The trip

LEVEL ***

Elevation: +/- 600m to 1200m approximately per day.
Walking time: 5 to 6h30 per day.
Type of trek: this tour is not technically difficult and is open to children from 12 years.

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

In France trails are marked with red and white stripes for Grande Randonnée (in both directions).
It is preferable to 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 by our vehicle, except on days 1, 4 and 6.

YOUR BACKPACK FOR THE NIGHT WITHOUT YOUR BAGGAGE

For the night without your baggage at the accommodation (you will get it back the night after), here are the things to add to your backpack (about 2 kilos are enough!):
- small toilet bag
- sleeping bag liner sheet
- change of clothes (bare necessities!)

ACCOMMODATION

CLASSIC: 6 nights in a dormitory of 4-8 persons, in refuge or gite                                   

COMFORT: 5 nights in hotels or gites in a twin/double bedroom.
1 night in a refuge dormitory
All accommodation offers hot showers.

MEALS

Breakfast and dinner are provided in each accommodation.
Picnics are not included and can be pre-ordered at each accommodation in the evening. 

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 5km of jogging or 3 to 4 hours hiking or cycling. Your physical preparation will enable you to enjoy your trek to the maximum.

PERSONALISED TOURS

We can personalise a tour according to your requirements (number of days, participants, level of route, accommodation, etc.)

MAPS

IGN Top 25 - 3528ET/ Morzine and Top 25 - 3530ET/ Samoëns (1/25 000).

Practical information

ACCESS TO DEPARTURE POINT

From mid June to mid September.

Depart from Thollon-les-Mémises tourist Office.

BY TRAIN
Inbound: depart Gare de Lyon (Paris) TGV Paris/Bellegarde/Evian.
There are regular buses from Evian to Thollon Les Mémises (40mins) www.thollonlesmemises.com
Return the day after : departure from Chamonic at 11:57am arrive in (Paris) Gare de Lyon at 5:42am.
Times given are indicative and should be verified at a train station or at www.oui.sncf

BY CAR      
Take the A40 motorway to Annemasse, free parking.
Train or bus to Evian : ligne-141-evian-annemasse or www.oui.sncf
Bus to Thollon les Mémises: www.thollonlesmemises.com                                                  Return: Chamonix to Annemasse by train.
Or
Taxi transfer before or after your hike.
Parking: free parking in Annemasse, Thollon-les-Mémises and Chamonix.
In Chamonix: free parking at the Biolay car park opposite the Montenvers train station, if you wish to leave your car in a covered garage, contact: Chamonix Auto Park: 04 50 53 65 71.

CLOSEST AIRPORTS
Geneva (GVA)
1 hour by car to Chamonix.
Bus and minibus services direct to your accommodation (25-35€ pp each way)
Lyon (LYS)
2.15 hours by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix, 4.15 hour journey (40-45€ pp return)
Paris (PAR)
7 hours by car to Chamonix.
Train every 2 hours to Chamonix / 5-6 hour journey (80-120€ pp return)

End point in Chamonix.

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE AND AFTER

Thollon Les Mémises: www.thollonlesmemises.com      
Hotel Bellevue***: +33 (0)4 50 70 92 79 www.hotellebellevue.com            
Hotel Bon-Séjour**: +33 (0)4 50 70 92 65 http://bon-sejour.com/indexen.php
Evian-les-Bains: www.evian-tourisme.com
Hôtel Evian Express: 04 50 75 15 07 www.hotel-evianexpress.fr                             
Hôtel Continental: 04 50 75 37 54  www.hotel-continental-evian.com
Hôtel Arc en Ciel: 04 50 71 90 63 www.hotelarcencielthonon.com
Hôtel Le Comte Rouge: 04 50 71 06 04 www.lecomterouge.com

Chamonix Tourist Office: +33 (0)4 50 53 00 24 www.chamonix.com

If you book a night in the Chamonix valley, you can ask to your hotel reception a bus/ train pass so you can use public transports for free in the Chamonix valley.
www.chamonix.montblancbus.com/en/bus-lines

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 Days 1, 4 and 6) between accommodation by our logistics vehicle. You are allowed 1 soft, sports type bag with all your possessions inside, no heavier than 10kg. 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.