The Gr5 Trail - Through the French Alps
From Lake Geneva to Nice, Including Gr52 to Menton
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Discover one of Europe's best alpine treks on the French Alps section of the GR5, a classic long-distance route from Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to the Mediterranean coast at Nice or Menton. Spanning around 600 km (373 miles), this section of the GR5 weaves its way through some of the Alps' most spectacular landscapes, crossing high mountain passes, glacial valleys and traditional alpine villages, appealing to adventurous hikers with a strong fitness base and a love of long-distance walking.
This expertly written Cicerone guidebook is the essential companion for planning and completing the GR5, whether you intend to walk the entire north-south traverse of the French Alps in one continuous journey or break the route into manageable sections. Comprehensive descriptions cover the main GR5 line as well as important variations such as the GR55 high-level route through Vanoise and the optional GR52 finish to Menton on the Mediterranean.
- Each of the 28 stages (15-29 km/9-18 miles each) includes detailed route descriptions and 1:100,000 mapping, supported by clear elevation profiles to help you plan each day through the French Alps
- Tailor your trek through the Vanoise, Queyras and Mercantour National Parks with flexible itinerary options including 28-, 31- and 40-day schedules, making it easy to adapt the full route to your fitness and available time or opt for a section hike
- Comprehensive accommodation listings for each stage, including accommodation type, contact details and whether you'll need your own supplies in unmanned refuges, to support advance planning and daily logistics
- Downloadable GPX files for this section of the trail from Lake Geneva to Nice for use on smartphones and GPS devices, providing a reliable digital navigation option
- Practical advice specific to the GR5 on alpine weather and safety considerations essential for long-distance walking in high mountain environments
Take on the GR5 and discover one of Europe's most spectacular long-distance treks. With careful planning, practical advice, and detailed guidance at your side, you can embrace the adventure, navigate with confidence, and enjoy the French Alps at a pace that suits you.
Also available: This book is one of three Cicerone GR5 guides, alongside The GR5 Trail - Vosges and Jura and The GR5 Trail - Benelux and Lorraine, covering the full route from the Low Countries to the Mediterranean.
Kev Reynolds
A lifelong passion for the countryside in general, and mountains in particular, drove Kev's desire to share his sense of wonder and delight in the natural world through his writing, guiding, photography and lecturing. Spending several months every year in various high-mountain regions researching guidebooks made him The Man with the World's Best Job. Kev enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Cicerone from the 1970s, producing 50 books, including guides to five major trekking regions of Nepal and to numerous routes in the European Alps and Pyrenees, as well as walking guides for Kent, Sussex and the Cotswolds. 'A Walk in the Clouds' is a collection of autobiographical short stories recording 50 years of mountain travel and adventures. He was also the contributing editor of the collaborative guide 'Trekking in the Himalaya' and Cicerone's celebratory anniversary compilation 'Fifty Years of Adventure'. A frequent contributor to outdoor magazines, Kev also wrote and illustrated brochures for national tourist authorities and travel companies. When not away in the mountains, Kev lived with his wife in a small cottage among what he called 'the Kentish Alps', with unrestricted walking country on the doorstep. But he also travelled throughout Britain during the winter months to share his love of the places he wrote about through a series of lectures. Sadly, Kev passed away in 2021. He will be remembered fondly by all who knew him and by many more he inspired through his writing and talks.
More by Kev Reynolds
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