The GR5: Lake Geneva to Chamonix

Montreux is located on the north eastern shores of Lake Geneva, and is about 1 hr 15 mins scenic train journey from Geneva Airport.

Montreux is considered the capital of the Swiss Riviera due to its favourable micro-climate. Surrounded by vineyards, adjacent to the Lake and with views to the French Alps, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with visitors. If you would like to explore the area further, we recommend an extra day here giving you time to visit the Château de Chillon or to take a cruise on the lake.

After a sumptuous breakfast, start the day with a transfer to the hamlet of Novel (45 mins), where you start your GR5 trek. Ascend through woodland before emerging into open fields, views of the lake accompany you all the way to Col de Bise at 1915m. Descend steeply to Chalets de Bise, the perfect place to stop for a break before another ascent to the second and final Col of the day, the Pas de Bosse at 1816m. On a clear day, you will see the ‘Dents Blanches’ (white teeth) mountains looming ahead. Descend to reach La Chapelle d’Abondance, an Alpine town well known for skiing, in Summer it is in full bloom and just as charming.

Ascent/descent: 1300m/1200m

A long yet rewarding day of walking awaits today. Enter the Mont de Grange nature reserve and start your first ascent for the day. Reach Col de Mattes; flanked by Alpine cows and views to the Dents du Midi, Dents Blanches and if you're lucky, Mont Blanc, it really is picture perfect! Your next objective is the Col de Bassachaux at 1778m, and not long after that, the Col de Chésery at 1972m which also marks the Swiss-Franco border. Reach the cosy Refuge de Chésery and enjoy a well-deserved beer on their terrace, with views to the serene Lac Vert. Keep an eye (and an ear!) out for marmots.

Ascent/descent: 1450/450m

Today’s walk is long but on good tracks allowing for steady progress. Walk through  skiing areas which are wonderfully quiet in the Summer. Make a steady ascent to Col de Cou and cross the frontier from Switzerland back into France. Enjoy panoramic views to the ranges on both the French and Swiss side, an observation table will help you identify the mountains. From here it’s a steep descent to Samoëns through shaded woodland, open meadows and small hamlets. Samoëns is a vibrant small town popular with visitors and locals.

Ascent/descent: 700/1900m

A short transfer (15 minutes) takes you out of Samoëns and shortens an otherwise very long day. Follow the track alongside a river to the ‘Cascade de Rouget’, the path then enters the Sixt-Passy nature reserve and into the Fiz mountains. Reach the Chalets d’Anterne where you can stop for a break before tackling the final ascents to the Col d’Anterne; a dramatically rocky Col marked with a large wooden cross from where you can take in views of the Mont Blanc massif. A short descent brings you to the Refuge de Moëde d’Anterne, your overnight for tonight.

Ascent/descent: 1550m/350m

Prepare for an exciting final day on the trail. Start with a gentle descent from the refuge followed by a constant but steady ascent to the Col du Brévent. You are now in the Aigulles Rouge Nature Reserve, where the GR5 meets the famous, and busier, Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Continue to follow the path as it ascends to the summit of Le Brévent.  This is Alpine hiking at its most exciting as you scramble, climb metal ladders and use metal footholds and handrails that are bolted into the rock face. Upon reaching the summit, enjoy the sense of achievement as you take in the finest views of Mont Blanc. Take the cable car to Chamonix where you can celebrate with a carafe of wine or a glass of locally brewed Mont Blanc beer.

Ascent/descent: 930m/450m

If you are still feeling energetic, choose from a couple of our favourite walks in the Chamonix area or simply enjoy a day relaxing.  

Take the cable car up to Plan de l’Aiguille, begin at 1200m and walk along the Grand Balcon Nord to the edge of the Mer de Glace. Take the train from Montenvers back down the valley into Chamonix.

Another option is one of the most iconic walks in the Alps. Take a local bus to Tre le Champ and then follow the Tour du Mont Blanc trail to Lac Blanc walking along the famous Grand Balcon Sud.  Take the cable car back down to Chamonix from Flégère.

Optional Walking: Plan de l’Aiguille to Montenvers: 6km, ascent/descent: 125m/495m

Tre-le-Champ to La Flégère via Lac Blanc: 9.5km, ascent/descent: 1350m/650m

After breakfast, your journey on the GR5 concludes. However, we highly recommend extending your stay in Chamonix, which serves as an excellent base for a few days. You can experience wonderful hikes in the Aiguilles Rouge Park, ride the cable car to Aiguille du Midi at 3795m, or take the train to Montenvers to see the Mer de Glace. The transfer time from Chamonix to Geneva airport is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The best choice is to arrange a pre-booked shuttle with a service like Mountain Dropoffs.