Overview
This hiker’s dream journey brings us from mighty Mont Blanc to the palm-fringed beaches of the Côte d’Azur, where the Maritime Alps plunge into the blue Mediterranean. Setting off below the flanks of Europe’s highest peak, we hike in alpine meadows where cowbells echo and to age-old villages that are a step back in time. Heading south, we follow the legendary GR5 trail across remote national parks, then enter brightly colored hill villages that announce the Mediterranean is near. Arriving on the coast, we kick off our boots and head for a celebratory dip in the sea. Our mountain adventure has been named one of Outside Magazine’s Trips of a Lifetime.
This was an ideal vacation for my wife and me: being in the mountains all day, at the peak of wildflower season, with two guides who were both knowledgeable and fun to be with, having a good hotel at night, and great French food in the evenings.
— Guy A., Woodacre, CA
Days 1-3
Megève / Mont Blanc Massif
Our journey begins with a hike to Mont Joly (8,282') along a spectacular ridge with breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc massif. Crossing the Col de Bresson, we enjoy impressive panoramas of Mont Blanc’s south face and the striking monolith of Pierra Menta.
Megève / Mont Blanc Massif - Days 1-3
Hotel Au Vieux Moulin
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Megève, FranceJust steps from the pedestrian zone of the pretty mountain town of Megève, this is a chalet-type hotel, all in wood, with a friendly atmosphere and a cozy bar.
Hotel Autantic
Day 3 (1 night), Bourg-Saint-Maurice, FranceWith a tranquil countryside location outside Bourg-Saint-Maurice, this modern hotel has traditional Savoyard stone-and-wood architecture and comfortable rooms. Breakfasts are simple but good (with fresh eggs from the hotel’s own chickens!).
Days 4-7
Vanoise National Park
With vistas of waterfalls, meadows, lakes, and glaciers, we enter Vanoise National Park, home to ibex and chamois. Our route brings us above treeline to Col du Plan Séry (8,560'), with a descent to the beautiful hamlet of Champagny le Haut. A ramble along an old Roman road leads us beneath the granite peaks of the Grande Casse to Col de la Vanoise (8,255'), with three gleaming alpine lakes along the way. One of our hikes brings us into the narrow Vallée étroite, used long ago as a passage into France from Italy, and we cross Col des Thures (7,196') to descend to the mountain village of Névache.
Vanoise National Park - Days 4-7
Hotel de la Vanoise
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Pralognan-la-Vanoise, FranceThis friendly family-run hotel is in the heart of the unspoiled mountain village of Pralognan-la-Vanoise. The hotel’s bar is a great place to try the favorite local drink, génépy (herbal liqueur from the Alps) and get acquainted with the locals.
La Clé des Champs
Day 6 (1 night), Val Cenis, FranceSet in beautiful Vanoise Natural Park, La Clé des Champs is a small alpine hotel offering nine comfortable rooms and lovely views from the terrace and gardens. It has been in the same family for 30 years and offers mountain hospitality.
Parc Hotel
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Briançon, FranceThe Parc is a modern 4-story hotel in Briançon’s fortified old town, which was built three centuries ago on a rocky outcrop.
Days 8-11
Queyras Regional Park / St. Martin-Vésubie / Mercantour National Park
In Queyras, one of the most untouched areas of France, we traverse flower-covered meadows to climb up to the Col du Cros, where we may see Corsican mouflon (wild mountain sheep). A relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere comes to life in St. Martin-Vésubie, where men play pétanque in the village square and sip pastis, the classic apéritif of southern France. In Mercantour National Park, with its tiny perched villages and forests of holm oak, we hike to the ancient pilgrimage site of Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre (6,242') and onward to the Col de Fenestre (8,115') on the border with Italy. Here we stand between two national parks, one in Italy and one in France, savoring fantastic views of vast glaciated mountains.
Queyras Regional Park / St. Martin-Vésubie / Mercantour National Park - Days 8-11
Parc Hotel
Days 7 to 8 (2 nights), Briançon, FranceThe Parc is a modern 4-story hotel in Briançon’s fortified old town, which was built three centuries ago on a rocky outcrop.
Le Chateau des Magnans
Day 9 (1 night), Jausiers, FranceThis apartment-style hotel enjoys a lovely location—it’s set on a hillside near the quaint town of Jausiers in the heart of Mercantour National Park’s Ubaye Valley. The hotel features comfortable guest rooms with chalet-style decor, a nice sunny terrace, and an indoor swimming pool, and the staff is welcoming and efficient.
Hotel Boréon
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), St. Martin-Vésubie, FranceIdeally set on the shores of Lac du Boréon outside of the village of St. Martin-Vésubie, this quiet 13-room, chalet-style hotel is a great place for hikers to kick back and relax. Guest rooms are simple but comfortable, and meals are served in an elegant, old-fashioned dining room. From the terrace, we can savor the great panoramic view over the valley while enjoying a typical French breakfast of croissants and café-au-lait.
Days 12-14
Menton / Nice
After exploring the Vallée des Merveilles, with its Bronze Age rock art, we follow a trail with views of the sea up to the Col du Razet, then head to the coast for a well-earned swim in the Mediterranean. Depart on Day 14 via Nice.
Menton / Nice - Days 12-14
Hotel Le Mirval
Day 12 (1 night), La Brigue, FranceThis is a quaint little inn located in a wonderful traditional village. There’s a nice garden—and good food!
Hotel Riva
Day 13 (1 night), Menton, FranceFacing the blue Mediterranean, the Riva is a small, modern, quiet hotel with a welcoming atmosphere. There are two great Jacuzzis on the rooftop for a relaxing soak, and the pedestrianized streets of Menton are just a 10-minute stroll along the seafront.
Hotel Mediterranee
Day 13 (1 night), Menton, FranceThe Mediterranee has comfortable rooms and a great location in the center of Menton, close to the beaches, railway station, and the Jean Cocteau Museum. There’s a lovely roof terrace bar for enjoying views of Menton’s roofscape.
Mont Blanc to the Mediterranean
Highlights
Highlights
Details
12 hiking days on moderate to steep trails, 5-7 hours a day, altitudes between 6,000-9,400 feet, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike). This is a strenuous hiking trip, read “What the Trip is Like” for more details.
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