From Lausanne to Chamonix…the Alpine section of this premier European hiking route offers dramatic scenery, challenging ascents and picturesque locations all of which combine to make this 10 -day trek exciting and rewarding in equal measure. A true undertaking and an unforgettable adventure ending in Chamonix, the mountaineering capital of Europe.
Departures: July, August & September
Duration: 10 days
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
Hiking through the Swiss and French Alps
4 * Spa hotel in La Chapelle d’Abondance & Chamonix
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 the pretty Alpine village of Samöens where we spend 2 nights.
Days 7 - 10
Following a rest day in Samöens, we hike up onto the beautiful Anterne plateau staying in the charming Moëde Anterne refuge (2002m). A day hike from Chamonix, following a panoramic trail with far reaching views of Mont Blanc (4810m / 15780ft). After crossing the Col du Brevent (2358m) several options exist, either ascending the Brevent and utilising the telepherique for our descent, or descending to the mid station where we often enjoying watching parapenters before descending into Chamonix town with an opportunity to relax and explore before a farewell dinner and departure on the following day.
Need To Know
Accommodation
1 x night in a lake side 3* hotel
1 x night in a family run 2* hotel
3 x nights in rustic mountain refuges
2 x nights in 3* Samöens hotel
2 x nights in 4* fabulous central La Chapelle and Chamonix Hotel with Spa facilities
What’s included
All accommodation
All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, drinks on first and last night (apart from 1 lunch and 1 dinner in Samöens).
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.
Private vehicle support is possible enabling you to access additional luggage in Lausanne, Thollon-les-Mises, La Chapelle, Samöens and Chamonix, please contact us directly to receive a quote for this additional service.
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
Booking and Price
Cost: Please drop us an email
Single Supplement available in hotels – Lausanne / Thollon – les – Mises / La Chapelle d’Abondance, Samoans and Chamonix.
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.