The GR5 – Lake Geneva to Samöens

From the shores of Lake Geneva to the beautiful alpine village of Samöens, we follow a classic European trail.

 

From Lausanne on the northern shores of Lac Léman to the pretty Alpine village of Samöens, this premier European hiking route offers dramatic scenery as it weaves its way between Switzerland and France to make this 6-day trek exciting and rewarding in equal measure. The GR5 actually starts in the Netherlands, crossing Belgium and Luxembourg before France from north to south. This section is part of the route through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice called the Grande Traversée des Alpes.

Key information

June, July, August, September

Duration: 6 days 

(5 day option by starting on the southern end of the lake)

Graded As: Challenging 

Nearest Airport: Geneva 

Highlights Include: Tour the World Heritage Vineyards of Lavaux

Enjoy a boat trip around the Eastern end of the lake
passing through Montreux

Hike through the Swiss and French Alps

Rustic mountain refuges 

4 * Spa hotel in La Chapelle d’Abondance

 

At A Glance
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Days 1 - 3

Beginning in Lausanne on the northern shores of Lac Leman we start with a gentle lakeside walk through the vineyards of the prestigious Lavaux region before taking a picturesque ferry weaving your way around the Eastern side of the lake. Starting our hiking journey ascending up to the village of Thollon-les-Mises, enjoying a mixture of balcony paths and stunning Alpine vistas, including an ascent of the Cornette du Bises, before descending on Day 3 into Val d’Abondance relaxing in our luxury 4* Spa hotel.  

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Day 4

Traversing the length of valley below the mighty Mont du Grange we explore the alpine meadows, in a proctected reserve with a high chance of seeing Chamois and other wildlife. Gradually ascending up to the Col du Bassachaux, with sweeping views down to Lac Montriond and beyond we traverse over to the Col du Chesery, dropping down to our simple Swiss refuge for the night alongside Lac Vert.

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Days 5 - 6

The final 2 days offer the grand finale of this GR5 section to Samöens. Crossing back over the border from Switzerland into France we hike below the Dent du Midi which tower over us before descending into the Valleé de la Manche. Our final pass is the Col de la Golese below the Tête de Bostan. Parting the Refuge Golese in the morning we have the option of ascending the Tête de Bostan to enjoy far reaching views of the entire route, Dent Blanches, Dent du Midi and Mont Blanc (4810m). A long descent into Samöens with time to celebrate our success and enjoy a well earned rest.

Take a look

Need To Know

 
Accommodation

1 x night in Lausanne city 3* hotel 

1 x night in a family run 2* hotel

3 x nights in rustic mountain refuges with doritoir sleeping arrangements 

1 x night in 4*  Hotel with Spa facilities

 

What’s included

All accommodation

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, drinks on first and last night

Due to the remote nature of this particular trail we are without vehicle support so carry a little extra equipment for the mountain refuge nights, and are therefore self sufficient. 

Guides
Our guides are exceptionally experienced with a passion for sharing the mountains, flora and fauna with you. All qualified and licensed International Mountain Leaders they will bring the trip alive.

We adopt an excellent guiding ratio meaning we can cater for differing levels within the group and offer extra add-ons where appropriate, such as taking in a side peak or giving two different trail choices.

One Guide – 1 – 7 clients

Two Guides – 8 – 14 clients

Booking and Price

Cost: Please drops an email

Single Supplement available in hotels – Lausanne / Thollon – les – Mises / La Chapelle d’Abondance.

Private vehicle support can be provide at an extra charge.

We manage every booking independently to ensure attention to detail and provide a personalised service. 

"just wonderful!"

"truly amazing!"