-Eaux (2120 m). Make one last push to climb to the Plan du Lac Hut (2364 m) where you will eat dinner and spend the night.
Day 6

Plan du Lac Hut – Valfréjus – Thabor Hut

Ascent : 700 m. Descent : 1100 m. 4,5 hours of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
After a short hike to warm your legs up, a minivan will take you to all the way to Valfréjus, to the next trailhead in a place referred to as Le Lavoir (1923 m), and located in one of the Maurienne Valley's magnificent ski areas. Enjoy the great views across the valley of the peaks of the Vanoise Range. The hike takes you into Combe de la Grande Montagne, a wide open alpine bowl with several beautiful lakes. Eat dinner and spend the night in the Thabor Hut (2505 m). Depending on the time of day when you arrive, you can either rest and relax, or enjoy exploring the area around the hut.
Day 7

Thabor Hut – Col des Muandes Pass – Clarée Valley – Buffère Hut

Ascent : 1100 m. Descent : 1200 m. 6 h of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Cross beneath the summit of Mt. Thabor as you hike up and over a series of beautiful mountain passes: Col des Méandes, (2727 m), Col du Lac Blanc, and Col des Muandes (2882 m), the latter serving as the gateway into Clarée Valley. Descend towards the Les Drayères Hut, and then along La Clarée River until you reach Laval. A short transfer by shuttle along the valley floor to Névache shaves off several kilometers. From there, make one last short ascent to the warm and friendly Buffère Hut (2076 m). Eat dinner and spend the night in the hut.
Day 8

Buffère Hut – Col de Buffère Pass – Côte-Belle – Le Monêtier-les-Bains - Briançon

Ascent : 400 m. Descent : 1100 m. 5 hours of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
The final section of this trek takes you up to Buffère Pass: enjoy breathtaking views of the Ecrins Range, whose mighty summits rise high above Guisane Valley. Feel free to spend a little extra time gazing at the massive, glacier-covered peaks. Pass beneath Côte-Belle, continue to Cime des Conchiers, and then descend into the quaint village of Le Monêtier-les-Bains. Transfer by shuttle to Briançon and stay for the night.
Day 9

Departure !

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Enjoy your breakfast before heading back home.
The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Pricing

Currencies

France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 

During your trip

Travel documents

- A roadbook with hike descriptions and detailed route maps.
- Two 1/50,000 scale maps, A2 Beaufortain, A3 Vanoise and 1/75,000 scale Briançonnais-Queyras.
- Vouchers for your tour.

Transfers

- Day 2: transfer from Contamines Montjoie to Notre-Dame-de-la-Gorge by local shuttle.
- Day 3: Saint-Guérin chapel - Peisey-Nancroix by cab.
- Day 6: Plan du Lac - Valfréjus by cab.
- Day 7: Laval - Souchère bridge by local shuttle.

Lodging

- Lodges and mountain huts, in dormitories or shared rooms.
Showers available at all stages, except at the Mont-Thabor refuge (D5).

Please note: if you arrive the day before or wish to extend your stay, it is essential to book your accommodation in advance. We can reserve one (or more) night(s) in a hotel in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains or Briançon (see "Services plus").

Meals

Our goal is to ensure that you eat well-balanced meals suited for the effort required each day, and to lighten your pack load as much as possible.

- Dinners (hot meals, very filling) and breakfasts are prepared by your accommodations. Dinners in Chamonix are not included.

- Lunches: there area few grocery stores and small shops all along the tour where you will be also able to purchase food supplies. Your accommodations (huts or guest houses) should be able to cater to your needs as well.

Luggage transfer

Depending on the package you choose:

- With luggage transfers included, you will only carry what you need for the day's hike. Your bags are transported to your accommodations by vehicle, and you will have access to them every night (Except at Bonatti Hut, which is not reachable by car, you will carry spare clothes for the night and the day after).

- Without luggage transfers, plan to carry everything you need for the entire week on your back (pay attention to weight!).

Trails

Well-marked itinerary, previously recognized by our guides. You are in charge of your route and must know how to read a map and use a compass. You also have precise directions in the "Mon Roadbook" app and in the paper roadbook that will be given to you before departure (maps, descriptive plan, specific information...). The "Mon Roadbook" app allows you to centralize all the necessary information for your trip:
  • The identification of service providers operating during your stay
  • GPS guidance on a map background
  • Photos of crossings
  • The various points of interest on the hike: natural or heritage.

This application, included for this trip, must be downloaded before your departure and works offline (without network).
To learn more, feel free to read our article: Mon Roadbook, your digital travel guide.

For each stage, make sure you check the latest information on trail conditions; the manager at your accommodations should also be able to provide you with up-to-date information if you ask.

Itineraries

Our elevation gains are calculated based on altitude differences provided on maps, not by GPS, which, for technical reasons (GPS altitude inaccuracies + statistical dispersion), often give overestimated elevation gains, sometimes by up to 20%.

What you need to know

Be prepared for the weather:
The weather in mountains can change very quickly. the weather forecast is quite accurate for the next 3 upcoming days, but not that much further. Thunderstorms are common in the afternoon when the weather is hot, they are very located and show up very quickly. Wake up earlier in the morning when the weather forecast announces it, you will have crossed the high pass before it starts. Passes and ridge are not safe is the case of thunder. Take advice from your host the day before.

Considering the Environment:
While trekking you have to be careful not to destroy the environment you are enjoying so much. It is not only for your enjoyment, but people and wildlife also rely on this environment.

Here are some simple tips:

- pick up any litter along the trail.
- burn all your toilet paper and bury your faeces, make sure you go at least 50m away from any water source.
- drink tap water instead of mineral water as plastic bottles are an unnecessary waste.
- stick to the trails to prevent erosion and damage to fragile alpine flora.
- ensure all rubbish is packed and bring them back down to the villages.

Insurance :
All tour participants should obtain their own personal insurance which covers medical and emergency evacuation at a minimum. You will of course also want cover for loss or damage to personal effects, flight or trip cancellation etc. Please ask us for advice.

Final tips!
- To ensure that you have the best time possible, please respect local traditions, customs, values and the environment.
- Respect privacy when taking photographs.
- Your attempts at speaking some French or Italian will open hearts and break the ice!
- Protect the natural environment, see above.

Required before leaving

Formalities

Please check with your embassy.

Health

Vaccinations

Required vaccinations

No vaccinations are required.

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 4

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least once per week (around 15km to 18km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • A broad-spectrum antibiotic.
  • An antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal tablets, an intestinal antibiotic, and an antiemetic (for nausea or vomiting).
  •  Cough medicine (in tablet or pill form).
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips, non-stick bandages, and an elastic bandage.
  • An antiseptic.
  • A phlebotonic.
  • Sunscreen and a burn cream.
  • Eye drops.
  • Other: tweezers, scissors, 2 or 3 safety pins, a tick remover, a pair of latex gloves, sleeping pills (mild) and/or earplugs, any personal medication. See the paragraph on “Health” for indications on specific medications for altitude sickness, malaria, etc.
  • Iodine or other similar tablets to purify water.

Gear list

What we supply for your trek:

We provide 1 set for every 4 participants, which includes detailed hiking maps of the region, and a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip (a lot of tips and some alternative routes are included).
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary descriptions as well GPS guidance.
 
What you need to bring:

If you don't have the luggage transfer option, pack light, remember that you will have to carry all your stuff during the whole trip. We recommend that your backpack doesn't exceed 10 to 15% of your weight. Take only the essentials.

Essentials:

  • Hiking backpack. A chest strap and waist strap are essential to help to distribute the weight. The size 30 L to 45 L, will depend on whether you have booked a luggage transfer or not.
  • Comfortable and worn in trekking boots.
  • Warm hat.
  • Cap.
  • Sun glasses.
  • Good quality Merino Wool walking socks.
  • Base layer tops - Merino Wool is the best choice.
  • Warm mid-layer tops.
  • A water and windproof layer (jacket and pants) eg. Gore-Tex.
  • 1x Walking trousers.
  • Light gloves.
  • Shorts.
  • Buff or Snood.
  • A natural or synthetic down jacket.
  • Casual clothes & footwear for evenings. One set is enough as you will not wear them for a long time.
  • Nightwear and underwear.
  • Sleeping bag liner - either silk, cotton or fleece (only if you're staying in dormitories in mountain Huts).
  • Sandals or flip flops. 

Essential Accessories:

  • Personal toiletries: shampoo, soap, shavers, moisturizer, travel towel (if you're staying in mountains Huts), etc.
  • Toilet roll/tissues.
  • Ziplock bags are handy for convenient leak-proof storage.
  • Sun block and lip balm.
  • Electrical socket adapter.
  • Energy bars/snacks.
  • Personal first aid kit + any personal medications you need to take.
  • Phone, Camera, batteries and charger.
  • Airtight and waterproof ‘dry bags' are great for keeping your clothes dry and storing your dirty laundry separate from clean clothes!
  • Head torch and batteries (spare batteries too).
  • Walking poles are highly recommended on Alps paths.
  • Cash & Cards (Euros and Swiss Francs).
  • Pocket knives or cutlery can be useful for picnics.
  • WATER - please be able to carry 2 liters of water.
  • Your sense of humor and adventure!

If you've booked the luggage transfer:

  • Duffle bag (soft) and not exceeding 15 kg to carry your extra stuff.

Useful extras:

  • Binoculars.
  • Book to read or Kindle.
  • Notebook and pen.
  • Ear plugs.

Note: All of these items can be purchased there. Please ask us if you'd like some advice about where to go to get any gear.

What to take with you in your day pack:
Please carry the following in your day pack, as a minimum:

  • 2 liters of water.
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, lip balm.
  • Warm fleece or thermal layer and gloves.
  • Water proof layer.
  • Lunch
  • Head torch.
  • Hand sanitizer/soap and toilet paper.
  • Your camera.
  • Any money you want for snacks/drinks along the trail.
Important - take any personal medications you require during the day - you will not see your kit bag until evening.

The rest you can put into your main bag which will be carried to the next accommodation, only if you've subscribed to this option.

What about gear I want to leave before the trek?
Before departure for your trek you might pack your ‘town clothes' or anything you don't want on trek with you and ask your hotel (if you come back to the same hotel). If you want to do this, then consider bringing or buying a simple bag here for this purpose. We can also help you organise the storage of a larger suitcase, Please ask us for advice.

First aid kit:
It is recommended that you bring a small personal medical kit including your preferred painkillers, throat lozenges, plasters, strapping tape for blisters, etc. If you are taking regular medication you MUST bring those medicines with you PLUS an extra supply in case one pack is lost. If you have any allergies and/or take any medications, you MUST advise us when booking your trek!

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.