8 Days & 7 Nights

4.9

The GR5: Lake Geneva to Chamonix

Walk the first Alpine section of the GR5 trail from Lake Geneva to Chamonix
Enjoy views of the Dents Blanches, Dents du Midi and the Mont Blanc massif
Summit Le Brévent for superlative views of Mont Blanc
Feast on rich cheese fondue, a hearty Savoyard speciality
Experience buzzing Chamonix, France’s mountaineering capital

Experience true Alpine hiking on this inn to inn walking holiday along the GR5 trail from the glistening shores of Lake Geneva to the foot of the Mont Blanc. Start in the glamorous Swiss Riviera town of Montreux from where you will be transferred to the small hamlet of Novel, across the water to the French Alps, to start your hike. Ascend through peaceful Alpine meadows and through countless traditional dairy farms; the sound of cow bells never far away. Take in the views of the jagged mountain ranges of the Dents Blanches, Dents du Midi and finally the mighty Mont Blanc Massif, as you criss-cross between France and Switzerland. Finish on the summit of Le Brévent at 2525m with the most stupendous views of the Mont Blanc, your reward for this challenging yet beautiful trek. Hop on the cable car and descend to Chamonix, a busy Alpine town, considered to be France’s outdoor capital.

From £1,045.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Montreux and overnight

Montreux is located on the north eastern shores of Lake Geneva, and is about 1 hr 15 mins scenic train journey from Geneva Airport.

Montreux is considered the capital of the Swiss Riviera due to its favourable micro-climate. Surrounded by vineyards, adjacent to the Lake and with views to the French Alps, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with visitors. If you would like to explore the area further, we recommend an extra day here giving you time to visit the Château de Chillon or to take a cruise on the lake.

Overnight Montreux

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Splendid | 3 Star | Hotel

Having one of the best locations in Montreux with a 5 minute walk to the train station, Hotel Splendid also boasts wonderful views of the lake. This family run hotel was built in 1904 and is still a firm favourite with visitors.

Hotel de la Rouvenaz | 3 Star | Hotel

A simple and very practical, cosy hotel right in the centre of Montreux, overlooking Lake Geneva. Located just 5 minutes from the train station, the location of this hotel is ideal.

Day 2 Transfer to Novel and walk to La Chapelle d’Abondance 10 miles / 16 km

After a sumptuous breakfast, start the day with a transfer to the hamlet of Novel (45 mins), where you start your GR5 trek. Ascend through woodland before emerging into open fields, views of the lake accompany you all the way to Col de Bise at 1915m. Descend steeply to Chalets de Bise, the perfect place to stop for a break before another ascent to the second and final Col of the day, the Pas de Bosse at 1816m. On a clear day, you will see the ‘Dents Blanches’ (white teeth) mountains looming ahead. Descend to reach La Chapelle d’Abondance, an Alpine town well known for skiing, in Summer it is in full bloom and just as charming.

Ascent/descent: 1300m/1200m

Overnight La Chapelle d’Abondance

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Les Cornettes | 3 Star | Hotel

The Trincaz family have been welcoming guests for 5 generations and they really have perfected the art of hospitality! The hotel is decorated in traditional Alpine style, yet has all the modern amenities you may need. Relax your muscles in the indoor pool before warming them up in the heated whirlpool; a dressing gown and slippers are provided free of charge. They have two on-site restaurants; a casual brasserie and a restaurant that has been mentioned in the 2017 Michelin guide, so why not treat yourself to some haute-cuisine?

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Les Gentianettes | 4 Star | Hotel

This brightly flowered 4* spa hotel is a real gem in La Chapelle d’Abondance. It is decorated in typical alpine style and has a swimming pool, a hamman and sauna, just what’s needed after a long day on the trails! They have an onsite restaurant serving Savoyard specialities, or choose from one of the many restaurants in the town.

Day 3 Walk from La Chapelle d’Abondance to Refuge de Chésery 15 miles / 24 km

A long yet rewarding day of walking awaits today. Enter the Mont de Grange nature reserve and start your first ascent for the day. Reach Col de Mattes; flanked by Alpine cows and views to the Dents du Midi, Dents Blanches and if you're lucky, Mont Blanc, it really is picture perfect! Your next objective is the Col de Bassachaux at 1778m, and not long after that, the Col de Chésery at 1972m which also marks the Swiss-Franco border. Reach the cosy Refuge de Chésery and enjoy a well-deserved beer on their terrace, with views to the serene Lac Vert. Keep an eye (and an ear!) out for marmots.

Ascent/descent: 1450/450m

Overnight Refuge de Chésery

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Refuge de Chésery | Hut (Dorm Only)

Located at 1985m and at the picturesque Lac Vert, this family-run and cosy refuge is a treat and a real taste of traditional Alpine life. Dorms are basic but comfortable, and are well-ventilated. Hot showers are available (included in cost) and the bathroom facilities are impeccably clean. Other convenient facilities include washing lines and plenty of electrical sockets for charging phones. Enjoy a communal dinner and get to know your fellow walkers over a glass or two of Swiss wine. Please remember to bring a sleeping bag liner and a travel towel. Duvets and pillows are provided. Order a packed lunch upon arrival for the next day. This typically consists of a sandwhich, a piece of fruit and a cereal/nut bar. The packed lunch costs approx. 7 CHF/6 EUR. The hut accepts both CHF & EUR. Cards are not accepted so please make sure you have cash with you. Dinner is at 7pm.

Day 4 Walk from Refuge de Chésery to Samoëns 15.5 miles / 26 km

Today’s walk is long but on good tracks allowing for steady progress. Walk through skiing areas which are wonderfully quiet in the Summer. Make a steady ascent to Col de Cou and cross the frontier from Switzerland back into France. Enjoy panoramic views to the ranges on both the French and Swiss side, an observation table will help you identify the mountains. From here it’s a steep descent to Samoëns through shaded woodland, open meadows and small hamlets. Samoëns is a vibrant small town popular with visitors and locals.

Ascent/descent: 700/1900m

Overnight Samoëns

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Les Glaciers | 3 Star | Hotel

Conveniently located just off the main drag, this comfortable 3* hotel is decorated in typical alpine chalet style. There is an outdoor swimming pool (which can be covered in poor weather) and although it doesn’t have its own restaurant, many restaurants can be found just a couple minutes’ walk away.

Hotel Neige et Roc | 4 Star | Hotel

A warm welcome awaits you from the owners Francoise and Olivier and their friendly team at the Hotel Roc & Neige. Located on the peaceful edge of Samoens, yet still a short walk to the centre, this hotel has all the amenities needed for a perfect stay. Take advantage of the indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. There’s also an on-site restaurant, or wander into the town centre for a selection of restaurants.

Day 5 Transfer to Le Fay, walk to Refuge de Moëde d’Anterne 10.5 miles / 17 km

A short transfer (15 minutes) takes you out of Samoëns and shortens an otherwise very long day. Follow the track alongside a river to the ‘Cascade de Rouget’, the path then enters the Sixt-Passy nature reserve and into the Fiz mountains. Reach the Chalets d’Anterne where you can stop for a break before tackling the final ascents to the Col d’Anterne; a dramatically rocky Col marked with a large wooden cross from where you can take in views of the Mont Blanc massif. A short descent brings you to the Refuge de Moëde d’Anterne, your overnight for tonight.

Ascent/descent: 1550m/350m

Overnight Refuge de Moede d’Anterne

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Refuge de Moede Anterne | Hut

Originally built in 1898, the refuge has an interesting history, having in the past been base camp for chamois hunters and a hideout for WW2 resistance fighters. It is now a basic but popular mountain hut with a total of 90 beds. A family-run establishment, the lovely Arlette and her son Lionel are waiting to welcome you. The dining area has wonderful panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, and Arlette likes to give a commentary of the mountains on view after dinner.

Day 6 Walk from Refuge de Moëde d’Anterne to Le Brévent. Cable car to Chamonix 7.5 miles / 11.5 km

Prepare for an exciting final day on the trail. Start with a gentle descent from the refuge followed by a constant but steady ascent to the Col du Brévent. You are now in the Aigulles Rouge Nature Reserve, where the GR5 meets the famous, and busier, Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Continue to follow the path as it ascends to the summit of Le Brévent. This is Alpine hiking at its most exciting as you scramble, climb metal ladders and use metal footholds and handrails that are bolted into the rock face. Upon reaching the summit, enjoy the sense of achievement as you take in the finest views of Mont Blanc. Take the cable car to Chamonix where you can celebrate with a carafe of wine or a glass of locally brewed Mont Blanc beer.

Ascent/descent: 930m/450m

Overnight Chamonix

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel De L’Arve | 3 Star | Hotel

Enjoying a quiet location with great views, despite being so close to the centre of Chamonix, the hotel has 37 comfortable rooms and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel Vallee Blanche | 3 Star | Hotel

Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base for exploring Chamonix.

Day 7 Free Day Chamonix or choice of walks

If you are still feeling energetic, choose from a couple of our favourite walks in the Chamonix area or simply enjoy a day relaxing.

Take the cable car up to Plan de l’Aiguille, begin at 1200m and walk along the Grand Balcon Nord to the edge of the Mer de Glace. Take the train from Montenvers back down the valley into Chamonix.

Another option is one of the most iconic walks in the Alps. Take a local bus to Tre le Champ and then follow the Tour du Mont Blanc trail to Lac Blanc walking along the famous Grand Balcon Sud. Take the cable car back down to Chamonix from Flégère.

Optional Walking: Plan de l’Aiguille to Montenvers: 6km, ascent/descent: 125m/495m

Tre-le-Champ to La Flégère via Lac Blanc: 9.5km, ascent/descent: 1350m/650m

Overnight Chamonix

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel De L’Arve | 3 Star | Hotel

Enjoying a quiet location with great views, despite being so close to the centre of Chamonix, the hotel has 37 comfortable rooms and a friendly welcoming atmosphere.

Hotel Vallee Blanche | 3 Star | Hotel

Situated right in the heart of Chamonix this small three star hotel occupies a charming former mill and is a great base for exploring Chamonix.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 10kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 10kg is equivalent to 18 lattes. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This trek on France’s GR5 trail is perfect for those looking for challenging Alpine hiking with some added comfort. Rated moderate to strenuous, prepare for some long days with significant ascent and descent and some light scrambling to Le Brévent. Bag transfer is included, helping to lighten the load. Stay in comfortable 3* hotels and atmospheric mountain huts. A free day in Chamonix allows you to relax and reflect on your rewarding hike.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Alpine Walking

The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years

Grade & Terrain

This trip is graded moderate to strenuous with average daily distance being 18km. Each day has significant ascent and descent and the paths are a mixture of woodland trails, rocky mountain paths, gravel tracks and some tarmac country road walking (going into La Chapelle and Samoëns). The last day of walking involves some light scrambling, metal ladders (2 with 11 rungs each) and footholds secured to the rock face so you should be sure footed and have a head for heights. To get the most of this trip, you should be in good physical shape and be an experienced walker, ideally having already done some Alpine walking.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation Information

Stay 5 nights in comfortable 3* hotels, 1 night in a private room in a mountain hut (shared bathrooms) and 1 night in a mixed-sex dorm in a mountain hut (shared bathrooms). This trip allows you to experience the atmosphere and camaraderie of a mountain hut while being interspersed with comfortable 3* hotels, which we believe is the perfect balance for fans of Alpine walking who are looking for a bit of added comfort!

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is not available to solo walkers as some of the walks are remote. Single rooms are available in the hotels (not in the mountain huts) on request and a single room supplement is payable.

Alternate Accommodation

We will always try and accommodate you at the hotels listed. However, if those listed are unavailable, alternative accommodation of the same or better standard than those described will be provided.

Meals

Breakfasts are included each day. Breakfast in the hotels is a buffet selection with lots of sweet treats like pastries, homemade jams fruit and cereals. Savoury tastes are also catered for with bread, cheese, ham and eggs available. Breakfasts in the huts tend to be very basic; bread, butter, jams, coffee, tea and orange juice. If you prefer something more substantial before walking, we recommend carrying a few energy bars with you each day and supplement your breakfast with one of these. Packed lunch items can be bought locally from supermarkets or the local boulangerie. If you are staying in a hut, order packed lunch with them upon arrival.

In the mountain huts, dinner is included. These tend to be a convivial affair, and you will be seated with the other guests. Meal times are a real highlight in the huts, and you can enjoy the company of people from all over the world while you dine on good honest home-cooked food. Dinner is typically soup with bread, a main course consisting of meat and rice or pasta, a side salad or vegetables, followed by dessert or cheese. If you have any dietary requirements, please tell us upon booking and we can arrange this with the huts. On other nights dinner is not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Savoyard specialities are mostly based on cheese. Dishes which shouldn’t be missed include fondue, tartiflette and raclette.

Navigation What's Included

Included

5 nights in 3* hotels, 1 night in a mountain hut in a private room and 1 night in a mountain hut in a dorm
7 Breakfasts
2 Dinners
Transfers and bag transfers as per the itinerary
Detailed information pack, route notes and maps
GPX tracks and access to our GPS Macs Adventure smartphone app
24/7 telephone support from our UK office

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Montreux and from Chamonix
Lunches & 5 Dinners
Drinks and snacks
Personal equipment

Extras

Additional nights before, during or after the walk

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.