Seasons
The GR5 is primarily a summer trek: starting too early or late in the season may lead to problems with snow, and mountain huts may be closed. The French summer holiday runs from mid-July to mid-August: this coincides with the best weather, but accommodation will be busy.
Centres
Geneva; Chamonix; Modane; Briançon; Nice
Difficulty
Despite its length, and despite crossing the Alps, the GR5 is no more than a long mountain walk, paths are well-graded and the route can be varied from 600 to 625km (373–388 miles)
Must See
One of Europe's best Alpine treks crossing the Alps from Lac Leman to Nice. Includes variant routes such as the GR55 through the Vanoise National Park, and the GR52 through Mercantour National Park
Overview
A guidebook to trekking the GR5 from Lac Leman (Lake Geneva) through the French Alps to the Mediterranean at Nice or Menton. Covering 600km (373 miles), this long-distance trek through the Vanoise, Queyras and Mercantour National Parks takes around 1 month to hike and is suitable for alpine trekkers with a good fitness level.
The route is described from north to south in 28 stages, each between 15 and 29km (9–18 miles) in length. The route is divided into 6 sections with transport options given for those wanting to break the route into shorter sections. The GR55 and GR5E variants are included through the Vanoise region and the optional finish taking the GR52 to Menton is also described.
1:100,000 maps and profiles included for each stage
GPX files available to download
Handy route summary tables and accommodation listings help you plan your itinerary
Refreshment and facilities information given for each trek stage
Part of a 3-volume set, accompanying Cicerone guidebooks The GR5 Trail - Vosges and Jura and The GR5 Trail - Benelux and Lorraine are also available