In the footsteps of the Grande Traversée des Alpes : From Saint-Gingolph to Chamonix – part one
Activity
Difficulty
Duration
Dates
Price
From 1045.00 €
About the Saint-Gingolph to Chamonix trek – part one
Set off on a Grande Traversée des Alpes from the shores of Lake Geneva at Saint-Gingolph to the coastal town of Menton! An exceptional 4-part trek, offering a unique journey between majestic mountains and breathtaking landscapes, all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.
From Saint-Gingolph to Chamonix, this itinerary takes you to the heart of the wildest, most unspoilt massifs. This first 8-day section takes you along authentic trails, away from the crowds, to discover spectacular panoramas.
You will leave with :
Sébastien
Trekking Guide
“The trip to the mountains is a moment of discovery. So you shouldn’t try to arrive before you’ve left to take full advantage of it!”
Photo gallery of the trek from Saint-Gingolph to Chamonix – first part
The trek from Saint-Gingolph to Chamonix – part one
Upcoming departures
What's included in the formula
- Supervision by a state-qualified French mountain leader
- Accommodation in refuges, gîtes or inns in dormitories on a half-board basis
- Possible showers at lodgings
- Luggage transfers except on the evenings indicated in the description
- Transfers during the stay when indicated in the program
- Picnic lunches purchased at the huts, in town or brought to the huts
- Snacks during the walk in the form of dried fruit
- Organization costs
What's not included in the package
- Transfers to and from the meeting point
- Personal expenses: drinks, …
- Personal trekking and travel equipment (boots, poles, rucksack, etc.)
- Cancellation and repatriation assistance insurance to be taken out on registration.
- Any transfers and lifts not mentioned in the program
- Anything not indicated in the section “included in the price of the stay”.
Day 1: Saint-Gingolph to Refuge de la Neuvaz
The trek starts at 9 a.m. in Saint-Gingolph, a charming village on the shores of Lake Geneva. You begin the hike along a signposted path that follows the Morge River.
After a gentle climb, you reach Novel, a small hamlet ideal for taking a break and admiring the scenery.
The ascent continues to the Alpage de Neuvaz, perched at an altitude of around 1,500 metres. Nestled in the Morge valley between Savoie and Valais, this unspoilt area offers a wild setting in the heart of the Dent d’Oche Massif.
When you arrive at the refuge, you can enjoy a meal prepared with fresh produce from the farm.
Day 2: Refuge de la Neuvaz to Chapelle d'Abondance
6 hours’ walk – Overnight in refuge – D+ 1060 m / D- 1740 m
After a hearty breakfast, you begin the ascent to the Col de la Neuva, at around 1,780 metres above sea level. This pass marks the natural border between Savoie and Valais, offering superb panoramic views. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Dent d’Oche, the Cornettes de Bise, and sometimes, on a clear day, as far as Lake Geneva.
The hike continues through alpine meadows. You will then reach the Col de Bise, at an altitude of around 1,915 meters. This pass offers a spectacular panorama of the Vallon de Bise, an unspoilt natural site. The pass also marks an area where alpine fauna, such as chamois, are frequently observed.
Once you arrive at La Chapelle d’Abondance, a typical mountain village, you can explore its charming lanes and discover Savoyard architecture.
Day 3: From Chapelle d'Abondance to Refuge de Chésery
7 hours’ walk – Overnight in refuge without luggage – D+ 1860 m / D- 900 m
We’re off for another day’s trek. You leave the village along the Dranse River and take a path that leads to the refreshing Sur Bayard waterfall. The hike continues towards the Col de Bassachaux, where a magnificent panorama opens up over the Roc d’Enfer, Montagne de Nantaux and Lac de Montriond. The path then leads through forests and flower-filled alpine meadows to the gateway to Switzerland.
As you reach the Col de Chésery, you’ll catch sight of the Refuge de Chésery, located close to Lac Vert. Along the way, you’ll enjoy superb views of the surrounding mountains and the Abondance valley, before arriving at your refuge for the night.
Day 4: Refuge de Chésery to Refuge de Golèse
5 hours 30 mins walk – Overnight in refuge without luggage – D+ 630 m / D- 960 m
This stage takes place between Switzerland and France, marked by the Col de Cou pass. You’ll start the day with exceptional panoramas, including views of the majestic Dents du Midi and Les Crosets below.
The final climb to the Col de Cou takes you back to France, where you continue your adventure to Menton. On the way, you’ll pass an old customs building, erected after the war, as the pass was once a strategic point for the passage of arms and munitions. Now disused, this building remains visible on the ridge, bearing witness to local history.
After a journey steeped in scenery and history, you’ll reach the Refuge de Golèse, where you’ll spend the night in peaceful surroundings.
Day 5: Refuge de Golèse to Refuge de Folly
5 hours’ walk – Overnight in refuge without luggage – D+ 980 m / D- 1060 m
This fifth stage, although relatively short, is rich in varied scenery and links the Refuge de Golèse to the Refuge de Folly. You’ll start the day with a gentle climb through meadows and forests to the Refuge de Bostan, a popular spot for hikers, offering splendid panoramic views over the valley.
After a break at the refuge, you continue your ascent towards the Col de Pointe Droite, which rewards you with impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Finally, you’ll reach the Refuge de Folly, situated in an exceptional setting, with unobstructed views of the Tuet and Dents d’Oddaz. This refuge is perfect for birdwatchers.
Day 6: Refuge de Folly to Refuge de Vogealle
4 hours’ walk – Overnight in a refuge without luggage – D+ 800 m / D- 460 m
On this sixth day, you’ll start your day with a climb that will take you close to Lac des Chambres, an exceptional glacier-fed lake.
You then continue your ascent to the Col des Chambres, which rises to 2,338 meters. This pass is a privileged vantage point. You’ll be able to admire the crests of the Alps, making it an ideal stop-off point for capturing unforgettable memories.
After savoring this moment, you’ll start the descent to the Refuge de Vogealle, where you’ll have the opportunity to spend the night.
In the event of unavailability, a transfer can be organized to Salvagny, either that evening or the following morning, to take you back to Chamonix.
Day 7: From Salvagny to Refuge de Moëde d'Anterne
25 minutes transfer – 6 hours 30 walking – Overnight in refuge – D+ 1540 m / D- 400 m
At the start of the day, you’ll begin your adventure from Salvagny, crossing the Bois des Frasses, a peaceful natural area that immediately immerses you in the Alpine atmosphere. You’ll then join the Route du Lignon, which winds its way through charming countryside, before continuing on to the Col d’Anterne.
This hike takes you to the foot of the majestic Rochers des Fiz. Crossing the Sixt-Passy and Passy nature reserves, you’ll discover breathtaking panoramas that are sure to impress.
Along the way, numerous panoramic viewpoints offer unique perspectives on the surrounding peaks. When you reach the Col d’Anterne, an exceptional panorama of Mont Blanc opens up before you.
At the end of the day, you’ll settle in at the Refuge de Moëde d’Anterne, where you can relax and enjoy a well-earned meal.
Day 8: Final destination - Chamonix!
5 hours 30 mins walk – D+ 780 m / D- 1670 m
On this last day, you’ll wake up in the magnificent Sixt-Passy nature reserve. Then it’s on to your final destination: Chamonix.
Your hike will take you to the Brévent, an iconic summit offering breathtaking views of the Mont-Blanc chain.
You’ll then make your way back down to Chamonix, where the bustle of this iconic Alpine town awaits you, marking the conclusion of your incredible Alpine adventure.
For hikers who choose to continue their journey, a night in a gîte awaits them. Others will leave with unforgettable memories to share, and perhaps the desire to embark on the second part of this Grande Traversée des Alpes on their next adventure!
Highlights of the trip
General information
SAFETY
You can find the Quai d’Orsay’s position on these countries on the official website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: diplomatie.gouv.fr in the “Conseils aux voyageurs” section.
The information contained on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs is subject to change and is given for guidance only. Please note that no region of the world or country can be considered safe from the risk of terrorism.
REGISTRATION
By post:
Ask us for a registration form
- by telephone: 04 50 89 63 32
- or e-mail: contact@watse.fr
Send us your registration with a copy of your passport, your postal address, telephone number and e-mail address, together with a deposit of 35% of the cost of the trip.
Also, if you wish to take out a Comfort or Comfort Multirisk cancellation insurance policy, this must be paid at the same time as the deposit when you register. You can consult our insurance contracts on our website.
By internet:
Book your holiday directly on our website: directly on the holiday page, choosing your dates and insurance options.
ASSISTANCE AND SAFETY
We strongly advise you to take out assistance insurance for the duration of your trip.
We offer two different types of insurance: Comfort Cancellation and Comfort Multirisk, to be taken out when you register for your trip.
Details of this insurance are available on request or can be viewed by by clicking here.
Other offers include Mondial Assistance, your own insurance company or Club Alpin Français. Check that your trekking activity is covered.
Make sure your insurance covers all medical expenses in the event of an accident.
You must make sure that you are covered for mountain rescue costs. If this is the case, you must provide us with the following information before you set off on your trek:
- a certificate from the insurance company covering mountain rescue costs.
- the contract number and telephone number of the assistance center
Beware of restrictive clauses in certain insurance policies (particularly those linked to Visa Premier, Gold or other cards), such as mountain insurance limited to snow activities, or altitude sickness not recognized as an illness requiring repatriation, which will be refused.
Please check the actual content of your insurance and take the necessary steps if necessary.
Health & climate
CLIMATE
Temperatures vary according to altitude. It can reach 30°C in summer on the plains, or sub-zero on the summits.
Summer thunderstorms are common in the French Alps.
HEALTH AND VACCINES
No vaccinations required.
We strongly recommend that you are up to date with the usual vaccinations: diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.
We recommend that you have a check-up with your dentist before you leave.
Transport and conditions
Any travel during the trek is included in the price, except for transport to and from the meeting point on the first and last day.
For an additional fee, we can arrange transportation to and from the start and/or finish of the trek. Contact us or let us know your requirements when booking.
LUGGAGE
Luggage transfer between accommodation is provided by our team during the trek, except on days 3, 4, 5 and 6.
The stay
MEALS
Picnics for lunch are ordered from the refuges or made up of local produce bought en route in the villages. Evening and morning meals are taken in refuges, gîtes or hotels.
Snacks are provided, but you can also bring your own.
If you have a special diet, please let us know as soon as possible.
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights in gîte or refuge in dormitories
TRAINING
Supervision by a state-qualified French mountain leader.
Practical info
ELECTRICITY
Some (but not all) refuges offer charging facilities for small electronic devices (smartphones, cameras).
FORMALITIES AND VISA
No visa required for French nationals and citizens of bordering countries.
BUDGET, CHANGE AND TIPS
Daily travel, meals not included (cold drinks, snacks, etc.) and accommodation are included in the price of the stay. Tipping is not necessary and should reflect your satisfaction with the team.
ACCOMMODATION
If you wish to combine two parts of the Grande Traversée des Alpes, we can arrange an extra night between the end of your first trek and the start of the second. This option is available at an additional cost.
We can also organize and take care of the night before the start of your trek, as well as the night after the end of your adventure, even if you don’t continue with a second trek, at an additional cost, to offer you a complete, stress-free experience.
Watse added value
SUPERVISION BY EXPERT GUIDES
Our experienced and passionate guides know the GTA itineraries inside out. They ensure optimum safety while sharing their knowledge.
A CHOICE OF QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation has been carefully selected by our teams to guarantee maximum comfort and quality cuisine. Nothing is left to chance to ensure an unforgettable adventure!
TRANSFERS BY PRIVATE VEHICLE FOR GREATER AUTONOMY
To guarantee your complete autonomy, we provide transfers in private vehicles. This independence means no waiting or other inconveniences.