Walking from Geneva to Chamonix in 8 days
Walking from Geneva to Chamonix in 8 days
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The route from Geneva to Chamonix will take you on a true Alpine walk, through rocky terrain, forests and green meadows taken advantage of by farmers in the region. Start beside the beautiful Lake Geneva and end at the imposing Mont Blanc.
A continuous ascent will show you the natural beauty of Switzerland and France and allow you to go on the GR 5 route, recognized worldwide by passionate walkers.
If you want a holiday with stunning views, diversity of landscapes and varied terrain, then this route will definitely be a great option. You'll tour Mont de Grange, Col de Bise and Sixt-Passy, Haute-Savoie's largest nature reserve.
- Walk across the Swiss-French border.
- The high mountains will allow you to appreciate authentic Alpine landscapes.
- Enjoy friendly stays in mountain hotels.
- End your holiday in Chamonix with the possibility of excursions to Mont Blanc.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Montreux
Geneva Airport is the closest to Montreux, the starting point for your holiday. From there, you can take a train directly to your destination.
Close to the lake and nestled among vineyards and mountains, Montreux is an ideal place for rest and quiet walks through the surrounding forests and meadows.
Take advantage of this day to explore the city and its great cultural offer.
Close to the lake and nestled among vineyards and mountains, Montreux is an ideal place for rest and quiet walks through the surrounding forests and meadows.
Take advantage of this day to explore the city and its great cultural offer.
Overnight in Montreux
Hotel Splendid
Offering panoramic views of Lake Geneva, this property features spacious rooms and free Wi-Fi.
In it you will find a cosy cafe and a restaurant with delicious Swiss cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
In it you will find a cosy cafe and a restaurant with delicious Swiss cuisine.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Montreux to La Chapelle d'Abondance 10 miles I 16 km
The day starts with a transfer to the village of Novel, from where the GR 5 route begins, renowned for its valleys and mountains and the excellent signposting of the routes.
Start your walk with an ascent of the Col de Bise mountain and, from its summit at 1,915 metres above sea level, you can look out over the Jura Massif.
Continue up and down to La Chapelle d'Abondance, a town close to the Chablais Massif, which in winter is renowned for its skiing and in summer is ideal for fishing, walking and climbing.
Ascent: 1470m (4,823ft) / Descent: 1414m (4,639ft)
Start your walk with an ascent of the Col de Bise mountain and, from its summit at 1,915 metres above sea level, you can look out over the Jura Massif.
Continue up and down to La Chapelle d'Abondance, a town close to the Chablais Massif, which in winter is renowned for its skiing and in summer is ideal for fishing, walking and climbing.
Ascent: 1470m (4,823ft) / Descent: 1414m (4,639ft)
Overnight in La Chapelle d'Abondance
Hotel Les Cornettes
In this hotel, you will find a cosy and familiar atmosphere where you can enjoy a traditional Savoyard restaurant, beautiful views from its terrace and a spa, the perfect end the day after your walk.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - La Chapelle d'Abondace to Refuge de Chesery 15 miles I 24 km
This day begins on Mont de Grange, one of the three highest peaks in Chablais, from where an ascent begins that will take you through the Col de Mattes and alpine landscapes, ending at more than 1972 metres up, between Lake Geneva and the Mont-Blanc range.
Ascent: 1412m (4,633ft) / Descent: 453m (1,486ft)
Ascent: 1412m (4,633ft) / Descent: 453m (1,486ft)
Overnight in Refuge de Chesery
Refuge de Chesery
Refuge de Chesery is built in an old barn that was renovated to become a mountain lodging, where you live a family atmosphere, through dinners together with the other guests and the staff's attention.
The rooms are comfortable and you can take a hot shower.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms are comfortable and you can take a hot shower.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Refuge de Chesery to Samoens 15,5 miles I 25 km
Explore the high mountains in the Alps by walking across the Swiss-French border, a continuous ascent that will reward you with stunning views of the two countries and take you through beautiful meadow landscapes to Samoens, a village with a large ski resort and an interesting architectural heritage.
Ascent: 709m (2,326ft) / Descent: 1982m (6,503ft)
Ascent: 709m (2,326ft) / Descent: 1982m (6,503ft)
Overnight in Samoens
Hotel Neige et Roc
This hotel is located on the outskirts of the village of Samoens and through its pine wood construction, provides the feeling of an authentic Alpine chalet, combined with the comfort of its modern decor.
Its rooms overlook the valley and the mountains and within its facilities there is a sauna, an indoor pool, a games room and a garden with a heated swimming pool.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Its rooms overlook the valley and the mountains and within its facilities there is a sauna, an indoor pool, a games room and a garden with a heated swimming pool.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Samoens to Refuge Moëde d'Anterne 10,6 miles I 17 km
After a short transfer to Chapelle des Fays - Sougey, start your walk along the trail to the Cascade de Rouget, known as "The Queen of the Alps" for its beautiful springs and continue through the largest nature reserve in Haute-Savoie, Sixt-Passy, with incredible limestone formations and a great diversity of ecosystems (forests, wetlands and cliffs).
You will then make an ascent through the Col and Lac d'Anterne, a water reserve of glacial origin, that is worth knowing and a descent towards the Refuge Moede d'Anterne.
Ascent: 1679m (5,509ft) / Descent: 449m (1,473ft)
You will then make an ascent through the Col and Lac d'Anterne, a water reserve of glacial origin, that is worth knowing and a descent towards the Refuge Moede d'Anterne.
Ascent: 1679m (5,509ft) / Descent: 449m (1,473ft)
Overnight in Refuge Moëde d'Anterne
Refuge Moëde d'Anterne
Built in an old chalet, in this accommodation you will find friendly service and a family atmosphere with comfortable rooms ideal for your rest. Its location will give you views of the Mont Blanc massif.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Refuge Moëde d'Anterne to Chamonix 5,9 miles I 9,5 km
This route will take you through the Aiguilles Rouge Nature Reserve located in a range opposite Mont Blanc, with cliffs, forests and glaciers; and meeting point with the famous Tour du Mont Blanc Trail.
Continue with an adventure-filled ascent, as the road will be through typical alpine rocky terrain to the peak of Le Brevent Mountain, 2,525 metres away. From there, you will take the cable car to Chamonix.
Ascent: 881m (2,890ft) / Descent: 449m (1,473ft)
Continue with an adventure-filled ascent, as the road will be through typical alpine rocky terrain to the peak of Le Brevent Mountain, 2,525 metres away. From there, you will take the cable car to Chamonix.
Ascent: 881m (2,890ft) / Descent: 449m (1,473ft)
Overnight in Chamonix
Hotel De L'Arve
Enjoy a peaceful stay at this cosy hotel located near the centre of Chamonix.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Chamonix Grotte de glace
If you decide to spend the day in Chamonix, a mountain village nestled below Mont Blanc, you will have the opportunity to visit the Alpine Museum in Chamonix, founded in the 19th century, or you can enjoy its spas, restaurants and shopping.
If, on the other hand, you decide to add a walk to your holiday, you can hike along one of the most popular walking trails outside Chamonix, starting in Chamonix, to the Grotte de glace cave. After visiting it, you can either walk back or take a train back to Montenvers station on your own. This will reduce the number of kilometres along this route.
Ascent: 976m (3,202ft) / Descent: 978m (3,209ft)
If, on the other hand, you decide to add a walk to your holiday, you can hike along one of the most popular walking trails outside Chamonix, starting in Chamonix, to the Grotte de glace cave. After visiting it, you can either walk back or take a train back to Montenvers station on your own. This will reduce the number of kilometres along this route.
Ascent: 976m (3,202ft) / Descent: 978m (3,209ft)
Overnight in Chamonix
Hotel De L'Arve
Enjoy a peaceful stay at this cosy hotel located near the centre of Chamonix.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Chamonix
After enjoying your breakfast, you can start your journey back to Geneva Airport.
We recommend booking a private transfer to make this journey more comfortably, or if you prefer, you can take a bus.
End of our servicios.
We recommend booking a private transfer to make this journey more comfortably, or if you prefer, you can take a bus.
End of our servicios.
Itinerary Map
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Request a Quotation
Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- 2 Nights accommodation in refuges in a shared room
- Daily Breakfasts
- 2 Dinners
- Luggage transfers between accommodations (3 Transfers)
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
We recommend you to travel to Geneva Airport to start your holidays, from there you can take a direct train to Chamonix.
On your return, we recommend you book a private transfer to Geneva more comfortably, or if you prefer, you can take a bus.
On your return, we recommend you book a private transfer to Geneva more comfortably, or if you prefer, you can take a bus.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Due to the mountainous nature of the area, we are unable to transfer luggage to Refuge de Chésery or Refuge de Moëde d’Anterne. For these nights, you will need to carry a small backpack with your overnight essentials.
Each traveler is entitled to one piece of luggage, which we will transfer between your accommodations. Please ensure that your luggage meets the following requirements:
Maximum weight: 20 kg (45 lbs).
* Only one single piece of luggage per traveler, with no items attached or hanging from it.
* It must not contain valuables, fragile items, food, or medication.
* It must be clearly labeled with your trip reference number and the full name of the lead traveler.
Luggage will be delivered to your accommodation at approximately 4:00 p.m.
What is the best time to travel?
This route is available between June and September, the ideal time for walking.
Between June and July, you will be able to experience the flowering season, while during August, it can be very busy being the main holiday month in France and several European countries.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route has a medium-high difficulty level, including considerable ascents and varied terrain that include the use of stirrups and stairs embedded in the rocks.
To do this route you must be an experienced walker and have an optimal physical condition.
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