Hiking tour of the French Alps: epic trails from lake to sea

Crossing the lush landscapes of the Mémises and the alpine pastures of Mottay, you gradually descend into the charming Novel valley, where you spend the night in a traditional mountain setting.

HIKING TIME : 3h30 - 4h

ASCENT : 500 m 

DESCENT : 500 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer

From the alpine meadows, the trail climbs towards Lake Neuteu, tucked away in a wild mountain setting, before reaching the Col de Bise. A short detour takes you to Lake Darbon, a beautiful glacial lake where ibex roam gracefully across the rocky slopes.

The path then drops down through the Bise pastures, with their green fields and rustic chalets, before climbing once more to the Pas de la Bosse. From there, it’s a steady descent to Chapelle d’Abondance, where you spend the night in a mountain lodge.

HIKING TIME : 6h30

ASCENT : 900 m 

DESCENT : 1400 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

You begin with the Pointe des Mattes, set within the Mont de Grange nature reserve, a true sanctuary for chamois. The trail then leads you across the peaceful pastures of the Abondance valley before reaching the Col de Bassachaux, where sweeping views open over Lake Montriond, glistening like a pearl cradled by the mountains.

From there, the path descends to the charming village of Les Lindarets, famous for its goats wandering freely through the streets and giving the place a unique character. A short transfer then takes you into the heart of the Vallée de la Manche, where you end the day with a night in a mountain refuge.

HIKING TIME : 7h - 7h30

ASCENT : 1400 m 

DESCENT : 950 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

The day begins with a walk towards the alpine farm of Fréterolles, a timeless spot where cows and goats graze peacefully. The trail continues beneath the evocatively named Terres Maudites - a wild, mysterious stretch - before climbing up to the Col de la Golèse at 1,666 metres.

From here, the path descends into the quiet hamlet of Les Allamands, a charming corner tucked into the valley. The route then climbs again beneath the towering cliffs of Le Tuet, standing like guardians over the landscape, before reaching the Folly refuge, where you spend the night. No baggage transfer is available on this stage.

HIKING TIME : 6h30 -7h

ASCENT : 1150 m 

DESCENT : 1100 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer 

This day takes you into the heart of the pristine Dents Blanches massif. You explore the Combe aux Puaires, a striking area shaped by lapiaz - fascinating natural limestone formations carved by time and the elements. The trail then descends to the tranquil Lac de la Vogealle, set in an enchanting mountain setting.

From there, you continue into the majestic cirques of Bout du Monde and Fer à Cheval, two natural gems adorned with waterfalls cascading down the rocky cliffs. The day ends in the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, where you spend the night.

HIKING TIME : 6h30 -7h

ASCENT : 800 m 

DESCENT : 1400 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

You start the day by ascending the majestic Rouget Waterfall, known as the “Queen of the Alps,” before continuing up to the Pleureuse and Sauffaz waterfalls. The trail then winds its way to the Anterne alpine pastures, located in the heart of the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve.

After one final climb, you reach the Col d’Anterne, where spectacular views open up over the surrounding peaks. The descent leads to the Moëde-Anterne refuge. There’s also the opportunity for a refreshing swim in Lake Pormenaz. Overnight in a mountain refuge; no baggage transfer is provided.

HIKING TIME : 6h- 6h30

ASCENT : 1550 m 

DESCENT : 400 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer

A short descent brings you to the Pont d’Arlevé, where the scenery begins to change: the rugged, glaciated rocks of the Aiguilles Rouges massif now dominate the horizon, contrasting with the softer limestone of the Fiz. You continue your climb up to the Col du Brévent at 2,368 metres, an exceptional viewpoint overlooking the surrounding peaks.

The trail then descends to Planpraz, a perfect spot to admire the Chamonix valley. From Planpraz, you take the cable car down to Chamonix. Overnight in a hotel in the valley.

If you choose to skip the cable car, add an extra 1h30 of walking and 1,000 metres of additional descent.

HIKING TIME : 5h- 5h30

ASCENT : 800 m 

DESCENT : 800 m

ACCOMMODATION : hotel 

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

From the cable car, the trail winds through valleys and forests before beginning the climb to the Col du Tricot, with the majestic Bionnassay Glacier as your backdrop. After a stop at the Miage chalets for a coffee, you descend towards the village of Les Contamines-Montjoie.

The path then continues to Notre-Dame de la Gorge, where you spend the night in a mountain refuge.

Optional short hike : 1 hour / Elevation gain: +250 m over 2 km from Les Contamines to Nant Borrant.

HIKING TIME : 5h- 5h30

ASCENT : 700 m 

DESCENT : 1300 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

You follow an ancient Roman road, a reminder of the region’s rich history, leading you up to the Col du Bonhomme. Crossing the Crête des Gittes, you are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views.

The trail then begins a long descent into the vast pastures of the Beaufortain, a true haven of greenery. You continue to the Cormet de Roselend, where the grandeur of the alpine landscapes continues to captivate, providing a striking contrast with the peaceful valleys below.

HIKING TIME : 6h30- 7h

ASCENT : 1450 m 

DESCENT : 800 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

You follow a balcony trail offering stunning views over Lake Roselend. The climb to the Col du Bresson takes you to the summit, under the watchful gaze of the legendary Pierra Menta, towering majestically over the landscape. From the top, the trail descends into the Ormette valley.

The descent continues gently into the Tarentaise Valley, where a transfer takes you to Peisey-Nancroix, for an overnight stay in a mountain refuge dormitory.

HIKING TIME : 6h30- 7h

ASCENT : 950 m 

DESCENT : 1200 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

You enter the Vanoise National Park, with the majestic Mont Pourri and Dôme de la Sache as your backdrop. A detour to Lake Plagne reveals this sparkling mountain mirror. The trail then continues upward to the Col de la Sachette, perched at 2,713 metres.

After taking in the breathtaking views, you descend toward the picturesque village of Tignes. Overnight in a hotel; no baggage transfer is provided.

HIKING TIME : 5h30 - 6h

ASCENT : 1150 m 

DESCENT : 550 m

ACCOMMODATION : hotel 

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer

A transfer takes you to Val Claret, the starting point for your journey into the vast wilderness of Vanoise National Park. You begin the climb to the Col de la Leisse, a summit offering spectacular views over the surrounding landscapes. After the ascent, you descend through the valley, dotted with crystal-clear lakes, with the majestic Grande Casse standing guard over this natural sanctuary.

The day ends with an overnight stay in a dormitory at the Col de la Vanoise refuge, right in the heart of the mountains.

HIKING TIME : 6h30 - 7h

ASCENT : 1100 m 

DESCENT : 700 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer

HIKING TIME : 7h - 7h30

ASCENT : 1050 m 

DESCENT : 1850 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

HIKING TIME : 6h30- 7h

ASCENT : 1100 m 

DESCENT : 900 m

ACCOMMODATION : hotel 

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

From Modane, a transfer takes you to Valfréjus (20 minutes), where the trail begins toward the Col de la Vallée Étroite. A gentle climb leads to this pass, which forms a natural border between the Northern and Southern Alps. You enter the Hautes-Alpes, with the Vallée Étroite forming a small French enclave within Italy.

The descent takes you to the hamlets of Les Granges, where you spend the night in a mountain refuge.

HIKING TIME : 5h

ASCENT : 790 m 

DESCENT : 675 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

You backtrack a few hundred metres before venturing deeper into the heart of the Clarée Valley. In this wild and remote landscape, you climb to the Col du Vallon (2,645 m), overlooking the stunning Lac Blanc. A beautiful descent follows to the village of Névache in the upper Clarée Valley. After passing through the historic old village of La Ville Haute, a transfer at 4 p.m. takes you to the nearby Fonts de Cervières Valley (35 minutes).

Overnight in a mountain refuge.

HIKING TIME : 6h

ASCENT : 850 m 

DESCENT : 1050 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

Today’s route takes you into the Queyras Regional Natural Park via a high-altitude stage over the Col Malrif (2,830 m). A scenic climb through alpine pastures begins from the charming hamlet of Fonts de Cervières. At the Col Malrif, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the famous Mont Viso, the ruler of the Southern Alps.

The trail then descends for a long stretch to Abriès, passing the Malrif Lakes, some of the largest in the Queyras. Overnight in a guesthouse in the upper Guil Valley.

HIKING TIME : 6h

ASCENT : 850 m 

DESCENT : 1300 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

From the last hamlet in the upper Guil Valley, you follow the Bouchouse valley along the Italian border, a protected biotope. The route passes the Egorgeou and Foréant Lakes before reaching the Col Vieux (2,806 m), then descends into the valley toward either the Agnel Refuge or the Blanche Refuge, depending on availability.*

HIKING TIME : 6h

ASCENT : 1400 m 

DESCENT : 600 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

From the refuge, you follow the GR58 today, climbing to the Col de Chamoussière and reaching the Pic de Caramentran at over 3,000 m. From this remarkable vantage point, the trail follows the French-Italian border to the Blanchet Lakes before ascending to the Col de la Noire.

This is where you leave the Queyras behind and enter the wild Haute-Ubaye Valley. Descending peacefully through the flower-filled Longet valley, you reach the first hamlet of Maljasset, where you spend the night in a mountain guesthouse.

HIKING TIME : 7h30

ASCENT : 500 m 

DESCENT : 1300 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

At the foot of the highest peak in the Haute-Ubaye, the Chambeyron (3,412 m), you peacefully follow the Col Mary valley, dotted with numerous lakes scattered across these still-active pastures.

From the col, the trail crosses into Italy’s Piedmont region, leading you into the Val Maira and the picturesque village of Chiappera. Overnight in a mountain guesthouse.

HIKING TIME : 5h30

ASCENT : 815 m 

DESCENT : 1150 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer 

HIKING TIME : 6h

ASCENT : 1150 m 

DESCENT : 1150 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

You set off for the Lauzanier valley, at the gateway to Mercantour National Park. A pleasant trail leads you to Lake Lauzanier, followed by a steeper final climb to the col. From the Col de la Cavale, enjoy stunning views over the Tinée Valley and the surrounding peaks.

The descent continues through the high valleys of the Alpes-Maritimes, passing the Col des Fourches and the striking promontory of Mont des Fourches. You reach the road of the Bonnette-Restefond - the highest road in Europe - where poignant remnants of the Maginot Line can already be seen. The day ends in Bousiéyas, the first hamlet in this high Tinée Valley.

HIKING TIME : 6h

ASCENT : 1100 m 

DESCENT : 1100 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

HIKING TIME : 6h

ASCENT : 850 m 

DESCENT : 1050 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

From Boréon, you follow the valley up towards the Trécolpas Lakes to reach the Pas des Lardes (2,448 m), dominated by the Gelas, the highest peak in the Mercantour. The trail descends to the Madone de Fenestre hospices, passing near the dairy of the Madone farm.

You then climb the Poncet valley to reach the Baisse des Lacs, continue past the Five Prals Lakes, and ascend to the Baisse des Prals. A beautiful descent brings you to the bottom of the Gordolasque Valley, at the Relais des Merveilles.

HIKING TIME : 7h30

ASCENT : 1450 m 

DESCENT : 1450 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

Today, you follow the Gordolasque Valley up to Lake de la Fous and the Nice Refuge overlooking it.

From the Nice Refuge, you climb to the Baisse Basto to enter the famous Vallée des Merveilles, where you catch glimpses of the prehistoric rock engravings alongside the GR trail. Along the way, a series of lakes unfolds amid the stark, mineral landscape typical of this historically rich valley. The descent brings you to the Merveilles Refuge for the night, with no baggage transfer provided.

HIKING TIME : 6h30

ASCENT : 1200 m 

DESCENT : 750 m

ACCOMMODATION : mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : no luggage transfer

Passing by a series of lakes, you leave the Vallée des Merveilles via the Pas du Diable. The scenery changes as you cross several mid-altitude passes through sheep-grazed alpine pastures.

At the Col du Raux, you climb easily to the small Authion plateau, dominated by an impressive redoubt, a key site of conflict during the Second World War. From Authion, on a clear day, you may catch your first glimpse of the Mediterranean Sea.

The descent leads to the tiny ski resort of Camp d’Argent. Overnight in a mountain guesthouse.

HIKING TIME : 5h30

ASCENT : 650 m 

DESCENT : 965 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

A magnificent day along the ridges awaits. You leave behind landscapes rich in Second World War military remnants and make your way to Sospel via the ridges of Mont Ventabren and Mont Mangiabo. Along the route, you enjoy regular views of the Var estuary and the outskirts of Nice.

A scenic descent brings you into Sospel, where you spend the night in this charming village nestled along the Bévéra stream.

HIKING TIME : 7h

ASCENT : 620 m 

DESCENT : 1650 m

ACCOMMODATION : guesthouse or mountain refuge

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)

For this final day, you’ll need to stay in good shape - it’s a full stage!

A beautiful climb takes you to the Col de Razel (1,032 m) via an old trail, often paved, passing by the ruins of ancient shepherd huts. Along the way, you’re almost certain to encounter flocks of sheep or Rove goats, marking your arrival in Provence.

The vegetation also becomes lusher and more fragrant, with chestnuts, maples, and rosemary accompanying you throughout the day.

You reach the last col, the Col du Berceau (1,050 m), where you can enjoy your picnic with spectacular views over the bay and port of Menton - though after a 1,050 m descent, you’ll have earned it!

HIKING TIME : 6h

ASCENT : 950 m 

DESCENT : 1350 m

LUGGAGE TRANSFER : luggage transfer (if you have selected this option)