Guides and hiking maps on the GR®5

GR®5, a route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea

The GR®5 is a long-distance adventure. While few hikers undertake the entire route, many choose to hike iconic sections. This is the case with the GR®5 in the Alps, which crosses several major mountain ranges:

• Chablais, just outside Thonon
• Beaufortain and Vanoise, in the mountainous Savoie region
• The Queyras Valley, a wild and sunny region
• Mercantour, the last stop before the Mediterranean.

The GR®5 – Grande Traversée des Alpes is often traveled from north to south, covering approximately 620 km, with daily elevation changes of 800 to 1,300 m. It is renowned for its spectacular panoramas, its authentic mountain atmosphere, and the variety of landscapes it crosses.

The GR®5 trail markings began in the 1940s, making it one of the oldest marked French routes. It laid the foundations for the national GR® network.

It’s important to note that mountain refuges are only open from mid-June to mid-September. Outside of this period, some stages can become dangerous, particularly at high altitudes, due to a lack of accommodation or supplies.

The GR®5, between high peaks and alpine heritage

This trail is a true mountain hike, combining unspoiled nature and local culture. Along the route, hikers will encounter:

• Vanoise National Park : wildlife, mountain pastures, and glaciers.
• Traditional villages : Bonneval-sur-Arc, Ceillac, and Saint-Véran, with their stone architecture and fountains.
• Mercantour and the Vallée des Merveilles : prehistoric cave paintings and high-altitude mineral landscapes.
• Savoyard terroir : alpine cheeses, accommodation in mountain huts or gîtes.
• The Mediterranean : arrival point in Nice, with a view of the Baie des Anges.

In Belgium, the Ardennes massif, crossed in the north of the country, and the Vosges in Alsace offer a gentle introduction to long-distance hiking before tackling the Alps.

Routes connected to the GR®5

The GR®5 crosses and runs alongside several other hikes which can enrich an adventure or allow regional loops:

• Tour du Mont Blanc : legendary hike briefly passing on the GR5 in the northern section.
• GR59 – From the Vosges to the Jura : This trail crosses the French Jura and meets the GR5, offering hikers the opportunity to discover the spectacular landscapes of the Jura massif while joining the main route of the GR5.
• GR6 – From Gironde to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence : Crossing France from west to east, the GR6 intersects directly with the GR5 in the Alps. This intersection allows hikers to extend their adventure by connecting the diverse landscapes of western France with the Alpine mountains all the way to the Mediterranean.

To prepare for each stage of the GR® 5 and set off with peace of mind, you’ll need a good map or guidebook! And if you’re tempted to hike further afield, discover all the other long-distance hiking trails that crisscross France and Europe.