7 days
Guided / with a guide
With baggage transport
Classic (dormitory)
Level *** 
From 799 €
Cross the Alps meeting people and mountains... The Grande Traversée des Alpes (GTA) between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean is a long-distance hike. The opportunity to take a long break and put daily life aside.
This itinerary runs along the Swiss and Italian borders while crossing five counties and some of the most famous mountain ranges in the Alps.
4th section: from Larche to Menton - Ubaye, Mercantour, Vallée des Merveilles
The fourth section starts from Lake Geneva and goes to Menton. This section has an incredible diversity of landscapes, flora, heritage and the most remarkable architecture in the French Alps. From the highest summits of the Ubaye area, to the Mercantour lakes and its wide open space via the Vallée des Merveilles; you will be diving towards the Mediterranean sea via a multitude of valleys, mountain passes and typical mountain villages. Don't be a fooled this is no beach holiday yet... the local terrain and the deep valleys make this section physically challenging. A dazzling experience.
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We will book the extra nights accommodation for you and potential transfers between the sections... please contact us!
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Personalised tour available
Contact us !Meet at 9:00am infront of Auberge du Lauzanier in Larche or at 8:00am at Montdauphin-Guillestre train station.
LARCHE - VALLON DU LAUZANIER - PAS DE LA CAVALE
Depart for the Lauzanier Valley at the gates of the Mercantour National Park. Climb via a pleasant path to reach the Lauzanier Lake before a final slightly steeper climb up to the pass. A magnificent view from Col de la Cavale of the Tinée and the surrounding mountains. Descend into the high valleys of the Alpes Maritimes passing via the Col des Fourches and the magnificent promontory of Mont des Fourches. Reaching the Bonnette Restefond road (the highest road in Europe) encountering poignant vestiges of the Maginot line. Night in Bousseyas, the first hamlet in this high valley of Tinée.
6 hour walk / Elevation: +1100m -1100m
ISOLA 2000 - MERCIÈRE PASS - LE BORÉON
After an early transfer to Isola 2000 ski resort, climb to the Col de la Mercière (2342m). Descend and then cross through the old village of Mollière and up to Col De Salèze. Depending on the condition and the fitness level of the group a detour is possible to Lake Negere. Descend into the Vésubie to the village of Boréon. Night in a gîte.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +550m -1090m
LE BOREON - PAS DES LARDES - MADONE DE FENESTRE - LAC DE PRALS - LA GODOLASQUE
Departing from Boréon, climb up towards Lake Trécolpas to "Pas des Lardes" (2448 m) dominated by the Gelas, the highest peak in Mercantour. Descent to the Madone de Fenestre hospices and passage near the fruit farm of the Madone. Climb up the Poncet valley to reach the "Baisse des Lacs", then are the 5 lakes of Prals before going up to "Baisse des Prals". Nice descent to the bottom of the Godolasque valley, at "Relais des Merveilles".
7.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1550m -1520m
VALLEE DE LA GODOLASQUE - REFUGE DE NICE - BAISSE DE VALMASQUE - VALLEE DES MERVEILLES
Climb up the Godolasque valley to Lake Fous and the Nice refuge which dominates it. The bag will be lightened for the evening at the refuge des Merveilles. From the Nice refuge, climb to the "Baisse Basto" to reach the famous "Vallée des Merveilles" and its rock engravings (we will see those near the GR). A row of lakes will enchant you in the middle of this very typical mineral landscape. Descent to the "refuge des Merveilles" for the night (without luggage).
6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1300m -790m
REFUGE DES MERVEILLES - PAS DU DIABLE - COL DU RAUX - L'AUTHION - CAMP D'ARGENT
Through a multitude of lakes, we're leaving this "Vallée des Merveilles" by the "Pas du Diable". Change of landscape and crossing several medium altitude passes in the middle of sheep pastures. At the "Col du Raux", climb up to the small plateau of Authion dominated by a remarkable redoubt, a major place of confrontation during the Second World War. From "Authion", first view on the Mediterranean sea if the weather allows it. Descent to "Camp d'Argent", micro-ski resort.
5.5 hour walk / Elevation: +625m -1000m
CAMP D'ARGENT - MOUNT VENTABREN - MANGIABO - SOSPEL
Let's go for a great day on the ridges. Leaving these landscapes rich in military vestiges of the Second World War to reach Sospel via the Mount Ventabren and Mangiabo ridges. With a continuing view over the mouth of the Var and the outskirts of Nice. A nice descent to the village of Sospel on the Bévéra river.
7 hour walk / Elevation: +570m -1750m
SOSPEL - COL DU RAZET - VIEUX CATSELLAR - MENTON
Last day of the GTA, not there yet... but can you smell the sea?! Beautiful climb to the Col de Razel (1032m) on an old paved path between ruined shepherd huts. Passing flocks of sheep and goats from Rove testifies to the arrival in Provence. The vegetation becomes much more leafy and fragrant. Chestnut trees, maples and rosemary line this beautiful day. Enjoy the last mountain pass, Col du Berceau (1050m) to picnic overlooking the bay and harbour of Menton... and a final descent of 1050m to the waters edge!
6.5 hour walk / Elevation: +1110m -1450m
End point around 4:30pm in Menton harbour.
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.
Group between 6 and 14 people supervised by a qualified mountain leader.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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
Clothing
Other Equipment
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.
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.
