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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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