The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +/- 600m - 1200m approximately per day.
Walking time: 5 to 7 hours per day.
Type of trek: this tour is not technically difficult. Some variant paths require attention.

In general, the route is well signposted, and the roadbook provided is comprehensive enough to allow you to hike in complete safety. However, it is essential to be able to read a 1:25,000 map and to be sufficiently independent in the mountains to be able to tackle the route with confidence, whatever the weather.

You need to be in good general physical condition. Practise an endurance sport regularly, such as walking, running or cycling, for 3 to 4 hours a week. Your physical preparation will make your stay easier and help you enjoy it all the more.
Click here for a description of the different levels of difficulty: hiking levels

ROAD BOOK

Before departure, we send you a travel folder containing: 
- 2 IGN TOP 25 with the route highlighted. 
- 1 road-book containing all the information necessary for the trek. 
- 1 waterproof map holder.
- Accommodation list.

SIGNPOSTS AND WAYMARKS ALONG THE TREK

All the paths are well-marked, a part of the trek takes the GR9. You must know how to read a topographical map at 1/25000.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

Two options:
without baggage transport: you carry your baggage.
with baggage transport: your baggage is transported daily by our logistics vehicle.

ACCOMMODATION

3 nights in dormitory, in gîtes.
3 nights in hoetl, in rooms.
All accommodation has hot showers.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accomodation in the evening. Possibility to buy picnic supplies in small local shops.

Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Accommodations do their best to accommodate special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.). However, we encourage you to bring a few extra items for your own picnics. 

MAPS

IGN Top 25 - 3333 OT - Chartreuse Nord and Top 25 - 3334 OT - Chartreuse Sud (1/25 000)

Practical information

DEPART

From 21st June to mid September.
Daily departure (except on Sundays).

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Bus transfer from Chambéry train station at 12:30 pm.

BY TRAIN
Direct TGV from Paris 
Local trains from Grenoble, Lyon...
Timetables must be checked on www.oui.sncf

BY CAR
Meet at 1:15 pm at the Col du Granier if you have the luggage transport option.
Take the A43 motorway to Chambéry and continue to the highway exit 20 direction Saint Badolph. Then follow the D12 road to the Col du Granier. Large free parking at the pass.

CAR-SHARING                                                                                                                               
Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some websites:   www.blablacar.fr  www.roulezmalin.com

CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA)
2 hour by car to Chambéry.
Bus and minibus services direct to your accommodation (25-35€ pp each way)
Lyon (LYS)
1h15 by car to Chambéry.
Train every 2 hours to Chambéry, 4h15 journey (40-45€ pp return)
Paris (PAR)
7 hours by car to Chambéry.

End point during the afternoon at Grenoble train station, regular trains to get back to Chambéry.

RETURNING TO DEPARTURE POINT

At the end of the tour the return to the departure point at Chambéry is easy by the train (~25€). Buses at 12.30pm and 6.20pm from the station if you have left your car at the Col du Granier.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

By request we can book a night before/after the trek.
Chambéry : https://www.chamberymontagnes.com/hebergements/hotels/
Grenoble : https://www.residhotel.com/residence/grenoble-le-central-gare/

CONTACT US                                                                                            

If you are late please contact the agency as soon as possible on: +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07

Equipment & luggage

EQUIPMENT LIST

Clothing

• Walking trousers
• Shorts (Bikini/swimsuit, just in case!)
• Breathable or merino wool t-shirts
• Breathable or merino wool leggings
• Fleece or jumper
• Wind stopper or Goretex jacket
• Waterproof poncho + gaiters or Goretex trousers + waterproof rucksack cover
• Pair of gloves and a warm hat
• Sun hat or baseball cap
• Walking socks (1 pair per day)
• Sturdy walking boots with a good sole, already broken in
• 1 change of clothes for the evening
• A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening

Other Equipment

• Toilet bag
• Quick drying towel
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Water bottle or Camelback (1.5 litre minimum)
• Knife, fork and spoon
• Plastic lunch box/plate for your picnic lunches
• Plastic cup for coffee
• Small First Aid kit (antihistamine, ibuprofen, Compeed type blister pads...)
• Survival blanket
• Head torch or hand torch
• Sleeping bag liner sheet and pillowcase (blankets provided at accommodation)
• Two adjustable walking poles (highly recommended)
• Identity card or passport

BACKPACK

Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.

BAGGAGE TRANSPORT

Your change of clothes should be packed in a single soft bag weighing no more than 10kg per person. Your luggage will be transported by a logistics vehicle from stage to stage in accommodation that is not always easy to access.
Please note that luggage that is too heavy or too bulky will not be taken in charge by the drivers, so think about their backs!