Trek Through France on the GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour
For those adventurers who want to experience the stunning beauty of the French Alps, the GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour will make for an unforgettable experience. You will trek the famous GR5 route with some modifications, to avoid the popular ski areas. The first stage in a longer 3-part journey, this trek is an incredible journey in its own right, taking you from Mont Blanc through some of the most breathtaking landscapes France has to offer.
Throughout the tour you will spend the night in a combination of hotels, mountain refuges, and charming gîtes, experiencing the striking mountain scenery around every corner. Get acquainted with the alpine charm of France and witness some of Europe’s most imposing mountains on the GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour!
Highlights of the GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour
Prices
- No Booking or Credit Card Fees
- Save Money
- Happiness Guaranteed
GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Chamonix and Start of the Trek
After arriving in Chamonix, you will meet up and transfer to the charming hamlet of Le Buet. Once there, you will begin your alpine crossing in the magnificent Bérard Valley, situated in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges! In the evening, you will have plenty of time to get to know your guide and the other hikers better while at the refuge.
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 3h, 650m ascent
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Head Towards the Fiz Massif
Day 2 of the tour will begin with a walk towards the magnificent Col de Salenton (2525 m). You will then enter the Haut Giffre mountain range for a beautiful crossing in the Passy nature reserve. Finally, you will arrive at the heart of the Fiz massif, a fantastic reward for your efforts!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 600m ascent/1150m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 3 Trek to Beaufort
Today you will descend to Lac Vert for a transfer to Les Contamines, then make your way to Signal by gondola. Afterward, you will enjoy a magnificent trek in the Grande Pierrière Valley, before arriving at the Beaufortain Massif via the east pass of the Gittaz (2320 m). Here, you will be able to take in the beautifully scenic views of the Gittaz mountain pasture.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Beaufort
Distance: 6h + 20 min transfer, 500m ascent/900m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4 Views of Pierra Menta
Day 4 of the tour will see you first climb the Combe de la Neuva towards the Col du Grand Fond (2671 m). After, you will arrive at the foot of the Pierra Menta, a famous monolith of Beaufortain, where you will enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area. Finally, you will cross the Col du Bresson and descend through serene mountain pastures to arrive at your accommodation.
Overnight Location: Inn/gîte along the route
Distance: 6h + 30 min transfer, 800m ascent/1200m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 Explore Vanoise National Park
Today you will explore Vanoise National Park, a paradise for marmots and other wildlife in the area! While in the park you will climb towards the Col du Plan Séry via the Lac de la Plagne, eventually arriving on the heights of Champagny-en-Vanoise at the end of the day. Here, you will be able to take in some truly breathtaking views!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 1050m ascent/1050m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6 Trek to the Grand Bec Refuge
Passing through the Champagny Valley discovered the day before, today’s trek will bring you to the resort of Tignes before continuing on a wild route through the mountains. Here, you will be able to traverse the Pointe de Méribel (2790 m) and sleep at the Grand Bec refuge, which is arguably one of the most beautiful sites in the Alps!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 7h, 1350m ascent/500m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7 Traverse Three Mountain Passes
After taking in the pristine landscape views around the Grand Bec refuge, you will set off in the direction of another refuge: the Col de la Vanoise. To get there, you will cross not two, but three mountain passes! Do not worry though, as the reward is well worth the effort! Finally, you will arrive at the foot of the Grande Casse, the highest peak of the Vanoise Massif!
Overnight Location: Mountain Refuge
Distance: 6h, 900m ascent/700m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 Final Day and Departure
This last day of your trekking tour will take place on the heights of Pralognan, as you cross two mountain passes. Here, you will be immersed in the heart of the magnificent Grand Marchet circus.
Afterward, it will be time to make your way down to the valley for a transfer to the end point of the trek: Albertville, where you will say goodbye to your guide and the group for an individual departure.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 7h, 1000m ascent/1800m descent
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour Price and Dates
This tour can be run either as a private tour for your group only (with or without a guide), or a fixed-departure tour where you would be joining a group. In some cases, self-guided tours can be requested as well.
Prices below are per person.
Private Guided Tour
- Self-guided group of 4+: $1,325 USD per person
Join a Scheduled Group Tour
Please note that the dates and prices below are on request:
Accommodation on the GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour
This tour is based in hotels, refuges, and inns. Please note that in some cases you can upgrade to double rooms with an extra supplement (please contact us for the pricing).
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single Rooms are not available on this tour, as some nights take place in mountain huts, gites and/or inns, and you will be sharing rooms/dormitories.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Mountain refuges along the GR5 tour
Spend several nights in remote mountain refuges that offer dormitory-style accommodations.
Hotel in Beaufort
Enjoy a comfortable stay in a modern hotel in Beaufort, situated in the beautiful Gittaz mountain pasture.
Inn or lodge along the GR5 tour
Spend one night in a charming gîte, a traditional small inn or lodge surrounded by scenic landscape.
Mountain refuges along the GR5 tour
Spend several nights in remote mountain refuges that offer dormitory-style accommodations.
What’s Included in the GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodation before and after the tour can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included at points throughout the tour, as indicated in the itinerary. Personal transfers from Chamonix to the start of the tour, as well as from the end of the tour to Albertville are included. Luggage transfer is not possible on nights 1 and 6, as these are spent in remote mountain refuges. Transportation to and from the start/end of the tour are not included.
Also Included
- Supervision by a qualified mountain leader
- Transfers from Chamonix on day 1 and to Albertville on day 8
- Luggage transfer on the evenings of days 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
- Ski lifts as indicated in the description
- Snacks during the walk in the form of dried fruit
Not included
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Food/drink not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal hiking and travel equipment
- Transportation before/after the tour
- Anything not listed in “What’s included in your trip”
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Upgrade to double rooms (where possible)
Frequently Asked Questions about GR5 from Chamonix to Albertville Tour
Is this tour for me?
Ask a Question
