The Gr5: Lake Geneva To Mont Blanc, Switzerland Walking Holiday

A challenging point-to-point trek through the French Alps

The GR5 is a truly spectacular walk running from the shores of the North sea right through to the city of Nice on the French Riviera. For this week long, point-to-point trek, we have chosen to cover the best section of this celebrated route, known as the Alpine GR5 from Lake Geneva to the Chamonix valley. Our week will begin with a scenic train ride to reach the southern side of the lake, here we will lace up our boots and begin to steadily climb and traverse through ever more impressive mountain scenery. It is a challenging route right from the start but the hard work is well rewarded with beautiful scenery as we pass rugged mountain peaks, picturesque valleys and traditional villages where we can sample both French and Swiss hospitality. As we begin to near our final destination, the vibrant town of Chamonix, views of the dramatic Mont Blanc massif welcome us signalling a well-earned drink waiting in the town below.

What makes this trip responsible?

Throughout this trek we visit small mountain refuges for drink and snack stops helping to support the mountain community. While trekking our leaders and support staff work hard to ensure our groups leave minimal impact on the areas they walk, taking all litter and recycling where possible.

What makes this trip responsible?

Take the Train

Here at Exodus we feel the need to offer our clients an alternative to air travel within Europe and to destinations where taking the train can be a viable alternative to flying.

Working in cooperation with Rail Europe, our sales team will be happy to reserve your seats and tickets can be booked 3 months prior right up until the day of departure, subject to availability. Suggested train times and further information can be found within the Trip Notes.

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: France, Switzerland

Day 1

Fly to Geneva; transfer to Vevey.

Day 2

Scenic train ride around Lake Geneva to St Gingolph. Begin trek following the Morge River. Climbing steepens until the high point, the Col de Bise 1500m above the lake. From here head downhill to Refuge de Bise.

Day 3

From refuge climb to the Cornettes de Bise and enjoy one of the best views in all of Switzerland, from the Eiger in the east to the Matterhorn and the Mont Blanc Massif. Steep descent to the Abondance Valley famous for its cows and local cheese.

Day 4

Cross from France into Switzerland with views down the Chatel Valley; walk down to mountain hut situated next to the icy blue waters of a glacial lake.

Day 5

Head back towards France, passing beneath the glaciated peaks of the Dents du Midi before joining the descent to beautiful mountain village of Samoens and enjoying a swim in the hotel pool.

Day 6

Follow the river through the Tines gorge, then trek higher with views of dramatic limestone cliffs and pass the Lac D'Anterne before reaching the Col d'Anterne and views of the Mont Blanc Massif.

Day 7

Descent to the river followed by final climb towards Le Brevent with breathtaking vistas of the whole of the Mont Blanc range. Walk down to Plan Praz to take cable car ride down to Chamonix.

Day 8

Transfer to Geneva; fly to London.

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Trip Notes contain all the detailed information you need. A full day by day itinerary, accommodation details, guides and other practical information. Download Now

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Images from THE GR5: LAKE GENEVA TO MONT BLANC

Note: Click on a thumbnail to enlarge.

A Chamois in front of Lake Geneva on the GR5

A Chamois in front of Lake Geneva on the GR5