The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +900m/-1450m approximately per day.
Walking time: 5 to 7.5 hours per day.
Type of trek: easy mid-mountain terrain on varied trails. Well marked paths often above the vegetation level with a few forested sections. In the Mercantour region, some sections are rocky.

This tour is in collaboration with our local partner who offers an authentic approach.

GUIDING

Group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified mountain leader.

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC: 6 nights in refuges and gîtes in a dormitory.
All accommodation offers hot showers. (*Sheets and towels are not provided. shared bathrooms.)

Double/twin bedroom supplement is optional on reservation for nights 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 (depending on availability): 100€ per person or 20€ per night.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are included and are carefully prepared daily by your guide, comprising a variety of healthy salads and local products.

PHYSICAL CONDITION

To be able to easily walk 15km (on flat trails) in 3 hours maximum.
If this is not the case, at least 3 weeks before departure, 2 to 3 times a week, we advise you to undertake some prior fitness training: 4 to 5 km of jogging or 3 to 4 hours hiking or cycling. Your physical preparation will enable you enjoy your trek to the maximum.

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

Meeting point at 9.15 am in front of Auberge du Lauzanier in Larche (exit the village direction Italy).

BY TRAIN
Inbound: depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) - Montdauphin - Guillestre by TGV www.oui.sncf

Option: pick up at 8:00am at Guillestre - Montdauphin train station. Booking required.
Return: transfer possible to Menton train station, train to Nice (40 mins). Access to Nice airport and mainline trains (arrival at Nice train station after 18:00). Airport shuttle in front of the train station.
Night train (or the day after) from Nice to Gare de Lyon (Paris) https://www.oui.sncf

Possibility to return to Larche or Guillestre - Montdauphin train station by special transfer. 3.2 hours to Larche and 4.2 hours to Montdauphin-Guillestre train station.
Booking is required: 45€/person.

BY CAR      
We advise you to consult www.viamichelin.fr to plan your journey. Free parking available at Montdauphin - Guillestre train station.
You can access Larche by car via Gap, Ubaye Valley taking direction Barcelonnette then Col de Larche (Italian border). The village of Larche is 5km before the pass. The Auberge du Lauzanier is located just outside the village of Larche direction Italy. Free parking near the hostel or Tourist Office.

CAR-SHARING                                                                                                                                Get in touch with people to share a lift! Here are some website recommendations:   www.blablacar.fr www.covoiturage-libre.fr www.laroueverte.com www.roulezmalin.com

Return to Larche or Guillestre - Montdauphin train station by special transfer. 3.2 hours to Larche or 4.2 hours to Montdauphin-Guillestre train station.
Booking required: 45€/person.      

End point around 4:30pm at Menton harbour. 

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Montdauphin:
Hôtel Lacour: 04 92 45 03 08  (from 40€ per room).Transfer at 8am from your hotel to departure point (20€/pers).

Larche:
Auberge du Lauzanier: 04 92 84 35 93 (half-board from 50€ per person).

Menton or Nice:
Accommodation available near the train station (from 40€ per person).

INSURANCE

In accordance with regulations, we are covered by Professional Liability Insurance. In no case can we be responsible for your own Personal Liability. If you chose to take out repatriation insurance with EUROP ASSISTANCE whom we propose, Altitude Mont Blanc will only serve as an intermediary between the client and the insurer. We cannot influence either party. We adhere to strict conditions of sale. You are responsible for compliance with the reporting procedures of any incident.

Our insurance can only be sold to European citizens speaking French.

Before making any decision, contact EUROP ASSISTANCE.

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 & baggage

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 baggage will be transported daily (except Day 4) between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 12kg. Your bag has to be carried everyday by the driver, where access is not always easy, please think of their backs! Baggage which is too big and too heavy won't be accepted by the drivers!

If you wish to prolong your holiday, we can safely hold another bag for you which you may leave with us at the departure point and it will be deposited at the end point with your other baggage.